10 Best Pets to Cuddle on those Cold Nights!!

We all crave affection, and it is even better if it comes from your furry little friend.

Owning a pet comes with a myriad of perks as they help with :

• Mental health
• Anxiety
• Stress Relieve
• Serotonin levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced risk of heart attack

While all pets are equally worthy of getting your affection, some pets are known to be naturally more affectionate than others due to the characteristics nature has given them 🙂

According to Blair Justice, in his book Who gets sick, physical interactions with our companions spontaneously activate a variety of brain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and prolactin (known to increase mood). It comes as no great surprise that people actually prefer pets that love to be affectionate and cuddle.

In this piece, we will suggest the best pets you can get for yourself and your loved ones to cuddle 🙂

1. Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are quite a gratifying pet, and if you can earn their trust, you’ll be lavished with affection and cuddles in no time. They tend to be calm and docile and often quiet. You wouldn’t know a rodent could be so cute and cuddly, right? 🙂

They have tiny arms, a wide forehead and eyes, and relatively small ears. The soles of the feet are hairless, and the nails are small and sharp. The forefeet have four toes, while the rear feet have three. Guinea Pigs usually weigh around 1-3 pounds if healthy, with an average lifespan of 5 years and sometimes increasing to seven.

The Guinea Pig Diet

They rely on vegetables and wet food. If their meals have sufficient moisture content, they do not require much water to drink. Moreover, Guinea pigs are one of the few species (along with humans) that cannot produce vitamin C on their own and must acquire it through their diet. It’s vital to eat a high-quality diet and provide a variety of fresh foods and dietary fibre, and be aware of the vitamin C content in this diet. Some good food for vitamin C boosting are kale, spinach and broccoli.

Tips

• They need time to be out of their cage every day.
• Regular grooming is a must for long hair breeds, while short hair one’s need grooming once a week.
• Since they are social creatures, it will be better if you get a pair instead of just one.
• Guinea Pigs are not ideal for young kids, as they require gentle touch and tender upkeep. They easily get startled when not handled properly.
• You might need various additional equipment such as a cage, bedding material, toys, food pellets, Hay, etc.
• Visit a pet store nearby and make sure you are not allergic before getting your pet.
• It is also worth noting that the male counterparts tend to be more difficult to domesticate as compared to females.

2. English Toy Spaniel

A merry personality, cuddly nature, and adorable appearance got this dog on our list. Originating from Japan, these dogs are one of the best breeds if you need a cuddly pet. Whether looking for a pet for a child or a senior citizen, the English Toy Spaniel should be high on your list. Owners reported that they are calm animals to keep and often have a fun and quirky personality.

Weighing in around 8-10 pounds and about 10 inches tall, they have a small nose with a high raised head and relatively small ears. They can be seen in colors like black, white, and tan(being the most popular).

English Toy Spaniel Diet

As these dogs are not physically active, you should avoid overfeeding them. The general rule of thumb should be to feed them at regular intervals with small meals using a weight scale. They do well with common dog food. If your dog shows intolerance to a particular item, report this to the vet immediately.

Tips

• They are hard to find and are quite pricey, so you should keep your pet store informed early if you want to get your hands on one.
• Due to their short face, they often suffer from neurological and eye problems. Hence, extra care is required.
• Due to their heavy coat, they shed hair very often. As a result, they need frequent brushing and combing.

3. Syrian Hamster

They are the most common variety of hamsters and are also known as golden hamsters. Usually seen in the color gold, you might also be able to get them in other colors due to selective breeding. Syrian hamsters can become wonderful pets because of their unique temperament and eccentric habits, and they are easy to care for once you understand their requirements.

Syrian Hamster Diet

Syrian hamster’s have big teeth, so they continuously need to gnaw in order to keep them sharp. Therefore, dog biscuits are ideal for filling their belly and keeping their teeth trimmed. Hamsters also have a habit of accumulating food in their nests and in their cheek pouches, so make sure you do not give them too much; otherwise, they will store it, and it will rot. Some recommended foods for hamsters are pre-made hamster food mixes, slices of small fruit and green vegetables.

Tips

• They like to be solitary and may fight among themselves if you keep more than one.
• They are short-sighted, so you should keep an eye on them when letting them out of their cage.
• Make sure to buy toys such as an exercise wheel for them to play and stay healthy.
• They are nocturnal, so they tend to play around the house during the nights if not kept in a cage.

4. Siamese Cat

They have been featured in films like The aristocrats and The Lady and the Tramp and are famous for their remarkable looks. They have blue or silver-gray eye tones. Coming in various coats like orange, lilac, cream, brown, etc., there’s much more to these cats than their good looks. If you intend to give one of these felines a new home, playtime is also a necessity, so stay stocked up on toys that will allow you to entertain your kitty. To say they are playful little things would be an under-statement, making them perfect if you are looking for an affectionate and cuddly pet!

Siamaese Cat Diet

Since they have a triangular head, these cats are vulnerable to swallowing and choking on big food items. You should feed them dry food, as it helps in keeping the teeth clean and also avoids any plaque-related infections. Their diets need to be rich in protein and OMEGA 6 as they are carnivores.

Tips

• Most Siamese cats are born white and start developing pigments on their body as they grow up, so do not worry about color changes through time.
• Their food must contain Taurine as they are prone to eye problems.
• Make sure to get your cat neutered.
• These cats tend to be very vocal, so when it meows, make sure you check if it needs something and acknowledge it.
• Due to their small frame, these cats easily get obese. Encourage them to play by buying small toys and keeping them around the house.

5. Holland Lop Rabbits

This breed was found by mankind through selective reproduction in the early 1950s. They typically weigh around 4-5lbs and usually rest on their hind legs like cats. While their resilient body and fuzzy round heads were quite enough to make these little bunnies adorable, their floppy ears make this breed lovable and cute. The most prominent characteristic of the Holland Lop is, without a doubt, its large fur-covered ears on each side of the head. The ears are smooth and well furrowed and form a spoon-like shape.

Holland Lop Diet

Starchy vegetables such as fresh fruits and carrot roots are easy for their stomach to digest. You should avoid giving them any human food, corn, and grains. Try to stick to grass-based derivatives, leafy vegetables, and packaged bunny food.

They also need some fiber every day. This can be found in hay and is also the primary diet for this animal. Avoid giving any wet or spoiled hay.

Tips

• Take your rabbit to the vet regularly for tooth trimming.
• Be sure to neuter it when it’s six months old.
• They get scared easily by loud music, so avoid taking them to loud areas.
• Make sure to buy a big cage and provide plenty of space for them so that they can hop around.

6. Ferrets

They have been domesticated for 2000 years. They are intelligent, quick to learn tricks, and highly social. Being quick-paced, they require lots of care and responsiveness. Their typical lifespan is 5-7 years.

Ferrets like to nap and sometimes even sleep up to 20 hours a day. They are cute and cuddly in nature (in my opinion anyway!!).

Ferret Diet

They can be fed raw meat as they are carnivores. Their diet should contain up to 35% protein and 15% fat. Common foods include:-

Chicken wings

Lamb

Cat food

Animal bones for calcium

Tips

• Since ferrets eat rodents, many people attempt to catch them themselves and feed their pets. This should be avoided as stray rodents could have parasites. Make sure to buy them from a reputable dealer.
• They have a rapid metabolism and hence require water often else they may suffer from dehydration.
• Adrenal Gland disease is highly common in ferrets. Keep an eye on symptoms such as hair loss, itchiness, or aggression.
• Provide appropriate toys for them to chew and keep their teeth sharp. If a ferret gets a diseased tooth, the only viable option is to remove it.
• Various stores sell ferrets without vaccination due to high demand. Make sure to check with your store and ask for all the necessary documents before purchase.

7. Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever is one of the most common dog breeds which is seen all over the world. The breed is well known for being sweet and tolerant. Their temperament makes them excellent family pets. Golden Retrievers are skilled at swimming, tracking, sniffing out contraband for law enforcement, and acting as therapy and service dogs. They’re also natural athletes who compete in canine sports like agility and obedience competitions.

Golden Retriever Diet

It’s best to select a large-breed dog food designed for your golden retriever’s life stage to ensure that his specific nutritional requirements are met.

Other aspects to look for in a healthy golden retriever food include:

-Food made from natural ingredients without any artificial flavors and preservatives.

-Food rich in protein such as meat, fish, etc…

-Controlled Amount of calcium and phosphorus in the diet.

Tips

• Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs that need 40-60 minutes of intense daily exercise.
• Golden Retrievers are rambunctious, big dogs who can unintentionally knock over a small child, despite their gentleness and trustworthiness with children.
• Goldens are voracious eaters and can easily gain weight if overfed. Instead of leaving food out all the time, limit its treats, measure out your dog’s everyday kibble, and serve him in regular meals.

8. Pomeranian

These Foxy-faced small creatures are compact, active, and capable of being a friendly family companion. Poms might seem tiny, but they aren’t always timid and may pose a threat to bigger breeds. Although they make excellent apartment pets, they can be disruptive, which your neighbours might not appreciate. But you’ll have a loving, cute furry family friend if you give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime, keep them out of the heat, and give them plenty of love and attention.  

Pomeranian Diet

Dry dog food of good quality is recommended for Pomeranians. Pomeranians’ favorite raw food options include:

-Organ meats such as livers and kidneys

-Lean meats such as chicken and fish

-Starches such as rice and pasta

-Vegetables such as baby carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and spinach.

Protein can account for at least 40% of your Pomeranian’s daily calories.

Tips

• Strangers make Pomeranians suspicious, which can make them bark a lot.
• Pomeranians are a lure for dognappers because they are tiny and attractive, which is why you should never leave them outside unattended, even in a gated area.
• Pomeranians, despite their small size, don’t seem to be aware if this and may have a large dog attitude. This can be catastrophic if they try to run down a larger dog that they feel is threatening their turf or if they leap from a high vantage point. Keep your Pomeranian on a leash around bigger dogs just to be safe.

9. Newfoundland

As the name suggests, the Newfoundland dogs are from Newfoundland, Canada. They are strong and big-sized dogs. They are traditionally known as working dogs as they are strong and brave enough to pull nets for fishermen and to haul wood (back in the day). They are hardworking and capable of working on both land and water. Along with being great swimmers and a generally strong species, Newfoundland Dogs are sweet-natured and friendly. They make a great family pet and offer companionship. Just look at that big, shaggy coat 🙂

Newfoundland Diet

Slow and steady growth is essential for Newfoundland dogs. Feeding your dog twice with good quality food with 22-24 percent protein and 12-15 percent of good fat will keep him healthy and in tip top shape.

Recommended Amount- 4-5 cups of dry food to be divided into two parts and given at two different times in the day.

Tips

• Newfoundland Dogs grow big with time. They are not counted among your basic one-bedroom apartment pets. These dogs require a large space to live in as they are hairy and furry with large bodies.
• Though they can adapt to life in warmer climates, Newfoundlands thrive in cool climates. When it’s especially hot, take him near air conditioning or fans to prevent heatstroke.
• They have a good work ethic and need physical and mental stimulation.
• Their working abilities are best demonstrated by continuing training and dog sports.

10. Raccoon

Raccoons are very quick, stubborn animals and often have a very high maintenance level. They can figure out ways through animal crates and kennels because of their intellect. Your house must be raccoon-proof before getting one. Many people who raise raccoons as pet animals say that they should be adopted at an early age to bond better. Having said all of that, just look how adorable they are 🙂

Raccoon Diet

Raccoons are omnivores; they love to eat meat as well as plants. You should keep a dish of clean water around your pet at all times. It is advised to feed them twice a day. Common foods include :

Egg

Fruit

Vegetables

Poultry

Tips

• They are susceptible to skin infections. Make sure you lookout for early signs such as flaking or itching.
• Owning a raccoon is illegal in some areas, regardless of the fact that you have got it from a trusted seller. Kindly check the regulations in your area before getting one.

VERDICT

Taking care of a pet is a major responsibility, but when you consider the benefits of keeping a pet, you realise that it’s worth it.

Pets manage to put so much joy into our lives with almost no effort. They make us laugh, make us feel better when we’re sick or angry, and are always there for us.

Having a pet at home offers a calming experience. It not only makes you happy, but it also helps you avoid tension and stress. Getting a pet has many health benefits as well. They will broaden your opportunities to exercise, socialise, and get outside. Running or playing with pets on a regular basis will help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Companionship from pets will help us cope with isolation and depression.

However, not everyone recognizes the human-animal connection or even knows how much pets support their owners.

With all that said, if you want a pet to cuddle on a Winter night, I hope we helped give you some ideas 🙂