By Considering to get a small pet yourself in Malaysia? Small pets can provide limitless joy without taking up a lot of space, whether you live in a quiet area of Johor, a bungalow in Penang or a comfy condominium in Kuala Lumpur. These tiny friends are often easier to handle, require less space, or may even perfect for busy Malaysians who seek for warmth of an animal pal. Everyone can find their ideal pet, whether it’s tiny little ant or gigantic elephant.
In this post, we will discuss about 10 small pet Malaysia that are popular, unique and quite easy to keep if you know how to take good care of them. Before bringing them home, let’s see their breeds, natural habitat, size, food, daily habits, feeding, petting techniques and essential information. Everyone can find their ideal companion, whether it’s a small rodent pet, a feathery friend, or a small exotic pet Malaysia families love.
Table of Contents
1 | Hedgehog: The Adorable Spike
In Malaysia, hedgehogs are among the most well-liked exotic pets, particularly among city people seeking something new. Small and nocturnal, they are distinguished by their inquisitive natures and spiky backs. Here, the most popular breed of hedgehog kept as a pet is the African Pygmy. They typically weight between 250 – 600 gram and are 15 – 25 cm in length, which makes them ideal for tiny households. Grasslands and savannas are their natural habitat, but since they cannot withstand cold climes, they do well as pets indoors if given a large cage, cosy bedding, and a warm temperature.
As hedgehogs are insectivores by nature, most of their diet should consist of protein. As well as mealworms and crickets, many pet owners in Malaysia give their hedgehogs premium pellets. However, since their digestive systems can be delicate, it is important to avoid giving them dairy products or very sweet snacks. Hedgehogs are most active after sunset, spending their days exploring, digging and running on exercise wheels. Although they can form strong bonds with their owners, they are not the kind of pets that enjoy long hugs like dogs or cats, so bear this in mind if you’re thinking about cuddling them.
Temperature regulation is a crucial consideration when keeping hedgehogs in Malaysia, even though the climate is usually warm. Unexpectedly cold temperatures caused by air conditioning can make children anxious and may lead to health problems. Regular cage cleaning is also necessary to prevent mites, which thrive in poor hygiene conditions. If they are handled carefully and with patience, hedgehogs can be intriguing pets for owners seeking something unusual.
Hedgehog loved by many Malaysians for its small size and curious nature. If you’re new, here’s a great hedgehog care guide to help you get started.
2 | Guinea Pig: Little Oval Fluff With Feet
For families in Malaysia, guinea pigs — often known as cavies — are friendly little rodents that make excellent pets. Despite being larger than hamsters, they can still be kept in cages. Popular breeds include the American, Abyssinian and Peruvian guinea pig, which have a variety of coat types, including long-haired, rosette-patterned and smooth. Guinea pigs typically weigh between 700 and 1,200 grams and reach a maximum length of 20–25 cm. They enjoy eating hay and hiding in comfortable tunnels as they are native to the green regions of South America.
Feeding guinea pigs is relatively simple, but you need to pay attention to their vitamin C intake as they cannot produce it themselves. In Malaysia, owners usually provide fresh hay, such as timothy hay, as well as high-quality guinea pig pellets and fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots and leafy greens. Clean water should always be available, and fruit can occasionally be given as a treat. Guinea pigs make delightful pets because they are vocal — they squeak and whistle when they’re excited, especially during feeding time. Unlike solitary pets, guinea pigs are social creatures that thrive when kept in pairs or groups, so it’s worth considering getting at least two.
Before you bring guinea pigs into your home, there are a few things to consider. They need spacious cages with proper ventilation and safe bedding like paper or hay. Avoid wire flooring as this can hurt their feet. The amount of grooming required depends on the breed — long-haired guinea pigs need more brushing, while short-haired ones are lower maintenance. Due to Malaysia’s hot climate, it is crucial to keep their environment cool and shaded, and away from direct sunlight, as guinea pigs can suffer from heatstroke. Overall, guinea pigs are a fantastic choice if you want a small, friendly and interactive pet.
Guinea pigs are social animals and love companionship, so keeping them in pairs is recommended. You can read more in this RSPCA guinea pig care guide
3 | Sugar Glider: The Flying Small Rodent Pet
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials that have captured the hearts of many Malaysians thanks to their playful nature and big, adorable eyes. Originally from Australia and Indonesia, they are known for the flap of skin between their front and back legs, which enables them to glide through the air. While they don’t exactly “fly” around your house as pets, they do enjoy climbing and leaping within their enclosures. Typically, a sugar glider weighs between 80 and 150 grams and measures around 15–20 cm in body length, not including its long tail.
These small pets are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. One of the most unusual aspects of caring for them is their diet. In the wild, they consume fruit, insects, nectar and tree sap. Their conscientious owners in Malaysia feed them a healthy diet of fresh fruit, speciality sugar glider pellets and protein sources such as boiled eggs or insects. It is not advisable to keep sugar gliders alone as they are social creatures. They develop close relationships with their human carers and thrive in groups. Expect a lot of climbing, exploring and perhaps cuddling in your pocket or pouch during the day if you have a sugar glider.
However, sugar gliders need a great deal of patience and care. They are not suitable for very young children and are not “starter pets”. To keep them occupied, they need a tall cage containing lots of branches, hammocks and toys. As they are most active at night, sugar gliders can also be noisy at this time. They thrive in Malaysia’s warm climate, but to prevent issues such as parasites or nutritional deficiencies, it is crucial to keep their cages clean and perform routine health checks. Sugar gliders can be very loving companions if they are well cared for.
Their diet is quite unique and needs balance between fruit, protein and special pellets. For detailed advice, check out this sugar glider care article
4 | Hamster: Tiny, Cute and Perfect Small Pet for Beginners
In Malaysia, hamsters are among the most popular small pet for beginner, particularly among beginners and children. Popular varieties include dwarf hamsters such as Roborovskis, Campbell’s and Winter Whites, as well as Syrian hamsters, which are larger and prefer to be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters are typically 8–10 cm long, whereas Syrian hamsters can reach up to 18 cm. Although larger is usually preferable, their modest size makes them easy to keep in cages.
Hamsters eat a variety of foods, including fresh vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers, as well as hamster food, seeds and nuts. You can occasionally give them small amounts of fruit, but avoid citrus fruits as they are very acidic. They should always have access to fresh, clean water. Due to their nocturnal nature, hamsters are most active at night, running on wheels and investigating their surroundings. As part of their everyday routine, hamsters burrow in their bedding, chew on toys to keep their teeth strong, and store food in their cheek pouches.
Although hamster care is simple, there are a few things to consider. Dwarf hamsters can live together if introduced gently, but Syrian hamsters must be kept alone to prevent fighting. Cages should have exercise wheels and deep bedding for digging. They adapt well to Malaysia’s warm climate, but remember that cages should be well ventilated and shielded from direct sunlight. Hamsters can be friendly if handled gently, but children should always be supervised when playing with them due to their sensitive nature.
Hamsters are one of the best choices if you’re looking for a small pet for beginners. You can explore more tips in this hamster care guide
5 | Rabbit: Fast Jumper, Quiet and Shy
Even though they are larger than some of the other creatures on this list, rabbits are still regarded as small pets compared to dogs and cats. Popular breeds in Malaysia include the Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf and Lionhead rabbits. Depending on the breed, rabbits can weigh between 1 and 3 kg. They are a family favourite thanks to their velvety fur, large ears and endearing personalities.
Hay, which is essential for their digestion and dental health and makes up the majority of their diet. You can also give them fresh vegetables such as kale, spinach and carrot tops, as well as rabbit pellets. Due to their high sugar content, fruits such as apples and bananas should only be given to them in moderation. A rabbit’s daily activities include hopping, chewing toys and occasionally dozing on the ground. Unlike hamsters, rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Rabbits need larger cages or even fenced-in spaces where they can run. With supervision, they can be allowed to wander freely indoors and be litter-trained. However, since rabbits enjoy chewing on furniture and cables, it is necessary to rabbit-proof your house. Breed-specific grooming is necessary; long-haired rabbits require frequent brushing. As rabbits can easily become overheated in Malaysia’s hot climate, they should be kept in a cool environment. With the right care, rabbits can live up to 8–10 years and make enduring companions.
Different rabbit breeds need different grooming routines, especially long-haired ones. A reliable resource is the House Rabbit Society care guide
6 | Ferret: The Curious Explorer
Although they are less common in Malaysia than hamsters or rabbits, ferrets are growing in popularity among people who want exotic pets. They are energetic, lively and inquisitive creatures. They usually weigh between 0.5 and 2 kg and measure 40–50 cm in length, including their tails. They have been kept as pets for generations and are the domesticated relatives of the European polecat.
Ferrets are carnivorous, so they require food that is high in protein. While specialised ferret kibble is best, premium cat food can also be used. Examples of treats include cooked meat, eggs, and freeze-dried food. Ferrets can sleep for up to eighteen hours a day, but when they are awake, they are incredibly active, running, climbing and exploring every corner of the house.
In Malaysia, owning a ferret demands dedication. They love tunnels, toys and socialising, and need to spend a lot of time playing outside their cages. Additionally, ferrets have a distinctive smell, so their cages and bedding need to be cleaned frequently. Due to Malaysia’s warm climate, they must be kept in a cool, well-ventilated setting. Due to their sociable nature, ferrets thrive in environments with lots of human interaction or in pairs. Ferrets are fascinating pets for those up for a challenge, but they may not be suitable for first-time owners.
Ferrets need lots of playtime and social interaction. For deeper insight, you can visit the here for care tips
7 | Turtle: Calm and Long-living Friend
Turtles are another popular pet in Malaysia due to their longevity and peaceful disposition. Common species include the red-eared slider and box turtle. Depending on the species, turtles can range in shell length from 10 cm to 30 cm. They require a suitable tank layout comprising swimming water and a UV-lit basking area, as they inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
A turtle’s varied diet consists of insects, leafy greens, turtle pellets and, occasionally, fish or prawns. While adult turtles tend to eat more plants, their younger counterparts are more carnivorous. Clean, filtered water is necessary to avoid shell infections and other health problems. Swimming, sunbathing and exploring their tanks are all part of a turtle’s daily life. They may not be the most adorable pets, but they are interesting to observe and, with the right conditions, require little care.
Given that turtles can live for 20 years or more, their lifespan is an important factor to consider. They thrive in Malaysia’s tropical climate, but indoor tanks must be kept clean and monitored closely. To prevent the spread of bacteria such as salmonella, owners should handle turtles carefully and wash their hands afterwards. The ideal owners for turtles are patient individuals who prefer to observe them rather than engage with them.
Turtles require clean tanks and UV light for healthy shells. A helpful resource is this do and dont’ts of turtle care guide
8 | Gecko: Big Eye Small Exotic Pet Malaysia
Geckos are quite common fascinating reptiles and small exotic pet Malaysia can pet with. One of the most popular breeds is the leopard gecko, which is distinguished by its calm nature and spotted patterns. Geckos are small enough to fit in terrariums and typically grow to between 18 and 25 cm in length. As they are nocturnal, they are most active at night.
Their diet mostly consists of live insects, such as mealworms and crickets, and occasionally waxworms. To maintain healthy bones, calcium powder is often sprinkled on their food. Geckos require a terrarium with a heat source, hiding places and suitable bedding, but other reptiles are more difficult to care for. Climbing, exploring and sleeping during the day are all part of their daily routine.
Although geckos aren’t the most attractive pets, they can withstand mild treatment. They are ideal for city living as they are clean and quiet and require no maintenance. While Malaysia’s warm climate is ideal for them, a suitable heating light may still be required to replicate their original desert setting at night. Geckos are a fantastic option for people who are interested in reptiles but are new to caring for exotic pets.
Leopard geckos are especially popular because they’re calm and easy to handle. You can find more in this leopard gecko care sheet
9 | Mice: Tiny with Twitchy Nose
Mice are small rodents that can make surprisingly enjoyable pets. The most popular breed is the fancy mouse, which comes in a variety of colours and coat patterns. Excluding their tails, they range in length from 6 to 10 cm and weigh less than 30 grams on average. As they enjoy exploring, climbing and building nests, their cages should be equipped with toys, wheels and tunnels.
Mice consume fresh vegetables, seeds, cereals and rodent pellets. They should always have access to clean water. Their small stature makes them quick and exciting to watch, and they are active day and night. While some mice may prefer gentle handling, given their fragility and tendency to jump, it is usually better to observe them than to hug them.
Mice kept in Malaysia must be kept clean. To prevent unpleasant odours and health problems, their cages should be cleaned regularly. As social creatures, mice prefer to live with other mice of the same sex to prevent loneliness. They might not be the best choice for people looking for long-term companionship due to their short lifespan of around two years, but they are ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, compact and reasonably priced pet.
Fancy mice are playful but fragile, so gentle handling is best. Here’s an RSPCA guide on mice care
10 | Small Birds: Natural Singers From The Woods
A traditional pet that always makes a house feel homelier is a bird. Popular small species in Malaysia include finches, budgies (parakeets) and canaries. Finches are renowned for their vibrant energy, budgies for their playful nature and canaries for their beautiful singing voices. These birds are small but lively, typically measuring 10–20 cm in length and weighing less than 50 grams.
They eat fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a variety of birdseed mixes. Some birds like to bathe in shallow dishes, so clean water is necessary. Their everyday lives include chirping, flying short distances within cages and interacting with their owners. Birds can be busy during the day and frequently react to whistles, music, or even human voices.
In addition to providing enough room for birds to fly, bird cages should have swings, perches and stimulating toys. Routine cleaning is required to maintain hygiene. As social animals, birds thrive when they interact with other birds or their human carers. They adapt well to Malaysia’s warm climate, but need protection from draughts and intense heat. Small birds are ideal for anyone who wants a bright, talkative pet thanks to their cheerful songs and playful nature.
Budgies, canaries and finches all need stimulation with toys and space to fly short distances. You can learn more from this bird care guide
11 | Conclusion
Your lifestyle, surroundings and level of commitment all play a part in choosing the perfect pet. Whether it’s a wacky sugar glider, a loving guinea pig, or a peaceful turtle, there is a small pet in Malaysia for every personality and home. From small rodent pets like mice and hamsters to reptiles and birds, each companion has unique needs, such as specific food requirements and habitat needs, so it’s important to do your homework and prepare for your new friend’s arrival. If you’re a first-timer, a hamster is the perfect small pet for beginners, while those seeking something unusual may prefer a hedgehog or gecko as a small exotic pet Malaysia owners adore.
Despite their small size, little dogs provide a great deal of comfort, joy and fun. If you’re thinking about adopting one, keep in mind that pets are as much of a responsibility as they are a joy. With love, care, and attention, your little buddy can become a treasured part of your life for many years to come.
If you are more into traditional pets like cats and dogs, be sure to check out our top-rated cat food Malaysia or browse dog food guide.