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The Daily Insight

Can I own a meerkat as a pet?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 27, 2026

Yes, you can technically own a meerkat as a pet. Actually, most species that are available and survive in captivity can be privately owned. Depending on one’s definition of a “pet,” however, some animals simply make horrendous pets, and meerkats are an example that fit this bill.

How expensive is a meerkat?

Three of the windows open for ventilation and you can also add an exterior shade awning to help with the summer heat. The Meerkat comes in a variety of colors—even custom colors are available for an extra $1,450—and the list price starts at $17,820. Head over here for more.

Can you cuddle a meerkat?

He said: “Meerkats are highly sociable animals and live in large groups. “They are often seen standing with their arms out holding on to each other. Sometimes they also cuddle up together for warmth on cooler evenings.”

Do meerkats bite?

Additionally, meerkats can be aggressive and deliver a really nasty bite. Plus, they can especially be aggressive to people they don’t know.

How long do meerkats live for?

12 – 14 yearsIn captivity
Meerkat/Lifespan

How are meerkats like humans?

They’re like people, and they’re not. They live in burrows in cohesive family groups, up to about 40 animals, and they are among the most social of mammals. They groom each other, baby-sit the dominant female’s pups, forage together, fight other groups in mortal combat.

What does a meerkat eat?

insects
What do meerkats eat? As natural omnivores, a meerkat’s natural diet consists mainly of insects, although they’ll also happily eat small rodents, fruit, birds, eggs, lizards and scorpions.

Can meerkats be tamed?

Yes, humans can provide some social interaction for a meerkat, but realistically, humans cannot give their pet meerkats the constant companionship they crave. Another issue is the fact that meerkats are not domesticated. As stated before, they are wild animals and will behave as such.

What animal looks like a meerkat?

Meerkats have light brown fur with a gray and brown tint to it with stripes on their back. Their dark-skinned bellies are covered with only a thin layer of fur, allowing the meerkats warm themselves by lying face up in the sun. Eating both plants and animals, meerkats are omnivores.

Is having meerkats as pets, a good idea?

Meerkats are social animals

  • Natural meerkat habitat
  • Meerkat behavior
  • Meerkat diet and care
  • Veterinary care
  • Interaction with other animals
  • Interaction with humans
  • Exotic animal trade
  • What are some animals related to the meerkat?

    These African carnivores are related to mongooses and weasels , noted for their long, elastic bodies. Meerkat and civet mothers both give birth in underground dens, but their commonalities end there.

    What animal is a meerkat?

    The meerkat or suricate (Suricata suricatta) is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family (Herpestidae). It is the only member of the genus Suricata.