:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-469029193-58179c5d5f9b581c0b86ab9b.jpg)
Dragan Todorovic/Getty Images
There are a number of important factors to should consider when deciding if a hamster is the right pet for you and your family. There are a number of varieties of hamsters and they tend to vary in characteristics and look, based on the variety. While all hamsters have around the same lifespan and require very similar care, be sure to choose the hamster (or hamsters) that is the best fit for you.
Types of Hamsters
These are the three most common types of hamsters that are typically for sale in pet stores. Different species of hamsters should never be kept together. Some hamsters are best as solitary pets and some are social and enjoy the company of others. If you choose to have multiple hamsters in one cage, be sure to determine the gender of the hamster and aim for only one gender. If you have mixed genders in one cage, you will likely have hamster babies soon.
Syrian hamsters are the most common type kept as pets. These should be kept one to a cage (they will fight if kept together). They can be quite tame and easy to handle.
Dwarf hamsters (Campbell's and winter white Russian hamsters, Roborovski hamsters) are more social and are probably better kept with others of the same species, but they should be introduced as a pair at a young age. Fast and agile, they are a bit harder to handle.
Chinese hamsters are similar in size to the dwarf hamsters but not a true dwarf hamster. Sometimes they get along with other Chinese hamsters, but often they do not. This type tends to be quite friendly but is also very quick and agile.
Lifespan
Different varieties of hamsters do have slightly different expected lifespans, however, all varieties seem to live for approximately 2 years.
Syrian Hamster: 2 to 3 years
Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster: 1.5 to 2 years
Roborovski Hamster: 3 to 3.5 years
Chinese Hamsters: 2.5 to 3 years
Size and Habitat
The different hamster varieties do have a quite significant physical size range. Be sure to understand how big your hamster is expected to grow and have a hamster habitat that is suitable for your size hamster.
Syrian Hamster: 6-7 inches
Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamster: 4 inches
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster: 3.5-4 inches
Roborovski Hamster: about 2 inches
Chinese Hamsters: around 4 inches (10 cm) - and, unlike other hamsters, they have a noticeable tail as well.
You will need to select a cage that is large enough, safe, and easy to clean. Unfortunately, standard cages you will find at the pet store are not "one size fits all" in regards to hamster varieties. A Syrian hamster will need a different type of cage than a Chinese hamster.
source:
By Lianne McLeod, DVM
Thesprucepets.com
We're finally settling the age-old debate: Cats do make better pets than dogs. From their ease of care, to their cleanliness, to their adorable antics, there's plenty of proof that cats are, in fact, superior pets.
1. Cats Don't Take Up Much Space
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/33425933_857929994407980_2290790978497282048_n-5b266393eb97de0036658c65.jpg)
@sikaandkira / Instagram
If you've ever tried to share a bed with a Golden Retriever–or, who are we kidding, even a tiny dog–you know they take up a ton of space! Between their size, their love for stretching out into everyone's personal space, the room they need to play and exercise, and their stuff (like a dog bed or dog toys), dogs need a solid amount of room to live a happy, healthy life.
Cats, however, don't need a lot of space to thrive. As long as you can fit their essentials, like litter boxes (you need one box per cat plus one extra!) and food and water dishes, you can pretty much guarantee your kitty will be happy. That's not without the occasional random burst of energy, of course.
2. Owning a Cat Is More Affordable
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/34706108_809300819275447_1592731043390029824_n-5b2662f6ff1b780037ea16f2.jpg)
Over the course of their lifetimes, cats are generally more affordable than dogs. How?
Buying a specific breed of cat can be expensive, but generally, adoption fees are lower for kittens and cats than they are for puppies or dogs–particularly during kitten seasons, or times when the shelter has a major influx of kittens. Some shelters may even waive their fees or offer a two-for-one deal on pairs of kittens.
Because dogs have a tendency to, ahem, destroy their toys, they have to be made from much tougher (and much more expensive) materials. Cat toys are relatively cheap to buy and even cheaper to DIY!
Plenty of exercise is absolutely vital to a dog's health–but getting two or three walks a day can be tough when you have a full-time job. Considering the average dog walker charges $15 to $20 for a 20-minute walk, costs can add up quick. Cats, however, are perfectly content lounging, napping, and playing with their toys while you work the day away. Bonus if you have two kitties–they'll keep each other entertained!
3. Cats Are Perfectly Content Indoors
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/26867902_2063787417239171_4537887115798642688_n-5b2664ed0e23d90036637d47.jpg)
@sumu_and_upeus / Instagram
It's virtually impossible for dogs to have an indoors-only lifestyle–they need a lot of exercise, plenty of walks and time spent outdoors to live happy, healthy lives. But if you don't have a yard or access to parks, or have limited mobility, this may present a major challenge.
Not only are cats much safer indoors, but they're perfectly happy perched next to a window or curled up in a sunny spot on the couch. Simply crack a window for some fresh air (but make sure it's not open wide enough for kitty to escape!) and she'll be totally content watching birds and bugs all day long.
4. Cats Are Quieter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/34623043_2180068808889211_3034527156358086656_n-5b2665603de4230036503e37.jpg)
@ceeliwhisky / Instagram
Even the biggest dog lovers have to admit: Whether your dog is barking at a passerby, another animal, or simply because her favorite toy is stuck under the couch, incessant barking can get pretty annoying.
While cats certainly do make some noise–especially at night, when many cats are most active–meows and purrs tend to be pretty quiet. It goes without being said that meowing and purring is super cute, but the coolest part? After awhile, you'll begin to recognize what your cat's meows actually mean; you'll learn how to differentiate a meow that means "I'm hungry" from a meow that means "Cuddle me, human!"
5. Kittens Require Less Work Than Puppies
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/35001736_402790856864983_4101489816862982144_n-5b2665c2a474be0036393b82.jpg)
@soup_sf / Instagram
Both puppies and kittens require an incredible amount of time, energy, and attention. Between getting them comfortable in their new home, introducing them to their new diet, and starting some preliminary training, you may be a little bit sleep deprived during the first few weeks with your new pup or kitten.
Puppies need ongoing training (especially for potty training), but once kittens are weaned from their mothers and have learned the basics of using the litter box, they can be left at home unsupervised during the day. Want to be extra safe? Put your kitty in a room where she can't get into mischief while you're gone. It'll keep her wrangled in one safe space and, due to her smaller size, she won't be able to cause much (if any) damage from being contained.
6. Cats Keep Pests at Bay
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/29739329_191686971615483_2550864021502820352_n-5b2666f33418c60037916f62.jpg)
@ragnar_kattebrok / Instagram
Does your cat love to stalk bugs? Or even try to bat moving images on your TV? Cats are natural-born hunters, so it's in their DNA to stalk, hunt, and pounce on their prey–even if it's on a television screen.
While you should never, ever let your cat eat a bug or mouse he catches, a pest-free home is just one of the many benefits of owning kitties. What's more, your cat's scent alone can keep rodents away from your house! If rodents detect a hunter in the home, they're far less likely to shack up.
7.Cleaning the Litter Box Is Easier Than Constant Walks
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/32121862_381546079009433_6756213784034934784_n-5b26682a3418c60037919462.jpg)
@pidanstudio / Instagram
While it may be a little weird that your cat pees and poops in strategically placed boxes all over your house, cleaning out a litter box is far easier than walks late at night, during scorching summer days or through freezing snow.
Cats are naturally very clean creatures–and one of their instincts is to bury their pee and poop. Why? To hide his or her territory from predators who, like cats, use their sense of smell to find their prey. Although house cats aren't necessarily being hunted by predators, we humans can reap the benefits of neat, clean, and completely covered waste.
Plus, if you've ever picked up dog poop with a plastic bag over your hand, you know it gets old–fast.
8. Cats Clean Themselves
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/31928298_168097923885133_1799174753915764736_n-5b2668c6eb97de0036662b47.jpg)
@belkimos / Instagram
Dogs love stuff that smells bad–from garbage, to dead animals, to poop–and they really love to roll around in it. Accordingly, dogs require routine bathing and grooming, which can get very expensive if you take your dog to the groomer.
Cats are essentially self-cleaning machines. You may want to groom her with a brush every once in a while and definitely clip her nails as needed, but otherwise, cats do a very good job of keeping themselves clean.
9. Cats Understand Personal Space
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/33888574_442773499467902_2830601035402182656_n-5b295dd9fa6bcc003601ef01.jpg)
@mallymania / Instagram
Sometimes after a long, stressful day at work, the last thing you want is a slobbery, excitable creature trying to lick your face as you walk through the door. And if you've had a dog, you know this is a daily occurrence.
And while cats may get a bad rap as cold or distant, they really just understand (and appreciate) the concept of personal space! Cats don't require your constant attention or energy–which will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass of wine and Netflix session on the couch after a long work week.
Continue to 11 of 11 below.
10. Cats Were Worshipped as Gods
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/29714547_1636090956498421_1677584929845673984_n-5b295d11eb97de0037ae45e4.jpg)
@pelusamelon.cats / Instagram
It's common knowledge that ancient Egyptians worshipped felines–but can you think of a single culture that worshipped dogs? We didn't think so.
source:
By Christina Donnelly
Thesprucepets.com
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/a0047-000204-56a2bcde5f9b58b7d0cdf7b5.jpg)
A praying mantis is a fun and relatively simple pet to care for. There are actually numerous (over 2,000 and counting) species of mantids. The term praying mantis may have originally referred to a specific species (Mantis religiosa, the European mantis), but now the term "praying mantid" (and "praying mantis") is used widely to refer to any of the large family of mantids. The "praying" descriptor arose from the way that mantids hold their grasping front legs, as if in prayer. Several types of mantids are available for insect hobbyists, such as the African praying mantis species which are suitable for beginners.
- Scientific Name: Sphodromantis belachowski, centralis, gastrica, vidiris, and lineola.
- Lifespan: 1 year maximum
- Size: Less than 1 inch to 6 inches or more; most are 2 to 3 inches
- Difficulty of Care: Medium
Praying Mantis Behavior and Temperament
Mantids come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Some look like twigs (and use this as camouflage), some resemble crumpled dead leaves, and others have brightly colored and delicate features that make them look like blossoms. They also come from a variety of mostly tropical climates. All mantids are carnivores, feeding mainly on other insects and spiders; some of the larger mantids may even eat small amphibians and reptiles.
Since there are so many species of mantids, it's important to know what type you have. Every species is different in shape, size, behavior, life history traits, and specific needs. Depending on the type of mantis, your insect could be docile and quiet or be more aggressive and make more noise. Some prefer to stalk their prey and others do so less aggressively. When threatened, most will strike a defensive pose.
Housing the Praying Mantis
Mantids should be housed individually. Each praying mantis needs only a small tank. Generally, a tank should be at least twice as wide and three times as tall as the mantid, but not much larger than that. If the tank is too large, the mantid will have a hard time finding its prey. A 1-square foot tank is a good size for most praying mantises. The 12-inch height is important to provide space for molting. A mesh top is preferred and mesh openings on the side are helpful, if possible.
Use a substrate of an inch or two of soil, peat, peat or soil mixed with sand, or vermiculite in the bottom of the tank for a pet praying mantis. This will help retain moisture. Provide several twigs that reach almost to the top of the tank as the mantid will need space to hang from a twig for molting. Live potted plants or artificial plants can be used too, but make sure not to overcrowd the tank. Your praying mantis will need space to move about, hunt, and molt.
Temperature is one of the most important aspects of praying mantis husbandry and one that can vary with different species. Some species are tolerant of variations, but some have very specific needs, so check your species' requirements! The commonly kept African praying mantis should be kept at 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If additional heat is necessary, use a small undertank heating mat (as sold for reptiles and hermit crabs). For species care sheets, a helpful reference is DeShawn's Mantid Kingdom.
The required humidity also varies by praying mantis species. For example, the African mantis requires 60 percent humidity. A regular light misting of the tank will help provide humidity. The drinking water can also help provide a humidity source.
Food and Water
Provide a variety of feeder insects should for your praying mantis. The best way to make sure nutritional needs are met is to feed a number of different kinds of prey: fruit flies and aphids for nymphs, instars and smaller mantids, and a variety of flying insects such as moths, fruit flies, and house flies along with an occasional cricket or mealworm for larger ones. Gut load the prey by feeding it a vitamin enriched food which will be passed on to the mantis.
For drinking water, use a small, shallow water dish containing pebbles or a piece of sea sponge to prevent drowning. This water will also provide a humidity boost. Most mantids will get their water intake by drinking water droplets off vegetation provided by misting, though some may use the water dish. Be careful that the humidity does not get too high.
Common Health Problems
Feed your praying mantis only healthy insects. If the insects are sick (or come from outdoors where pesticides have been used), it's likely your praying mantis will get sick. Do not handle your praying mantis during the molting stage. The praying mantis will be without an exoskeleton and is very fragile. If you have had nymphs hatch, be sure to separate them because they can eat each other.
Is It Legal to Own a Pet Praying Mantis?
Check your local laws before deciding on a praying mantis as a pet as they may be illegal where you are. They are an unusual pet, and many of the same rules for unusual pets apply to them.
Purchasing Your Praying Mantis
Praying mantises can be found in the wild. Look closely since they are the masters of disguise. You can also purchase them from some pet stores. If you plan on adopting a praying mantis from your yard, be sure you are fully prepared to take care of it, establish its environment, and feed it the correct diet. If not, it's best to release it after taking a close look at it.
source:
By Lianne McLeod, DVM
Thesprucepets.com
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Stocksy_txp17ea2b60g2B200_Medium_23260-5c09a794c9e77c000113a97d.jpg)
It’s a funny feeling to realize you’re being watched. It’s even weirder to realize that your own dog is staring at you while you brush your teeth, eat your breakfast, or spend time reading in bed. While being stared at by a dog might be less disconcerting than being stared at by a person, it’s still odd! There are a lot of reasons why your dog stares at you, and we broke them down so you'll know what's up with your pup the next time you lock eyes across the room.
Longing Eyes: Your Dog Wants Something
Most of the time that you catch your dog staring into your soul, it’s because you’ve got something she wants. That could be a toy, a tasty morsel, or a hand that should be petting her. Staring at you can also be a sign that your dog wants to be let outside.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/dog-3704098_1920-5bfec947c9e77c0051f5f882.jpg)
Dogs quickly learn that staring at us is an okay way to ask for something. In fact, you probably have a hand in teaching your dog this behavior because you gave your dog something when she stared. You might have fed dinner (causing begging), absentmindedly reached out to pet, or taken her for a walk. In essence, you trained your dog to stare by rewarding her for staring!
As annoying as the staring can be, you’ll probably agree that staring is a better way to ask for something than barking, digging, or biting!
Tilted Head: Your Dog Is Confused
Dogs that stare during training, especially with that cute tilted head, are probably a bit confused. Your dog is trying to figure out what you want—much like you’re trying to figure out what she wants! It would be so much easier if we all spoke the same language.
If you catch your dog staring at you when you ask her to do something, it’s time to backtrack your training a bit and find a way to communicate more clearly. So if you ask your dog to sit and she just stares at you, go back to the drawing board and re-train the behavior. Your dog isn’t being willfully disobedient. She’s just confused!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/boston-terrier-dog-with-head-cocked-909646144-5c09abadc9e77c000139b4ff.jpg)
Direct Stare, Hard Eyes: Your Dog Is Tense
There’s an entirely different sort of dog stare out there. Right before many dog bites, the dog gives a “hard stare.” This stink-eye look can last just a split second or go on for minutes. It’s one of many warnings of a dog bite. Confusingly, many dogs will also avert their gaze before they bite.
If you’re petting a dog or approaching a dog’s toy, food, cage, or bed when she turns and stares right at you, back off.
It can take some serious practice to tell the difference between what animal behaviorists call a “hard stare” and just a longing look for liver treats.
Give your dog space if her stare is accompanied with a stiff tail (wagging or not), still body, closed mouth, dilated pupils (wide pupils), a lowered head, ears pinned forward or backward, and a strong body shift forward or backward. You might not see all of these signs at once, but look out for any combinations.
Dealing with canine aggression isn’t easy, but the least you can do at this point is to back off. Confronting a dog isn’t worth it!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/dog-763058_1920-5bfec98646e0fb00510ce7ba.jpg)
Soft Eyes: Your Dog Loves You
On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, your dog might be looking into your eyes because she loves you. An article in Science from 2015 found that dogs and humans both release oxytocin when they look into each other’s eyes.
This soft gaze can easily be mistaken for a hard stare for new owners, so context is important. This sign that your dog loves you will probably be accompanied with a soft or sweeping tail wag, a light pant, relaxed ears, and normal-sized pupils.
Many dogs are more prone to loving gazes early in the morning, when serotonin levels are highest. Your dog is unlikely to look lovingly into your eyes when she’s playing, eating, or training—so assume that she’s got a different motivation if that’s what’s going on.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/saluki-3799657_1920-5bfec9b3c9e77c0026a6c93a.jpg)
Herding and Hunting: Your Dog Is on the Prowl
Herding dogs are also prone to staring, as a way to control sheep, goats, cows, toys, and people. The famous “eye” of a Border Collie comes out as the dog stalks a flock of stock, a toy, or a playmate.
Hunting dogs also often stare when they’re on the prowl. This behavior can be playful or serious, but comes out often when you’re in the middle of a game or the forest. If you notice your dog suddenly slow down, lower her head, and stare into the distance (or at a moving object), she’s probably in hunting or herding mode!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/border-330366_1920-5bfec9c946e0fb00510cf388.jpg)
If you’re trying to figure out exactly why your dog is staring at you, context is important. You’ll have to pay attention to what’s going on around you as well as the rest of your dog’s body language.
source:
By Kayla Fratt
Thesprucepets.com
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/35322711_220696818726712_6844531385521143808_n-5b26649c8e1b6e00363c5cf3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/163591944-56a2bcf63df78cf7727961bd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/leopard-geckos-1236911_final-5bf2f6a3c9e77c0051445e39.png)
