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ekccritters
Hi! I'm Elisa and I worked in the zoo industry for three years, gaining extensive knowledge of a number of exotic animals, as well as having owned various, slightly less exciting pets. I hope my expertise can help you find the right animal for you.
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. <br><br>Additionally, they are extremely toxic (do not lick these toads!) and may carry internal parasites.<br><br>If you are an experienced frog keeper, you can probably handle a cane toad. But...why would you want to?<br><br>(Photo by Bill Waller)){kind=link}
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://cdn.rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/25112015_1220289841FishSpc_bettafish.jpg&media=https://cdn.rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/25112015_1220289841FishSpc_bettafish.jpg&description=Let's get this out of the way from the beginning: the noble betta fish is not the "simple starter fish" you've been told it is. Now, don't get me wrong--it's still a great starter fish, but ALL fish have a lot of health and environmental requirements, and betta are no different, no matter what the pet store employee tells you.<br><br>Betta fish cannot live in a bowl, or a half-gallon "cube" of water with no filtration. They should have an environment of no less than two gallons (preferably five), it must be filtered, and ideally they require a heater as well, as they are tropical fish. Already you're looking at a much bigger investment than a seven dollar fish and a decorative brandy snifter. <br><br>They can be picky eaters. Their large and beautiful fins make them vulnerable to fungal and bacterial fin infections as well as injuries. The usual method of storage (small plastic cups) can mean that your fish may be ill before you even bring it home, even if it is displaying no symptoms. Any pet store betta fish is a gamble; they can also be bought from reputable breeders, but these fish tend to have very specific appearances and be significantly more expensive.<br><br>With all this in mind, betta are still a lot of fun. They can be kept in relatively small environments with proper filtration, which means they're still excellent pets for a child's bedroom or a college dorm. They tend to engage with their owners, and are some of the most beautiful, colorful fish around--even pet stores are starting to sell more of the really striking colors and fin shapes. <br><br>If you want a betta fish--go for it! Just be warned that your initial investment might be closer to $50 than $10, and believe it or not, all living animals need care and attention. Betta are not effortless, but they are beautiful.<br><br>(Photo by Daniella Vereeken)){kind=link}
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://cdn.rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/25112015_127136431CatBreed_lynxpoint.jpg&media=https://cdn.rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/25112015_127136431CatBreed_lynxpoint.jpg&description=You know those people who seem to have an endless string of identical cats? We're those people, and our cats are lynx point siamese--plus one snowshoe (both mixed breed and purebred but all "housecat" rather than "show" quality). <br><br>Lynx point siamese cats are strikingly beautiful. As young animals they tend to be very pale with dramatic grey-striped points, but as they age their fur often darkens and faint stripes and spots can be seen on their paler portions, giving them a "wildcat" sort of look. Their eyes tend to be a paler blue than siamese with darker points, as well.<br><br>I've seen a wide array of personalities from these cats, but for the most part they tend to be communicative and engaged, and bond strongly with one owner (though they are certainly gregarious with other members of the household). Most are highly vocal, and though none of ours have had the classic raspy siamese voice, they have developed impressive "vocabularies", to the point where one could almost have a human conversation with them. Whether you're going to get a lap cat or a more standoffish animal seems to be up to chance, but even less cuddly kitties still show their love.<br><br>Like most siamese they are prone to minor eye/vision issues; several of ours have been cross-eyed or wall-eyed, and one has nystagmus (his eyes "wiggle" constantly). Otherwise, our cats have not been stringently bred, so they don't seem susceptible to other congenital issues. <br><br>The bottom line is: all cats are unique, but this particular facet of this particular breed is particularly lovely (not that I'm biased!). Unless you have very specific breed requirements, I would recommend visiting shelters and rescues; lynx point siameses and mixes are not uncommon and you're bound to find a wonderful companion eventually.<br><br>(Photo by Kamee)){kind=link}
 it isn't difficult to create a suitable environment for a small group of frogs.<br><br>Like most frogs, fire-bellied toads like to spend much of their time hunkered down in a quiet corner. However, their patterns (especially their bright bellies) are engaging, and they tend to be very enthusiastic and active at mealtime; in fact in my experience they'd line up at the edge of their enclosure and try to "bail out" in an effort to get their food faster!<br><br>These frogs do produce toxins, nothing serious but enough to give you some serious burning sensations in eyes or mucous membranes if you happen to touch your face after upsetting one.<br><br>Overall, a simple, rewarding frog.<br><br>(Photo by Steven G. Johnson)){kind=link}