Have you ever thought about owning an exotic pet? They can be so much fun, but there is one downside: many of them smell bad! Here are 10 exotic pets that have a reputation for being stinky. Keep this in mind if you’re thinking about adding one of these creatures to your home!
Animals That Smell Bad
When it comes to choosing a new pet, many people rank an animal’s lack of offensive odor fairly high on their list of priorities. This can apply to the animal’s body odor, environment, or bodily secretions. While some people are more tolerant of strong smells than others, it’s generally agreed that a pet should not smell so bad that it becomes a nuisance. Certain animals are naturally less smelly than others.
If you’re looking for a low-odor pet, it’s best to avoid breeds with a reputation for being smelly. Some animals produce very little waste, so even though they may have strong body odors, their living quarters remain relatively clean. Rabbits fall into this category—despite their pungent urine, they produce very small amounts of feces, so their cages do not require extensive cleaning. Animals that eat mainly insects or invertebrates also tend to be low-maintenance in terms of cage cleanliness—since they don’t produce much waste, their living quarters can be cleaned less often.
Of course, the best way to gauge an animal’s odor level is to spend some time around it—before you commit to adopting a new pet, make sure you’re comfortable with its natural scent. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find an animal that’s low-odor and high-fun.
Learn More: 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal in Indiana
10 Exotic Pets That Smell Bad
1. Skunks
2. Ferrets
3. snakes
4. Iguanas
5. Newts and salamanders
6. Bearded dragons
7. Sugar gliders
8. Hedgehogs
9. Chinchillas
10. Guinea pigs
Read More: 15 Pets That Looks Like Pokemon
Skunks
As anyone who’s ever been sprayed by one can attest, skunks have a very potent smell. This is because they use their strong scent as a defense mechanism—when threatened, they will spray their predators with a noxious liquid that can be difficult to remove. For this reason, it’s best to keep skunks as outdoor pets.
Ferrets
Ferrets are small, furry animals that resemble minks or weasels. They’re very active and playful, and make popular pets—but they can also be quite smelly. Ferrets have a musky scent that some people find unpleasant, and their cages need to be cleaned regularly to control the odor.
Learn More: 10 Exotic Pets You Can Own That Are Native to the United States
Snakes
While snakes don’t have fur, they can still be smelly animals. Some snakes secrete a foul-smelling liquid from their skin, which can make their enclosure stink. And since snakes rely on their sense of smell to find food, they often defecate in their living quarters—which can make the space very stinky indeed.
Iguanas
Iguanas are large lizards that are popular pets. They require a warm, humid environment, and can be difficult to care for. Iguanas also produce a strong scent from their skin, which can make their enclosure smell bad.
Newts and salamanders
Like iguanas, newts and salamanders secrete a strong smelling substance from their skin. This can make their tanks or terrariums stink. In addition, these amphibians often like to live in damp, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors.
Bearded dragons
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are popular pets because of their docile nature, but they can also be smelly. Bearded dragons secrete a foul-smelling substance from their pores, which can make their tanks stink. In addition, these lizards often like to live in warm, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors.
Sugar gliders
Sugar gliders are small marsupials that are native to Australia. They are popular pets because of their playful and affectionate nature, but they can also be smelly. Sugar gliders secrete a strong-smelling substance from their skin, which can make their enclosure smell bad.
In addition, these animals often like to live in warm, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that are native to Africa and Europe. They are popular pets because of their cute appearance, but they can also be smelly. Hedgehogs secrete a strong-smelling substance from their skin, which can make their enclosure smell bad.
In addition, these animals often like to live in warm, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors. If you’re considering getting a hedgehog as a pet, it’s important to be aware of the potential for unpleasant smells.
Chinchillas
Chinchillas are small, furry rodents that are native to South America. They are popular pets because of their soft fur, but they can also be smelly. Chinchillas secrete a strong-smelling substance from their skin, which can make their enclosure smell bad. In addition, these animals often like to live in warm, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors.
Read More: A Guide to Caring and Legally Owning for a Pet Otter
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are small, furry rodents that are native to South America. They are popular pets because of their docile nature, but they can also be smelly. Guinea pigs secrete a strong-smelling substance from their skin, which can make their enclosure smell bad. In addition, these animals often like to live in warm, humid environments—which can also lead to bad odors.
