Science says these mammals are the best companions
Screaming hairy armadillo
Score: -4.8
This species of armadillo can be found in Central and southern parts of South America. The name derives from the fact that they squeal when handled.
White-nosed coati
Score: -4.7
Endemic to the southwestern part of the United States and Central America, the coati is inquisitive and loves to play-fight when young. These mammals do need a bit more space when they reach adulthood.
Tayra
Score: -3.9
This animal from the weasel family can be found in the Americas. Tayras are usually playful, but can also be pretty restless.
Desert hamster
Score: -3.7
The desert hamster, also known as Roborovski hamster, is the smallest and fastest hamster on Earth.
Finlayson's squirrel
Score: -3.4
Endemic to Southeast Asia, this beautiful squirrel loves tress, so they prefer forests to other forms of habitat.
African pygmy mouse
Score: -3.2
This tiny rodent found in sub-Saharan Africa can make a good pet but requires social interaction, so it's recommended to keep more than one.
Chacoan mara
Score: -2.2
These adorable animals are native to the South American Chaco region. They live in small groups and can make good human companions.
Bactrian camel
Score: -1.7
This camel species can be found in the steppes of Central Asia. Having been domesticated to serve as a pack animal, the Bactrian camel gets along pretty well with humans.
Arabian spiny mouse
Score: -0.9
These highly sociable rodents like to live in large groups. They also love to eat seeds!
Golden spiny mouse
Score: -0.3
Found in the Middle East and across Africa, these highly social animals are used to living in groups. As such, owning more than one may be beneficial for the rodents' wellbeing.
Himalayan striped squirrel
Score: -0.2
These cute rodents can be found in South and Southeast Asia. Himalayan striped squirrels are diurnal, arboreal, and sociable.
Llama
Score: 2.3
Found in South American, this animal has been domesticated and used as a pack animal for centuries. Llamas are intelligent, calm, and friendly animals that make great human companions.
Agile wallaby
Score: 4.7
This wallaby also makes a good human companion. Being smaller than kangaroos, they are less likely to cause sever injury to humans, though they do have a powerful kick.
