35 Cutest and Most Unusual Pets We Can’t Resist

We wanted to highlight those unusual, exotic pets that range from a miniature pig to a leopard gecko and everything in between.

When it comes to animals, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While some people consider their pet iguana to be the prettiest creature on the planet, others prefer a furry friend they can kiss and cuddle.

But we’re not here to talk about your average, adorable dog or cat. We wanted to highlight those lesser-known, exotic pets that range from a miniature pig to a leopard gecko and everything in between. These are 35 of the cutest, unusual pets we just can’t resist, from least to most expensive.

35. Opossum

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Size: About 2.5 feet

Lifespan: 2-4 years

Origin: Widespread

Cost: Possibly free

*Although many unbelievably cute pets are exotic animals, very few can be legally owned in the U.S. unless permitted. Confirm with your state’s Department of Agriculture, and check with your county or neighborhood association before purchasing these animals. Our article about illegal pets is another good resource.

Bottom Line: Opossum

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The opossum is an unusual pet that we can’t recommend for most people. They’re not intended to be pets at all, but for a select few, they’ve proven to be surprisingly cute and cuddly companions.

The small marsupials are heavily misunderstood, and many people mistakenly believe they’re disease-ridden and aggressive. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Opossums are peaceful creatures that love to climb, sleep upside down and adore exploring. In the wild, these are fantastic traits to have. In your home, it’s a bit more complicated. They’re difficult to manage, and the only people who should really keep these wild creatures are trained wildlife rehabilitators.

These animal lovers have the experience to know when a sweet little opossum is too reliant on humans to return to the wild. They’re also willing to dedicate the time and effort needed to give an opossum the correct diet and adequate exercise. So appreciate their efforts and enjoy their adorable opossum pics instead of getting one yourself.

34. Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster

Little black and white hamster in the hands.

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Size: 2-3 inches

Lifespan: 2 years

Origin: Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia

Cost: $15

Bottom Line: Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster

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Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamsters are fairly common. They’re just like every other pet hamster, only they come in several patterns and colors, including one that makes them look like tiny panda bears.

Aside from their unique coloration, they’re very similar to other hamster species. They’re mostly nocturnal, but they don’t mind being handled during the day if you’re gentle. The more they’re handled, the less likely they are to feel threatened and nip.

Their care is simple and cheap, and the only downside of these tiny cuties is that you only get to enjoy their company for a couple of years.

33. Halloween Moon Crab

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Size: Up to 2.5 inches

Lifespan: 8-10 years

Origin: The Pacific coast from Mexico to Costa Rica

Cost: $15

Bottom Line: Halloween Moon Crab

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If hermit crabs are considered the starter crustacean, the Halloween moon crab is the upgrade. They’re just as easy to care for, but they’re so much more interesting to watch. Their vibrantly colored shells combine neon orange and bright purple, and their big eyes make them look permanently curious.

Some are easier to handle than others, but they’re more of a display pet anyway. They’re usually less than $20, so even with the cost of the crab’s set up, it’s not a huge investment for this cute, unusual pet.

32. Red-Eared Slider Turtle

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Size: 12 inches long

Lifespan: 20-30 years

Origin: North America

Cost: $20

Bottom Line: Red-Eared Slider Turtle

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The red-eared slider has beautiful markings of yellow, green and red on its body and makes a great first pet for people who prefer a critter they don’t have to handle too often.

These sociable turtles need a tank with fresh water, UV lighting and a dry area to bask in the light. They can get rather messy and will need frequent tank cleanings to keep their home fresh.

31. Leopard Gecko

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Size: 8-10 inches long

Lifespan: 20+ years

Origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northwest India, Iran

Cost: $20-$40

Bottom Line: Leopard Gecko

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These attractive geckos get their name from their colorful skin, which is usually yellow and white with black dots. They also have eyelids, which is a unique quality among geckos. An excellent low-maintenance pet, they will tolerate some socialization as long as they are not over-handled by their owner.

The leopard gecko will chirp, squeak or wave its tail to communicate if it is hungry or feeling threatened. They are best kept in a 15- to 20-gallon tank with a heat bulb to keep them warm.

30. Bearded Dragon

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Size: 16-24 inches

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Origin: Australia

Cost: $40+

Bottom Line: Bearded Dragon

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Calling a bearded dragon unusual is a stretch, because these scaly fellows are the most popular pet lizard in the country. We included them because, as far as reptiles go, they’re one of the most affectionate, docile and easygoing creatures you can keep.

Owning a bearded dragon is like keeping a tiny dinosaur in your house — one that’s content to ride around on your shoulder or sit on your lap while you work. They won’t bond with you in the same way that a cat or dog would, but they’re as snuggly as lizards come.

Their enclosure does need to be specially heated, but once you have the setup sorted out, they’re inexpensive and low maintenance.

29. Axolotl

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Size: 6-12 inches long

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Origin: Mexico

Cost: $20-$70

Bottom Line: Axolotl

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Known as the “Mexican walking fish,” the axolotl is a fascinating type of salamander with an endearing face that appears as if it is perpetually smiling. This aquatic creature also has limbs with regenerative abilities, meaning that they can regrow various parts of their bodies, including their hearts and eye tissue.

Unfortunately, axolotls have reached the Endangered Species list and should no longer be purchased as pets. But those who own them already know just how cute they can be.

28. Degu

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Size: 6-11 ounces, 9-12 inches long

Lifespan: 6-8 years

Origin: Chili

Cost: $25-$100 (domestic-bred)

Bottom Line: Degu

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The degu is a small, burrowing rodent that looks like a cross between a squirrel, a mouse and a chinchilla. Super cute and cuddly, these little guys make excellent pets because they are gentle, affectionate and diurnal.

Like the chinchilla, the degu needs a large cage and frequent dust baths to keep its fur from becoming matted.

27. Dwarf Hotot

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Size: 2.5-3.5 pounds

Lifespan: 7-10 years

Origin: Germany

Cost: $50

Bottom Line: Dwarf Hotot

The Dwarf Hotot is a domestic breed of rabbit that is a cross between a White Hotot and a Netherland dwarf rabbit. They are striking bunnies with white coats and black-ringed eyes that make great pets for children due to their playful, sweet temperament.

The Dwarf Hotot is best housed indoors in a large cage but will need time out each day to interact with its owner.

26. Pygmy Goat

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Size: 35-86 pounds, 15-20 inches tall

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Origin: West Africa

Cost: $50-$400

Bottom Line: Pygmy Goat

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The pygmy goat is a delightful, gregarious animal and makes a great starter pet for children. People love their friendly, curious nature, but it’s their adorable, clown-like behavior that steals the spotlight in YouTube videos where they are often featured.

There’s a big personality packed into this miniature version of a regular goat.

25. Pygmy Hedgehog

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Size: About 1 pound, 5-8 inches long

Lifespan: 3-6 years

Origin: Africa

Cost: $75-$250

Bottom Line: Pygmy Hedgehog

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The smallest of the hedgehog species, these ridiculously cute critters have protective spines on their back, giving them the appearance of a tiny porcupine. They curl up into a spiky ball when they’re afraid and then slowly unroll once they feel safe again.

Although pygmy hedgehogs are not fans of human interaction, they can be tamed if held often. They also prefer being housed alone and will need supervision when out of their cage for exercise.

24. Cockatiel

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Size: 2-4 ounces, 12-13 inches long

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Origin: Australia

Cost: $100-$300

Bottom Line: Cockatiel

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The smallest member of the cockatoo family, the beautiful cockatiel became a popular pet in the U.S. in the 1900s due to its intelligent, friendly nature. Cockatiels come in a variety of stunning colors, but the most common ones have grey bodies, a yellow face and crest, and an orange cheek patch.

These birds are smart enough to learn tricks, but the males are the most entertaining with their ability to mimic speech.

23. Grey Squirrel

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Size: About 1 pound, 16-21 inches long

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Origin: North America, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia

Cost: $100-$350

Bottom Line: Grey Squirrel

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Most pet squirrels are young rescues that have been abandoned or fallen out of their nests and are unable to be released back into the wild. An adorable, bushy-tailed rodent, the American grey is the most common squirrel in urban, suburban and rural areas.

They are the longest living rodent in the world, some living up to 20 years in captivity. Although difficult to domesticate, the squirrel is intelligent, playful and can even be leash-trained through positive motivation. They can also recognize their name when called!

22. Sugar Glider

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Size: 2-5 oz. 5-8 inches long (tail adds another 6-8 inches)

Lifespan: 10-17 years

Origin: Australia and parts of Indonesia

Cost: $100-$500

Bottom Line: Sugar Glider

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Sugar gliders, also known as “flying squirrels,” are delightful little marsupials with a thin membrane-like skin that reaches from the front to back limbs, enabling them to glide from tree to tree in the wild. They are curious, social and sensitive animals that need a lot of human interaction to remain tame.

They are happiest when housed with a mate in a large cage that has plenty of playing and climbing space.

21. Ferret

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Size: Up to 3.5 pounds, 13-16 inches long

Lifespan: 8-11 years

Origin: Europe

Cost: $150

Bottom Line: Ferret

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Ferrets come from the same family as minks, weasels, badgers, otters, wolverines and polecats. They have sweet little faces that few can resist and love to interact with their owners. They thrive in pairs or small groups of ferrets and get along fine with other household pets.

It’s a good idea to get them de-scented at an early age; however, they will still have a musky odor about them. Ferrets need about 4 hours a day outside their cage (supervised) to play snd explore their surroundings.

20. Chinchilla

big furry gray chinchilla loves getting pet

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Size: 1.5 pounds, 9-15 inches long

Lifespan: 10-12 years but some live up to 20 years

Origin: Andes Mountains in South America

Cost: $150-$200

Bottom Line: Chinchilla

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You won’t find a cuter pet than a baby chinchilla! The exquisite coat of these animals comes in a variety of pretty colors such as grey, black, white, tan, beige and mosaics. Their fur is the softest of all land mammals and requires frequent dust baths and combings to keep from becoming matted.

Chinchillas are nocturnal, odorless rodents that thrive in large cages that have plenty of levels, ramps and chew toys to keep them busy. Although they need daily playtime outside of their cage, never take a chinchilla outdoors, as they can easily escape and are prone to heatstroke.

19. Ball Python

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Size: 3-5 feet

Lifespan: 30 years

Origin: Africa

Cost: $99+

Bottom Line: Ball Python

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If you’re already a reptile owner, a ball python might not seem like an “unusual” pet, but as far as snakes go, ball pythons are indisputably the cutest. They’ve been described more than once as the puppy dogs of the reptile world, thanks to their rounded features, large eyes and stocky build. Rather than being long and slender, ball pythons have a thick body that makes them easier to handle for new keepers and kids.

They do eat mice and rats, but most keepers feed their ball pythons frozen rodents. This drastically cuts down on the “ick” factor. They’re extremely low maintenance as long as their enclosure is set up correctly.

They have certain heat and humidity requirements, but once you get that down, caring for them is a breeze. They only need to be fed every 1-2 weeks, and they poop even less.

Ball pythons can be fairly inexpensive, but more colorful morphs can cost thousands.

18. Patagonian Cavy

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Size: 18-35 pounds, 18 inches long

Lifespan: 14 years

Origin: Argentina

Cost: $200-$300

Bottom Line: Patagonian Cavy

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This handsome creature looks like a cross between a rabbit and a small deer with its small feet and long ears. The Patagonian cavy is quite friendly and affectionate, especially when given belly rubs.

Although they are not as easily trainable as a dog, they can use a litter box and be walked on a leash. It’s best to house them outside unless the weather turns cold.

17. Skunk

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Size: 1-14 pounds (depending on species), 8-19 inches long

Lifespan:6-10 years

Origin: North America

Cost: $200-$500

Bottom Line: Skunk

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Skunks are delightful, attention-grabbing animals that make good pets as long as they’re trained young and have their scent glands surgically removed. Although they’re curious critters prone to mischief, they’re also low-maintenance and can be housetrained like many domestic pets.

Skunks have a quiet nature and a sweet side, but their training will require time, patience and expertise from their owner.

16. Raccoon

Baby raccoon holding on a tree with green leaves

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Size: 7-20 pounds, 16-18 inches long

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Origin: North America

Cost: $300-$700

Bottom Line: Raccoon

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There’s a reason raccoons appear in so many memes and YouTube videos. They are irresistibly cute and have the playful temperament of a puppy. If domesticated at a young age, raccoons bond with their owners and make fun companions but are not easy to train, despite their high intelligence level.

They can, however, learn their name and simple commands. You will need to “raccoon-proof” your home, as these mischievous critters are escape artists that can climb shelves, chew cords and open latches.

15. Alpaca

Group of fluffy white alpacas on a farm in Scotland

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Size: Around 3 feet tall at the withers

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Origin: Peru

Cost: $500+

Bottom Line: Alpaca

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If you have a pasture in the backyard and like the idea of owning a llama, only a short one that doesn’t spit, an alpaca might be the pet for you. They’re tremendously fluffy, and their wool can be spun into warm, soft yarn. Their fuzzy faces are impossibly cute, and they can be affectionate when well-socialized.

Still, they come with a few challenges. They’re social creatures that normally live in herds, so keeping at least two is critical. Three or more is even better. They’re legal in every state, but since they’re considered livestock, don’t try to keep one in your backyard in the suburbs.

14. Muntjac Deer

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Size: 10-20 pounds, 3 feet long

Lifespan: 13-19 years (in captivity)

Origin: South and Southeast Asia

Cost: $500-$1,800

Bottom Line: Muntjac Deer

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Known as the “barking deer,” the Muntjac is one of the oldest known deer around, dating back to pre-historic times. These beautiful animals come in a variety of colors and are very clean animals with little shedding.

They can be litterbox trained like a cat and even use a doggy door to go outside if necessary. Muntjac deers are very affectionate animals that get along well with other pets in the house and love to play with their owners.

13. Genet

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Size: 4 pounds, 2 feet long

Lifespan: 13-20 years

Origin: Africa

Cost: $900-$1,400

Bottom Line: Genet

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Genets are gorgeous animals that look like a cross between a ferret (pointy face) and a cheetah (beautifully patterned coat) with the tail of a lemur. There are 14 species of genets but the “common genet” is the most popular.

These animals need to be housed in large enclosures and kept away from other household pets. They don’t like to be handled very much but can be tame and litterbox trained if domesticated at a young age.

12. Mini Donkey

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Size: Under 36 inches at the withers

Lifespan: Up to 35 years

Origin: Sicily and Sardinia

Cost: $500-2,000

Bottom Line: Mini Donkey

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Mini donkeys are extremely cute, both in appearance and personality. The term mini, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. They are mini, but only if you realize how large a normal donkey is. A large, adult donkey can weigh around 1,000 pounds, while mini donkeys rarely exceed a “petite” 350.

For those living in rural areas with enough space, keeping a pair of mini donkeys is a ton of fun. They’re friendly and affectionate, and many owners compare their personalities to that of a dog with hooves.

11. Capybara

Close up of a Capybara walking in water on a river bank

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Size: Up to 170 pounds, 2 feet tall

Lifespan: 8-10 years

Origin: South America

Cost: $1,000-$3,000

Bottom Line: Capybara

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The largest rodent in the world, the capybara looks like a giant, lovable guinea pig. With webbed feet and dry skin that needs constant hydration, they need a large outdoor pen and a place to swim. However, it is illegal to own one of these rodents unless you have a special permit.

Capybaras are sociable but also shy, nervous animals that are better off housed in pairs (not two males together, though). They communicate through a series of whistles, grunts, squeals and barks and become very relaxed when combed.

10. Wallaroo

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Size: 50-100 pounds, 3-5 feet tall

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Origin: Australia

Cost: $1,000-$4,000

Bottom Line: Wallaroo

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Wallaroos look like mid-sized kangaroos and wallabies. They share the same adorableness but are very shy until they get to know their owner. They are affectionate and playful, but watch out for their mischievous side!

Wallaroos get along fine with dogs but cannot be near felines, as some cat feces contain dangerous parasites that can be deadly to them. These marsupials are illegal to own in most states, but the few people who have them usually keep them outdoors since wallaroos cannot be litter trained.

9. Miniature Pig

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Size: 70-150 pounds, 14-20 inches tall

Lifespan: 14-18 years

Origin: Southeast Asia

Cost: $1,200-$6,500

Bottom Line: Miniature Pig

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There are numerous breeds of miniature pigs, but the most common is the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. They became popular as pets in the U.S. in the 1990s due to their small size, intelligence and delightful personalities.

Miniature pigs can be housed indoors but will need to be litter trained and taken for frequent walks outdoors.

8. Kinkajou

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Size: 3-10 pounds, 16-24 inches long (the tail adds another 15-20 inches)

Lifespan: 20-25 years

Origin: Central and South America

Cost: $1,500-$3,000

Bottom Line: Kinkajou

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Kinkajous are quite tame if raised in captivity. Delightful animals that resemble a cross between a monkey, a raccoon and a red panda, these pets are very sociable and will provide hours of entertainment.

They are messy animals that need to be housed in large cages; however, it’s important to take them out for several hours each day for supervised play to keep them tame.

7. Fennec Fox

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Size: 1.5-3.5 pounds, 9-16 inches long

Lifespan: Up to 11 years

Origin: North Africa

Cost: $1,500-$3,500

Bottom Line: Fennec Fox

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These stunning animals look like miniature foxes with oversized ears and have a high energy level that may not be suitable for someone looking for a quiet pet.

Fennec foxes do not enjoy being handled too much, but they love to engage in a game of fetch and need plenty of outdoor space for regular exercise.

6. Serval

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Size: 15-40 pounds, 2.7 feet long

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Origin: Africa

Cost: $1,700-$2,800

Bottom Line: Serval

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This regal, nocturnal African cat looks like a small version of a cheetah but with a shorter tail. Servals are friendly but not very affectionate and need a lot of exercise due to their high energy levels and playfulness.

They are agile jumpers that require a large enclosure if kept outside. Although it takes a lot of patience to domesticate a Serval, they can be litterbox trained if kept indoors.

5. Squirrel Monkey

Common squirrel monkeys playing on a tree branch

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Size: 12.5 inches

Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Origin: Central and South America

Cost: $2,000-4,000

Bottom Line: Squirrel Monkey

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Squirrel monkeys are one of the coolest exotic pets to own, and one of the cutest unusual pets period, but they’re also one of the most ill-advised. They cost thousands of dollars, and keeping one is like having a fluffy toddler that never grows up — except toddlers can’t scale every shelf and break into the fridge when they need attention.

The squirrel monkey is fun and playful for those who can handle their acrobatic energy, but the 25-year commitment dissuades most from giving monkey-keeping a try.

That said, if you really want one, they’re legal in many states, including Washington State, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

One YouTuber recorded what life is like with a squirrel monkey if you’re curious.

4.Tamandua

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Size: 7-19 pounds, 2 feet long (including the tail)

Lifespan: 9-11 years

Origin: South America

Cost: $3,000-$8,000

Bottom Line: Tamandua

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If you think anteaters are cute, then you’ll love the tamandua, which is a medium-sized animal from the same species. Referred to as an “ant bear,” these lovable pets never bite (they don’t have teeth!) and have the temperament of a lazy house cat.

They enjoy snuggles and belly rubs and get along well with other pets. They require warm temperatures and a large, indoor kennel with den boxes and levels for climbing.

3. Domesticated Fox

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Size: 18-35 inches long

Lifespan: About 14 years

Origin: Widespread

Cost: $5,000+

Bottom Line: Domesticated Fox

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The domesticated silver fox is one unusual pet that we recommend appreciating from afar. Domesticating foxes is a relatively new endeavor, and the process is far from complete. They were selectively bred by a scientist in Russia, creating a line of tamer, more dog-like foxes.

They’re beautiful to look at and their huge personalities are delightful to watch, but not so delightful to deal with 24/7. If you think owning a dog is a lot of work, multiply that by factor of 10, and you might come close to the level of care a domesticated fox requires.

While they’re much more affectionate with humans than a fox found in the wild, they still have all of the energy of a wild animal. They need tons of space, they can’t be housebroken and taking care of them can easily become a full-time job.

With that in mind, they’re pretty stinkin’ cute.

2. Hyacinth Macaw

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Size: Up to 40 inches

Lifespan: 50 years

Origin: South America

Cost: $15,000+

Bottom Line: Hyacinth Macaw

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The brilliantly blue Hyacinth Macaw is the largest species of Macaw and one of the most coveted in the bird trade. They’re considered gentle giants that are easy to handle, affectionate and playful. They’re also very bright and demand attention, chewing on whatever they can reach. They can be loud at times, particularly if not given enough outlets for their boundless energy.

They’re wonderful pets for the experienced keeper, but only if you’re willing to make a 50-plus-year commitment. Parrots are known for their remarkable longevity, with some reaching age 60 and beyond.

If you’re up for the (considerable) challenge, have the space for a large enclosure and an extra several thousand dollars to spend on acquiring this rare bird, the Hyacinth Macaw might be a good choice.

For everyone else, you’d be better off getting a cute parakeet. They’re much smaller, much lower maintenance and infinitely cheaper.

1. Miniature Horse

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Size: 150-250 pounds

Lifespan: 25-35 years

Origin: Europe

Cost: Up to $200,000

Bottom Line: Miniature Horse

Small child in cowboy outfit with cute hairy pony on a lead

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What’s not to love about a majestic horse in miniature form? These elegant animals are extremely friendly, intelligent, docile creatures that are easy to train and will bond closely with their owners.

The miniature horse comes in all sorts of sizes — some are stocky like ponies, while others have slimmer bodies and long legs like the more refined breeds of horses. Ideally, they should be kept outdoors with enough acreage to run.