Owning a pet is a wonderful and exciting decision, especially for a first-time pet owner.
Having a pet can be extremely rewarding. the companionship, emotional well-being, and new routine can be a thrilling new fun experience.
However, some considerations should be made to determine the pet that best suits an individual.
Factors such as time and long-term commitment, age, cost, allergies, health concerns, personal lifestyle, etc should be considered before adopting any pet.
Pet ownership means responsibility.
If you want the cleanest pet as a first-time owner for personal reasons, below is a list of pets to consider for adoption.
FISH:
Fish are generally low-maintenance animals compared to other animals.
They only require a change of clean water to keep them clean.
For a first-time owner with a good water elimination waste system, having fish such as betta fish, neon tetras, guppies, etc might be the best pet.
Betta fish are solitary just like other pets like cats that would rather be alone to avoid any confrontation/aggression with others of their kind or other animals.
They are also easy to care for and maintain and they don’t require large water bodies.
They also have appealing vibrant colors that make them desirable as pets.
Other fish such as neon tetras are known for their cleanliness, small size, and peaceful nature.
They are also best suited for first-time fish keepers.
They don’t need to be taken to the park for a walk, nor taken out to eliminate waste (urinate and defecate) like other animals.
When choosing a fish as a pet, it is important to also consider feeds and feeding habits, needed tank size, water elimination, light needs, and compatibility with other fish.
Cat:
Cats are carnivores known for their self-grooming behavior and use of litter to keep themselves clean.
Cats unlike other domesticated pets like dogs don’t urinate or defecate discriminately.
They use the litter box to urinate and defecate and it is easy to clean and maintain.
Their litter box is located in strategic locations in the house for easy mobility and accessibility for in-house cats to use.
A cat won’t just stop using a litter box except for health issues, hygiene, accessibility, or when it’s in use with others to avoid aggressions and confrontations.
They are also solitary animals which means they won’t be bored when they are the only pet and as a first-time pet-owner it is advised to start your journey with one pet.
Cats also have a cat box which is different from a litter box. They are used for transporting cats during outdoor engagements.
This helps to keep a cat as clean as possible since they are in a confined space.
Cat boxes and litter boxes are easily available in various forms and sizes to fit the different sizes of cats as well as their personal preferences
Reptiles:
Surprisingly, reptiles are quite fascinating to be exotic pets, especially for first-time pet owners.
Their enclosures are easy to clean and maintain and they don’t produce much waste like other pets which also makes them low-maintenance pets.
They don’t need to be taken out for a walk like dogs etc, they can be played with or left alone based on the individual breed.
Examples of reptiles used as exotic pets are Leonard geckos, Bearded dragons, Corn snakes, Ball pythons, Red-eared slider turtles, etc.
- Leonardo gecko: They are small lizards, they don’t require much space, they are easy to care for, and they feed on worms
- Corn snakes: They are low maintenance, with a heat source as their only major need. they feed on mice their size.
- Crested geckos: They are arboreal lizards, they do not need any lighting and they feed on insects. they are very easy to take care of and they don’t require large spaces.
Rabbits:
Rabbits are herbivores, their diets consist primarily of plant materials such as leafy greens, fruits, grasses, herbs, vegetables, etc.
They are very similiar to cats. They self groom and they can be easily trained to use litters.
Their trainable nature makes them a great pet for anyone considering a clean pet.
They are usually kept in a cage which helps to reduce their movement and keeps the environment clean and tidy.
Birds:
Birds do make excellent pets, especially for less social and quiet humans. They are self-grooming animals known for their cleanliness.
Species such as budgerigar, canary, finishes, lovebirds, and cockatiels are great pets they don’t require bathing and they are also low-maintenance breeds.
Important Considerations Before Adopting A Pet:
Tho some of the listed pets are self-groomers, they all need human effort no matter how little to make themselves or their environments clean.
All pets need human intervention for their general well-being and pet ownership means the responsibility to provide for their food, shelter, grooming, environment, socialization, water, health, cage maintenance, etc.
1. Healthcare Needs:
Animals just like humans need vaccines, treated for injuries and illnesses, and surgeries in some serious health situations.
As a first-time pet owner, you should be ready to consult with a veterinarian for their general healthcare needs.
You should be prepared to monitor their behaviors to tell if it is induced by any underlying health issues and report to a veterinarian on time.
2. Food:
Pets either need plant-based or animal-based diets to meet their nutritional requirements.
Whatever their dietary needs, it has to be provided by their owners.
Pets are not required to hunt for their food.
3. Clean Water:
The need for clean and hygienic water for pets cannot be overemphasized. All animals need water to aid digestion, hydration, and sanitation.
Clean and hygienic water should always be provided for a pet.
4. Clean Environment:
Animals don’t have the capabilities like humans to clean their environment.
Litters used by cats or rabbits have to be cleaned properly by pet owners and free from any smell else they won’t use it.
5. Socialization Needs:
Pet animals are usually social animals except cats and rabbits which are solitary animals, they require interactions with other animals and humans.
They should never be kept in isolation so they don’t develop negative behavioral issues such as unnecessary aggression.
6. Commitment:
Pets are wonderful creatures and not personal belongings such as clothes that can easily be discarded.
Owning a pet means responsibilities usually associated with long-term commitment from several years to a decade depending on the life span of the individual pet.
7. Physical And Mental Exercise:
Pets just like every other animal including those in the wild require physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy, lively, and happy.
Exercise keeps them fit preventing obesity, weak muscles, etc.
Exercises such as short and long walks and runs, use of toys, etc.
8. Love And Companionship:
Animals especially pets are emotional beings that require some form of affection, care, attention, and love.
Responsible pet ownership means involvement in almost every area of their lives from infancy to adulthood and death.
Pets should be genuinely cared for, especially by their owners.
They should be protected and made to feel safe at all times.