Ideal Pets For Introverts

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Some domesticated animals aren’t well-suited for quiet or reflective introverts who want a little pet company, but not too much noise, responsibility or interaction with fellow pet owners you might encounter when, say, you’re taking your German shepherd to a dog park.  If you’re on the quiet, wallflower side, have you ever considered giving these pets or breeds a chance?

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Cats

Cats are known for their loyalty, affection, and independence since they don’t need to be walked and regularly clean their own bodies. But they can also be aggressive and moody.  Certain breeds are calm, mellow and ideal for introverts, like the Ragamuffin, Selkirk Rex, British or an Exotic Shorthair.

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Dogs

Dogs might be (wo)man’s best friend, but not all dogs are created equal.  Some excellent companion breeds that might suit your needs: a Chinese Shar-Pei (often described as a quiet and confident watchdog), Bernese Mountain Dog (tranquil), Newfoundland (calm with a sweet temperament), Whippet (calm and affectionate) or Shih Tzu (typically quiet and don’t require much exercise).

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Turtles

They’re not the most vibrant animals in the world, but turtles are the quintessential laid back pet.  Whether they’re land turtles or require water like the box or African side-neck turtle (yes, that’s its name), they are fun to watch.

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Rabbits

Like a lot of animals on this list, rabbits bond with their owners.  Plus, they’re quiet, easy to train,  have distinct personalities and are absolutely adorable.

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Hedgehogs

They’re prickly, have a tendency to vocalize and must be handled with care. But if you get a hedgehog, you can name it Sonic.  Winning.

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Birds

Senegal parrots are entertaining, friendly, and form strong bonds with their owners.  Other breeds worth considering?  Lovebirds, Finches, and canaries.  Also, consider a parrotlet – it’s intelligent and is happily entertained with toys and bird swings.

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Chinchilla

You’ll want to pet these soft, tiny creatures all the time.  Nocturnal in nature, chinchillas are tame and tend to be solitary.  If they’re not in the mood to be cuddled, chances are you’ll be more than fine with that.  But if you look at a chinchilla and think glorified rat, you might want to choose another animal on this list.

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Ferrets

Ferrets are zany and fairly active animals.  That is, when they’re awake.  They can sleep up to 20 hours a day!

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Fish

Just feed ‘em, keep their tank clean and watch ‘em swim.  Betta fish, with their vibrant colors, are a great option.  But they don’t play well with other Bettas, so get one at a time or add other species like goldfish into the mix.

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Geckos

Leopard geckos are docile and are one of the easiest lizards to keep.