Cats vs dogs is an age-old debate.
But why does it have to be binary?
There are so many other potential pets out there!
Like snakes.
And if you ask me, snakes actually make the best pets of all!
Yes, I am biased. But I have good reasons for my opinion.
And that’s what I’m going to share today. Keep reading to learn why snakes make the best pets of all.
10 Surprising Reasons Snakes Make The Best Pets
Snakes make great pets for a number of reasons, not just because I love snakes more than other animals. Here are ten solid reasons to get snake as a pet, instead of any other animal.
Low Maintenance
If you lead a busy life, a snake might make a better pet than a dog or cat. Most snakes, including the popular milk snakes and ball pythons, are relatively low maintenance.
Compared to cats and dogs, they are certainly easier to care for. They don’t need frequent grooming, baths, or daily walks.
Most snakes can go without feeding for up to two weeks. As long as you keep their enclosures clean, they won’t smell bad. They certainly don’t bark, whine, or wake you up at night.
They don’t need to be taken out on walks, although you can always take your pet out of its cage to play with it from time to time. This low-maintenance can be very convenient if you are busy and do not have much time to spare.
Minimal Feeding And Lower Costs
Snakes typically eat pre-killed rodents or, occasionally, birds, which are easy to store and handle. Their feeding needs are infrequent, often just once every 1-2 weeks. This reduces the time and cost associated with daily feeding, as required for more traditional pets.
Snakes like ball pythons, corn snakes, and milk snakes require feeding only once every 1-2 weeks. This is significantly less frequent than cats and dogs that need daily meals.
This infrequent feeding translates to lower food costs over the snake’s 20-30 year lifespan compared to the expenses of maintaining a cat or dog for 10-15 years. With minimal food requirements and reduced vet bills, snakes offer an affordable and sustainable pet ownership experience.
Space Efficient
Most snakes don’t need a lot of room. The snake species that make great first pets only need a container the size of a medium or large fish aquarium.
Small snakes do well in tank sizes of 10-20 gallons. A general rule of thumb for selecting the right container is to choose one with a length that is 2/3rd the length of the adult snake. You can easily place your snake’s enclosure in your basement, or even your room.
Hypoallergenic
Snakes are ideal for allergy sufferers because they don’t produce dander, a common allergen found in the fur of cats and dogs. Unlike traditional pets, snakes have scales that don’t shed allergens, making them a hypoallergenic option.
This means people who are allergic to pet fur can enjoy the companionship of a snake without experiencing symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes.
Quiet Companions
Snakes are perfect pets for apartment dwellers thanks to their quiet nature. They are especially suitable for people who have neighbors close by. Unlike dogs that tend to bark or cats that meow, snakes make no noise, ensuring a peaceful environment.
Snakes are also ideal for small living spaces where noise can easily disturb other roommates. They offer a tranquil alternative if you are seeking companionship without the worry of disturbing neighbors or family.
Educational Value
Snakes are fascinating creatures that offer children a unique opportunity to learn about biology, nature, and science. Observing a snake’s behavior, such as shedding its skin or moving silently, can spark curiosity about anatomy and physiology.
Children can explore topics like habitat conservation and the role of snakes in ecosystems as predators and prey, which helps them understand food chains and biodiversity.
Caring for a snake teaches responsibility and empathy. It can also encourage scientific observation and critical thinking. These factors make snakes excellent educational companions for inquisitive young minds.
Fascinating Behaviors
Pet snakes like ball pythons and milk snakes exhibit fascinating behaviors that are sure to captivate young children.
Ball pythons are known for their balling behavior, where they curl into a tight ball for protection. This can be intriguing to watch and can teach children about self-defense mechanisms in animals.
Milk snakes mimic the coloring of venomous species, showcasing nature’s use of mimicry for survival.
Watching snakes shed their skin is a captivating process that demonstrates growth and renewal. Observing their eating habits can also be an engaging learning experience for curious minds.
Long Life-Span
Snakes, such as ball pythons and milk snakes, typically have a lifespan of 20-30 years, much longer than the average cat or dog, which usually live 10-15 years.
This longevity means that pet snakes can provide companionship for a significant portion of your life, reducing the emotional burden of losing a beloved pet too soon
Having a snake as a long-term pet offers continuity and stability and allows you to build deep, lasting bonds without the frequent heartache of saying goodbye to shorter-lived pets.
A Unique Bonding Experience
Snakes, as pets, offer a unique bonding experience. They help foster patience and trust between owner and pet. While snakes may not display affection like dogs and cats, handling one regularly can help build a connection.
Observing a pet snake’s behaviors and learning about its habits can be deeply rewarding and relaxing. A snake’s calm presence and slow movements encourage mindfulness and relaxation and can go a long way in creating a peaceful atmosphere.
As you learn to meet your snake’s needs, you will develop a deep appreciation for these fascinating creatures, which further enhances the bond.
Environmental Benefits
Keeping a snake as a pet is more environmentally friendly than traditional pets like cats and dogs. The latter often consume significant resources like water, food, and energy.
Large dogs, in particular, have a substantial carbon footprint due to their dietary needs and the resources required for their care.
Snakes, on the other hand, require minimal feeding and upkeep, making them a sustainable choice. Additionally, a well-cared-for pet snake can lead a longer and healthier life than in the wild, where they face threats from predators, habitat loss, and climate change.
By providing a stable environment and proper care, snake owners help ensure the well-being of these creatures, contributing to conservation efforts while reducing their own environmental impact.
Why Snakes Make The Best Pets: Final Thoughts
Snakes make excellent pets for various reasons, from their low maintenance requirements and minimal feeding needs to their space efficiency and hypoallergenic nature.
Their quiet demeanor makes them perfect for apartment living, while their fascinating behaviors and long lifespan provide educational value and a unique bonding experience
Additionally, snakes offer environmental benefits by requiring fewer resources than traditional pets. Whether you are busy, an allergy sufferer, or looking for a sustainable pet option, snakes can be a rewarding and practical choice for companionship.
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