How to Choose Pets that Will Love Your Apartment Size

Animal companions make every day more enjoyable. From a snuggle buddy on the couch to exploring the city together, a pet can make any apartment feel more like home. Of course, it's important that your pets love your apartment as much as you do. That means choosing the right pets for your amount of space. This will depend on the size, energy level, and number of pets you have. What are the best pets for a small apartment? How big an apartment do you need for a medium-sized dog? Should you keep 2 cats in a small apartment? We can answer these questions and more to help you choose the best pets for your apartment size - or the best apartment for your pets.

Pet Policy and a Happy Household with Pets

Your apartment pet policy defines the limits of your pet choices. For example, a pet policy that allows for two dogs, cats, or birds and up to 300 lbs of pet doesn't mean you need to max out. The best pet for your apartment will depend on how happily one or two pets can live in the space you have chosen.

For example, bigger pets need more space. Two pets often need space to play with or avoid each other. Dogs tend to have more energy to burn, and cats like to prowl in a territory. You'll want to consider the requirements of play, exercise, and (with cats) the litter box situation.

Let your pet policy be your boundary, but explore the happiest pet choices within those bounds.

The Right Size Apartment for Cats

Cats love to have a kingdom, but that kingdom can be small. One cat can live comfortably in a compact living space such as a loft, studio, or one-bedroom apartment. Cats have been known to travel happily in RVs, and one cat can be a great companion when you're looking for a pet for small apartments.

Just remember to consider:

The Litter Box

Your cat's litter box needs to be in a separate room from living and sleeping spaces. Ideally, there is room in a ventilated bathroom where you have easy access for regular cleaning.

Room to Play

Plan for at least one open space where you can run the laser or flip the feather stick. Cats need play and exercise, and they can get it indoors. So you'll want some floor space where your cat can romp and bat at toy mice.

Two Cats

Two cats are a different equation. Cats appreciate companionship, but they like to have separate spaces - even if they really love each other. Should you have 2 cats in a small apartment? It depends. A studio apartment is usually too small for two cats, while a spacious one-bedroom or modest two-bedroom may be sufficient for your cats to prowl separately and play between rooms.

Matching Your Dog and Apartment Sizes

A dog's comfort in an apartment depends on their size. Small dogs, naturally, are happy in a smaller space because the world is much bigger to them. Medium and larger dogs, however, often feel cramped in a small apartment and need a spacious home to be happy.

Outdoor Time and Attention

Dogs need a lot of play and exercise. If you can include lots of outside time, your dog can be happier in a smaller space. Some apartments come with a dog park that you can visit daily to help keep your dog happy in the apartment. A regular exercise routine, like taking your dog on a morning run, can also help them burn energy to relax comfortably at home.

Indoor Space

Dogs need enough space indoors to feel comfortable and stay relatively active. A small dog may trot from room to room happily in a one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartment, while a medium dog may need at least a two-bedroom home with a spacious floor plan to be comfortable. Consider room to roll around, play with indoor toys, and find comfortable places to nap. Try to match your dog's size with your apartment size so that everyone has a good time.

Two Dogs

Two dogs double the need for space and play. While they will keep each other company, a two-dog household is busy, and you'll need extra room. Even if the dogs are small, plan for plenty of space and play time if you plan to keep two dogs in your apartment.

Terrarium and Aquarium Pets

If you have a small apartment or limited time for play, consider a smaller pet. Hamsters, turtles, or a small tank of fish can provide you companionship and entertainment without needing more than a couple of square feet inside the apartment. These pets are also great for practice if you're new to pet ownership or caring for a pet on your own.

Pet Fees and Pet Rent

Lastly, be aware of the costs associated with your choice of apartment pet. Most apartments charge an introductory pet fee and may also charge a modest pet rent per pet in your apartment. Build your pet budget to include food, toys, litter, vet expenses, and pet fees when making adoption plans or choosing an apartment to share with your current furry companion.

Bring Your Pet to Palo Duro Place in Amarillo

If you're looking for pet-friendly apartments in Amarillo, TX, you've found us. At Palo Duro Place, we welcome dogs, cats, large birds, and some small pets as part of the family. Our pet policy is friendly, and we invite you to bring your pet or pets to the office so we can get to know every member of your household, including the furry or feathered ones.