Even though there isn’t a lot of room in an apartment, you can still have a furry friend beside you. The important thing is to pick a pet that doesn’t need a lot of space to run around. You can still feel at home in an apartment if you have the right pet for your lifestyle.
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
Because you live close to neighbors, you’ll need a quiet pet that won’t make too much noise. Birds that make a lot of noise and dogs that are anxious and bark a lot aren’t the best choices.
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
It’s more likely for some pets to get sick, which means more trips to the vet. Robust and hearty breeds tend to need less medical attention.
Lifespan
When your pet dies, you have to spend time and emotion on them again. 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 and want to get a pet, you should think about 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:
- Measurements: Most cats are small, so they can live in small rooms.
- You can teach your cat to use a litter box, which makes them great for living in an apartment. okocat natural litter is a great choice for small spaces.
- Quiet—Unlike dogs, cats tend to be quiet, which makes them great if you live with other people.
Why People Seek the Company of Pets
Pets are more than just friends; they can help you deal with stress, make you feel better emotionally, and even improve your 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:
- Pets can help people who live alone, especially those who live in apartments, feel less lonely.
- Stress relief: Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure and make people feel less anxious.
- Routine and responsibility: taking care of a pet gives you a reason to get up every day and helps you stick to a schedule.
- Pet owners can meet new people and make new friends with the help of their pets, especially dogs.
- Benefits for mental health: Pets can help people with depression and other mental health problems feel better by giving them unconditional love and companionship.
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 on the trip, the loneliness will go away right away.
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?
5 Easiest Pets to Care for in Small ApartmentsDogs. 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. Many people think that these little guys are the best pets for busy people who want a low-maintenance friend to watch movies with while they relax. 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. Their bathroom habits are clean, quiet, and easy to train, and they don’t need a yard to run around in.
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.