20+ Honestly Adorable Animals That Are So Cute You Would Want Them As Pets
Some animals are so charming that they almost seem made for a wish list, even if they are nowhere near the usual cat-or-dog territory. From tiny gliders to wide-eyed foxes, this roundup is packed with creatures that look like they belong in a storybook.
These photos highlight a mix of wild animals from around the world, and while they are not pets, they definitely have the kind of looks that make people stop and stare. The lineup is full of unusual favorites, and each one brings its own brand of adorable chaos.
Scroll through and see which of these cute animals steals the spotlight first.
1. Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel
It's a good thing these little ones are hard to catch and difficult to spot, as this has kept them safe from the threats of endangerment for years. They generally measure about 14-20 cm in length and weigh between 150-220 g.
2. Dik-dik
Dik-diks are small antelopes, measuring about 30-40 cm in length from the shoulder, and can weigh between 3-6 kg. They have an average lifespan of ten years.
3. Sand Cats
It looks like a Pokémon, doesn't it? Sand cats, or sand dune cats, true to their name, are found in stony and sandy deserts far from water sources. They have sandy gray fur that allows them to camouflage in the desert, making them nearly invisible to predators.
4. Tree Kangaroo
Tree kangaroos are essentially kangaroos that live in trees. They have shorter legs, as well as long tails and strong forearms.
5. Numbat
The numbat is also known as the noombat, walpurti, and banded anteater. They are diurnal and primarily feed on termites.
6. White-Nosed Coati
White-nosed coatis are closely related to raccoons. Coatis can actually be kept as exotic pets, but it all depends on where you live, as some states have rules and regulations regarding the keeping of this particular animal.
7. African Wild Dog
You wouldn't want to have this one as a pet—they are known to be vicious killers. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
8. Sugar Glider
It gets its name, sugar glider, because of its love for sap and nectar, as well as its graceful gliding through the air to travel.
9. Fennec Fox
Fennec foxes are the world's smallest foxes. Their most prominent feature is their huge ears.
Speaking of adorably educational facts, these animal facts deliver the same “wait, that’s real?” charm.
10. Patagonian Mara
Patagonian maras can be kept as pets, and they can be quite affectionate towards humans. They tend to be reserved most of the time.
11. Stoat (Short-Tailed Weasel)
Stoats, despite their small size, actually have a nasty bite. Small but fierce, indeed.
12. Pangolin
Known as the scaly anteater, pangolins are usually categorized as reptiles, but they are actually mammals.
13. Chacoan Peccary
The Chacoan peccary, or tagua, has a population of only about 3,000 worldwide. They are endemic to southern countries.
14. Eastern Pygmy Possum
They are one of the smallest possums in the world, weighing only about 15 to 43 g. They can mostly be found in southeastern Australia.
15. Antelope Squirrel
Antelope squirrels have a behavior known as "heat dumping." They position themselves in a cool, shady spot when their temperature rises, then lay down in a spread-eagle position with their belly against the ground—a way for them to release heat and cool down.
16. Axolotl
This one's an Internet favorite; axolotls are great aquatic pets that are easy to care for. Who wouldn't want to see that smiley face popping up in their aquariums?
17. Pudu
The pudu is the world's smallest deer. Adults measure about 32 to 44 cm in height.
18. Gundi
Gundis, also known as comb rats, are herbivorous rodents found in Africa. They are vocal animals and have a wide range of communication signals to protect themselves from predators.
19. Elephant Shrew
Also known as jumping shrews, elephant shrews are rat-sized mammals that can be found in Africa.
20. Golden Brushtail Possum
Most people are skeptical about whether these golden creatures are actually real—but they are! They get their golden coats from a genetic mutation that causes low levels of melanin in their bodies.
21. Pygmy Goat
If you ever want a goat as a pet, then pygmy goats should be at the top of your list! They are genetically dwarfed and are mainly kept for companionship and entertainment.
22. Long-Tailed Tit
Long-tailed tits may be small, but they aggressively feed on insects and spiders. They are commonly found in Europe and the Palearctic region.
The world definitely has a lot of wonders to offer, including these adorable creatures that some of us may only wish to have the privilege to see, especially when we are living on the other side of the world. For now, let's settle for these pictures!
Which one would you like to see in this lifetime? Comment with your thoughts, or share this article with all your family and friends to see!
Want more tiny cuteness like the pocket-sized frogs in “size isn’t everything”? Jump in here: Meet The Tiny Animals That Prove Size Isn’t Everything In Nature.
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