People in India rarely think beyond dogs as pets. Partly the reason for this is the easy availability, as well as the loyalty associated with these animals.
Cats are considered animals that bring bad luck in India and are therefore not among the most popular pets. Among the other pets we commonly get to see, the rabbit is the most common.
The fact that rabbits breed rather fast is often a factor that dissuades owners from keeping them. Add to this the fact that rabbit cages need frequent cleaning, which also proves detrimental to their finding acceptance in homes. But apart from these few drawbacks, rabbits can be charming pets.
Rabbits have been kept as pets from as early as the 12th century (of course, at that time they were primarily meant to be a meat source). Of late, they have been bred specifically as house pets. The reason I feel that rabbits will slowly gain acceptance is that they are attractive and hardly need any looking after. They are rather healthy with few ailments. If proper hygiene is maintained, then they can live up to 6 to 7 years.
In my college days, he guinea pig fascinated me a lot. Unlike its cousin, the hamster that was notorious, the guinea pig was a pleasure to handle. We had a class in management of laboratory animals, and the silver lining to this rather dull lecture was the time we got to handle the guinea pigs.
These gentle creatures, also known as the cav, come in a variety of coat colors. They are easy to tame and control. Their short legs prevent any fast movement, a nd they rarely jump. They use their front paws to feed as well as to groom themselves. These animals need lots of space to exercise. They prefer cooler climates and are easy to maintain. They are herbivorous in captivity. Fresh vegetables and pellets, along with lots of water, are adequate to feed them.
For those people who want to keep a pet and yet have low monthly bills with regard to food and other expenses, the guinea pig is a good option.
Birds also form a sizeable proportion of pets. In Del, the majority are parrots. Some people also keep turtles, but to maintain them in a house, one would need permission from the Wildlife authorities.
It is often surprising to see that in the West, the list of pets ranges from spiders, snakes, and pigs to exotic reptiles. Yet in India, the pet lovers seem to shower their affections on a more conventional set of animals.
Conclusion
While dogs remain the most popular pets in India, several other options can make wonderful companions. Rabbits and guinea pigs are gentle, low-maintenance pets that can bring joy to a household if cared for properly. Birds and even turtles, with the right permissions and care, can also add variety to a home. The key is understanding each pet’s needs and lifestyle requirements. With the right attention and environment, these animals can offer affection, entertainment, and companionship, proving that there’s more to pets than just the conventional choices.
FAQs
Q1: Are rabbits suitable as pets in Indian homes?
Yes, rabbits can be charming pets. They are relatively healthy, low-maintenance, and can live up to 6–7 years with proper care.
Q2: What makes guinea pigs a good option for pet lovers?
Guinea pigs are easy to tame, require simple diets, and are low-cost to maintain, making them ideal for people looking for manageable pets.
Q3: Can I keep birds as pets in India?
Yes, birds like parrots are commonly kept as pets. However, for some species, permission from wildlife authorities may be required.
Q4: Why are cats less popular as pets in India?
Some cultural beliefs consider cats to bring bad luck, which affects their popularity compared to dogs and other pets.
Q5: Are exotic pets common in India, like in Western countries?
Not really. In India, pet lovers tend to prefer conventional animals like dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, unlike in the West, where people often keep exotic reptiles, spiders, or snakes.
