Sleeping Cheech the Chinchilla

This is Cheech, a 16 and a half year old chinchilla. If you don't know, chinchillas are considered to be the softest animals in the world! Despite his old age and partial blindness, he still manages to be playful, loving, and super cute. His favorite foods include almonds, raisins, and lettuce. Chinchillas can't be bathed in water because their fur coat is so thick that water can cause mold or fungus to grow in it. Instead, they bathe in dust by rolling around in it! Sadly, they are becoming increasingly rare due to the demand for their fur to make fur coats. They really are quite unique creatures, and I feel honored that I am able to take care of one.