Many Atlanta residents are renters, and space doesn’t come cheap. If you live in a small apartment, you may have wondered whether you have enough room to own a pet. Fortunately, our Atlanta pet sitters have good news for you: lots of animals can live healthy, comfortable lives with a limited amount of space. While it’s definitely true that some pets are ill-suited to tight spaces (and should probably be avoided for that reason), others can make great additions to a cozy apartment or condo. If you want to be a pet parent but have limited space to work with, read on to learn about 37 pets that are good for small apartments and homes, including dogs, cats, and more exotic options.
37 Pets that Can Live in Small Spaces
Some people assume that large animals need large spaces. However, that’s a major oversimplification which, in many cases, is not true. In reality, there are many large-but-lazy animals that can do just fine with a limited amount of space. When it comes to determining square footage needs, an animal’s size tends to be less important than its energy level and exercise requirements.
Of course, if the animal requires an enclosed habitat, such as a reptile or bird, you’ll need to ensure that the cage, tank, or aquarium is large enough to accommodate the animal comfortably. Some tanks and cages need to be quite large, so before you decide to purchase a caged pet, make sure your apartment can actually accommodate the cage. You should also keep in mind that some cage-requiring pets can grow considerably during their lifespan, so measure for the cage you will eventually need – not just the dimensions you’re starting with.
14 Best Dogs for Apartment Life
Some dog breeds are athletic bundles of energy, while others are better known for being couch potatoes. If you live in a small space, you’ll need a dog from the second category.
Fortunately, plenty of breeds fit this description – including a few that might surprise you. Good dog breeds for apartment living include:
- Bichon Frises
- Boston Terriers
- Bulldogs
- Chihuahuas
- Dachshunds
- Great Danes
- Greyhounds
- Japanese Chins
- Maltese Dogs
- Miniature Pinschers
- Pekinese Dogs
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Yorkshire Terriers
8 Best Cats for Apartment Life
Most cats make good indoor pets, even in small spaces, which is good news for cat lovers everywhere. The main exception to this rule is the Savannah Cat, which was bred to look – and act – a little wilder than your average kitty.
Savannah Cats, which were originally bred by pairing domestic cats with wild African cats called servals, tend to be larger and heavier than most housecats, clocking in at up to 17 inches tall and up to 25 pounds. By comparison, a typical housecat is closer in size to about 10 inches tall, and normally weighs closer to 10 pounds.
The Savannah Cat’s unusual size might not be a problem – after all, it’s still much smaller than a Great Dane – if not for this unique kitty’s truly incredible energy. Thanks to the wild blood in their veins, Savannah Cats are cherished for their remarkable athletic abilities, like climbing and jumping impressive heights. Because Savannah Cats have exceptionally high exercise requirements compared to most other types of cats, they are generally not recommended for owners with minimal living space (or, for that matter, minimal experience owning cats).
On the bright side, there are plenty of cat breeds that can work well in small spaces, including:
- British Shorthairs
- Burmese Cats
- Cornish Rex Cats
- Javanese Cats
- Persian Cats
- Ragdolls
- Russian Blues
- Scottish Folds
15 Best Small and Exotic Pets for Apartment Life
Cats and dogs are the most popular pets, but they certainly aren’t the only options out there, especially for a home or apartment that is modestly sized. There are tons of great choices for birds, small mammals and rodents, reptiles and amphibians, and (if you aren’t squeamish) even insects.
Just remember: some pets in this category can get absolutely enormous, so do your homework and avoid pets that will grow larger than you’re willing or able to accommodate. For example, a Burmese python can grow from a reasonable 20 inches to a titanic 20 feet, which makes this type of snake a terrible choice for small spaces.
In contrast, good examples of small mammals and small exotic pets that can thrive in a small apartment include:
- Ants
- Ball Pythons
- Budgies (Parakeets)
- Canaries
- Corn Snakes
- Gerbils
- Grasshoppers
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Hermit Crabs
- Leopard Geckos
- Painted Turtles
- Mice
- Rats
Atlanta Pet Sitters for Dogs, Cats, Hedgehogs, and More
Even a small pet can have big care requirements, but Critter Sitters will be there to lend a hand. Our experienced and devoted team of in-home pet sitters has provided care for tens of thousands of pets throughout the Atlanta area over the past 40 years, and offers a wide range of at-home pet care services that include:
- Bird Sitting in Atlanta
- Cat Sitting in Atlanta
- Cat Sitting in Roswell
- Dog Sitting and Dog Walking in Atlanta
- Dog Sitting in Buckhead
- Dog Walking in Buckhead
- Hedgehog Sitting in Atlanta
- And More
To get started with a free consultation about our in-home pet sitting and dog walking services, call Critter Sitters today at 404-793-6178.
