For animal lovers living in smaller spaces, it can be hard to find the right pet. There’s a lot to consider, from your building’s restrictions and noise levels to your budget and time commitment. However, of the more than 70 million pet-owning households, a large percentage live in an apartment – so you can likely make it work too.
Many pets thrive in apartments, the most common being cats and dogs. However, there are many other choices to consider that are great for small-space living. Be sure to take your time and ask plenty of questions before adopting a pet.
So whether you live in an apartment in Miami, FL, or a house in Seattle, WA, read on to learn more about the best pets for apartments and tips for living in a rental with your pet.
1. Cats
Cats are often considered the best pets for apartments. They’re small, quiet, independent, and sleep most of the day, making them great for owners who don’t spend much time at home. They’re also usually happy being indoor-only pets. As long as you spend some time playing and cuddling with them every day, they’re fun, low-maintenance pets.
However, finding the ideal cat breed for your situation is essential. For example, if you’re allergic to fur, make sure to get a hypoallergenic cat. The team at Wrinkled Bliss Sphynx suggests Sphynx cats for those with allergies: “Sphynx cats are a great choice for apartments because they don’t shed, are hypoallergenic, quiet, and don’t get separation anxiety.” Another hypoallergenic option is the Siberian breed. “They are often popular with pet owners who suffer from allergies,” says Liz Daisley from Daisley Siberians Cattery. “However, because of their busy-minded nature, consider taking them out in a cat stroller or on a walk with a harness to calm them down.”
There are several things you can do to make sure that your cat thrives in your home. Keep up with cleaning your litter box, and ensure you have a selection of toys and scratching…