Virtual Desktop Pets

From LoveToKnow Online

From cats and dogs to earthworms and elephants, virtual desktop pets are a fun way to add a little whimsy to your computer.

Learn more about virtual pet adoption.

What is a Virtual Pet?

Imagine having a pet that lives in the virtual world of your computer. Your pet lives on your desktop, waiting for you to play with it, feed it or interact with it in any number of ways. With proper food and care, many of these pets grow from babies into adult animals. Depending on which website you choose to download your desktop pet, there are many additional activities you can enjoy with it including:

Bathing
Grooming
Taking it for a walk
Dressing it
Teaching it tricks

There are also desktop pets that do not have to be fed or cared for in any way. These self-sustaining virtual pets simply enjoy playing.

Putting a virtual pet, also known as a cyber pet, on your desktop is easy. Simply download the software program and your pet will appear on the desktop. Because your pet lives on your desktop and is not a virtual pet online, you do not have to be online to play with it. Each desktop pet responds to your commands as you use your mouse or keyboard. In addition to being interactive, many of these animated little critters even make sounds.

Choosing a Virtual Pet for Your Desktop

The first decision you must make when choosing your desktop pet is whether you want a realistic-looking animal, a fantasy creature or one that is funny and cartoon-like. Visit websites that offer the kind of virtual pet you want to adopt, and before you know it you will find the perfect pet. Many of the virtual pet adoption centers even allow you to customize certain features of your pet.

Desktop pets are available in a vast assortment of shapes, sizes and types. Some of the most popular desktop pets include:

Dogs
Cats
Hamsters
Fish
Earthworms
Dragons
Horses
Bears
Sheep
Fox
Rabbits
Penguins
Snakes
Birds

Where to Find Virtual Desktop Pets

Although many websites offer free desktop pets for adoption, other websites provide a virtual pet for a nominal fee. The following are several of the many wonderful websites offering virtual pets for your desktop:

Gold Files offers more than a dozen free desktop pets. Their great selection includes favorites such as:
- Earthworm Jim based on the Sega Earthworm Jim game
- Kamikaze Kat who is busy trying to prove cats have nine lives
- Tux the Linux Penguin
RSPCA Cyber Pet provides a variety of desktop pets for adoption. Once you adopt your favorite pet, you have to take good care of it to keep it healthy and happy. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach children what it takes to care for a living pet.
A cuddly teddy bear named Desktop Buddy, from Forever Friends, sits on your desktop and happily reminds you of important dates such as birthdays and other special occasions. To download Desktop Buddy you must register with Forever Friends. Registration is free.
Soft Look Up offers a free 3D desktop pet dog. Watch your dog grow and play as you work on your computer. This desktop pet loves to play with you and follows your commands.
Cyber Critters are fun desktop pets that can be tired, happy or sad and love to play, sleep and eat. When you go online, these little critters sit on the top of the page, keeping you company.

Additional Resources for Adopting a Desktop Pet

Each of the following websites provides links to additional websites that offer virtual pets for your desktop:

Once you have decided which adorable animal is your favorite from among the many virtual desktop pets available, you are sure to enjoy spending time with your new friend.

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