Meerkat as a pet

Many people knowing the meerkat wonder if it is possible that this is a pet at a time which is a wild animal.The truth is that the meerkats are small carnivorous mammals that live in semi-desert areas that surround the deserts of Kalahari and Namibia.

They belong to the same family as mongooses , the Herpestidae and live in very socialized colonies of several individuals, which highlights that they like to live in community.

Since they are not a mammal in danger of extinction, people wonder? Can I have a meerkat as a pet? Animals and Pets Online goes on to answer these questions in this article of the meerkat as a pet .

Domestic meerkats

The truth is that meerkats because of their sociable character can be adopted as domestic animals, but that if, under strict and particular conditions.

Since they live in colonies, they should never be adopted a single meerkat: at least it is necessary to adopt a couple of them.If a solitary specimen is adopted, although at first it can be affectionate while young, when it grows it will become aggressive and can become somewhat aggressive offering Very painful bites.

They are very territorial animals, and if another small mammal of the same species is introduced later in the home, it is very possible that they fight and become serious aggressions.

Conditioning of the place for meerkats

Meerkats are very sensitive to low temperatures and humidity since they come from pre-desert climates and do not withstand either cold or excessive humidity.Meerkats can only live comfortably with people who own a garden and with a large extension.In addition, the perimeter with metal mesh should be fenced.A dryland habitat will be more suitable than another more humid.

It is a brutality Unacceptable to permanently enclose a meerkat in a cage: do not ever consider having it as a pet if the intention is to permanently enclose it.People who consider adopting this unique animal must do so for the love of animals and to allow them to live freely enjoying its natural behavior.

Another thing is to locate a large cage or covered shed in the garden, with the door permanently open so that can enter and leave at will and convert it e n your den.In your private residence you should put food and water, and add shavings or sand on the ground so that the meerkat sleeps at night.

If we have resources we can even create a nest or cave It seems natural for animals to feel really comfortable in their new habitat.

Meerkat customs

Meerkats love to take long sunbathing.They are very active beings that drill underground galleries , therefore there is always the possibility that they can escape under the fence.

If someone would consider having one of these mammals loose on their floor, be aware that it will be like having a crazed demolition team in their home, it is a terrible thing and distressing for the animal that should not be done in any case.The damage caused to the furniture caused by the cats with their facinerous unitas, will be nothing compared to the total destruction that enclosed meerkats can cause.

As we have said, it is an animal that should be adopted only in certain situations, if we have a suitable habitat and if we think before about their personal benefit than ours, we should not be selfish and adopt an animal that we will not be able to properly care for.

Feeding of domestic meerkats

80% of the food of the meerkats can be the highest quality food intended for cats.It is necessary to combine dry feed with moist.

Another 10% must be fresh fruits and vegetables: tomato, apple, pear, lettuce, green beans and zucchini.The remaining 10% of their food must be live insects, mice, eggs and chicks for 1 day.

Citrus should not be provided .

They also need fresh water each day served in two types of container: the first one will be a drinking fountain or saucepan as usual for cats.The second will be a bottle-type device, like the one used for rabbits.

Meerkats in the vet

Meerkats need to be given the rabies and distemper vaccine, similar to ferrets.If the exotic veterinarian considers it convenient, later we will indicate if it is necessary to administer any More vaccine.

We also stand out as responsible owners of the animal's life that it is essential to introduce the chip just like ferrets .

The half-life in Meerkat captivity ranges from 7-15 years, depending on the treatment we give to these small and beautiful mammals.

Interaction with other animals

Really speculating about relationships is a lottery .We've already commented that these mammals are tremendously territorial, so they can get along with our dogs and cats, or they can take kill.If the dog or cat is at home before the arrival of our meerkats, coexistence between both species will be more viable.

Meerkats are very active and playful, if they get along with the others pets you can enjoy very funny moments watching them in their games.However, if they get along badly: remember that it is like a little mongoose, which means that it is not afraid of anything and will not be faced with a mastiff or any other dog for great that this be.In the wild they face venomous snakes and scorpions, winning most of the time.

Human interaction

It is essential that you adopt this beautiful animal from approved farms, shelters or care centers for animals from circuses or zoos.It is basic to say that never adopt wild meerkats , they would suffer a lot (being able to die) and that you would never be able to tame them and get their affection.

Having said that, always choose if you can very young specimens that better adapt to you and yours other pets.

If you do it well and its habitat is suitable, they are very playful and affectionate animals that want to play with you, or that scratch your belly until you fall asleep in your arms.that they are diurnal animals means that they will not be disturbed at night, just like other pets in twilight habits.

One final tip is that all people who wish to adopt a meerkat should be well informed and provide for their new family member the attention On what it deserves and requires.We must not be selfish and want to have a beautiful animal to enclose or make a tragic life with us.

If you want to read more articles similar to The Meerkat as a pet , we recommend that you enter our section What do you need to know.

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