When it comes to pets, some people prefer companions that are small, easy to care for, and provide ample opportunities for cuddling.
You could be a busy professional looking for a pet that doesn’t require a lot of attention or a college student living in a cramped dorm room, small pets are a great choice.
Not only are they adorable and fun to play with, but they also have the added benefit of being excellent cuddle buddies.
If you’re on the hunt for some of the best small pets for cuddling, we’ve got you covered!
That’s because choosing the right small pet can be challenging.
In this post, we’ve considered factors such as temperament, ease of care, and of course, their cuddle-ability.
From furry little hamsters to lovable guinea pigs, we’ll explore the top options for those seeking a small, cuddly companion.
Let’s take a look at some of these cuddle bugs!
1. Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs are one of the best pets to cuddle.
Why?
These furry little creatures are very social and love attention from their owners. They are perfect for people who are looking for a cuddly companion to keep them company.
One of the best things about Guinea Pigs is their low maintenance.
However, they do require a lot of space but can be kept indoors.
I’m a Foodie!
Guinea pigs need a balanced diet consisting of hay, fresh vegetables, and high-quality guinea pig pellets. Avoid feeding them foods harmful to their health, such as foods high in sugar or fatty treats.
They are also very easy to care for and don’t require a lot of expensive equipment or special diets.
All they need is a clean cage, fresh food and water, and plenty of love and attention from their owners.
So if you’re looking for a cuddly, low-maintenance pet that will love you unconditionally, a Guinea Pig might just be the perfect choice for you!
2. Rabbits
One of the cutest, most snuggly animals around are rabbits. Those cute little faces just make you want to go awww.
Not only that, but rabbits come in a variety of lovely shades and breeds, so you can pick one that matches your personal style.
Some of the most common breeds include:
- Mini Lop
- Dutch
- Netherland Dwarf
- Lionhead
- Holland Lop
- Flemish Giant
- English Lop
Not only are they adorable, but they’re also super soft and love to be held.
Rabbits are social animals so they will want to be around you a lot.
They actually need hours of your time each day, so if you’re not prepared for this type of interaction, it’s best not to get a rabbit.
It’s recommended that if you’re not going to be around that much, to get another rabbit to keep each other company.
This way they can both be happy together.
Just make sure to give them enough space to run around and explore, and they’ll be happy to snuggle up with you whenever you’re ready for some bunny lovin’.
3. Chinchillas
Chinchillas are some of the most adorable pets you can find!
They are soft, fluffy, and absolutely adorable. They make great pets for people who love to cuddle with their furry friends.
Not only are they cute and cuddly, but they are also very social creatures.
Be aware that they do have a streak of independence and may not want to be held at certain times.
Chinchilla owners do enjoy a close bond with their pets once they have bonded and that will include lots of cuddle time and playing.
One thing to know is that chinchillas are somewhat nocturnal and may not be that active during the daytime.
They are also relatively low maintenance but do require a dust bath at least once a day.
4. Ferrets
These little bundles of joy make wonderful pets for those who are looking for a furry friend that’s a little bit different.
They are known for their playful and curious nature, and their adorable antics are sure to put a smile on your face.
One of the best things about ferrets is their intelligence. They are highly trainable and can even learn to do tricks, such as playing fetch or responding to their name.
This means that they can be great fun to interact with and can form strong bonds with their owners.
One thing you may like about ferrets is that need plenty of attention and stimulation, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and regular playtime.
Ferrets can also be litter trained, which makes cleaning up after them a breeze.
Ferrets might not look cuddly, but they bond intensely with their owners and once they’re in relaxed mode, they will chill and cuddle with you!
5. Hedgehogs
Don’t let their spiky appearance fool you!
Hedgehogs are one of the best small pets for cuddling.
They may be small, but they have big personalities that will capture your heart.
These cute creatures are covered in spines that resemble tiny porcupines.
Hedgehogs also have cute little noses that twitch when they are excited, making them even more irresistible.
Hedgehogs eat once or twice a day so they aren’t as voracious as some other furry pals.
When you take one home, be sure to give them enough space as they love to roam around.
Their diet consists of a combination of insects and worms, which can be easily found at your local pet store.
They are also nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night, making them a perfect pet for night owls.
While hedgehogs may take time to warm up initially, they get quite cuddly once they know you!
6. Sugar Gliders
This is not a yummy snack, but rather a cute and cuddly creature.
First of all, sugar gliders are incredibly social animals that bond closely with their owners.
They love being held and cuddled, and they enjoy playing and exploring.
If you’re looking for a relaxed pet, sugar gliders may not be the right choice, as these guys are rather energetic.
It’s also important that you consider their diet before getting one.
They eat foods such as:
- Insects
- Larva
- Nectar
- Spiders
You can also feed your pet appropriate fruits and veggies as well.
Unlike animals like chinchillas, sugar gliders naturally clean themselves. It’s also recommended that you interact with your sugar glider for at least 1-2 hours a day.
Because of their high social skills, it’s best to keep them with other sugar gliders.
Sugar gliders are active at night, which means they are perfect for people who work during the day and want a pet that they can spend time with in the evening.
They are also relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring only a clean cage, a specialized diet, and regular veterinary checkups.
7. Hamsters
This is one of the most popular small pets to have around and is beloved by both adults and children around the world.
Hamsters make cuddly pets because of their super cute and fluffy appearance.
They are small and compact, making them ideal pets for those who live in apartments or have limited space.
Their soft fur is perfect for snuggling with and their round, chubby bodies make them irresistibly huggable.
Hamsters are easy to care for and do not require a lot of attention, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners, small children or those with busy schedules.
But hamsters are not just cute and cuddly, they also have lively personalities that make them wonderful companions.
They are active creatures who enjoy running on wheels, playing with toys, and exploring their surroundings.
Watching a hamster go about its daily activities can be both entertaining and relaxing.
And despite their small size, hamsters can be surprisingly intelligent and can even learn tricks with some training.
With their irresistible cuteness and charming personalities, it’s no wonder that hamsters make such beloved pets.
8. Gerbils
Much like hamsters, gerbils make cuddly pets because they are small, furry, and love to snuggle up close to their owners.
These little creatures are full of energy and are always up for a good play session, but they also enjoy quiet moments of bonding with their human companion.
With their adorable twitchy noses and tiny paws, it’s hard not to fall in love with these little guys.
One of the best things about gerbils is their social nature.
Warning!
Gerbils love to chew, so avoid using materials like plastic or materials with small parts that they could ingest and cause harm.
Unlike hamsters, who prefer to live alone, gerbils thrive in pairs or small groups.
They love to groom each other and cuddle up together for warmth.
Watching them interact with each other is almost as entertaining as playing with them yourself.
If you’re looking for a pet that will keep you company and bring a smile to your face, a pair of gerbils might be just what you need.
They like to snack on foods like:
If you’re looking for a small, yet cuddly pal, a gerbil makes for a fantastic pet!
9. Miniature Pigs
Miniature pigs, also known as teacup pigs or micro pigs, have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years.
These small and adorable creatures are irresistible with their cute snouts, wagging tails, and gentle personalities.
One of the reasons why miniature pigs make such great pets is that they are extremely affectionate and love to cuddle!
They bond closely with their owners and enjoy being petted, held, and even snuggled up in bed with their human companions.
Not only are miniature pigs cuddly, but they are also very intelligent and trainable.
They can learn a wide variety of tricks and commands, such as sitting, rolling over, and even playing basketball!
Training a miniature pig can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the owner and the pig.
And despite their small size, these little pigs have big personalities. They are playful animals that love to explore their surroundings.
Miniature pigs are curious too and you might find them trying to be all up in your business!
So, if you’re looking for a pet that will keep you entertained and snuggled up all day long, a miniature pig might just be the perfect choice!
10. Degus
You may not have heard about this fella before, but degus are adorable little rodents known for their playful and affectionate personalities!
In all honesty, degus do take some time to warm up to pet parents, but once they do, they make for a great companion.
Just look at their soft fur and big, curious eyes – it’s hard not to fall in love with these little critters.
One thing to keep in mind about degus is that they’re also highly intelligent and social animals.
In fact, if they don’t get enough attention, they can get neurotic!
Make sure to create a schedule where you can play and interact with them so they don’t get lonely.
You could have fun by teaching them new tricks and commands.
They enjoy snacking on grasses like alfalfa and veggies like carrots.
Bonus: Small Breed Dogs and Cats
Who doesn’t love cats and dogs?
We often create a comparison between cats and dogs, which isn’t quite fair because they’re both great pets in different ways.
Some people think cats are cold r aloof, but as a cat parent myself, I know just how cuddly they can be!
Small breed dogs and cats make cuddly pets because of their adorable size and loving personalities.
These pint-sized pets are perfect for snuggling up with on a chilly night or for enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. They may be small, but they have big hearts and are always eager to show their affection.
Small breeds are also great for those who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space.
Grooming Cats
Regularly groom your cat, especially if they have long hair, to prevent matting and hairballs.
They are perfectly content with indoor playtime and don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds.
Their small size makes them easy to transport, whether it’s to the vet or on a road trip.
And let’s not forget about their cute little outfits – dressing up small breed pets in adorable costumes and sweaters is just too cute to resist!
Ready to find some of these cute, cuddly guys?
Here are a few:
Small Breed Cats:
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Devon Rex
- Abyssinian
- Scottish Fold
- Birman
- American Curl
- Cornish Rex
- Exotic Shorthair
- Sphynx
Small Breed Dogs:
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pomeranian
- Dachshund
- Shih Tzu
- Maltese
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Boston Terrier
- French Bulldog
So why settle for a big, slobbery dog when you can have a pint-sized pooch or kitty that fits perfectly in your lap?
Get ready for some serious cuteness overload!
Best Small Pet for Cuddling FAQ
What small pet is cuddly?
Many small pets can be cuddly and affectionate! Some examples include guinea pigs, rabbits, and certain breeds of small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas.
What pets like being cuddled?
Well, it really depends on the individual animal’s personality. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and even some small rodents like rats or ferrets can enjoy cuddling with their human companions.
Which animal cuddles the most?
Dogs are often known for their love of cuddles, but many other animals, like cats, ferrets, and some small breeds of rabbits, can be equally affectionate and enjoy cuddle time.
What pets like to sleep with you?
Cats are famous for their love of snuggling up in bed with their owners. Some small dogs, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, may also enjoy sleeping with their humans.
What is the most clingy pet?
Some small dog breeds, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bichon Frise, can be quite clingy and enjoy being close to their owners at all times.
What is the softest pet?
Many animals have soft fur or feathers. Guinea pigs, certain breeds of rabbits like the Rex, and even some small dogs with fluffy coats can feel incredibly soft to the touch.
Are These The Best Small Pets for Cuddling?
So there you have it, folks!
The list of the best small pets for cuddling is complete. Whether you’re looking for a furry friend to snuggle with or a little critter to keep you company, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Remember, all pets require love, attention, and care, so make sure you’re ready to commit before bringing one home.
But once you do, get ready for some serious snuggles and cuddles with your new, adorable companion!