Ever wonder if meerkats would make good pets after you’ve seen an online video of one? Similar experiences have been made by many others. People keep buying meerkats despite the fact that they aren’t very good houseguests.
We do not recommend meerkats be kept as pets. We will be discussing the details of meerkats and the legality of owning them. Also, we will explain why they are not as well suited for life in captivity as domestic cats or dogs.
What are Meerkats?
Meerkats, small mammals that live in the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa, are a species of meerkat. Meerkats can be found in a variety of colors, including brown, gray, and yellow. Meerkats are well-known for standing on their hind legs to look out for prey. Meerkats are social animals that rely on each other for survival. They live underground in groups of 40 in underground burrows.
Why are Meerkats So Popular?
Popular culture has seen Meerkats gain popularity, most notably through the Lion King and Meerkat Manor. It is easy to find photos and videos of meerkats as pets, thanks to the internet. Jack and Mila, two pet meerkats that live in the United Kingdom, are an example. Their YouTube channel allows people around the globe to watch their interactions and videos of them. Although their owners discourage meerkat owners from purchasing them on their websites, their content is still inspiring for meerkat owners.
Meerkats are adorable animals. There’s nothing better than having a meerkat in your home.
Legalities for Keeping a Pet Meerkat
One, meerkats are illegal to keep in the United States. If you’re an American, you cannot adopt these animals unless you have a sanctuary or zoo permit. This is not true everywhere. It is legal to keep meerkats within the United Kingdom and some parts of Japan.
You should remember that even though meerkat ownership may be legal in your area, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy one. One thing is for sure, meerkats will be happier in the wild than they are in captivity. We don’t recommend keeping exotic animals like meerkats as pets.
There are many reasons meerkats don’t make good pets, beyond the legal restrictions. These reasons will be discussed in the next section.
Why Meerkats Are Not Good Pets
You should first know that meerkats are social animals. They live in groups of approximately 40 wild meerkats. You might think that they lose their social circle when they are sold to be euthanized as individuals or in pairs for a home. While humans can offer some social interaction to meerkats, they cannot provide the constant companionship that meerkats crave. Let’s face the facts, most homes are not able to house multiple meerkats. Meerkats that feel isolated socially can develop stress and self-destructive behavior.
Another problem is that meerkats cannot be domesticated. They are wild animals and will behave like such. It is very difficult, if possible, to housetrain them. Wild meerkats are known for digging in order to find food and creating burrows. It is possible that your pet meerkat will cause damage to your floors and other areas of your home. The meerkats are social animals and will be wary of any other members of their group. Even though they get used to you eventually, meerkats can be aggressive toward strangers and may even attack people.
A meerkat’s home can be a restriction. Meerkats can travel many miles per day in the wild. Even if your meerkat is allowed to roam freely in the house, it won’t be able to explore or access a landscape that looks even remotely similar to its natural habitat.
Last Thoughts
Meerkats can be cute but not very well-suited to being pets. A meerkat in captivity is not able to live a rich and fulfilling life. You can still enjoy meerkats at zoos if they have the right habitat.
Do meerkats have feelings towards humans?
Meerkats are not sociable pets to strangers; they treat us and others living in the home as part of their pack, much like they do in the wild, which is why they will never be human-friendly.
Meerkats are they intelligent?
Meerkats are known for their social intelligence, which may explain why they recognize that every individual has the ability to be an excellent watch rather than naively putting their reliance on a dominating group member. More on these subjects: animal intelligence, and animal behavior.
What are meerkats frightened of?
Meerkats are aware that birds of prey, along with snakes, are among their most dangerous predators. Young meerkats are so terrified of birds that they will dive for safety if they encounter an aircraft.
What makes meerkats cuddle?
Meerkats are native to desert habitats in southern Africa when day temperatures are high and evening temperatures drop significantly, Meerkats are native to desert environments in southern Africa, Meerkats are native to desert environments in southern Africa.
Do meerkats use alcohol?
These adorable creatures inhabit wide deserts and savannas where water is often limited. They will relieve their hunger by drinking from rivers or springs when they can locate them.
Which exotic pet is the best?
If you want an odd and exotic pet that is also quite cute, you can’t go wrong with the fennec fox. This salamander is becoming increasingly popular.
What is the cleanest pet you can have?
Budgies are an excellent pet option since they are incredibly easy to care for. The advantage of owning a hamster is that they are really easy to care for.
Are meerkats friendly?
Meerkats are not soft and compassionate. According to research, they are cruel, merciless, and, at times, murderous. Research has now completely documented what occurs when meerkats fight. The repercussions for anyone who has bought into the fluffy meerkat myth, which supports a large merchandise sector, are not nice.