Different Types of Pet Mice

Some people desire mice as a pet because of the animal's small size.

While wild mice are considered unwelcome guests in some people's homes, other people like the idea of having the small creature as a household pet. A mouse is small enough--on average, a mouse is between 3 and 4 inches in length--to allow for the tiny critter to be a pet. Just as with any potential pet, the owner has a variety of options when it comes to purchasing the right mouse.

Color

Mice come in a variety of colors, just like other popular domestic pets. Jet black and white mice are more commonly recognized, but other mice colors include beige, chocolate, cream, silver-black, silver-grey, silver and ginger, according to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA).

Patterned fur

Pet mice can have fur that's patterned or marked. For example, banded mice of any color have a white band around the torso, beginning at the third quarter of the body and ending right before the tail, according to AFRMA. Dutch mice are white, with patches of a different color around both eyes and the rump. Variegated mice have small splashes of color all over the body, chinchilla mice are silver ticked with black color, and Siamese mice are cream, with brown spots on their noses and tails blended to gradually match the body color, according to All About Mice.

Additional Types

Other options for potential pet mice owners are mice with satin fur coats. Mice with this type of fur have more shine than a regular mouse. Also, people can purchase long-haired mice, hairless mice or astrex mice, which have wavy and crinkled fur, according to All About Mice.

Care

Mice, which usually weigh 1/2 to 1 oz., have a lifespan of 1 to 3 years if well cared for, according to the ASPCA. Expenses for the friendly creature include about $35 for a cage, about $50 for food every year and about $220 for litter and bedding material. The owner should thoroughly clean the cage at least once a week, according to The Humane Society.

References

• All About Mice: Types & Varieties
• AFRMA: Pet Rats & Mice
• ASPCA: Mouse Care
• Mice: The Right Pet for You?
• AFRMA: Fancy Mice