Reptile Myth Buster
Do Reptiles Show Affection? You Might Be Surprised!
If you've never had a pet reptile before, it's totally understandable to assume they're not the cuddly, affectionate type. I mean, let’s face it - TV shows and movies haven’t exactly done reptiles any favours. They’re often shown as cold, heartless villains lurking in the shadows. But let me tell you, that stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth!
Ask any reptile owner and they’ll probably tell you they used to think the same thing, until they brought one home.
The reptile world is huge and incredibly diverse. Just like dogs, cats, or birds, different reptile species have their own personalities, routines, and even preferences. While some rely more on instinct, others thrive on routine and structure. And yes, many of them recognize their humans and form bonds that are surprisingly sweet (and sometimes sassy!).
Smarter Than You Think
Reptiles like Monitors, Iguanas, Tegus, and Tortoises are known to be some of the brainiest in the reptile kingdom. These guys can be trained and bonded with, much like a dog or a bird. They’ll learn your routine, recognize when you're late with dinner, and even figure out where you stash their treats. With time and patience, some can even be potty trained!
And if you’ve ever had one of these clever creatures stare you down while standing over an empty food bowl or caught them trying to pry open the fridge then you know exactly what I mean. It’s like living with a scaly toddler who knows exactly where the snacks are.
Bearded Dragons: Your Quirky Sidekick
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles for good reason. They’ve got loads of personality. Many love hanging out with you while you do everyday stuff like homework, washing dishes, or binge watching your favourite shows. They’re curious about movement and light, but also happy to chill on a couch cushion or cat tree, just watching the world go by.
And if you ever see your beardie "glass surfing" (pressing against and pacing the tank walls), that's their adorable way of saying, Hey, I wanna come out and explore!
Snakes: The Ultimate Snugglers?
Believe it or not, many snakes are total snugglebugs. They love the warmth of your body and often feel safest tucked inside a hoodie pocket or wrapped gently around your wrist. Of course, snakes vary a lot by species. Some are more instinct driven, while others really seem to enjoy human interaction.
Beginner friendly snakes like ball pythons and corn snakes usually enjoy being handled and will even cling to you as you move around the house. A cozy corn snake might snuggle deep into your hoodie with just their tiny head poking out to watch the action. Just remember to always keep an eye on them if you have them out because when snakes decide to explore, they can slither into the tightest little spaces!
Not all reptiles are the same, and that’s exactly what makes them so fascinating. While they may not show affection in the same way a dog does or respond to specific commands, many reptiles absolutely form bonds with their humans and most of them absolutely do respond to different types of stimulation. They have quirks, preferences, routines and yes, even favourites in the household.
So next time someone says reptiles don’t have feelings, you’ll know the truth: they just haven’t had the joy of getting to know one yet.
