9 of the Cutest Small Pets You'll Ever See

There's something about small pets that just brings out that "aww." From teeny faces to giant eyes that convey surprising understanding, tiny pets can be fantastic friends and deeply loved sidekicks for the right homes. Not all tiny pets are great in every home, though. Some may be especially shy, others need specialty care and many are extra fragile, so dig into some research and talk to a veterinarian or pet-adoption agency before jumping to add a tiny pet to your home. 

The dwarf hamster has a tiny body with little whiskers and beady eyes. They can fit in the palm of your hand with ease, and the way they stuff their cheeks with food is captivating. They love running on their wheels and exploring every nook and cranny of their habitat, which is why you see all those colorful tunnels attached to their cages.

With those expressive eyes peeking out from their scaly bodies, Water Dragons may convince you they're related to Toothless from How to Train a Dragon. Reptiles require speciality home and veterinary care, so (like any dragon) they may not be for the faint of heart!

While Maltese certainly get bigger than hamsters, they're tiny for anyone looking for a doggy companion! These cuddly pups are chock-full of character and charm. Their small stature means tiny bones, so a home with older, calmer kids can be safer.

Netherland dwarf rabbits are adorable and stay teeny. They're also known for being wonderfully playful. Their small size makes them especially fragile, so they're happiest and do best in adult-only homes.  

The colorful leopard gecko looks like they came from a cartoon. These little guys are the definition of cute! And let’s talk about their tails. Did you know they store fat in them and can even lose them if they feel threatened? If you're considering adding these guys to your home, make sure you find one that's bred in captivity. It's illegal to keep wild-caught Leopard Geckos as pets.

Gerbils are hard to resist with their soft, sleek fur and tiny button noses. Watching them go about their day can be super entertaining, especially when they're burrowing and traveling through the tunnels they created. And oh, when they stand on their hind legs to look around, it's the cutest thing ever.

These bunnies are sure to make your heart melt with their incredibly long, floppy ears and soulful eyes. Their long ears fall to the side of their faces, making them even cuter. They’re known for being gentle and laid-back, and most enjoy a good snuggle sesh. 

Known as one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, Singapura cats stay around half the size of most other cat breeds. The breed can be hard to find, but Singapura enthusiasts love them for their playful, intelligent antics. Their tiny size definitely doesn't slow these cats down!

Yes, this final one might cause some controversy, but anyone who's known and loved a domesticated rat will agree that these just must make the list. Not only are rats adorable and oh-so-cuddly, they make amazing starter pets and are ridiculously intelligent.

While it’s super tempting to bring home a tiny pet based solely on their adorable looks, there’s so much more to keep in mind. Each pet, whether it’s a bouncy bunny or a happy hamster, comes with their own set of needs, quirks, and personality. And even if you think they're literally the cutest thing alive, it's important that their needs and personality match your lifestyle.