I’ve been doing some research, but it seems like there aren’t many pets that actually enjoy being held. I think maybe ferrets might be okay with it? I’d really love a pet I can hold and cuddle without it trying to get away. I’ve had pets before, two hamsters, and I have a dog right now.
Just to be clear, I’m not getting a pet just to hold it. I’ve taken care of animals before, but I’ve always wanted one I could handle more. Let me know if you have any advice or ideas!
I have 9 rats right now, and I’ve had hundreds over the years. Some rats love to be held and snuggled all the time, some are okay with it, and others prefer to be on their own. Males tend to be the most cuddly in my experience.
@Chin
Same here. I find that handling them a lot when they’re young really helps. Some just end up more cuddly than others, but if they’re used to you from a young age, they’re usually more affectionate.
@Chin
Oh wow, really? I’ve wanted a rat before, but my mom would absolutely freak out (she hates them!).
@Chin
Do you find it hard when they pass away? I’m worried about the heartbreak because I know they don’t live very long.
Every animal is different. Some dogs love to be held, and some cats are super clingy. Small dogs usually enjoy being close to their people. Rats are often very affectionate too, but they need to have a buddy.
@Linden
Right, even animals known for liking people can vary. My cat loves to be held but doesn’t sit on laps. Other cats I’ve had didn’t like being held but loved sitting near me. It all depends on their personality and how they’re raised.
Here are some animals I’ve seen that enjoy cuddles:
@Wyatt
True! Though sometimes they’ll run off as soon as you let them go! My partner jokingly re-enacts that old cartoon bit with new pets, but gently, of course.
Sky said:
@Wyatt
True! Though sometimes they’ll run off as soon as you let them go! My partner jokingly re-enacts that old cartoon bit with new pets, but gently, of course.
I actually have a cat named George. It’s a perfect name!
@Linden
You can sometimes train pets to enjoy being close to you if you get them young. I’ve always had German Shepherds, and they get so attached they’ll act like my own personal heater!
Remy said:
@Linden
You can sometimes train pets to enjoy being close to you if you get them young. I’ve always had German Shepherds, and they get so attached they’ll act like my own personal heater!
Same! My cat Gus was a former stray, but he’s now a total snuggle bug who loves belly rubs.
You might want to pick a type of pet you like and then look for an individual that enjoys being held. For example, some cats and dogs love it, while others don’t. Same with rabbits and ferrets.
It really depends on the animal’s personality and sometimes even the breed. I have a dog who loves to be on my lap as much as possible.
Arden said:
It really depends on the animal’s personality and sometimes even the breed. I have a dog who loves to be on my lap as much as possible.
My dog does that too, even though he’s way too big to be a lap dog! He doesn’t seem to care, though.
In general, animals like dogs, cats, rats, and chickens are more likely to be affectionate. Parrots can be very cuddly too, but I wouldn’t recommend them as pets unless you’re really prepared – they need a lot of care and attention.
Since you already have a dog, you might want to consider if a new pet would feel comfortable around it, especially smaller animals. Maybe try meeting some rescue cats that are known to be friendly.
We used to have a hedgehog. My daughter would snuggle it on her shoulder while we cleaned the cage. They’re prickly, but they’re fun little pets.
Ferrets can be affectionate, though it depends on the individual. Some want to be with you all the time, while others just want short cuddles. Older ferrets tend to like cuddles more than younger ones.
@Sky
Ferrets are awesome pets.
I used to have guinea pigs, and they loved being held. My current rabbit will sit on my lap forever if I let him. I think it really depends on the individual and how much they’ve been handled.
Have you thought about getting a cat? Some of them are incredibly affectionate, almost too much!