7 Low-Maintenance Pets For College Students

As a college student, you may want a pet to keep you company. However, with classes, studying, and a busy schedule, you may need more time or resources to care for a high-maintenance pet. You may not have a lot of free time to provide for your needs, such as feeding, exercise, and attention. Although some pets, such as dogs and cats, require much time and attention, others, such as fish and reptiles, are more low-maintenance. Here are seven low-maintenance pets that are perfect for college students.

Betta Fish

Betta fish are beautiful and easy to care for. They don’t require a large aquarium or a complex filtration system and can survive in a small bowl. Bettas are also relatively low-cost, and their food is inexpensive. They only need to be fed once a day, and their tanks only need to be cleaned once a week. All these characteristics make Bettas a great choice for college students to own as a pet.

Leopard Gecko

If you want a pet that is extremely low-maintenance, i.e., easy to handle, calm, and quiet, then you should adopt a leopard gecko. This tiny, colorful creature can be kept in a small cage, doesn’t require a lot of attention, and only needs to be fed a few times a week. It can be kept alone for a long period of time. Additionally, it doesn’t smell and requires little care. In short, the leopard gecko is relatively inexpensive and affordable for college students.

 

Hamsters

The cute and cuddly hamsters are categorized as low-maintenance pets, making them a perfect choice for students. They only need to be fed once a day, and their cage only needs to be cleaned once a week. Moreover, they are nocturnal and sleepy during the day, which will definitely not disturb your college routine. Hamsters love to play and can be quite entertaining to watch as they run on their wheels, play with toys, and explore their environment.

 

 

Guinea Pigs

Another low-maintenance, as well as pocket-sized pet animal that is fit for a college student, is a guinea pig. This tiny creature is cute and relatively bigger in size than a hamster, and its friendly, social, and outgoing nature makes it a great companion for a student. This cute hairy pet is not an attention seeker and can be left alone for a long period of time, which will absolutely not affect your routine. So, as a student, if you want a small yet low-maintenance pet, a guinea pig is what you need.

 

Crested Gecko

The crested geckos make an excellent low-maintenance pet for kids or inexperienced lizard keepers who don’t have a lot of time to spend on their daily upkeep. They are sometimes referred to as eyelash geckos because one of their distinguishing characteristics is their eyelashes. Moreover, geckos have an amusing nature, which can swing your mood.

 

Rats

One of the lowest-maintenance pets that are easy to care for,  intelligent, and affectionate at the same time are rats. Remember that by saying “rats,” we don’t mean the filthy rats that love to remain on dirt, but fancy rats. They are highly social and friendly, and they can recognize their owner as well. Rats love to cuddle and hang out on their owner’s laps.

 

Tarantula

If you’re looking for low-maintenance pets that are a little more exotic, then a tarantula might be one of the best choices for you. Tarantulas are fed twice a week. They just feed a few insects per meal. Although tarantulas are handy, you have to be cautious while handling them as they can be furious at times.