Kinkajous, Seahorses, Sugar Gliders - 11 Pets Not To Own (Even If They DO bite Paris Hilton)

[hatrack]

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Protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, kinkajou not only face deforestation and human disturbance threats in their native habitats, which stretch from Mexico to Bolivia, but also are sought after as part of the endangered species pet trade. Paris Hilton owned Baby Luv, her pet kinkajou, which bit her on the arm during a party at the Fratto House in Beverley Hills (pictured).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/30/photos-endangered-pets-no_n_692500.html#s130371

[get the red out]

1. I have never understood the desire for an exotic pet

I just don't get how someone could get pleasure from or bond with a pet that is completely undomesticated and miserable to not be in the wild. When I think of "pet" I think of my dog coming up to my leg to get a scratch on the neck or my neighbor's big fat tabby wanting a pat on my way to take out the trash.

[Lorien]

2. Let me add to that list..

servals and savannah cats. I ended up with one of these while doing pet rescue. NOT a good house pet by any stretch of the imagination!

[n2doc]

4. Beautiful, though n/t

[Warpy]

5. Beautiful kitty

but a real housewrecker if that gleam in its eye is any indication.

The problem with exotic cats is that they're cute and cuddly when they're cubs. They grow up fast, though, and there is nothing cute or cuddly about an exotic big cat.

[mike_c]

6. looks like JUST the kitty to put the neighbor's dog in it's place, though....

Obnoxious mutt thinks he's bad. Evisceration by cat would fix that, I think.

[Ratty]

7. I know better than to get a serval but I've always wanted a savannah cat

I have a Bengal right now and he's just the sweetest thing. I've been thinking about getting him a companion and I sure love what I've heard and seen about Savannah cats. Not that I could ever afford one mind you ...

[tridim]

3. Ferrets are as "exotic" as anyone needs.

[GliderGuider]

8. My previous partner's daughter had a sugar glider. A word to the wise...

Never buy a nocturnal pet that needs bonding. Ever. Plus they reek. Worse than ferrets. Yes they are ubercute, but the price you pay for their cuteness doesn't stop at the cash register.

[XemaSab]

9. The parrot trade is horrible

If you HAVE to get a parrot, make sure it was captive-bred. :(