Living in an apartment is awesome! You have less stuff, less cleaning, and there’s a community around you. But moving to an apartment with a pet could be complicated. Which animal companion would be best for your apartment?
Here are 12 pets best for apartment living. You will read about the breeds, sizes, and a brief description of the maintenance requirements for each.
Dogs
Dogs are the most popular animal companions in America. But not all dogs are suitable for apartment living. Breeds like German Shepherd or Siberian Husky need a lot of space and shed a lot. The following types are neither too small nor too large. They’ll not make a big mess and have lower maintenance requirements:
- French Bulldog or Frenchie. They grow to 11-13 inches and can weigh up to 28 pounds. They have low grooming requirements. But due to their brachycephalic nature, you may need to visit the vet frequently.
- American Hairless Terriers can grow to 12-16 inches and weigh between 12 and 16 pounds. Like the Frenchies, they have low grooming requirements. But they have a typical terrier personality and could be protective of their human owners.
- Basset Hounds are moderate in size. They can grow to 15 inches and weigh up to 65 pounds. Basset Hounds require moderate grooming, especially on cleaning the drooping ears and brushing.
Cats
Cats are independent and seem not to mind an indoor life. All you have to provide is food, freshwater, and a litter bin. Cats also self-groom. However, you may need to clean after them. But not all cat breeds are suitable for apartment living. Some varieties like Abyssinian, Bengal, and Savannah love adventure and could feel constrained in an apartment. If you fancy felines, the following would make perfect companions in your apartment.
- American Shorthair cats have pleasant personalities. They can grow to a height of 10 inches and weigh up to 15 pounds. They have low maintenance requirements: weekly brushing and ear cleaning are sufficient.
- Birman is a sweet and gentle cat that loves to play. They can grow to 10 inches and weigh up to 12 pounds. Apart from requiring regular company, this cat breed is purrfect for your apartment.
- Ragdolls are reputed to be the ultimate lap cats. They can grow to 9 – 11 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. Compared to other cat breeds, Ragdolls are low maintenance. They require regular grooming and plenty of human company.
Reptiles
Lovers of reptiles would love to keep animals like snakes in their apartments. But not all reptiles are suited for apartment living. Like the mammals, they would feel constrained in restricted habitats. However, you can create a living space that is large enough for a reptile companion but small enough to fit in your apartment. Consider these reptile species:
- Bearded dragons are medium size lizard-like reptiles that can grow to a length of 12- 18 inches. They don’t require complicated maintenance, just good food, and special temperature-controlled, UV-lit tanks.
Birds
Birds are also excellent animal companions, and they make great pets for apartment living. They take up little space and require low maintenance. However, birds can be noisy, and it is advisable to keep at least a pair. If you are a bird enthusiast, these apartment-friendly species could be perfect for you.
- Budgerigars or Parakeets love to chatter but they are not too loud. They can grow to 8 inches and weigh about 1 ounce. They also require regular out-of-the-cage playtime, but are fairly affordable and low-maintenance pet.
- Canary birds are petite, thus ideal for apartment dwellers. They grow to about 8 inches and weigh 0.5 to 1 ounce. Although they tend to be vocal, your neighbors may never notice it.
- Cockatiels are slightly larger growing up to 13 inches and weighing about 3 ounces. They can whistle and are highly adaptable.
Fish
Fish are renowned for their therapeutic effect. Just watching fish swim in an aquarium can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and reduce symptoms of ailments such as Alzheimer’s. The following fish types could be suitable for your apartment:
- Standard goldfish come in many varieties. They grow to 10-14 inches and can generate plenty of waste. However, when they are big enough, you can reduce food wastage by shifting to pellet feed.
- Neon Tetras or Little Neons can grow up to 1.5 inches and feed on small pelleted or flaked feeds. However, they thrive in groups. So you may need to pick three to five individuals to start.
Conclusion
When choosing a pet to share your apartment with, think about their emotional needs and your lifestyle. The animal’s size and maintenance needs could be perfect for your apartment, but your lifestyle might not be. If you spend lots of time away, consider picking them in pairs (or more) and enlisting professionals to help you take care of the pets. Also, remember to check with the property manager before you bring your animal companion home.