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Great Pets for Small Apartments!

A small apartment can be a cozy and personal way to live. A one-bedroom apartment is often perfect for someone flying solo, but you don't have to live alone. A small pet can be the ideal companion to share your small apartment in perfect harmony. There are several types of pets that can live their best lives in a small apartment.

Which type of small pet is right for you and your apartment life? Here at Southwoods Apartments, we welcome many small pets within our pet policy, so you can explore finding a companion to share your small apartment with. Will your pet be a large or small bird, a turtle, a hamster, a Guinea pig, or even a beautiful tank of fish? Your space might also be comfortably shared with a cat or a calm little dog. We welcome them all.

Let's explore the best pets for small flats.

A small hamster is sitting on a blue surface.

Hamsters

Hamsters are cute little mammals that love to play. They are energetic and curious creatures that thrive in a small but detailed habitat terrarium. The best hamster cages have colorful plastic tunnels, a wheel to run on, and obstacles to explore. Some hamsters are affectionate and will cuddle if you cup them in your hands. Some are adventurous and will see your small apartment as a vast territory to explore in their hamster ball.

Hamsters are also easy to keep and quite affordable. They make a great first-time pet, balancing cute cuddliness with independence in their habitat.

 

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are larger rodents and very social. They benefit from being kept in pairs and love to cuddle. A Guinea pig is a very small roommate who will enjoy time in a playpen with toys and vegetable snacks, and they love to eat organic scraps from your kitchen, like carrot tops and vegetable peels. These little creatures need a slightly larger habitat and opportunities to exercise, but they are also very affectionate and will form a bond with you as their friend and caregiver.

 

Turtles

A turtle is a fun pet if you prefer reptiles and aquatic creatures. Box turtles are a popular pet for small apartments because they need a small habitat and are easy to keep happy. Turtles love fruit and are adorable when you feed them strawberries, watermelon slices, or fresh vegetables. They like to swim and bask in the light of a heat lamp inside their habitat.

However, you will need to maintain their environment more carefully to ensure your turtle stays healthy. Reptiles are more delicate than mammals, as a whole, and require more skilled care. 

A person is holding a small tortoise in their hands.

 

Large and Small Birds

Birds can enjoy life in a small apartment and can keep themselves entertained. They are pets for more experienced pet owners prepared for the unique requirements of keeping birds. Small birds tend to be messy and throw things outside their cage while large birds benefit from owners who are patient and willing to train them in good behavior.

Once you have formed a bond with your bird, they will stick to you for life. Birds like to be pet more than you might think and large or small, birds can be very affectionate and fun.

 

Fish Tank

A 5-gallon fish tank is a great addition to your small apartment. Fish are curious and entertaining, and a well-maintained fish tank is inherently beautiful as part of your home decor.  You also don't have to stick entirely with fish in your tank. For example,  the right kind of snail loves to keep the inside of a fish tank clean and is a fascinating addition to your tank.

Just be sure to clean your fish tank regularly according to the best practices for your chosen tank and types of fish.

 

Cats

Cats are typically calm, well-behaved, and adapt well to small spaces. One or two cats can thrive in a small apartment, playing and lounging in the available space.  Whether you have a cat already or are looking for a furry companion to share your new home, a cat can be a great pet for small apartments and compact floor plans. They make better use of vertical space and, as we all know, they are pros at cuddling in the right mood.

 

Small Dogs

Even a small dog can be happy in a small apartment. Smaller dog breeds need less indoor space to be comfortable, and a well-behaved dog can enjoy a small flat. This is especially true if your community has pathways and a dog park so that your dog gets plenty of exercise after a few hours of good behavior indoors. Dogs need extra care and time outside, but this can be the ideal match if you are also happier going for daily walks or meeting other pet owners at the dog park.

 

A small dog with long fur is lying on the floor.

 

Building a Life with Your Small Pet

If you are looking for an apartment in Sappington, MO, that welcomes small pets, come find us at Southwoods Apartments. Our pet policy welcomes a wide range of small pets, including hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, large birds, small birds, cats, and dogs. Even a small apartment floor plan can be a happy home with the right small pet, which is why we have a dog park and encourage residents to enjoy pet ownership. Contact us today to check out floor plans, review the pet policy, and plan your life with your animal companion.

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