10 Reasons Why Squirrels Are Excellent Pets (And 5 Reasons They Belong In The Wild)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Red squirrel perched on a tree branch.
brigitteJ/Pixabay

Squirrels are adorable and nimble creatures, often seen darting through trees or foraging for food in our yards. While they are frequently viewed as wild animals, many wonder whether they could make good pets. These playful creatures have engaging personalities that can quickly win over anyone. However, owning a squirrel as a pet comes with unique challenges. Here, we’ll discuss the reasons why squirrels can make great pets, as well as the arguments for why they are better suited to life in the wild.

1. Playful And Entertaining Personalities

Squirrel climbing a tree trunk with a bushy tail.
Andhoj/Pixabay

Squirrels are naturally playful, offering endless entertainment with their curious and quick movements. Whether they’re climbing furniture or chasing toys, their antics are delightful to watch. Their small size allows them to zip around the house, surprising everyone with their playful behavior. Furthermore, squirrels can form strong bonds with their owners, making them highly social. They thrive on attention and enjoy playtime, strengthening their relationship with their human companions. With their engaging and energetic personalities, squirrels can quickly become lively and entertaining pets, filling your home with fun and excitement.

2. Low Maintenance Compared To Larger Pets

Squirrel perched on a tree branch.
Rajnish1979/Pixabay

Squirrels are much easier to care for than larger pets such as dogs or cats. They need less space and fewer resources, making them ideal for people living in smaller homes. Unlike dogs, which require regular walks, or cats, which need litter boxes, squirrels are more independent and simpler to manage. They need fresh water, food, and a secure cage with space for both horizontal and vertical climbing. Additionally, squirrels require little grooming, making them a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance pet while still enjoying the companionship of a furry friend.

3. Natural Cleanliness

Squirrel on a tree branch.
debannja/Pixabay

One significant benefit of having a squirrel as a pet is their natural cleanliness. Squirrels are instinctively tidy animals and regularly groom themselves, keeping their fur neat and clean. As a result, they don’t require frequent baths like some other pets that tend to get dirty quickly. Their grooming habits also extend to their living spaces, as squirrels typically maintain a relatively clean environment. While you’ll still need to clean their cage, squirrels don’t tend to make the messes that some other pets do, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a cleaner, lower-maintenance companion.

4. Intelligent And Trainable

Chipmunk squirrel holding its paws, sitting near metal rods.
pranavsinh232/Pixabay

Squirrels may surprise you with their intelligence. Their sharp minds and curiosity make them receptive to learning new things, such as responding to sounds or identifying their names. With patience and consistency, squirrels can be trained to perform simple tricks like jumping onto your hand or fetching food. However, their training process requires time and understanding of their behavior. While they aren’t as easily trainable as dogs, squirrels’ cleverness leads to fun, rewarding interactions that deepen the bond between you and your pet. Their playful intelligence makes them unique companions for dedicated owners.

5. Unique And Aesthetic Appeal

Close-up of a squirrel with a curious expression.
akspiel/Pixabay

Squirrels are undeniably cute, with fluffy tails and perky ears that add a unique charm to any home. Their smooth, graceful movements and adorable faces are captivating to watch. Having a squirrel as a pet brings a special kind of beauty to your living space, setting them apart from more common pets like dogs and cats. Their quirky behaviors spark interesting conversations with guests, as squirrels’ fascinating antics are often a topic of wonder. With their delightful appearance and charming personalities, squirrels offer both aesthetic appeal and entertainment for any home.

6. Low Risk Of Aggression

Squirrel standing amidst green grass.
JoeBreuer/Pixabay

Squirrels are generally friendly and less aggressive compared to many other small pets, although all animals can exhibit aggression when stressed. Squirrels tend to avoid biting or attacking unless they feel threatened or frightened. By treating them gently and providing proper socialization, squirrels can form strong bonds with their owners, thriving in calm, stable environments. When raised from a young age, they are less likely to display defensive behaviors, making them affectionate companions. With the right care and understanding, squirrels can grow into friendly and non-aggressive pets, perfect for families or individuals seeking a gentle animal.

7. Bonding And Affectionate Behavior

A close-up of a squirrel touching a nose.
Pixabay/Pexels

Squirrels are capable of forming deep bonds with their owners, particularly if raised by hand from a young age. They are affectionate and often seek attention by climbing into their owner’s lap or cuddling close for warmth. As the relationship strengthens, squirrels grow more attuned to their owners’ emotions, responding with empathy and affection. Their ability to understand human moods adds a unique depth to their connection with their owners. Squirrels’ affectionate and intelligent nature makes them special companions, creating a rewarding bond for those willing to invest time and care into their relationship.

8. Low Risk Of Allergies

Indian palm squirrel perched on a tree branch.
RonaK PitambeR ChoudharY/Pexels

For individuals with allergies to more common pets like dogs or cats, squirrels can be an ideal alternative. While some people may experience mild allergic reactions to squirrel dander, squirrels typically produce fewer allergens than larger animals. Their small size also lowers the likelihood of exposure to allergens, making them a better choice for those prone to allergies. However, it’s important to remember that every person’s allergies vary, so it’s wise to test for potential reactions before adopting a squirrel. For many people, squirrels offer a pet ownership experience without the common allergy issues of dogs or cats.

9. Low Cost Of Veterinary Care

Squirrels with vet
wildcarebayarea/Instagram

Squirrels are generally healthier than many other pets, resulting in lower veterinary costs. Unlike dogs and cats, which may face chronic health issues like joint problems or obesity, squirrels tend to experience fewer health concerns. Due to their small size, treating minor issues is usually less expensive. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet help keep squirrels healthy, but they generally require fewer medical interventions compared to larger animals. The absence of frequent, costly health problems makes squirrels a more affordable pet option for those looking to avoid high veterinary bills that often accompany traditional pets.

10. Good For Small Homes Or Apartments

Red squirrel perched on a wooden platform near a tree.
cottonbro studio/Pexels

Squirrels are an excellent choice for people living in small spaces, such as apartments. Unlike larger pets like dogs or cats, which require yards or larger areas to play, squirrels can thrive in smaller enclosures as long as they have space for climbing, jumping, and exploring. With the right setup, squirrels can be content in confined spaces. A secure cage with both vertical and horizontal climbing areas is all they need to stay active and entertained. For apartment dwellers or people with limited space, squirrels make an ideal pet that doesn’t require large outdoor areas to be happy.

11. Lack Of Socialization With Other Squirrels

Two squirrels interacting affectionately on a tree branch.
Boys in Bristol Photography/Pexels

While squirrels may form bonds with humans, they are ultimately wild animals. In the wild, squirrels interact with other squirrels, which helps them develop necessary social skills. Keeping a squirrel alone in captivity can lead to loneliness and stress, as they lack essential social interactions with their own species. Without the company of other squirrels, these animals may not feel as happy or comfortable in a home environment. This absence of socialization with their peers highlights why squirrels are better suited to the wild, where they can thrive and interact naturally with others of their kind.

12. Squirrels Have Complex Diets

Squirrel nibbling on food
Sophkins/Pixabay

Squirrels have complex diets that consist of a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Replicating this diet in captivity can be challenging and costly. While squirrels can adapt to pet food, it’s hard to accurately mimic their natural diet. Feeding them the wrong foods can cause health issues, such as malnutrition or digestive problems. Additionally, creating a balanced diet for a squirrel takes effort and planning. In the wild, squirrels have access to a wide variety of natural foods that they need to thrive, which is why they do best in their natural habitats where food is readily available.

13. High Energy And Need For Constant Stimulation

Young red squirrel lying on a branch
Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

Squirrels are high-energy animals that need constant stimulation to remain happy and healthy. In the wild, they are constantly climbing, jumping, and foraging. However, providing the right amount of physical and mental stimulation in a home environment can be difficult. Bored squirrels may engage in destructive behavior or suffer from stress, leading to health problems. Meeting their energetic needs requires considerable effort and planning, as they need more than just basic care. This constant demand for mental and physical stimulation makes squirrels better suited to the wild, where they can roam freely and engage in natural activities without limitations.

14. Risk Of Disease Transmission

Baby red squirrel
Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

As wild animals, squirrels can carry diseases and parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which could be transmitted to humans or other pets. Although domesticated squirrels may have fewer exposure risks, they are still susceptible to illnesses that can harm them or others. Squirrels may carry diseases like leptospirosis or salmonella, so maintaining a clean environment is crucial. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and proper hygiene can help minimize these risks. However, keeping a squirrel in a home environment increases the likelihood of potential disease outbreaks, which is why squirrels are better left in their natural habitats, where risks are lower.

15. Legal And Ethical Considerations

Squirrel on a tree trunk with a curious look.
GeorgeB2/Pixabay

In many areas, keeping squirrels as pets is either illegal or heavily regulated. Local laws may prohibit the capture or confinement of wild animals due to ethical or environmental concerns. In some regions, owning a squirrel requires a special permit, and failing to comply with these laws can result in legal trouble. Moreover, removing squirrels from their natural environments can disrupt their role in the ecosystem. Before adopting a squirrel, it’s essential to research local regulations and consider the ethical implications of taking a wild animal into captivity, ensuring the welfare of both the squirrel and the ecosystem.

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