12 Pet Reptiles That Are Surprisingly Affectionate

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.

Closeup of a Bearded dragon
ekamelev/PixaBay

Reptiles are often seen as solitary creatures, but many of them possess surprisingly affectionate qualities that can make them endearing companions. Whether it’s a lizard that enjoys basking on your lap or a snake that curls up in your hands, these reptiles can form strong, loving bonds with their owners. If you’re looking for a pet that offers both unique charm and a surprising connection, these 12 reptiles might just be the perfect fit for you.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko Hungry
Andrey Tikhonovskiy/Unsplash

Leopard Geckos are some of the most docile reptiles you can have as pets. Unlike some species, they are nocturnal, which means they’re more active during the evening, making them perfect for owners who might have a busy daytime schedule. Their affectionate nature is especially noticeable when they feel safe and comfortable with their humans. They enjoy gentle handling and can even recognize their owners, often becoming curious when approached. With their cute, friendly demeanor, Leopard Geckos thrive on interaction and will happily accept petting sessions, making them excellent pets for first-time reptile owners.

Ball Python

BALL PYTHON
SILVIA/pixabay

If you’re considering a snake that is both low-maintenance and affectionate, the Ball Python is a fantastic choice. Known for their calm temperament, these snakes are less likely to bite than many other snake species. When they’re feeling relaxed, Ball Pythons will curl up in your hands or lap, making them surprisingly cuddly. Their laid-back attitude is ideal for those who want a pet that isn’t overly excitable but still enjoys quiet interaction. They thrive on regular handling, and their docility only improves over time, making them one of the most personable snakes available.

Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon
YamaBSM/Pixabay

Bearded Dragons are often called the “puppies of the reptile world” due to their exceptional ability to bond with their owners. These curious creatures are not only friendly but also social, seeking attention and enjoying interactions with their humans. A Bearded Dragon will often perch on your shoulder or lap, happily basking in your presence. They thrive on socialization, and with regular handling, they’ll learn to trust and enjoy the attention. Their calm, affectionate nature makes them a top choice for reptile enthusiasts seeking a reptile that is a bit more interactive than others.

Red-footed Tortoise

red-footed-tortoise
walcouyi/pexels

Red-footed Tortoises are not only known for their beautiful, distinctive shells but also for their surprisingly affectionate nature. Unlike some tortoises that are more solitary, Red-footed Tortoises enjoy socializing with their human companions. They are curious by nature and may follow their owners around, particularly if they sense food or a gentle hand for petting. Their docile and easygoing temperament makes them a pleasure to keep, especially for reptile enthusiasts looking for a gentle companion who doesn’t mind a little extra care and attention.

Russian Tortoise

Russian tortoise Testudo_horsfieldii;
Yuriy75 ,, CC BY-SA 3.0,/commons.wiki

Russian Tortoises are small, active, and surprisingly affectionate for their species. While they don’t typically enjoy being held like a cuddly mammal, they often become quite attached to their human caregivers. These tortoises tend to show affection in their own subtle way, like following their owners around their enclosures or coming out of their shells when spoken to. Their curiosity makes them interactive companions, and they thrive on routine and the engagement that their owners provide. With patience, these tortoises can form a strong bond with their keepers.

Blue-tongue Skink

blue-tongue skink
storme22k/pixabay

Blue-tongue Skinks are a friendly and easygoing species, perfect for anyone seeking a reptile with a more engaging and personable nature. Their docile temperament is one of the key reasons they’ve become popular among reptile enthusiasts. When handled gently, Blue-tongue Skinks will often sit calmly on their owners’ laps, basking in the warmth and attention. Their curiosity leads them to explore their surroundings, and they often interact with their caregivers by following them or seeking attention, which makes them a surprisingly affectionate choice among lizards.

Chameleon

Chameleon perched on a hand.
Nikolett Emmert/Pexels

Chameleons may not be known for their cuddling abilities, but they can still form quiet, unique bonds with their owners. While they prefer not to be held too often, they do enjoy the company of their human caretakers, especially when given time to settle into their environment. Chameleons are visually captivating and can be quite interactive in their own way, often responding to the presence of their owners by becoming more active or exhibiting their colors in interesting patterns. With the right care, a chameleon can bond with you in its own subtle, gentle way.

Sulcata Tortoise

A Sulcata Tortoise
Hans/PixaBay

Sulcata Tortoises are known for their calm and endearing personalities. These gentle giants can weigh over 100 pounds, but they are surprisingly affectionate and tend to be very social with their owners. They often recognize their caretakers and may follow them around the yard or approach them when they hear their voice. These tortoises do enjoy attention and can develop close bonds with their human families. With a proper environment and plenty of space to roam, Sulcata Tortoises make loyal companions that will delight in the companionship you offer.

Corn Snake

corn snake on hand
Karsten Paulick/Pixabay

Corn Snakes are renowned for their calm demeanor and their eagerness to interact with their owners. These snakes, while not overly cuddly, are highly curious and will actively explore the hands of those who handle them regularly. Unlike many other snakes, Corn Snakes are rarely aggressive, and their gentle nature makes them excellent pets for beginners. Over time, they’ll grow more accustomed to being handled and can even show signs of affection, like resting peacefully on their owner’s shoulders or wrists.

Uromastyx

A Uromastyx lizard basking on a rocky surface, its textured scales displaying a blend of yellow and brown hues, perfectly camouflaged against the earthy backdrop.
David K/Pexels

Uromastyx lizards may not be the first species that comes to mind when you think of affectionate reptiles, but their social and curious nature makes them surprisingly interactive. These lizards are known for their relatively calm and gentle disposition. Uromastyx are often friendly when given the opportunity to socialize with their owners, and they might even sit comfortably in your lap for extended periods of time, absorbing the warmth. Their intelligence and ability to recognize their keepers make them unique among lizards, forming a bond over time through consistent and gentle handling.

Milk Snake

milk snake
dmitry-kharitonov/pexels

Milk Snakes are often overshadowed by their more famous relatives like the Ball Python, but they have a surprising knack for forming bonds with their owners. They are calm by nature, and with regular handling, they become accustomed to human interaction. Milk Snakes are known for their inquisitive nature, often showing curiosity when approached. Their gentle demeanor and low-maintenance care requirements make them ideal for reptile enthusiasts who want an affectionate pet snake that’s also a bit of a hidden gem in the reptile world.

Leopard Tortoise

leopard tortoise
frans-van-heerden/pexels

Leopard Tortoises are naturally gentle and tolerant creatures that enjoy slow interactions with their owners. These tortoises are not known for being especially affectionate in the traditional sense, but they often form quiet bonds with their caretakers. They will recognize the people who feed and care for them, often seeking out their presence, especially during feeding time. Their calm, steady movements and gentle nature make them wonderful, low-key companions, perfect for anyone looking for a reptile that is both tranquil and subtly affectionate.

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