10 of the Cutest Pets Ranked
Whether you're looking for your next pet or just enjoy scrolling through photos of adorable animals, you might be curious about the all-time cutest pets. These 10 species made the list because they're all cute as a button. Some have big, round eyes, whereas others look like they're smiling, and several are so small they can fit in the palm of your hand. So if you're ready for some cuteness overload, go on ahead, but proceed with caution because these cute pets will absolutely melt your heart.
10. Hamster
If you've never had the pleasure of meeting a hamster, you're missing out. Rhese small pets are stinkin' cute. Dwarf hamsters don't get much bigger than 2 to 3 inches long, which adds to their adorable factor. Because they're natural foragers, hamsters will stuff their cheek pouches with food, then hide it for later. Check out the cheeks on this little guy.
9. Miniature Horse
Miniature versions of animals are automatically cute, and mini horses are no exception. These pint-sized equines have all the same features as traditional horses, just in a much smaller package. Some miniature horses are small enough to keep as pets indoors, though most owners keep them in a barn.
Mini horses can also be trained as service animals.
8. Hedgehog
With their sweet little noses and grunting sounds, hedgehogs are undoubtedly cute pets. Hedgies are fairly low maintenance, though they do have some special care requirements, like a warm environment, spacious cage, and proper handling. Despite their quills, hedgehogs are incredibly cuddly. Who wouldn't want to snuggle with this cutie?
7. Axolotl
Yes, you heard us right; the axolotl, sometimes called the Mexican walking fish, definitely made the list as one of the cutest pets around. This aquatic salamander has feathery gills and a cute little smile that could melt anyone's heart. The only downside to owning an axolotl is that you can't cuddle with them because they don't tolerate being out of the water, but you can admire their cuteness from afar.
6. Chinchilla
As far as pet rodents go, the chinchilla is definitely one of the cutest. These furry little critters have enormous ears, long whiskers and the tiniest hands. But the cutest thing about them is the way they bathe: chinchillas actually take dust baths. That's right; they roll around in volcanic ash as a way to cleanse their hair and skin. So cute!
5. Puppy
Dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, and we can't say we've met a puppy we didn't think was cute. Their floppy ears and big, round eyes simply tug at your heartstrings. Interestingly enough, experts believe domestic pups developed their classic "puppy-dog-eye" look over the last 33,000 years as a way to communicate with humans more effectively, and probably so we'll think they're cute. Well, it appears to have worked. Well done, canines. Well done.
4. Kitten
Even though they have razor blades (practically) attached to their toes, kittens are incredibly cute pets. Unlike puppies, which come in a wide range of sizes, kittens are generally around the same size. However, different breeds have unique characteristics. From folded ears to curled ears, squished faces to short legs, we think all kittens are downright cute. Don't you agree?
3. Rabbit
Bunnies are almost too cute for their own good. We especially love the Netherlands Dwarf rabbit because of their petite size and adorable ears. These cute rabbits top out at 3 pounds! And do you want to know something really cute about rabbits? When they're happy, they do this little playful hop, which is called a "binky." Adorable, right?!
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2. Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are a cute exotic pet species that aren't very widely known. These little marsupials glide like flying squirrels and have the most mesmerizing, wide eyes. As if these little guys couldn't get any sweeter, their diet consists of high levels of sugar, hence the name "sugar" glider. In addition to their unusual diet, sugar gliders can be difficult to keep as pets. Plus, if you want to get one of these cuties, you'll need to make sure they're legal to own in your area of residence.
1. Pygmy Pig
You can't look at a photo of a teacup pig without letting out an audible "Awww." Pet pigs are smart and kind, not to mention super cute. Sometimes called a micro pig or mini pig, the pygmy pig is just a name given to any pig that's smaller than the standard size. Unfortunately, that means some of these pets can reach between 50 and 100 pounds when fully grown. That's probably a lot more than most mini pig owners expect. Plan accordingly if you decide to bring one of these cute porkers home.
Cutest of All Time
That's it, the definitive list of the cutest pets of all time. It's certified and everything. All the experts agree. You probably found your favorite pet here, but if not, don't worry, there's always next year's rankings!