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💞 Most affectionate pets Top 10

If you want an animal that comes when called, enjoys handling and plays with you, choose for social bond. The most affectionate pets usually need the most of your time, too.

  1. 1
    Cockatiel
    A crested, orange-cheeked member of the cockatoo family from Australia. Gentle and cuddly, it whistles beautifully but sheds plenty of powder down and startles easily at night.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 3/5
  2. 2
    Fancy Rat
    The domesticated brown rat, bred for generations as a companion. Clever, affectionate and trainable, but short-lived and prone to respiratory disease and tumours.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 3/5
  3. 3
    Dog
    Humanity's oldest animal companion, loyal and deeply social. In return a dog asks for daily walks, consistent training and well over a decade of commitment.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 5/5
  4. 4
    Sun conure
    A medium parrot loved for its blazing yellow and orange plumage and cuddly personality. Its call is extremely loud, which matters a great deal in shared housing.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 4/5
  5. 5
    Ferret
    Curious, playful members of the weasel family that bond strongly with people. They need a high-protein meat diet, hours of play daily, and tolerance for a musky smell.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 4/5
  6. 6
    African grey parrot
    An African parrot famous for its intelligence and talking ability. Listed on CITES Appendix I since 2017, it requires proper paperwork and a commitment of several decades.
    Bond 5/5 · care time 5/5
  7. 7
    Blue-tongued skink
    A chunky lizard from Australia and New Guinea that flashes a bright blue tongue to startle predators. Calm, sturdy and omnivorous, it is a favourite first large lizard.
    Bond 4/5 · care time 2/5
  8. 8
    Budgerigar (Budgie)
    A small grassland parakeet from inland Australia and the world's most popular pet parrot. Cheerful, chatty and surprisingly capable of learning words.
    Bond 4/5 · care time 3/5
  9. 9
    Cat
    Independent yet quietly affectionate, cats suit indoor life well. They skip the walks but need a clean litter box, daily play and vertical space to climb.
    Bond 4/5 · care time 3/5
  10. 10
    Guinea Pig
    Gentle, chatty rodents from South America that rarely bite. They are herd animals best kept in pairs, and they need vitamin C from their diet every single day.
    Bond 4/5 · care time 2/5

Best pets for…

🌱 Best pets for first-time owners🏢 Best pets for people who live alone and work full-time🏠 Best pets for apartments💰 Cheapest pets to keep⏳ Longest-lived pets🗓️ Pets with a shorter commitment🧒 Best pets for families with kids🧹 Low-mess pets: little fur or smell🎓 Rewarding pets for experienced keepers