Top 10 Most Popular Pets In The United States
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| Top 10 most popular pets in the US |
Americans have an uncanny love for cats, dogs, and other exotic and interesting types of animals. They make for great companions, are interesting to be around, and offer comfort on lonely days.
Popular pets like dogs and cats have been human companions for as long as we can remember. Even in paleolithic times, they served as hunting companions and household pets. Their importance can not be overstated, and that is why 57% of most American households have at least one pet.
Let’s take a look at top 10 most popular pets in the US in the post below.
Pet ownership in the United States
Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.
Number of U.S. Households That Own a Pet, by Type of Animal
(millions)
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Source: American Pet Products Association's 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey.
The List of top 10 most popular pets in the US
10. Ferrets
9. Guinea pigs
8. Hamsters
7. Poultry
6. Rabbits
5. Reptiles
4. Birds
3. Fish
2. Cats
1. Dogs
What are the most popular pets in the United States
10. Ferrets
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| Photo: Katyvet |
The ferret (Mustela furo) is a domestic species of small mustelid. The only domesticated species in Mustelidae, it is thought to be a descendant of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the same genus as the weasel, Mustela. Their fur is typically brown, black, white, or mixed. They have an average length of 51 cm (20 in), including a 13 cm (5.1 in) tail, weigh about between 0.7 and 2.0 kg (1.5 and 4.4 lb), and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Ferrets are sexually dimorphic predators, with males being substantially larger than females.
The history of the ferret's domestication is uncertain, like that of most other domestic animals, but it is likely that they have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years. They are still used for hunting rabbits in some parts of the world, but increasingly they are kept only as pets.
Being so closely related to polecats, ferrets easily hybridize with them, and this has occasionally resulted in feral colonies of polecat–ferret hybrids that have caused damage to native fauna, especially in New Zealand. As a result, New Zealand and some other parts of the world have imposed restrictions on the keeping of ferrets.
Several other mustelids are also known as ferrets, such as the black-footed ferret, an endangered species native to North America.
Ferrets can subsist on a diet of water and meat similar to that given the domestic cat. Easily bred in captivity, females bear two litters of six or seven young each year. Because common ferrets are subject to foot rot, their cages must be kept scrupulously clean.
9. Guinea pigs
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| Photo: The Spruce Pets |
Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly and inquisitive pets. However, they need commitment and regular attention to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Guinea pigs are sociable pocket pets, are easily tamed, and can live for up to ten years. Their friendly nature makes them fantastic pets. They’re also very intelligent.
Guinea pigs are happiest when kept with other guinea pigs. However, if you do keep males and females together, make sure both animals are the same sex or at least one gender has been desexed.
Guinea pigs are herbivores. To keep them healthy and happy, they need:
- a constant source of good quality fresh grass or grass hay, such as Meadow, Oaten, Pasture, Ryegrass, Timothy or Wheaten hays. This is important for wearing down their continuously growing teeth.
- fresh, leafy green vegetables and herbs every day, such as broccoli, cabbage (in small amounts), celery, endives, Brussel sprouts, bok choy and other Asian greens, and dark-leafed lettuce varieties; and herbs such as basil, coriander, dandelion, dill, mint and parsley. Remember that carrot tops should only be given as an occasional treat.
- small quantities of high-quality guinea pig pellets. These should have a minimum fibre content of 16 per cent.
- a daily source of vitamin C, such as small amounts of citrus and kiwi fruits
- a constant source of clean, fresh water
Guinea pigs need lots of space to exercise – the more the better. She should exercise every day in a large, grassy area, free and safe from predators.
You could also provide your guinea pig with a chewing log made of untreated wood to wear down her teeth, and overturned boxes to hide in.
8. Hamsters
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| Photo: Omlet |
Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. They have become established as popular small pets. The best-known species of hamster is the golden or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), which is the type most commonly kept as pets. Other hamster species commonly kept as pets are the three species of dwarf hamster, Campbell's dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), the winter white dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii).
Hamsters are more crepuscular than nocturnal and, in the wild, remain underground during the day to avoid being caught by predators. They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and vegetation, and will occasionally eat burrowing insects. Physically, they are stout-bodied with distinguishing features that include elongated cheek pouches extending to their shoulders, which they use to carry food back to their burrows, as well as a short tail and fur-covered feet.
Although the Syrian hamster or golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was first described scientifically by George Robert Waterhouse in 1839, researchers were not able to successfully breed and domesticate hamsters until 1939. The entire laboratory and pet populations of Syrian hamsters appear to be descendants of a single brother–sister pairing. These littermates were captured and imported in 1930 from Aleppo in Syria by Israel Aharoni, a zoologist of the University of Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, the hamsters bred very successfully. Years later, animals of this original breeding colony were exported to the United States, where Syrian hamsters became a common pet and laboratory animal. Comparative studies of domestic and wild Syrian hamsters have shown reduced genetic variability in the domestic strain. However, the differences in behavioral, chronobiological, morphometrical, hematological, and biochemical parameters are relatively small and fall into the expected range of interstrain variations in other laboratory animals.
 Top 10 Most Popular Pets In The World Pets are human's best companions, and are globally loved and kept in household. Here is the 10 most popular pets in the world. |
7. Poultry
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| Photograph: Eternity in an Instant/Getty |
Pet chickens may be thought of more as farm animals but many suburban homes are opting for pets that also provide them with fresh eggs to eat. Chickens are fairly low maintenance, don’t make much noise, and can add a little country to a home even if it's within city limits.
Sizes of chickens will vary depending on what breed they are but they will typically weigh in between 8 pounds and as small as 1.3 pounds for the bantam varieties. Bantams also typically only live 1-3 years but larger chicken varieties have been reported to live into their teens and sometimes up to 20 years old.
Pet chickens should be housed outdoors in a secure coop with an area to run around during the day. In order to keep pet chickens from roaming the neighborhood, one will need secure fencing called chicken wire that is buried two feet into the ground to prevent predators such as raccoons and foxes from getting under it. Bird netting can be spread taut over the enclosure if hawks and eagles are a problem in the area. A secure, wooden coop or shed with a ramp out into the fenced-in chicken yard should be available for the chickens. This enclosure will give them somewhere to retreat into during the day and is also where they are locked into at night for protection.
6. Rabbits
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| Photo: iStock |
Rabbits make great pets. In general rabbits need appropriate housing, exercise, socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. Some breeds of rabbits, particularly the longer haired rabbits, may require daily grooming. It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one.
Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
Rabbits need to eat small amounts frequently. Approximately 30 feeds, of 2 to 8g of food, each day is normal. Pet rabbits must be fed a high fibre diet to help maintain their body and teeth health. Rabbits' teeth are constantly growing and need to be continually worn down by eating.
Their diet must consist of unlimited access to grass hay and/or grass. If you are keeping your rabbit inside most of the time or they do not have access to grass for several hours a day you can use grass hay as an alternative fibre source. Lawn clippings must not be fed as they ferment rapidly and cause digestive upset in your rabbit.
Rabbits are playful and inquisitive and require the stimulation of other rabbits or humans and their environment. They are active animals that need to exercise and play regularly. Ensuring your rabbit is adequately stimulated is an important aspect of caring for your rabbit. This can be achieved through environmental enrichment.
Rabbits are most active during the early morning, late afternoon and evening. This is the best time for you to interact with your rabbit.
Scent is an important means of communication for rabbits.
Rabbits are a prey species, they are the animals that other animals catch and eat. Therefore, rabbits naturally hide from things that scare them. Your rabbit's environment must cater for this. You need to provide them with places in their enclosure to hide.
5. Reptiles
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Reptiles can make excellent pets, but sometimes inexperienced owners are overwhelmed when they realize how expensive and difficult some reptiles are to care for. Unfortunately, many owners go home from pet stores with incomplete and even incorrect information on the proper care of their chosen reptiles. This leads to a surprised and unprepared owner when they find out what it takes to care for their pets. Unmet expectations and poor advice about reptile care can result in a bad experience for the owner and can ultimately be fatal for the reptile.
Some reptiles are poor choices for beginners due to their diet, environmental needs, or unwieldy adult size. However, some readily available reptiles are good for beginners. These animals are relatively low maintenance, compared to other reptiles, but they still need a significant investment in the proper equipment up front. Thorough research before deciding on one of these pets and getting your enclosure set up before bringing your new pet home is crucial.
4. Birds
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Feathered pets like parrots can be fascinating additions to the family. Recent estimates say that over 5 million households in the United States have pet birds. Bird owners should be aware that although their pets might be highly intelligent and fun companions, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.
Although rare, germs from birds can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses. One of the best ways you can protect yourself from getting sick is to thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after you touch birds, their droppings, or items in their cages.
How to house pet birds
- Provide a safe, sturdy enclosure or cage for your bird. Keep pet birds from interacting with all wild animals and insects such as mosquitoes. These animals and insects can carry diseases that can be spread to your pet birds.
- Do not allow your birds to fly or roam around the house without supervision. They could get accidentally trapped or hurt.
- Avoid housing pet birds in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens or dining rooms.
- Closely supervise any interaction of your birds with children or other pets to reduce the chance of injuries.
3. Fish
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| Photo: The Spruce |
Fish are the third most popular pets in the United States, and nearly 12% of all American households have at least one fish or more. Their aquariums are lovely home decors and are fairly easy to care for and maintain.
Keeping an aquarium in your home adds numerous benefits to your health, like reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Freshwater tanks tend to be easier to care for than saltwater tanks, and its critters are more forgiving to mistakes made by new owners. Fish has its own beautiful selection of colorful and unique species that make your aquarium thrive with life.
The golden fish, with a scientific name Carassius auratus, is arguably the most popular pet fish and was first domesticated in China more than 1,000 years ago. It is a fish that can live up to 30 years, making it one of the longest-lived pets that one can have.
2. Cats
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| Photo: Live Science |
Cats make affectionate and playful pets and thrive best when they're cared for considering their dietary, environmental and health and welfare needs. Cats will need space to be active, with regular interaction with people and other animals (cats don't really like to be left alone for long periods during the day). They will also need access to clean water, meat-based cat food and regular grooming as well as private access to a litter tray which should ideally be replaced once a week.
- Cats have highly developed senses. Cats can detect higher frequencies of sound than dogs or humans. They have an excellent sense of smell, superior to humans and they can see better than us in dark and dim light!
- Cats are expert hunters. Cats hunt alone - in the wild they'll spend 6-8 hours a day hunting. They can hear the high pitched frequencies used by small rodents and their whiskers or 'vibrissae', are highly sensitive to vibrations, helping them to detect prey.
- Cats are agile. Cats have powerful, tightly controlled muscles and fast reflexes that allow them to move quickly and gracefully. They are skilled at running, jumping, climbing, and stealthily stalking prey.
- Cats use a range of methods to communicate. Communication sounds include purrs, 'meows', trills, chirrups, growls, yowls, and hisses. They also communicate visually using different body postures as well as visual markers such as scratch marks or the deposition of faeces.
- Cats are independent. Survival is a solitary affair for cats; they are self-reliant for food, shelter, grooming and territory defence. They can be social but prefer to choose their own companions.
- Cats are territorial. A cat's territory is an area that is defended, aggressively if required, against other cats. They use a range of methods to mark their territory, including scratching, spraying urine and depositing faeces. Help keep your cat safe outside.
- Cats are meat eaters. Meat is an important part of a cat's diet. Eating meat is important for cats; they cannot survive without the nutrients found in animal-derived materials.
1. Dogs
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| Photo: Daily Paws |
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States. There are many reasons for that. Dogs are immensely loyal and protective. Research has proven that the loyalty of a dog to his master is second to none. They are generally affectionate with kids and their owners. Some dogs are better with kids and can be trained better than others. Dogs will know when the master is low and will playfully try to distract them from the surly mood. Dogs are sturdy animals that do not require a lot of care. They are to be fed on a regular basis though, but it is more out of habit than out of need for food.
Dogs are not terribly expensive and even dog food is not very expensive. However, if you choose to buy a pedigree or the dog has unusual health problems then keeping it can cost you a fortune in terms of vet fee. According to The American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America today.
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