If you think about a pet for an apartment, dogs and cats are probably the first things that come to mind. But there are some uncommon pets that could live well in small spaces. Some are very shy, and some are playful with so much energy. If you are looking for a unique pet, here are 10 pets you probably didn’t know you could keep in a city apartment.
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Pygmy Goats
Pygmy goats, unlike regular goats, are small in size. They only stand about 16-23 inches tall. They do not need large gardens, but they do need some room to play. They love to climb, jump and explore, so you have to provide them with a safe, open space. Pygmy goats tend to be pretty friendly and they are known for bonding well with their owners. But they can be noisy, so make sure you ask your neighbors and landlord first before bringing one home.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are tiny, noiseless pets and are very well-suited to apartment life. They only weigh about one pound. All they need is a simple cage, bedding, wheel, and a few toys to keep them happy. Hedgehogs are solitary animals, so they do not mind being alone for parts of the day. Although they have spikes, they are not aggressive. They tend to roll into a ball when scared. Regular interaction makes them friendlier and more sociable.
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Miniature Pigs
Mini pigs are very sanitary and can be trained in the same way as a cat to use a litter box. These mammals are smart, can do tricks and respond to commands. They can even walk on a leash! A mini pig needs to have a good diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. They are really social, and they love to hang out with people. Mini pigs make great apartment pets so long as you have time to interact with them daily.
Axolotls
Axolotls are aquatic salamanders that never fully leave their larval state. They can be kept a tank as small as 10 gallons. They don’t need direct sunlight, which is perfect for apartments without much natural light. They are carnivores, and their favorite foods include worms, insects, and small fish. They are very easy to care for, but they do need clean, fresh water and a stable temperature.
Tarantulas
Although Tarantulas look scary, they can be quite docile. They live in a cage most of their life and are not very demanding. This means they can be kept in a small terrarium. They need to eat only once or twice a week. Tarantulas can live for up to 20 years, meaning they are a long term commitment. Although they look fancy, they are incredibly low-maintenance and easy pets to care for.
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials who can glide from tree to tree. These are active and playful animals and need a large cage with plenty of toys, branches, and climbing space. Sugar gliders are social creatures, so they need to be kept in pairs or small groups. They are very sociable pets and can get attached to their owners but need a fair amount of handling. They are also nocturnal, so they make lots of noise at night.
Ferrets
Ferrets are curious, energetic animals. They are extremely curious and will get into most things, so it is a good idea to ferret-proof your apartment. They should have lots of out-of-cage playtime and need toys, tunnels, and interaction with their owners. They can be litter trained, which does make them a bit easier to maintain as indoor animals. They can live up to 8 years with good treatment.
Ball Pythons
Ball pythons are gentle and laid back creatures. They get about 3-5 feet but do not need much space, as they like to be curled up in a small hiding spot most of the time. These reptiles can also stay nourished for a week or two without the need to feed. They are one of the best pet snakes for beginners due to their non-venomous and rarely aggressive temperament.
Dwarf Seahorses
Dwarf seahorses are tiny, measuring only about 1 to 2 inches long. They can be housed in little aquariums, making them great options for condos. Although they are peaceful and quiet, they require delicate water maintenance to be healthy. Dwarf seahorses consume small live foods (eg. brine shrimp) – this means you will need to maintain a reliable and steady flow of nutrients.
Fancy Rats
Fancy rats are smart, complex and social animals. They love playing with humans and can even be trained to fetch or run through mazes. They are clean animals who groom themselves regularly. Fancy rats need a well-ventilated cage with lots of toys, tunnels and hiding areas to keep them active. Daily interaction is important to keep them, as they thrive on attention. Rats are also extremely easy to care for, which is great news for apartment dwellers.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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