5 of the Shortest Living Pets

Pets make great additions to families. They keep people from being lonely and they help teach children to become more responsible. There are many different species of pets that families can choose from to add to their homes. There are mammals such as cats and dogs, reptiles such as snakes, fish, and amphibians such as toads and lastly there are birds. The lifespan of each species of animals differs greatly and this can play an important factor when it comes to choosing a pet. Pets that live for a short period of time cause much heartbreak especially to lonely individuals and young children. When looking for a pet to bring home it is best to be aware of which ones live the shortest and which ones live the longest. Below I have included some of the shortest living pets.

1. Gerbils and hamsters will make cute furry pets. They are relatively easy to care for and the cost to sustain them is pretty reasonable. These animals usually live for up to four years. Four years is not a very long lifespan when compared to other animals that can live up to 10 years. Gerbils and hamsters are considered rodents and rodents do not have a very long lifespan. These creatures do have the ability to make a good pet and can bond with their owner but they pack a painful bite when agitated.

2. Rats are pets that are not for everyone. Rats just like gerbils and hamsters are also considered rodents. Found in large cities they are also considered pests. Rats can make decent pets and are easy to take care of. Unfortunately, rats have a very short lifespan. They live up to three years. Since rats often hold similar color patterns it can be easy to replace them once one dies without anyone ever noticing. Caring for rats is pretty easy they just require decent bedding, food, playtime and water.

3. Betta fish also known as Siamese fighting fish come in a variety of dazzling colors. These fish are native to Asia but have made their way to pet stores in America where they are put up for sale at a very low price. They usually cost around three to four dollars. Siamese fighting fish can make great pets and will grow to have their own temperaments and will respond to their owners when they see them pass by their tank. The care for Siamese fighting fish is pretty easy. These fish are usually sold in very tiny containers and sold under the deception that a fish bowl or tiny four gallon tank will be sufficient for them. Siamese fighting fish should have at least a 10 gallon tank to swim around in and since they are tropical fish they need their temperature to be at a nice 70-80 degrees. Siamese fighting fish have a pretty short lifespan and live up to two to three years. Many betta fish owners complain that they have to replace one to two betas before getting a beta that survives for at least three years.

4. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are kept as pets by some individuals. They may make your skin crawl but some people find these bugs to be great companions. They may not be the prettiest of pets but they are easy to care for. A dark, moist 10 to 15 gallon tank is a good size for the cockroaches. They also need to be kept at a warm 76- 80 degrees temperature and they eat fruits and vegetables. They are also docile and easy to handle. Madagascar hissing cockroaches can live up to 5 years which is pretty long for a cockroach but the lifespan is pretty short when compared to other kinds of pets.

5. Ants (ant farm) are pretty common pets for children. Ant farms allow children to see how the ants go about their daily life working and keeping their colony in order. Ant farms are easy to care for. They like sweet foods and need to have access to water. Worker ants have a short lifespan and can live for 1-3 years but the queens can live up to 30 years. Male ants only live for a couple of weeks. Although some worker ants have a short lifespan the queen has millions of babies annually to keep the colony long lasting.