Furry pets like dogs, cats, and bunnies are popular choices for many people who want a warm, cuddly, and affectionate companion. However, some people may be allergic to animal dander, have sensitive skin, or prefer a different kind of pet that doesn’t shed or require grooming. If you are considering a pet that doesn’t have fur, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and needs. Here are 17 animals without fur that can make great pets, organized by their type and size:
1: Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that are known for their scaly, slimy, or leathery skin, and their ability to adapt to different environments. Some popular reptile pets include:
1.1: Turtles and Tortoises
Turtles and tortoises are semi-aquatic or terrestrial animals that belong to the order Testudines. They are known for their hard shells, which protect them from predators and the elements. They are also known for their slow movements and long lifespans, which can range from 20 to 100 years or more, depending on the species.
There are many different types of turtles and tortoises, each with its own size, shape, color, and habitat requirements. Some common pet species include:
Box turtles: These small to medium-sized turtles have a hinged plastron (bottom shell) that allows them to close their shells tightly for protection. They are native to North and Central America, and they prefer moist, wooded environments. They need a varied diet of vegetables, fruits, and commercial pellets, and a basking spot with UVB lighting to absorb calcium. They are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, and they may become stressed or sick if not handled gently or properly cared for.
Red-eared sliders: These medium to large-sized turtles are named after the red stripe behind their eyes, and they are one of the most popular pet turtles in the world. They are native to the southeastern United States, and they are adapted to living in swamps, marshes, and ponds. They are omnivorous and opportunistic, and they can eat a wide range of plant and animal matter, including insects, fish, snails, and commercial pellets. They need a large tank or pond with clean, filtered water, and a basking spot with UVB lighting to metabolize calcium and vitamin D. They are also prone to respiratory infections, shell rot, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
African spurred tortoises: These large tortoises are native to the Sahel region of Africa, and they are known for their high-domed shells, thick legs, and sharp spurs on their hind legs. They are herbivorous and graze on grasses, weeds, and cactus pads in the wild, and they need a diet high in fiber, low in protein, and supplemented with calcium and vitamins in captivity. They need a large enclosure with a substrate of sand, soil, or cypress mulch, and a basking spot with UVB lighting to prevent metabolic bone disease. They are also prone to respiratory infections, eye problems, and other health issues if their diet or environment is inadequate or inappropriate.
Turtles and tortoises can make interesting and low-maintenance pets, as long as you have the space, resources, and commitment to provide for their basic needs and keep them safe and healthy. They may not be as interactive or affection
1.2 Lizards
Lizards are reptiles that belong to the order Squamata, and they are known for their wide range of shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Some popular pet lizards include:
Bearded dragons: These medium-sized lizards are native to Australia, and they are named after the spiky scales on their throat, or beard, that they puff up when threatened. They are diurnal, or active during the day, and they are omnivorous, eating insects, plants, and commercial pellets in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of sand, soil, or cypress mulch, and a basking spot with UVB lighting to metabolize calcium and vitamin D. They also need a hide box, or a dark, humid place to retreat, and a climbing area with branches or logs. They are prone to respiratory infections, mouth rot, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
Leopard geckos: These small to medium-sized lizards are native to South Asia and the Middle East, and they are named after the leopard-like spots on their skin. They are nocturnal, or active at night, and they are insectivorous, eating crickets, mealworms, and other insects in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of paper towels, coconut coir, or cypress mulch, and a hide box or hide cave on both ends of the temperature gradient. They also need a shallow water dish, and a diet supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to metabolic bone disease, parasites, and other health problems if their diet or environment is inadequate or inappropriate.
Anoles: These small lizards are native to the Caribbean and Central and South America, and they are known for their ability to change color and extend a dewlap, or a fleshy ornament on their throat, for communication and courtship. They are arboreal, or tree-dwelling, and they are insectivorous, eating insects, spiders, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of paper towels, coconut coir, or cypress mulch, and a climbing area with branches, vines, or artificial plants. They also need a shallow water dish, and a diet supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, mouth rot, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
Lizards can make fun and interactive pets, as long as you respect their natural habits and provide for their basic needs and preferences. They may not be as cuddly or affectionate as other pets, but they can be interesting to observe and interact with in their own way. Some lizards may also bond with their owners and respond to their presence and voice, especially if they are handled regularly and consistently.
1.3: Snakes
Snakes are reptiles that belong to the order Squamata, and they are known for their slender bodies, flexible jaws, and venomous or non-venomous fangs. Some popular pet snakes include:
Corn snakes: These medium-sized snakes are native to the southeastern United States, and they are named after the maize, or corn, fields where they were commonly found. They are non-venomous and constrictors, meaning they squeeze their prey to death before eating it. They are crepuscular, or active during the twilight hours, and they are rodentivorous, eating mice, rats, and other small mammals in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of paper towels, coconut coir, or aspen shavings, and a hiding spot or hide box on both ends of the temperature gradient. They also need a shallow water dish, and a diet of pre-killed or frozen-thawed rodents, depending on their age and size. They are prone to respiratory infections, mites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
Ball pythons: These small to medium-sized snakes are native to West and Central Africa, and they are named after their tendency to curl up into a ball when threatened. They are non-venomous and constrictors, and they are nocturnal, or active at night. They are rodentivorous, eating mice, rats, and other small mammals in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of paper towels, coconut coir, or aspen shavings, and a hiding spot or hide box on both ends of the temperature gradient. They also need a shallow water dish, and a diet of pre-killed or frozen-thawed rodents, depending on their age and size. They are prone to respiratory infections, mites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
King snakes: These medium-sized snakes are native to North and Central America, and they are named after their ability to eat other snakes, including venomous ones, without being affected by their venom. They are non-venomous and constrictors, and they are diurnal, or active during the day. They are opportunistic and omnivorous, eating rodents, birds, eggs, insects, and other prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of paper towels, coconut coir, or aspen shavings, and a hiding spot or hide box on both ends of the temperature gradient. They also need a shallow water dish, and a diet of pre-killed or frozen-thawed rodents, depending on their age and size. They are prone to respiratory infections, mites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, crowded, or unbalanced.
Snakes can make unique and low-maintenance pets, as long as you have the proper knowledge, equipment, and experience to care for them. They may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are afraid of them or have young children or other pets that may be at risk of being harmed by them. Snakes also require more specialized handling and feeding techniques, and they may not tolerate being handled or disturbed frequently or excessively. However, if you appreciate their beauty and simplicity, and you are willing to learn about their biology and behavior, you may find that snakes can be fascinating and rewarding pets.
2: Amphibians
Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates that are known for their ability to adapt to different environments, and for their unique lifecycle, which includes a larval stage and a metamorphosis from water to land. Some popular amphibian pets include:
2.1: Frogs
Frogs are amphibians that belong to the order Anura, and they are known for their long legs, webbed toes, and vocal sacs, which they use to make a wide range of calls for communication and mating. Some popular pet frogs include:
Leopard frogs: These small to medium-sized frogs are native to North America, and they are named after the leopard-like spots on their skin. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need
a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a water area with a filter or a water change system. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Pacman frogs: These medium-sized frogs are native to South America, and they are named after the Pac-Man video game character because of their round, voracious mouth. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a water area with a filter or a water change system. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Tree frogs: These small to medium-sized frogs are native to many regions of the world, and they are named after their arboreal, or tree-dwelling, habits. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a water area with a filter or a water change system. They also need a climbing area with branches or vines, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Frogs can make fun and low-maintenance pets, as long as you provide for their basic needs and create a suitable habitat for them. They may not be as interactive or affectionate as other pets, but they can be entertaining to watch and listen to, and they may respond to your presence and voice, especially if they are handled gently and consistently. Frogs may also be sensitive to stress, so it is important to avoid handling them too often or exposing them to loud noises or sudden movements.
2.2: Salamanders
Salamanders are amphibians that belong to the order Caudata, and they are known for their smooth, moist skin, and their ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs and tails. Some popular pet salamanders include:
Fire belly toads: These small to medium-sized salamanders are native to East Asia, and they are named after the red, orange, or yellow spots on their belly, which they use to warn predators of their toxicity. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a water area with a filter or a water change system. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Chinese fire-bellied newts: These small salamanders are native to China and Korea, and they are named after their red, orange, or yellow belly
and their similarity to the fire belly toads. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a water area with a filter or a water change system. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Axolotls: These medium-sized salamanders are native to Mexico, and they are known for their unusual appearance, with a long, slender body, frilly gills, and a frilled, crested head. They are aquatic and carnivorous, eating insects, worms, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of sand, gravel, or cypress mulch, and a filter or a water change system to keep the water clean and oxygenated. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to respiratory infections, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Salamanders can make interesting and low-maintenance pets, as long as you have the space, resources, and commitment to create a suitable habitat for them. They may not be as interactive or affectionate as other pets, but they can be fascinating to observe and interact with in their own way. Some salamanders may also bond with their owners and respond to their presence and voice, especially if they are handled gently and consistently. Salamanders may also be sensitive to stress, so it is important to avoid handling them too often or exposing them to loud noises or sudden movements.
3: Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, and they make up the majority of animal species on earth. Some popular invertebrate pets include:
3.1: Insects
Insects are invertebrates that belong to the class Insecta, and they are known for their segmented bodies, jointed legs, and wings, which they use for movement and reproduction. Some popular pet insects include:
Praying mantises: These medium-sized insects are named after their prayer-like stance, with their front legs folded together and their raptorial, or grasping, forelegs ready to capture prey. They are carnivorous and opportunistic, eating insects, spiders, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Stick insects: These small to medium-sized insects are named after their slender, elongated bodies and legs, which resemble sticks or twigs, and their ability to blend in with their surroundings. They are herbivorous and opportunistic, eating leaves, flowers, and other plant matter in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of fresh or dried leaves, flowers, and vegetables, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Roaches: These small to medium-sized insects are named after their flat, oval-shaped bodies and hard exoskeletons, and their ability to survive and thrive in a wide range of environments. They are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating plant matter, insects, and other organic matter in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of fresh or dried leaves, flowers, vegetables, and commercial pellets, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Insects can make unusual and low-maintenance pets, as long as you respect their natural habits and provide for their basic needs and preferences. They may not be as interactive or affectionate as other pets, but they can be fun to observe and interact with in their own way. Some insects may also bond with their owners and respond to their presence and voice, especially if they are handled gently and consistently. Insects may also be sensitive to stress, so it is important to avoid handling them too often or exposing them to loud noises or sudden movements.
3.2: Spiders
Spiders are invertebrates that belong to the class Arachnida, and they are known for their eight legs, venomous or non-venomous fangs, and silk-producing glands, which they use for movement, hunting, and building webs or other structures. Some popular pet spiders include:
Tarantulas: These medium-sized spiders are named after the southern Italian city of Taranto, where a type of dance was believed to cure the bites of certain species of spiders. They are carnivorous and opportunistic, eating insects, spiders, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Wolf spiders: These small to medium-sized spiders are named after their appearance, which resembles that of wolves, and their hunting behavior, which involves chasing and pouncing on their prey. They are carnivorous and opportunistic, eating insects, spiders, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Jumping spiders: These small spiders are named after their ability to jump and leap long distances, using their powerful legs and hydraulic pressure system. They are carnivorous and opportunistic, eating insects, spiders, and other small prey in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or cypress mulch, and a hiding spot or hide box. They also need a diet of live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Spiders can make exotic and low-maintenance pets, as long as you have the knowledge, experience, and caution to handle them safely and responsibly. They may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are afraid of them or have young children or other pets that may be at risk of being harmed by them. Spiders also require more specialized handling and feeding techniques, and they may not tolerate being handled or disturbed frequently or excessively. However, if you appreciate their beauty and complexity, and you are willing to learn about their biology and behavior, you may find that spiders can be fascinating and rewarding pets.
3.3: Crustaceans
Crustaceans are invertebrates that belong to the class Crustacea, and they are known for their hard exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed legs, which they use for movement and protection. Some popular pet crustaceans include:
Shrimp: These small to medium-sized crustaceans are named after their slender, elongated bodies and legs, and their transparent or colorful shells, which can range from white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple. They are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating algae, plants, insects, and other organic matter in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of sand, gravel, or cypress mulch, and a filter or a water change system to keep the water clean and oxygenated. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of commercial pellets, flakes, or live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Crayfish: These small to medium-sized crustaceans are named after their pincers, or claws, which they use for defense and foraging, and their bright, vibrant colors, which can range from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple. They are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating algae, plants, insects, and other organic matter in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with a substrate of sand, gravel, or cypress mulch, and a filter or a water change system to keep the water clean and oxygenated. They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of commercial pellets, flakes, or live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.
Lobsters: These large crustaceans are named after their long, narrow bodies and legs, and their large, protruding claws, which they use for defense and foraging. They are omnivorous and opportunistic, eating algae, plants, insects, and other organic matter in the wild and in captivity. They need a tank or enclosure with sand, gravel, or cypress mulch substrate, and a filter or a water change system to keep the water clean and oxygenated.
They also need a hiding spot or hide box, and a diet of commercial pellets, flakes, or live or frozen-thawed insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins. They are prone to mites, parasites, and other health problems if their environment is dirty, overcrowded, or unbalanced.