Best apartment pets that are ideal for small spaces

As you know, apartment living has its pros and cons. One huge disadvantage is how it limits your options of pet choice. It could be due to the property’s pet restrictions, size constraints, or the lack of an enclosed backyard. If you are a pet lover, you may find it hard not to have an animal friend around you. Being pet-less in a small apartment is not the ideal way of living for a pet lover.

Unfortunately, not many animals can handle apartment living, though. Then you want to know if there are any pets you can have in your apartment? If so, what pets are best for apartments? The great news is that there are plenty of animals you can have as your pet, even with the lack of space. We gathered some suggestions to help you pick the right pet for you and your lifestyle. So who are the best pets for apartment living? Scroll through to find out the best apartment pets

 

List of best apartment pets

• Cats

Low-maintenance and are likely to cuddle? Deal! That is what makes cats one of the best pets in an apartment. Usually, older cats are more likely to be calm and trained. That makes them more ideal for apartment living. You can choose a kitten if you are looking for one that is more active and trainable. In general, cats are great apartment animals. They are pretty small and do not require a yard or walking. Also, they do not make a lot of noise.

• Fish

Now, what if you are not a fan of long walks? In that case, you can choose fish as your apartment pal! They are apartment-friendly because they are quiet and meditative. Other than that, it is also calming to look at them. So if you are anxious and busy with a lot of work, take a minute to look at the fish, and you will feel better.

However, remember that not all fish are as easy to take care of as others are.

If you want low-maintenance pets for apartments, betta fish can be a good choice.

They do not need as much commitment as some underwater creatures. They need a bowl, water to swim in, and some vegetation.

Also, Betta fish are gorgeous, and each one looks unique. But male bettas will fight with other males that share their space.

If you are working 24/7, you may not have much time to give a pet like a dog. However, fish are relatively low-maintenance. You only have to clean their aquarium and feed them. They can be one of the best apartment pets for college students with tight working schedules. Other than that, these fish can also be the best pet for bachelors.

• Rats

Rats are quiet, friendly, and intelligent pets. The best part about rats as pets is that it is relatively easy to take care of them. They are perfect for smaller apartments as they do not need much space. You are only going to need a cage for it. Make sure it is spacious enough for it to play around and live. Rats are also very gentle and love to hang out on your shoulders or lap. They tend to sleep most of the day if you leave the house. Usually, they are active at night but will wake for interaction during the day.

• Hamster

If you want to know any low-maintenance pets for apartments, hamsters and rats will be excellent choices for you. The best part about hamsters as pets is that even most no-pet apartment leases permit hamsters. Like rats, hamsters are ideal for apartment living because they do not need much space. Hamsters are quiet, clean, and also undeniably adorable. Also, they do not shed, which is excellent. Your hamsters will need a 2-cubic-feet cage with an exercise wheel, items to chew, absorbent bedding, a hiding spot, food, and clean water.

•  Guinea pigs – Best apartment pets

These little guys love socialization and are easy to raise. They make an adorable noise as vocalization. Do not worry, though; it is not loud enough to disturb your neighbors in your apartment setting.

When you are ready to welcome your new guinea pig, make sure to get it a cage. It should be roomy enough for the animal to move around and play. You do not have to worry about the height of the enclosure because guinea pigs do not tend to climb. Also, as they enjoy socializing, make sure to take it out of the cage for a while every day. Your pet will love the out-of-cage time to explore and play. Like other pets, let it roam in your home. However, keep an eye on the animal to avoid getting close to wires and wooden fixtures.

• Turtle

Turtles are fascinating little creatures. Also, since they like to mind their own business and lay low, you do not have to watch them all the time. That makes them some of the best pets to have in the apartment. You can leave them alone a lot, so they are ideal if you are not home all day.

However, remember that you must research them before bringing one home. That is because some turtles have different needs than others do.

 Gerbils

Gerbils are perfect for apartment living. They are small in size, just like hamsters. Also, they are inexpensive and easy to look after. They only need a spacious cage with a bedding area and a nesting box. Also, do not forget to add a solid wheel for exercise too. Their diets should include formulated gerbil food. Gerbils are popular with children too. However, it is better to guide the child on how to handle the gerbil to avoid the animal getting hurt.

• Dogs

Do you wish to have a classic furry friend as your apartment buddy? Usually, small breeds such as Pug and Yorkshire Terrier can be the best pets for an apartment. Remember that a dog needs a lot of care, attention, and engagement to be happy and healthy. A dog also needs to be socialized; it is sort of like having a child! So if you are a busy person, you may not want to take up this responsibility. However, do not worry. Keep scrolling, and you will find many other alternatives that suit your lifestyle.

Dogs are also the best pets for seniors in apartments.

Suppose you are getting a dog for a senior. Then it would be better to adopt an older dog instead of a puppy. Senior dogs have gotten their adolescent energy out and want a low-key lifestyle. So they are ideal for an indoorsy senior living in a small apartment. There are Lovable, low-maintenance breeds that will be perfect for apartment living. Let us introduce you to them.

 -Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are friendly and would suit a small apartment. They are relatively small in size. They do not grow to be more than a foot and a half. However, they are pretty active and will need daily walks. They are gentle and very affectionate. Boston Terriers are great little companions.

 -Shih Tzu

Small Shih Tzus are the perfect breed for seniors and anyone living in an apartment. Unlike most dogs, Shih Tzus prefer short walks and indoor playtime with their owners. Shih Tzu will fit in right there with you if you are an indoor person.

What small animals like to cuddle?-Best apartment pets

You can always use a little cuddling with an adorable pet. Here are some of the best small pets for cuddling.

• King Charles Spaniels

They are such gentle and affectionate dogs. King Charles Spaniels rarely grow taller than 33cm. That makes them an ideal small pet for snuggles. Also, these dogs are incredibly loving and will curl up to your lap and happily sleep there.

• Pug – Best apartment pets

Good old pugs can be faithful companions. Pugs would prefer to spend all day cuddling with their owner than running around outside. That is what makes them perfect for seniors in apartments. This breed does not grow much in size either. They would weigh less than 20 pounds and can live around 15 years.

• Chihuahua

Adorable chihuahuas are tiny and will not exceed more than 6 pounds. That is one reason they are perfect for an apartment. The specialty of this breed is its sassy personality. They are bright and daring, which makes them all the more lovable. If you get one, make sure the pet gets regular exercise to tame high energy.  Chihuahuas are friendly and sociable and will often curl up on your lap and go to sleep.  They would also paw your hand and ask for strokes, which will be the cutest thing.

• Siamese cats

Siamese cats are small and lithe. They are a perfect choice if you wish to get an apartment-friendly, huggable pet. While some breeds of cats are not that affectionate, siamese cannot be more different. They are one of the most adoring cat breeds ever. Siamese cats love being around humans and cuddling up to them. So you will get loads of affection from this pet.

They are a friendly species and can get along with people of all ages, from seniors to youngsters.  Still, it is better to guide children on how to handle the animal to make sure that it does not get hurt.

• Umbrella cockatoo

Having an umbrella cockatoo as a pet is every bird person’s dream. These fantastic creatures are not only low maintenance but also love to cuddle. The Umbrella cockatoo is relatively larger. Even though they do not have fur, they still love to snuggle up to you and cuddle.

They become incredibly attached to their owners fast and enjoy their cuddles. However, having a parrot as a pet is not for everyone. As you may know, these birds live long lives. They live up to 70 or 80 years and sometimes even more. So you have to realize that this is not all fun and games. Getting this parrot makes it a lifelong commitment automatically. Not only that, but it is safe to assume that the parrot will outlive you. So you will have to appoint your cuddling buddy to someone trustworthy.

If you decide to get an umbrella cockatoo, you will never be bored again. These creatures are funny, gentle, and intelligent too. However, be sure to check with a vet who specializes in birds.

In general, they are easy to raise. You only have to feed, provide clean water, attention, and exercise.

Best apartment pets – 6 Unique Apartment Pets

You may be an animal lover, but perhaps you do not want a regular pet that everybody else wants. If that is the case, allow us to introduce you to some unique animals that would be fantastic for apartment living.

1.Freshwater Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp are famous for their appearance. These tiny fish have transparent bodies. That means you can see their food go through their bodies.

Cherry Shrimp are another species of aquarium shrimp. They are also tiny and active as Ghost Shrimp. The most significant difference is that these are bright red. They are such a beautiful sight, of course.

Both Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp are pretty easy to raise.

2.Reptiles

Snakes have a long lifespan, are quiet, and do not need walks. Reptiles like smaller lizards and snakes can make fantastic pets. They are different from many other pets because they are not as social and interactive. However, they are great for small spaces. Also, these animals make no noise, at least not loud enough for anyone to hear. So if you adore your quiet time, then these animals are right up your alley! Also, you will find it easy to take care of them. Some of the best lizard species for you are leopard geckos, crested geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Some snake species that do not need large enclosures are corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons.

3. Hedgehogs

These little guys do not require much space. They are also a fantastic choice if you are busy as these animals will not mind if you are not home most of the day. They do not make noise and hardly produce any dander. That means they can be an ideal pet for people with allergies too. Hedgehogs are pretty gentle and peaceful. The only downside is that some parts of the world do not allow you to have Hedgehogs as pets. So be sure to check your laws on exotic pets before you adopt one.

4. Frogs

Most frog species do not require much space. That makes them the best pets for small apartments. Note that most frog types can live in a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. Frogs are also pretty easy to raise, and you only have to feed them a few times per week. Some of the most popular pet frog types include aquatic frogs (African clawed frogs), semi-aquatic frogs (oriental fire-bellied toads), and tree frogs (American green tree frogs). Also, here is a fun fact; some male frogs sing. As fascinating as it sounds, you have to realize that they will not be very quiet pets. However, we can assure you that the sound will not be loud enough to get you in trouble with your neighbors.

5. Ferrets

Ferrets are not a fit for every household. However, despite that, ferrets can be fantastic as apartment pets. One significant advantage is that they are low- maintenance. Also, they are tiny creatures. Ferrets are not hard to feed, and it is easy to litter-train them. Ferrets are a case of ‘do not judge a book by its cover.’ Most people assume that ferrets are reckless and destructive.

However, that assumption cannot be more wrong. In reality, ferrets love to sleep a lot, and also they love to cuddle. They are adorable animals who will be a great addition to your apartment.

6. Tarantulas

Tarantulas are quiet and typically only need a 10-20 gallon aquarium to thrive. They are low maintenance, only need food every other day. Also, they do not mind if you are not around much. Although the venom of a pet tarantula is only mildly toxic, you should not handle it.

Best apartment pets – Good pets for apartments Australia

According to RSPCA Victoria, both Cats and rabbits are good choices for apartment living. These animals are clean and easy to toilet train. So you do not have to worry about limited outdoor space.

Other than that, they recommend Guinea pigs for an apartment setting. Guinea pigs are, of course, a great pet choice for apartment dwellers because they are pretty low-maintenance, as we discussed earlier.

Also, these animals are ideal for apartments as they are quiet and are highly unlikely to offend your neighbors.

Best Pets For Apartments In India

India is a tropical country with scorching weather most of the year-round. Of course, there are short durations of monsoons and winters in most parts of the country. However, most year-round, especially during the summer months, it can be harsh with unbearable heat and humidity. Why do we mention this? That is because you have to keep the climatic conditions in mind when choosing a pet.

Make sure to get pets that can handle the heat and humid climate. If you wish to get a pet dog, consider breeds best suited for the weather conditions. For example, it would be best to get the types with less body hair. One such dog breed that can withstand hot weather is the chihuahua.

They are also apartment-friendly and pretty easy to raise. Make it a habit to provide your pet with food, regular exercise, and fresh water at all times. Another pet choice for you is fish. They only require simple care. Plus, they will not have a negative effect due to the hot weather.

Best apartment pets – What is the easiest pet to take care of?

If you want the easiest pet to take care of, you can choose Stick insects.

They are incredibly popular as pets among people who live in apartments. Apart from their unique appearance, they are easy to raise. Before you welcome your stick insect, you will need to get a spacious enclosure. Also, when it comes to food, go for food like bramble, oak, and hawthorn leaves. However, the food depends on the type of stick insect. So make sure to talk to an expert to decide on food choices.

Best apartment pets – Summary

There you have it! Now you should have an idea about the pet you want to adopt. You are, of course, welcome to choose an animal you like as your pet. However, first, consider your circumstances before deciding. For example, consider the property’s size and pet restrictions and whether you can give the time and energy to take care of a pet.

Once you carefully consider the factors, you can choose an animal friend for you. Please remember that even though most pets we mentioned are pretty low maintenance, they still require research, time, and effort to keep them happy and healthy. As much as owning a pet makes you happy, the animal must enjoy it too. So it is up to you to take care of them. Please remember never to neglect them. Remember that it is another life sharing the apartment with you. So always treat it as such. Now, get ready to welcome your new pet apartment-mate.