Liv Multifamily apartment homes are the ideal place for you and your pets to reside. Our clear and practical pet policy allows you, your new pal, and the neighbors to enjoy apartment life. Having a pet is fantastic; their company can make all the difference in smaller places like apartments. If you're an apartment owner or a first-time renter, you might be seeking a low-maintenance pet that will thrive in your home. There are plenty of options fit for every taste, from traditional picks like cats and dogs to the more exotic many-legged critters.
Dogs
Dogs are not something you think about when looking for low-maintenance pets, but they do exceptionally well in apartment settings. Dogs are very loving creatures that are known to be quite bright and sociable. While they do require a great deal more hands-on care than other pets, you can teach them to be obedient. With that said, you'll need to put in some effort to train the pup to understand your boundaries and keep a routine.
The first step is to understand the activity needs of your dog's breed and the tendency to bark. Dogs are social creatures that require frequent exercise and mental stimulation to live at their best. To keep them engaged and happy, you'll need to take them on regular walks and occasionally visit the dog park.
Even if your apartment doesn't have a size or weight restriction, you might want to choose a small or medium-sized dog. But don't forget that breeds like terriers, beagles, among other tiny breeds can be very high-energy and noisy. When left alone, the high-energy breeds can cause a lot of damage. If you must spend extended periods of time away from home, consider getting some daytime assistance to keep your dog busy and entertained.
Cats
Cats are the undisputed kings when it comes to apartment living. They are independent, quiet, and small. The majority of cat breeds thrive in apartment settings, where they will sleep much of their day snuggled up in a favorite place. Most cats also like to take high surfaces as their vantage points and resting places, often aiming for high shelves and countertops. For this reason, you’ll probably need to invest in storage with doors. Coming home to a broken photo frame or vase isn't a strange occurrence for inexperienced cat owners.
In general, cats only require food, water, and a clean litter box to feel at ease in even the tiniest of places. Some breeds may need mental stimulation such as games or toys. If you spend a significant amount of your time away from home, consider investing in a cat tree or a cat-safe window seat and a cat tree to keep your feline friend entertained.
If you have a balcony, make sure it's secured so your cat doesn't go exploring. To create a barrier around the balcony, most owners use timber lattice, chicken wire, or some other durable mesh.
Fish
Fish are one of the most low-maintenance pets on this list, and they make excellent pets for first-time pet owners. It's very simple to obtain an aquarium and it looks great in your home. Aquariums with dimensions less than five gallons are compact and can even be placed on a table or TV stand. Furthermore, viewing fish swim may help to relax, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure.
New fish owners frequently choose goldfish, rasboras, zebrafish, and neon tetras as pets. To ensure that your fish have a healthy environment, you'll need to clean the tank or aquarium on a regular basis. It is also your duty to maintain a balanced pH condition, nitrogen/nitrate levels, and tank water hardness. That last point is often overlooked but is essential for your fish, mollusks, and crustaceans to develop and thrive.
Another aspect to consider is that some fish thrive only in groups of three to eight individuals. Depending on the species, you may also need to add ornaments like corals and live plants to keep the fish interested and active. If you want to maintain two or more different species in the same tank, be sure you know exactly what they need for optimum living conditions and their behavior, not all fish species can share the same space.
Birds
Birds are wonderful apartment pets since they quickly adapt to living in confined spaces. While you must keep them in a cage for protection, you must also consider their desire for freedom and exercise.
Your birds will require specific diets and cages with enough space for a bit of flying around. Parrot species require a lot of stimulation and interaction. They are really intelligent birds, comparable to a human child. Problems linked to stress and loneliness may arise if you leave them alone for hours each day. Domestic canaries and finches can live in small spaces as long as they have a proper cage.
Birds are naturally noisy animals that wake up with the sun. Even if you cover their cage with a light-blocking cloth, they'll probably chirp, chat, squawk, and warble early in the morning. It's in their nature. You may also need to change your sleep habits if you have a feathered companion, as they need fresh food and water as soon they awake. Before choosing a pet bird species on how much noise you and your neighbors can tolerate.
Rodents
Rodents that prefer limited spaces, such as hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs, are perfect for apartment living and can be happy with just one human contact per day. While guinea pigs need more room to frolic about freely, hamsters and rats may live comfortably in little cages or crates. Some rodents, like the Syrian hamster, are solitary by nature, but most should be kept in groups of two or three.
You will need to clean the cages and replace the bedding on a regular basis to prevent their home from stinking. The majority of species are nocturnal, meaning they'll be squeaking and playing throughout the night. If you're a light sleeper, you may find this annoying. Hamsters have a lifespan of two to three years, while guinea pigs live for four to six years. Rodents are an excellent choice for people who don't want to commit long-term due to their short lifespan.
Reptiles
Reptiles make excellent apartment pets due to their mild and quiet demeanor. Geckos and bearded dragons are the most popular beginner pet lizards. They're an excellent choice for children since they are simple to care for and very rewarding pets. They're also well-behaved, rarely getting irritated by or biting their owners.
Both geckos and bearded dragons need adequate humidity, light, and warmth in their habitat to thrive. Once you set the heat lamps in place, all you'll need to do to keep them happy and healthy is clean their enclosure every now and then. Keep in mind that you'll need to feed them insects like mealworms or crickets to keep them healthy. If you're new to having reptiles, a leopard gecko or a crested gecko might be easier choices than a bearded dragon.
Wonderful Pets Outside the Conventional
Sugar gliders are a fantastic alternative for individuals looking to have an exotic pet in a limited area. While they are extremely loving creatures, they require more care and attention than other pets. Hermit crabs and shrimps are also quite popular if you want aquatic pets. Last but not least, if you're looking for an unusual and are not squeamish, consider getting a snake, tarantula or even an emperor scorpion! Black rat snakes can be great pets, being very docile, curious, and easy to handle.
Make sure you understand the needs and dietary restrictions of the pets before making your selection. This way, you can ensure that they are happy and safe in their new environment so that they may enjoy a full life by your side.
