When you say pets, you automatically think about a domestic or a tamed animal that is kept for companionship or pleasure. And we all know that the most common pets are dogs, cats, and some birds. But what if you want to buy a reptile as a pet? Actually, some fish, snakes, and small exotic birds that are not meant to be able to interact with, are considered pets just the same.

Lots of people say that captive exotic animals are not exactly pets because most of them are less affectionate with their owners than domestic ones. But of course, this is not the case for every animal. It has been proven that animals can form an extra bond with their owners and enjoy cuddling with them.

Do you own a pet? How do you describe your relationship with it?

Why do people like pets? Because their affection and neediness remind us of human babies. The most popular exotic pets are rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs, and recent studies show that they also display a high degree of affection.

In this article, we will show you what other exotic animals can be among the cuddliest exotic pets of all time.

1. Flying Squirrel

This one is probably one of the cuddliest exotic animals. They are so tiny that they would fit in a pocket! These cute pets require special attention during the day starting when they are only a few weeks old. You will be surprised but if you raise them like this, the chances of having a highly affectionate pet are very high.

These tiny animals will snuggle and cuddle with you as well. Be aware if you don’t have enough time for it, might be better to adopt another squirrel from the same species to have a companion during the day.
Look at its face! Did we convince you to take it home?

2. The skunk

Are you looking for an exotic pet that is easier to care for compared to others? Skunks just fit the bill! We know that these animals might strike fear in most people because of their smelly reputation, but when in captivity, most of them are de-scented. Skunks are one of those cuddly and smart animals one can have in their home.

They have sympathy for human companionship, especially if you prefer to adopt just one. What could be funnier than playing hide and seek with it when you come home after a long day?

Some things might be kept in mind before you consider adopting a skunk: they are illegal in most states, and you will need to find a vet that has exotic animal experience. Make sure you also have enough space in the house for it to roam free.

3. The Kinkajou 

Do you like monkeys? If the answer is yes, kinkajous are monkey-like and tree-dwelling relatives of raccoons. These little cuddly creatures are also called honey bears because of their diet. They mostly eat nectar and honey. If they are raised by humans from a young age, they can become one of the most affectionate pets.

Before you consider buying a kinkajou, keep in mind that they are active during the night mostly, so the cage you buy for it should be pretty large. Even if you don’t realize it, these tiny animals rely on you for their mental well-being, especially when they have no other company.

4. Guinea pigs

Would you adopt this little fellow? Awww! These cute little creatures are so cute. Guinea pigs are among the exotic pets that are relatively easy to care for. They can live happily with other guinea pigs, especially if they are raised together from the first weeks of life.

If you have enough patience, guinea pigs are easy to train because they are very sweet-tempered, especially with their caretakers. Being among the cuddliest exotic pets, Guinea pigs are eager to be taken on the couch with you. Just be careful to keep away things that are easy to chew on, like your phone charger or even the earphones.

5. Cockatiels

These cute little birds are easy to tame. They learn to speak some words and will dance when you put some music on. Nice, right? They also tend to make a great bond with their owners! If you decide to buy a cockatiel, you can enjoy its company for 20 years or sometimes even more.

6. The Sugar Glider

This tiny animal is a small, omnivorous, and nocturnal gliding possum. It could be an excellent pet for those who learn about their special needs before adopting them. These little fellas are extremely social and if you don’t have enough time for them then you should adopt two of them.

Just to make sure they will never feel alone.

7. The Muntjac Deer

Deer are one of the most gracious animals but they are mostly scared of humans. It’s not the case of muntjac deer, however. They are small-sized animals, similar to the size of a medium dog. Some people keep them as house pets even if it could be challenging.  Keep in mind that they can be a bit destructive with keen-on chewing everything up.

Apart from this, they are affectionate and cuddly pets. There are many videos on Youtube that show how muntjac deer give their owners kisses.

8. The Slow Loris

This one is probably the cutest, cuddliest creature on the list. You wanna hug it, right? Unfortunately, all eight species of slow loris are considered endangered. The downside is that you cannot provide the food it needs. However, they can be fed with various other foods like bananas. Finding a good vet might also be a problem.

That being said, the slow loris is definitely the worst idea to get as a pet. You can see them in Chicago, Illinois at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Cuddly or not, these are still wild animals. Their behavior can be completely weird somedays and if you really want to adopt one of them you might take into consideration a few pieces of advice from a well-informed vet.

If you enjoyed reading this, we suggest you also check out 8 Fluffiest Dog Breeds You Will ADORE!