Standard household pets include anything from cats and dogs to parakeets and guinea pigs, but what is someone supposed to do if they want something that strays from the norm? Rest assured, there is a solution. Here are the top three most unusual and exotic pets one can legally possess in Tennessee.
At number three, you can legally own a bobcat in Tennessee. These big cats are high maintenance, though, as they need a balanced diet of whole prey or around 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 5% liver, and 5% other form of offal. On top of a raw diet, it’s best to give your bobcats a supplemental vitamin powder.
Before you obtain this furry friend, however, it’s best to be sure that there’s a local veterinarian that is equipped to help them. Most average cat and dog doctors aren’t prepared to service a bobcat; do your research!
Bovids come in at number two, and these large creatures can live right in your backyard if you so like! Examples of bovids are things like cattle, goats, even bison can be kept!
To maintain proper care for a bison, you will need a fence that’s at least six feet tall, as the standard adult can jump over anything they can put their nose over! Most bovids that are kept as pets eat what’s referred to as the standard four-way blend, which is just corn, oats, barley, and sorghum. What an extraordinary pet!
For the arguably best exotic and legal pet, capybara’s place number one. These creatures can be needy, and they’ll need a lot of grass and hay to munch on. Also, they’ll need sticks and stones to rub on and sleep on; despite this, though, they’re adorable! Alongside grasses and hay, capybaras also eat apples, melons, berries, and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale!
Capybaras need multiple places of shelter, and they especially love to live near the water. Like beavers, capybaras teeth are constantly growing, and they’ll need to chew on tough branches to help null those out.
They also have sensitive skin, and routine check-ins on their diet and skin need to be performed. So, they’ll need a specific habitat enclosure, be prepared for the health check-ups, and their diet, but that’s it!
Keep your pets healthy, and stay knowledgeable!
