Magical creatures come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are all fascinating. Although there are plenty of exotic and dangerous creatures out there, some of the most captivating are the ones which magical people keep as pets. Being
responsible for a pet is being responsible for another living being, so getting one should never be done on a whim. Taking care of a magical creature of your own may interest you, but it is important to be
well-informed before purchasing or adopting any animal! Because of this, I interviewed caretakers of various magical creatures and have compiled their answers here in this article! You will be able to learn what to keep in mind when considering a pet of your own or simply
expand your knowledge of magical creatures.
First, I interviewed
Brook Belrose about their
Bowleaf, Bowl, which they care for as less of a pet than a companion.
What made you interested in taking care of a bowleaf?
I’ve always been interested in the study of magical trees! I was working on a field study years ago when I found a group of Bowleaves nearby. I brought snacks to leave them, and one lazy bowleaf decided it liked them and snuck home with me when I left. Bowl has stuck with me ever since!
What is caring for a Bowleaf like?
It lives in a little attic loft I added on to my mailbox so it has a home to return to close to the house. I warded the loft to keep it safe, but it’s easy for Bowl to go outside and explore the forest nearby. I bring it a selection of berries, flowers, and leaves each morning, as it’s less inclined to hunting than dependent or antisocial Bowleaves. Bowl also accompanies me occasionally to work by perching on my head or shoulder–it’s only about 8 inches tall. It can wander the woods nearby, which are quite safe, but I trained it to also respond to a “come home” whistle for emergencies. Bowl sleeps and sunbathes a lot but is also excitable and adventurous in short bursts.
What is its favorite treat?
Cactus!
Do you have any tips for those looking to take care of a Bowleaf?
Don’t go into it searching one out to try to force it to be a pet. Bond with it naturally, and let it know you’re a good caretaker. Staying with a human means abandoning the security of living with its swarm, so you have to show it that you can meet its needs. Building trust with a Bowleaf is super important.
Next, I spoke to
Paisley Linelin about her
Fluffle Puff, Cashmere.
What made you interested in taking care of a Fluffle Puff?
I had one when I was little, and I’ve just loved them ever since. I foster Fluffle Puffs that need to be rehomed, which is how I came across Cashmere! I didn’t expect to keep him, but two years later, here we are.
What is taking care of a Fluffle Puff like?
Unsurprisingly, a lot of it is brushing and fur upkeep. I feed him Fluffle Puff feed the local pet shop sells and supplement that with vegetables and fruits. It’s important to check what’s in the feed you buy and make sure your Puff is getting all the nutrients it needs, and spicing things up with fruit in particular can act as enrichment for them!
What is Cashmere’s favorite treat?
Strawberries, which is good because they’re my favorite, too.
Do you have any tips for those looking to take care of a Fluffle Puff?
Fluffle Puffs are very dependent creatures and prefer company, so they’re not an ideal pet for someone who isn’t home a lot. I work from home and can spend lots of time with Cashmere. You also need to “baby proof” the house or room the Puff is kept in, as they’re not the smartest creatures out there and can easily get themselves in trouble.
Finally, I interviewed
Templeton Barlow about his freshwater
Murtlett, Basil.
What made you interested in taking care of a Murtlett?
I attended Hogsworth as a child and the docile Murtlett population there made them my favorite animal. They also got me interested in the treatment of creatures by Magicals. Now, I am an advocate of magical creature and animal rights and protections. Because Murtletts have historically been a target of Magical wildlife abuse, I use them as an example when explaining the importance of protecting magical creatures.
What is taking care of this creature like?
I have a small pond in my backyard for Basil to swim and fish in. She is the only Murtlett there as well as spayed, so she is not a threat to the local fish population. The yard also has lots of space for her to explore and dig to maintain her claws. I also provide some moss, fungi, and insects for meals, and Basil supplements that with small fish and bugs she catches. Sometimes, I bury treats in the yard for her to find as enrichment. She is very cat-like in that she’s affectionate but also independent.
What is Basil’s favorite treat?
Egg yolk, interestingly enough.
Do you have any tips for those looking to take care of a Murtlett?
Murtletts can be very temperamental, and too many people try to change them rather than adapt to their natural behaviors and needs. If you can’t handle it, don’t try to take care of it.
Talking to these creature caretakers was such an
interesting experience, and I am happy to be able to share their helpful information! A lot more time and effort goes into caring for these complex creatures than you might expect. This is why learning as much about their needs before deciding to care for one is so important.