Apartment living can be a unique challenge when it comes to pet ownership. The limited space and proximity to neighbors means you have to choose a pet that is comfortable with this type of environment.
When you choose the right one, having a pet in an apartment can bring so much joy and companionship, making your living space feel more like a home. This guide will explore the best pets to adopt if you’re living in an apartment.
Living in an apartment comes with space constraints, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a furry friend by your side. The key is choosing a pet that is low maintenance and doesn’t require ample room to roam. With the right pet that matches your lifestyle, an apartment can still feel like home.
When considering low maintenance pets there are several factors to weigh
Space Limitations
Most apartments have restrictions on pet sizes, so large dogs that need room to run are usually out. Make sure any pet you choose can live comfortably in the space you have.
Noise Levels
Your close proximity to neighbors means you’ll need a quiet pet that won’t create excessive noise Some vocal birds and anxious dogs that bark a lot aren’t the best fit
Exercise Needs
If you work long hours, pets that need daily walks, like high-energy dogs, can be challenging. Opt for low-key pets that don’t need much space to get their ya-yas out.
Grooming and Cleaning
High-shedding and high-maintenance pets equal more cleanup for you. Minimize your workload with pets that don’t require frequent bathing and brushing.
Dietary Needs
Some pets have very specific dietary needs that can be time-consuming to manage. Choosing pets with simple nutritional needs will save you time.
Vet Care
Certain pets are prone to more health issues, which means more trips to the vet. Robust and hearty breeds tend to need less medical attention.
Lifespan
Short-lived pets require you to reinvest time and emotion when they pass. Long-living pets are a lower maintenance choice.
Keep these factors in mind as you look at the best low maintenance pets for apartments:
Fish
- Betta fish: Simple care, low space needs, quiet.
- Goldfish: Fun to watch, minimum 20-gallon tank.
- Guppies: Sociable, 5-gallon tank minimum.
Reptiles
- Snakes: Specifically corn snakes, eat infrequently, quiet.
- Lizards: Leopard geckos are calm, terrarium habitat.
- Turtles: Require larger tanks but don’t need walks.
Birds
- Finches: Entertaining, not too loud.
- Canaries: Low maintenance, quieter than parrots.
- Parakeets: Affectionate, easy care and feeding.
Rodents
- Hamsters: Independent, small caged area, quiet(er).
- Guinea pigs: Enjoy human interaction, 7 sq ft minimum cage.
- Mice: Furry, cage with wheel, spot clean daily.
Invertebrates
- Tarantulas: True low maintenance, quiet, long-lived.
- Praying mantises: Simple terrarium habitat, live off insects.
- Hermit crabs: Change sand a few times a year, quiet.
Cats
- Shorthairs: Require less grooming than longhairs.
- Mature cats: Less needy than playful kittens.
- Healthy breeds: Avoid flat-faced cats prone to issues.
Small Dogs
- French bulldogs: Friendly, minimal exercise needs.
- Cavalier spaniel: Affectionate, relatively calm.
- Greyhound: Known as 45mph couch potatoes!
To make sure your pet thrives, focus on choosing the right animal for your schedule, space and lifestyle. Do your research, talk to experts, and make sure everyone living in the home is on board. With the perfect apartment pet, your small home can still feel big on love!
The Best Pets for Apartment Living
If you live in an apartment but are thinking about adopting a pet, its important to consider things like space, noise, and exercise. Here are some of the best pets that will be comfortable in an apartment setting.
Cats are one of the most popular choices for apartment dwellers. These fur balls are independent, low-maintenance, and need less space compared to dogs. Here are some reasons why cats are great for apartments:
- Size – Most cats are small and can feel comfortable in smaller living spaces.
- Litter training – You can train your cat to use a litter box, making them perfect for apartment living. okocat natural litter is a great choice for small spaces.
- Quiet – Unlike dogs, cats are generally quiet animals, making them ideal if you live close to other people.
Why People Seek the Company of Pets
Pets offer more than just companionship; they provide emotional support, reduce stress, and can even improve your physical health. For many people, pets are a huge source of unconditional love and comfort. Here are some reasons why people might seek the company of pets:
- Companionship – Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness, especially for those living in an apartment alone.
- Stress relief – Interacting with pets has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
- Routine and responsibility – Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose and helps establish a daily routine.
- Social interaction – Pets, especially dogs, can help their owners meet new people and build social connections.
- Mental health benefits – Pets can help improve symptoms of depression and other mental health issues by providing companionship and unconditional affection.
With the company of your pet, do you miss your pet every time you travel? Then, Custom Luggage Tags can let your pet accompany you around the world!
Custom luggage tags can be printed with your pets cute photos and name. Whether it is the cats proud face, the dogs tongue-sticking smile, or the birds smart moment, they can all be frozen on this small luggage tag. When you look down and see the familiar little face during the trip, the feeling of loneliness will instantly dissipate.
Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be challenging, but resources like SpareRoom can make the search easier. SpareRoom is a roommate-matching website where you can filter your living preferences, including accommodations for pets. This will help you find compatible roommates who are open to living with pets. So whether you’re living in a small LA apartment or renting in NYC, you can find the perfect place for you and your furry, feathered, or scaly friend.
10 Low Maintenance Cuddly Pets Low Maintenance Pets for Beginners | Low Maintenance Small Pets
FAQ
What is the easiest pet to take care of in an apartment?
- Dogs. Let’s start with the most commonly owned pet: dogs. …
- Cats. Another pet that’s as popular as dogs? …
- Fish and Turtles. Freshwater fish and turtles are some of the most low-maintenance pets for apartment dwellers. …
- Birds. …
- Hamsters and Guinea Pigs.
What is the lowest maintenance pet to have?
- Guinea Pigs. These little guys are arguably the best pets for people with a busy schedule and a desire for a low-maintenance companion to watch movies with during your wind-down routine. …
- Hamsters. …
- Betta Fish. …
- Chinchillas. …
- Turtles. …
- Corn Snakes. …
- Leopard Geckos. …
- Birds.
Which pet is good for an apartment?
“Cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are great options as they don’t have the strong social, companionship and exercise needs that dogs do. They’re clean, quiet, easy to toilet train, and don’t need access to an outside space to run around for exercise.
What animal should I get for my apartment?
Small pets like cats, small dog breeds, fish, or even hamsters make great apartment companions due to their size and lower space requirements.Apr 23, 2025