Our small furries need their cognitive and physical enrichment too! This helps them stay happy and healthy. Because their teeth grow throughout life, it is critical to keep them in check by providing a range of items to chew on. Overgrown teeth can cut into gums, cause ulcers due to abrasion, interfere with eating, and even make swallowing difficult.

Each small animal species has their own preference for socialisation. Hamsters are solitary and must be housed in individual cages to prevent fights. Rabbits should be housed separately or carefully paired (with gradual introduction) as not all of them get along. On the other hand, guinea pigs are social and thrive in pairs. If you must have a single guinea pig, be prepared to invest more time in fulfilling his/her socialisation needs.

Importantly, these small animals are prolific breeders. If you are co-housing rabbits or guinea pigs of opposite sexes, be sure to have them sterilised. Sterilisation not only prevents overpopulation but also confers protection for your furry friend against certain reproductive cancers.

Unfortunately, it is not as simple as feeding your pet store-bought pellets (which can lead to obesity in excess).

Both rabbits and guinea pigs need unlimited access to hay, but the type of hay varies by age. For younglings up to six months, provide alfalfa hay as it is rich in nutrients that are important for development. For older ones, offer timothy hay as their bodies can no longer process the high calcium content in alfalfa which may then lead to kidney or bladder stones.

Because guinea pigs cannot make their own Vitamin C, they need to obtain it from their diet which should include foods such as kale, parsley, and spinach. Contrary to what the media tells us (think Bugs Bunny), carrots and roots are high in sugar and should only be given as occasional treats. Yet another pairing popularised by the media is hamsters and sunflower seeds, but offer these in moderation and in a mix with other seeds.

Small animals are incredibly fragile. In particular, rabbits have a large muscle-to-bone-mass ratio and a single kick of their strong hind legs can hurt their spine. Be extremely careful when handling your pet. It is best to sit while holding your pet and ensure that he/she is well-supported.

This is Coral, who fell off the home sofa and fractured her right hind leg. Unable to afford the medical costs, Coral’s owner surrendered her to the SPCA. Our vets assessed that the fracture was beyond repair and opted for an amputation to save Coral’s life. She made a full recovery, adapted to life on three legs, and has since gone to her forever home. While Coral survived her fall, not all rabbits will. It is up to us to keep them safe.

By now, the extensive care that goes into keeping small animals as pets should be apparent. The signs and symptoms of illness may also differ from what we expect. For example, cloudy urine would send most pet parents running to the vet. But for rabbits, this is actually normal as their urine ranges from cloudy to thick and creamy, with a yellow to reddish hue.

Not surprisingly, the unique needs of small animals also mean that veterinary costs (both routine and emergency) are often higher than for cats and dogs. Regular vets may lack the niche knowledge and hence refer you to a clinic that specialises in treating small animals.