Knowing more about Rodents

Most of these incredible animals are small with robust bodies, short limbs and long tails. They use their sharp incisors to gnaw food, excavate burrows and defend themselves. Most of these animals eat seeds and vegetables, but some of them have more varied diet. They tend to be sociable animals; which makes them great candidates as pets.

About 40 % of all mammal species are rodents and also are the most diversified mammalian who lives in a variety of terrestrial habitats, including human-made environments. There are more than 2,000 species of rodents, grouped in 30 families and 418 genders; the most popular are mice, rats, guinea pig, hamsters, prairie dogs, capybaras, chipmunk, porcupines and beavers.

Some fascinating rodent’s facts are:

1. The little rodents have big appetites, despite their diminutive size; they can eat between 15 and 20 times a day. They like to eat frequently, and live extremely close to any food sources.

2. They are excellent gymnasts, for example, mice are great at jumping and climbing. In fact, a tiny mouse can jump as high as a foot in the air, allowing them to scale high.

3. Exceptional escape artists! A little ferret can squeeze through a narrow hole to get where he wants to go.

4. Rodent’s lifespans is very short, although hamsters can live between two or four years old in captivity, in the wild the chances are lower due to predators like owls and snakes.

5. Some of them can reproduce as young as 2 months of age and mate every three weeks. This means a single one can give birth to as many as 100 offspring in a year!

6. Some rodents like the capybara, are excellent swimmers; they can stand in the water for several hours.

Many of these animals are ideals as pets, they are playful, friendly, docile, and easy to take care of. However, they required attention and love another family member.

Persian Cat

            

The Persian is one of the most popular breeds of cats around the world. Their beauty has become an object of desire among children and adults. They are considered exotic, aristocratic, and so attractive that they could be part of any specialized cat exhibition.

The first Persian cat was taken from Persia to Italy around 1700. In the 19th century, the animal developed into the Persian cat we know today, as the result of the crossbreeding with the white Turkish Angora. The species arrived in North America around the 1800s. Although the name has become official around the world, this breed is known as “long haired” in the United Kingdom.

        

Their coats show different colors such as black, white, chocolate, red, and beige among others. Its diversity has originated around 80 different species. They have a strong bone structure. Because of their big eyes and small noses, it is said that they have a “doll face”.

Persian cats are also called sofa tigers, they love to lie down and sleep. Because of their nature, it strongly recommend not to let them out of the house and keep them in a safe place at home all the time. Their behavior is really kind. They love quiet environments, and also love to be admired; therefore, they always find a way to be the center of attention for everyone around.

These cats need human care and attention. However, they are very selective when choosing who they are going to spend time with; but once chosen they will be inseparable. Persian cats do not enjoy playing games for a long time; hence about 10 or 20 minutes of any activity is enough to entertain them. They like to play with balls and objects that make nice sounds.

        

Their coat is really light and may get knotted easily, so they need to be brush daily with a natural bristle brush, avoiding nylon. Also, they should be taken to the pet stylist every six weeks, to receive special care. Protecting their eyes is also very important; they should be cleaned properly on a daily basis, using a towel with warm water, or following vet recommendations.

Persian cats have a very fragile health. They may develop breathing, ophthalmologic and teeth diseases. They also tend to become obese and may get polycystic kidneys; therefore it is necessary to keep them under permanent diet control, especially if they are sterilized.

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Guinea pigs are a species of herbivorous rodent from the Andes region of South America.  They are known by different names, such as “cuy,” “cavy,” and, of course, “guinea pigs.”  These furry animals can live up to 7 years of age, weigh up to 3 pounds, and grow to be up to 20 to 25 centimeters.  As pets, they make excellent company for kids and adults.  They don’t bite, they use their voices to whistle, and some can learn tricks like running in a circle, sitting, or responding when spoken to.

Some important guidelines for their basic care include a big cage or habitat with proper ventilation, solid flooring, and a bed of hay at the base.  It is important to use hay instead of cedar or pine, as the oils from these trees can be harmful.  Also, guinea pigs sleep in caves, and therefore, it is necessary to build one or purchase from a pet store.  It is important to keep these little friends entertained, and therefore, plastic tubes in the habitat are essential for playing and hiding. 

Another fundamental aspect of guinea pig care is the diet.  The guinea pig’s diet should be high in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as hay.  It is important to assure they are getting enough vitamin C, as their bodies do not produce this naturally.  Chocolate, canned fruit, dried fruit, legumes, garlic, onion, celery, potato, avocado, iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, and curly parsley are among the foods that should be avoided completely.

Guinea pigs are very neat animals, they make excellent company, and they are low cost, as they can be purchased from pet stores or adopted from shelters.  If you are looking for a happy, playful pet who will not destroy your home, the guinea pig is the perfect pet for you.