

October 2007
Cats ands dogs are not quite in right now in China and that’s because the kids are pestering their parents not for fluffy kitties but for slippery snakes! Pets such as lizards, mini-crocodiles and little water snakes are the new favorites in Chinese homes with traditional four legged pets being considered outdated. This phenomenon is not just concentrated in a few particular areas, but spreading quickly across the length and breadth of the country.
New figures suggest that over a hundred thousand people from all across China have registered themselves as members of a ‘strange pets’ forum on the Internet. These new pets are considered to be unique and fashionable and stand for the new, bold expression of China’s youth.
A smartly dressed girl playing with a snake on the road may have raised eyebrows a few weeks ago but today young Chinese adults are proudly flaunting their newly adopted friends and since these pet reptiles are tame, there’s no danger of them attacking anybody.
Chinese health experts are warning people to only buy tame pets from reputable pet stores as widl reptiles, as well as being dangerous to handle, also harbour a pathogen which can be dangerous to young children.
Only time will tell if this craze for reptiles finds its way into British homes along with the traditional Chinese exports of computer games and video consoles.
If you are thinking of getting a pet reptile for your family one of our reptile starter kits would be ideal Contact us for help and advice.