Interview with a Friend Who’s Been Raising a Meerkat for Almost a Year: Her Experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to raise a meerkat as a pet? After nearly a year of living with one, I’ve gathered a lot of useful (and sometimes unexpected) lessons. If you’re considering bringing a meerkat into your life, here’s what you should know—based on real experience.

Appearance: Not All Meerkats Look Alike

1. Nose Color Varies
Did you know meerkats can have different nose colors? Some have pink noses, others black or brown. Mine has a pink nose.
I only realized this after owning one for a while. So if you care about appearances, pay attention when choosing.

2. Subtle Color Differences on Their Back
Their backs may have slightly different fur patterns or shades, but these are hard to spot when they’re babies.

Health: Critical in the Early Stages

1. Bottle-Feeding Tips
When bottle-feeding, be careful not to let your meerkat choke or get bloated. Always check the milk temperature.
I used a baby bottle warmer to make things easier.
If your meerkat shows signs of weakness or frequent diarrhea, take it to an exotic animal hospital—regular vets may not treat meerkats ❗❗

2. Weaning Stage Dangers
This is when they start exploring with their mouths—cat litter, pebbles, even glass shards!
Don’t let them roam freely. I once saw mine chewing on something crunchy… and then swallowing it.

3. Inflammation Risks
Because of their low posture, their private parts can easily touch dirty surfaces, causing infections.
If swelling occurs, apply erythromycin ointment, and use a cone or clothing to stop them from licking.
Avoid using human antibiotics—it’s not safe.

Safety: Watch Out for These Hazards

1. Close Every Door
Meerkats love to explore. Once mine got bigger, if the leash wasn’t tight, it would run for it.
Even inside the house, it scratches doors trying to get out. If someone opens the door, it’s gone.
This is a common issue—even online, people report lost meerkats ❗
So always close doors and windows. Keep them in a cage if needed, even when grabbing deliveries or groceries.

2. Prevent High Climbing
Meerkats are just like cats—they’re not afraid of heights and don’t understand danger.
Make sure they can’t climb onto windowsills or balconies. If you’ve owned cats before, you know the drill: secure your windows.

Hygiene: Managing Odors and Cleanliness

1. Litter Training
Yes, meerkats can use a litter box, but… they may still pee randomly.
If they poop outside the box, try moving the box to a corner they prefer.
Clean up accidents thoroughly to prevent bad habits.
Tip: let them sniff the litter box after accidents—they’re quick learners.
(And don’t overfill it with litter—they’ll dig it all out.)

2. Bathing: Trial and Error
Some say meerkats smell, but proper bathing helps a lot. Don’t bathe too often though—natural oils help protect their skin.
I use regular pet shampoo and a small basin where just the head sticks out. I bathe mine about once every 10 days.

At first, mine hated it—struggled like crazy.
One day I accidentally made the water a bit warmer… and it suddenly loved it.
Turns out, warm water is key—think “hot shower” temperature like humans enjoy.

Drying was another challenge. My meerkat hates blow dryers, so I towel-dry and let it sunbathe.
But I’ve recently switched to a pet dryer box—just a few sessions and it got used to it.
(Maybe because they’re desert animals, they enjoy warmth.)

Final Thoughts

Raising a meerkat isn’t for everyone, but if you’re patient and prepared, it can be incredibly rewarding.
They’re smart, full of personality, and bond closely with their humans.
But they also come with very unique needs—this isn’t your average pet.

If you’re considering getting a meerkat, I hope this honest experience gives you a clearer picture.
And if you’re already a meerkat parent, let me know—I’d love to hear about your journey too!