- Which of these weirdoes would you like to snuggle with?
Few things are as relaxing and heartwarming as cuddling up with an affectionate animal friend. It’s scientifically proven that snuggling with your pet can lower your stress levels and improve your mental wellbeing.
But what if a cat or a dog isn’t enough for you? What if you crave extreme snuggles with a wilder, more exotic animal?
First of all, we should remind you not to try petting wild beasts — that won’t end well. However, there are some unusual critters that would genuinely love to cuddle up with you.
Here are seven strange animals that you can cuddle, and the safe ways to do so.
1. Rat
Rats are not the disease-carrying, plague-riddled things that popular media would have you believe. Even wild rats clean themselves meticulously, and there’s nothing to fear from pet rats — or fancy rats.
In fact, rats make for excellent pets. As we mentioned, they’re fastidiously clean (although their pee does stink quite a bit), they’re very intelligent, and — as social animals — they simply love to cuddle.
Once your pet rat bonds with you, it will quite likely seek you out for head rubs. There are personality differences, of course, but don’t be surprised if your rat sneaks under your shirt for some skin contact.
Pet rats are easy to find and affordable. That said, you should always get them in groups of two or three, they should be neutered, and all be the same sex. Otherwise, you might have to deal with aggression and an endless supply of baby rats.
2. Skunk
You might not want to cuddle up with the stink bomb that is a skunk. But the skunk just might want to cuddle you.
Wild skunks will not want anything to do with you, but captive skunks that have been raised from birth around people are surprising snuggle bugs. They’re smart, playful, and enjoy getting pets.
Now, you can legally own a skunk in some states, but we can’t recommend it. First of all, pet skunks have their scent glands (the source of the stink) removed, which is a questionable practice. Second, they can be very hyperactive and can ruin your house.
If you really feel the urge to hug a skunk, though, you can look for a petting zoo that has them.
3. Opossum
The opossum is another animal that most people wouldn’t think to cuddle with. They have a reputation for being aggressive pests, but that’s not who the opossum really is.
At heart, opossums are peaceful and endlessly curious animals. As such, they can be excellent cuddle buddies for animal lovers.
Once again, though, don’t try to keep one at home. Opossums’ curiosity, combined with their high energy, makes them extremely difficult to manage indoors.
Like with the skunks, go visit a petting zoo. Surprisingly many of them have opossums, letting you cuddle with an animal that has all its needs well cared for.
4. Budgie
Budgies are small parakeets, originally from Australia. These colorful small birds are common pets, and they simply love a good snuggle.
Parakeets are social birds that seek physical contact to form their social relationships. As such, your budgie will absolutely want to cuddle you — and the happy bird will reward you with a song.
However, you should be committed if you decide to get a budgie. They can live up to 20 years and form an extremely strong emotional attachment to their owners. And, although they’re small, budgies require lots of space for exercise and play.
If you’re ready for a long-term cuddle buddy, though, a budgie will deliver.
5. Bearded Dragon
Most people don’t think of cold-blooded reptiles and snuggle bugs — and most of them aren’t. Bearded dragons, however, stand out from the crowd.
These two-foot-long lizards are about as snuggly as a lizard can get. Unusual for reptiles, they’re known for showing affection toward their owners, and even rubbing their heads on people’s hands to ask for pets.
It’s a bit up in the air whether the dragon loves you or your body heat. But hey, you get cuddles anyway, so what’s the difference?
As a cherry on top of it all, bearded dragons are very low-maintenance as far as reptiles go. Sure, they need a spacious and clean terrarium, a safe heat source, and a steady supply of bugs and veggies, but it could be a lot worse.
6. Toucan
The long-beaked toucan is a cuddler to the core. They live in close-knit groups that huddle together for the night, so cuddling is quite literally built into their DNA.
People who own toucans sure have noticed that. If you have a toucan, it will absolutely want to come snuggle while you lie on the couch.
Toucans aren’t beginner-friendly birds, though (if they’re legal in your state in the first place). They’re extremely active, need a ton of space, and they’re ridiculously loud, which your neighbors may not appreciate.
But they are super cuddly.
7. Capybara
Ah, the capybara. These giant, mellow rodents have reached a legendary status on the internet as icons of tranquility and imperturbability.
As such, they don’t mind cuddling. Capybaras that have gotten used to people even love it (although their rough fur may not be the most comfortable to snuggle up against).
You can legally own a capybara in some states, but you probably shouldn’t. They’re high-maintenance animals that need plenty of space due to their large size.
So, petting zoos are once again your best bet to meet a capybara. There are even a couple of capybara cafes that offer a hot drink together with a capybara cuddle session.