Ideal Household Pets to Have in Malta
A pet can be a wonderful addition to any home. If, like me, you’re someone who grew up around animals, then a home can never really feel complete without one. They might poo, pee and scratch places you wish they wouldn’t, but you’ll love them no matter what. Your pet will always be there to greet you at the door and pick your mood up after a bad day (if you get one of the cuddly kind, that is).
Having a pet can also be good for your health! Scientists have claimed that owning a pet can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol; reduce stress and alleviate any loneliness or anxiety that you might be feeling. So, if you own a property in Malta, or you rent a property that allows you to have pets, then why not enrich your life by adding another member to your family!
Now, let’s say you are actually thinking about getting a pet, how do you know which pet is right for you and your family? Not only do you need to think about your lifestyle and how much time you have commit to your pet, you’ll also need to take into consideration where you live and the climate that you live in.
Malta is a Mediterranean country. The climate on our little heavenly island is very different to somewhere like the U.K., for example. We have mild winters, with an average daytime temperature in January and February of about 16°C. In contrast, our summers are hot! Average daily temperatures in July and August are around 31°C – and it can get much hotter during a heatwave! What’s more, the climate here is very humid. Anyone who owns property in Malta will know what a pain the humidity can be!
There are plenty of pets that will be comfortable here in Malta’s climate. Therefore, there’s plenty of choice! Some pets are cuddly, some are not. Some pets need lots of space, whereas others can make do without. Some, especially exotic pets, can be expensive to buy and tricky to look after. Whatever your budget, however much time you have and whatever the square footage of your property – you’ll be able to find a fitting companion.
Deciding which pet to get can be a tough one! If you’re ready to open up your home to a furry, fluffy or feisty friend, and you need some help making your decision, then keep on reading for some suggestions. Whether you live in an apartment, a maisonette, a villa or a townhouse, there’s a perfect pet for you and your Maltese home.
Let’s start with the world’s favourite household pets: cats and dogs. They’re the most popular pets in Malta, and in the world, and for good reason! These four-legged creatures give unconditional love and are well-adapted to living with us humans. It’ll always be a tight race between them when it comes to getting to the top spot of ‘world’s most popular pet’! They’re both wonderful pets but they each have very different requirements.
If you’re lucky enough to have a property with a garden, and you have lots of time to spare, then you might consider getting a puppy or a dog. If you live in the north of Malta, there are many beautiful, rural walks you can take your canine friend on. Even if you live in Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, Sliema or St. Julian’s, you can walk your dog along the palm-tree lined coastal path.
When thinking of which breed of dog to get in Malta, however, you’ll need to be quite mindful. Not all dogs are well-suited to Malta’s Mediterranean climate. Bulldogs and Pugs, for example, don’t fare very well in hot weather. They’re not as adept at regulating their core body temperature as other dog breeds and they are very prone to overheating. Therefore, if you’re thinking of getting one of these dogs, you’ll have to make sure to leave the air conditioning on for them when they’re home alone and only take them out for walks at times when the temperature is cooler.
On the other hand, many dog breeds will be very comfortable living on our island! Beagles, Collies, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are all happy in hot weather. These breeds do require a lot of space and exercise, so they would do best in a maisonette, townhouse or a villa which has a garden or a yard. Conversely, if you live in an apartment or a flat with balconies but no other outside space, then perhaps get a Chihuahua! They’re great in warmer weather and, as long as they get regular exercise, they will be fine without a garden to run around in.
Unlike dogs, all cat breeds should be just fine in Malta. In fact, most cats tend to love the heat! The majority of people are likely to have indoor cats here, as the roads can be quite dangerous for them. However, if you do own or you rent a property which has a garden or a yard, then you could think about putting in a cat flap for your feline friend. What’s more, cats are much more independent than dogs. They’re normally fine with being left alone for longer periods of time and you don’t need to commit to walking them twice or three times a day. This could be a major advantage if you’re someone who has a demanding job!
Going in a completely different direction, you could think about getting something like a Gecko! If you’re not into cuddly pets and you’d rather have something a bit unusual, then a Gecko could be the one. Geckos can make great pets, especially for first-time reptile owners, as they’re easy-going and not aggressive if they’re treated with respect. They’re pretty little creatures, and there are all sorts of different types of Geckos you can choose from. Leopard Geckos are the most popular Gecko to have as a pet, although you could also consider getting a Crested Gecko or an American Fat Tailed Gecko as well.
Geckos are perfectly suited to Malta’s climate and they can also be quite useful! Living in Malta comes with many advantages but, just like anywhere else in the world, there are things about living here which can get on your nerves. For many people in Malta, mosquitoes can be the bane of their lives – particularly in the summer! Even if your entire property has a fly screen on every window, somehow one of the buggers will still manage to make its way inside and eat you alive!
Enter your pet Gecko! Geckos naturally live on a diet rich in insects and they will absolutely love eating these blood-sucking pests. Not only that, Geckos also prey on cockroaches and can even help keep away mice and rats. What an all-round warrior!
Once you’ve made your decision as to which pet is best for you, instead of buying one, why not consider adopting your new friend? There are several cat, dog and other animal sanctuaries in Malta. Do a good deed by rescuing an animal in need!
As always, our specialists at QuickLets and Zanzi Homes are here to help you find your perfect property. Whether you’re looking to buy a house with a garden big enough to accommodate your newest companion, or you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment to rent, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you find the ideal home for you and your family.