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SMALLPET / new pets
Gerbil? Rat? Guinea pig? Hamster? Compare and contrast.
Overview
Guinea Pig
- Adults grow up to 12 inches
- Lives 5 to 8 years
- Diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements
- Great for beginner pet parents
Gerbil
- Adults grow up to four inches plus a four-inch tail
- Lives up to three years
- Diet consists of pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for beginner pet parents
Rat
- Adults grow seven to 10 inches, plus a six- to eight-inch tail
- Lives up to two years
- Diet consists of pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for beginner pet parents
Mouse
- Adults grow two to three inches
- Lives up to two years
- Diet consists of pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for beginner pet parents
Chinchilla
- Adults grow nine to 10 inches, plus a six-inch tail
- Lives up to 10 years
- Diet consists of pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for intermediate pet parents
Hamster
- Adults grow three to seven inches
- Lives up to two years
- Diet consists of pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for beginner pet parents
Rabbit
- Adults grow two to 10 pounds
- Lives six to 13 years
- Diet consists of hay, pellets, fuit and vegetables
- Great for intermediate pet parents
Petite-pet pointers
- The tinier the pet, the more easily they can slip through small spaces. Make sure your pet’s habitat is escape-proof.
- Handle with care: small pets can be wigglers and may be injured if they’re dropped.
- Children younger than 5 should be supervised while handling small pets, which can bite when frightened.
- Little pets and big pets don’t always mix: a hungry or curious dog or cat might regard your small pet as more meal than comrade.
PETSMART CARES: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
