Becoming a pet parent is no easy job as it requires you to make several changes to ensure the safety of your pet. If you think owning a cat or a dog is too big of a step, you should consider getting a Chinchillas. 

These exotic, furry little animals originated from the mountains of Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. But they are mostly bred as breeders or rescue teams and can be purchased from local pet stores. 

These small animals are fun, friendly, and can even be very social, however, you must understand all aspects of care and supplies required to provide a loving and good home for your chinchillas. So if you are bringing home your first Chinchilla, this basic guide will prepare you for your family-friendly pet. 

Now that you are thinking about adopting, in this article we will explore some of the reasons why chinchillas are great pets to have:

Great With Kids 

Chinchillas are loving and cuddly animals that any child would love having as their first pet. While they love the attention and affection received by their owners, they do not like being squeezed, moved around too quickly, or caged for too long. Very energetic kids must learn how to take care of their pets because chinchillas are very delicate animals that if squeezed or cuddled the wrong way can snap their thin bones. However, if your child understands the needs of their pet, chinchillas can be their best companion. 

They Have the Softest Fur 

Chinchillas are known to have the softest fur in the world as it has a dense luxurious feel. One of the reasons why they have the softest fur is because a single follicle can hold upto 80 strands of hair. Now you may wonder whether this amount of hair is good for owners especially those prone to allergies or whether their fur can be home to mites, fleas, and other insects. Well, their fur produces very little dandruff compared to other pet animals and has naturally impenetrable fur for insects, this means they are ideal pets for all types of owners. 

Low Maintenance Diet 

When it comes to nutrition and food, chinchillas are quite easy to take care of as they do not need complex foods. Chinchillas are herbivores with a very sensitive digestive system. This means that they require a lot of roughage, high-fiber, low sugar with a low-fat diet. Since their diet is sensitive and low maintenance it is important you keep track of the food they consume at a time as overeating can do more harm than any good. Make sure you give them good quality pellets with fresh grass as it will be essential for their health. Sweet treats and fruits must be very limited as they can cause serious digestive upsets if overboard. 

They Bathe Themselves 

When you think of baths we directly relate it to water, But when it comes to bathing a chinchilla they do not require water at all but in fact, they bathe in dust. Yes, you read it right, the reason why water is not good for them is that it will wash away all the natural oils present in their dense fur. The dust bath ensures that they maintain a silky smooth coat of fur that is easy to clean and maintain. The dust bath also helps in alleviating stress and keeping them in a more happy and friendly mood.

Very Affectionate 

Chinchillas are extremely affectionate so if your little pet likes you, they will show it in several ways. This also makes them a great choice for those looking for an emotional support animal. Even though they have the softest fur, they do not love to be cuddled all the time. When you get a chinchilla from a small age, you can easily tame them and build a close owner with them. An affectionate chinchilla will lock you, sit on your lap, nipple their owner, and so on. They even learn to recognize their favorite power through smell, sound, and sight. Keep in mind that chinchillas are essentially wild animals that too much of anything will avoid you. 

Conclusion 

These are just five reasons why Chinchillas are friendly, fun, and great pets. So if you are considering getting a pet for your child or even yourself, these small animals can be the best solution. Here are some tips that you can make your home cozy for yourself and your pet.