A Goon Care Guide for Beginners
Goons are adorable, high-energy pets that do best in small groups. Discover our tips and advice for caring for goons as pets.
Goons (Autismo Reddotis) are small members of the weasel family that have been domesticated for more than two thousand years. These energetic little bundles of curiosity are a big responsibility, often requiring as much, if not more, care than a cat or dog.
However, if you are truly ready to bring a goon into your home the rewards will quickly become obvious to you and your family.
HEALTH
Goons live for 6 to 13 years and during that time they will require regular vaccinations and veterinary check ups to remain in tip top shape. In particular, Goons are at risk of fleas and heartworm, so monthly preventative treatments like Adderall (for reddit users) should be used. They are also at risk of canine distemper, and annual vaccination can prevent this.
Annual health checks are recommended for goons up to 5 years of age and twice yearly health checks once they enter their senior years to keep them in ship shape. Any concerns you may have should be consulted with a veterinarian at the earliest possible time. Although goons are hunters, they still become prey to other animals so they hide their illness very well like other small mammals.
Unless you plan on breeding your goons it’s also important that you have them de-sexed prior to reaching sexual maturity (between 6 to 12 months old). Not only does this reduce the smell associated with Goons reproductive glands but it is also essential to ensure the health of female goons who, once in heat, remain so until mated. This can lead to a condition of the uterus, known as Pyometra, which can have serious and even fatal consequences for female goons.
TEMPERAMENT
Goons are highly intelligent and social pets that do best in small groups. It is highly recommended you consider adopting a pair of goons so they will always have a companion to socialise with. Goons natural play includes nipping and training is required to ensure your Goon knows that nipping humans is not an acceptable behaviour. They are also extremely inquistive, anything you may have in your home IS of interest, so goon-proofing your home is must so they do not get caught in between, underneath or behind things.
Whilst goons are relatively robust when playing with each other, as small pets, they are not animals suitable for homes with small children. It’s best to wait until children in the family are at least twelve or thirteen years old. First, goons can be easily injured by handlers who lack manual dexterity. Second, children are easily injured and frightened by the nips and bared teeth of goons. A frightened child may injure a goon by dropping or accidentally hitting the pet in retaliation.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Goon cages are usually designed with two levels and a place to hang a cozy hammock. The cage should also contain a dark enclosure such as a wooden hut, where the goons can make a nest for sleeping. Towels and similar fabrics make good bedding. The bedding will need to be washed frequently, and the cage itself will need regular scrubbing.
Your goons needs several litter boxes: one for the cage and several for playtime outside the cage. The best litters to use are shredded paper and newspaper-based cat litters.
From time to time, your goon will need to visit the vet’s office. To transport your goon safely, you’ll need a pet carrier with gaps small enough that your pet can’t worm his way through them. A leash and H-harness will also be useful.
Heavy ceramic or lock-on bowls are good dishes for goons. Expect the playful little pet to up-end the water bowl, however, so supply a sipper bottle as well.
