Are you stuck inside and craving a companion?
Pets are one of the biggest sources of joy for many people, but living in an apartment can make pet ownership challenging sometimes.
Small spaces, lack of backyards, and issues with noise may limit some of your options for having a pet, but there’s still plenty of options!
Read on to learn some of the best animals to have as pets if you live in an apartment, and start enjoying your new fluffy (or scaly) companion today.
- Rabbits
Rabbits can make great apartment pets. They are cuddly, social animals, making great companions that will want to be by your side.
There are over 50 breeds of household rabbit, in a range of sizes and colors. Rabbits can even be trained to use a litter box, perfect if they’ll be hopping around the house! Or, you can even train them on a leash if you want to go outside.
Bunnies are quiet, affectionate animals, so they aren’t going to make any noise that can disturb those around you.
However, rabbits do like to chew, so keep anything dangerous out of their way, such as computer cables or your favorite slippers.
- Cats
Cats are good pets for small apartments, as long as they have some entertainment and a scratching post. Unlike dogs, they don’t need as much room to run around, and they’re also happy to be left alone for long periods of time while you’re out.
Once trained, they pretty much look after themselves, but most will always enjoy affection when you’re home.
Cats can be mischievous if bored, so take care of leaving any valuables within their reach. You can avoid this by keeping them occupied when you’re not home with toys, catnip puzzles, and climbing posts.
If you’re spending a lot of time inside at home, check out these benefits to pet ownership.
- Small Dogs
Small lap dogs can make good apartment pets, as long as they receive regular walks and exercise.
There’s nothing better than coming home to a happy dog, and dogs can be trained to use artificial grass on your balcony. Dogs are one of the best companions and will become your friend for life.
However, even though puppies are beyond cute, they are still a lot of work and their barking may annoy the neighbors.
You may want to adopt an older dog from a shelter, as they are often calmer and better trained than a new puppy.
Small dog breeds that do well in apartments include chihuahuas, pugs, toy poodles, or any mixed breed of small size. Try to research the temperament and personality of your breed first, to make sure they are compatible with an apartment lifestyle.
- Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are sweet, social animals. They enjoy spending time with their owners and they don’t take up much room. Guinea pigs do need exercise, so give them space out of their cage where they can walk around and explore.
They often prefer to be with others, so consider bringing home two rather than one. Fresh veggies or lettuce are a favorite snack, and their gentle nature makes them a good pet for kids.
- Hamsters and Mice
For a pet smaller than the guinea pig, check out hamsters, mice, or gerbils.
They are one of the most low-maintenance pets out there, and are content with an enclosure with fresh food and water, bedding, and an exercise wheel.
Hamsters are quiet, not likely to make any noise except for the spinning of their wheel, and they are also good for those with allergies. They are also inexpensive to keep and don’t require any regular grooming, making them also good pets for people on a tight budget.
Hamsters do like human attention and can be trained, but be careful when they’re out of their cage, as they’re small and can easily get lost.
They are very cute little creatures and their cage can fit on a shelf or table, not requiring much space.
- Lizards
If you prefer your pets scaly, why not look at a small lizard, gecko, or even frog? Reptiles and amphibians make some of the best apartment pets, as they are completely quiet and easy to look after.
Perhaps not as cuddly as some, many people find reptiles beautiful and fascinating, and can also be fun for curious kids.
Species to look for include frogs, toads, bearded dragons, and the leopard gecko. Your lizard will probably need a heat lamp to help stay warm. If you have a large enough space, you can even consider a pet snake.
Some species will require live feedings, such as insects, so make sure you’re comfortable with that before bringing home your new pet lizard.
- Tropical Fish
Creating an aquarium of tropical fish can be a lot of fun, and the vibrant, stunning colors of fish are relaxing and enjoyable to watch.
You can set up a fish tank of any size, but be mindful that if you ever move, large tanks can be a challenge to safely relocate.
To set up a freshwater aquarium, you’ll need a sturdy surface, such as a table, close to electricity for your lights and filtration system. Line the bottom of the tank with gravel, and add live plants and decorations.
Once the water has settled and you’re ready, you can start introducing fish into your tank.
There are many gorgeous aquarium fish, but popular species include neon tetra, guppies, mollies, and angelfish.
Get Started With These Animals to Have as Pets in an Apartment
Now that you know the best animals to have as pets in apartments, you can decide which loving pet is best for you.
Just because you live in a small space doesn’t mean you should be denied the joys of having a pet, so find your perfect pet today and start enjoying the enrichment it can bring to your life.
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