Small pet

Small pets are pets that live in aquariums or cages and can be taken out briefly for Sims to play with. They require less attention than cats and dogs.

The Sims
In The Sims only one small pet was available, the fish in the Poseidon's Adventure Aquarium. Sims obviously have to feed the fish and clean the tank to ensure they remain healthy.

In Livin' Large, the guinea pig was introduced. If the cage wasn't cleaned for a long time, and it bit a Sim, the Sim would become sick. The fastest and easiest way of curing this sickness is to buy the guinea pig painting and look at it.

Many more small pets were introduced with The Sims: Unleashed. Sims were able to go to Old Town and purchase a variety of small pets, including iguanas, turtles and small birds such as budgies and love birds. All of them require feeding and cleaning occasionally, but they don't need as much attention as cats and dogs. However, unlike cats and dogs, they can - and will - eventually die, no matter how carefully they are cared for. Parrots and Cockatoos can also be bought in Buy Mode, for §939 and §749, respectively. Sims can not only feed them crackers, but also talk to them, which boosts their Charisma. (The Sim's, not the bird's!)

The Sims 2
In The Sims 2 an aquarium of fish is also available.

With The Sims 2: Pets Sims could buy a parakeet or womrat. Their cages can be bought in the pet section of the Buy mode and then filled with the animal.

They must be fed and their cages must be cleaned. Parakeets can be taught to talk while boosting a Sims Charisma.

If a bird cage is left open too long, it will fly around the house. It will eventually return to its cage though. Birds also die if they aren't fed.

If The Sims 2: Seasons is installed, Sims can catch butterflies and then put them somewhere as a decoration. Butterflies can't be fed or played with and if they'll be caught for too long, they'll die.

In The Sims 2: Apartment Life, puppies were available without the Pets expansion pack.

The Sims 3
In The Sims 3 many marine animals, including fish, frogs, snails, and crocodiles, and insects can be caught and placed in an aquarium or terrarium.

Animals in aquariums must be fed regularly but can essentially live forever.