Have you ever looked at your apartment’s small square footage and wondered, “Can I bring a piece of the wild into this urban space?” Pet owners who live in apartments have particular obstacles.
Due to limited space and proximity to neighbors, larger pets such as dogs or cats are frequently excluded.
However, numerous exotic pets can flourish in an apartment setting for individuals who prefer the distinctive and odd.
Here is a list of some of the best exotic pets for apartment living.
1. Rabbit
Rabbits spring to mind when we think of an ideal exotic pet for apartment living.
Why? First, they’re relatively small. Their compact size means you don’t need a vast space, making them perfect for apartments.
Plus, we all love those moments of watching them hop about with joy – it’s like having a tiny, furry dancer in your living room!
Rabbits are also quiet animals. Unlike dogs that bark or cats that can be vocal, rabbits offer us a peaceful environment. Furthermore, they’re clean animals.
With proper litter training, you can maintain a neat and odor-free space.
And let’s not forget their gentle nature. Interacting with them can provide a therapeutic touch to our busy lives.
So, if you’re contemplating a pet in your apartment, rabbits might be the perfect companions to share your space with.
2. Rat
Though often misunderstood, rats make wonderful companions, especially for apartment living.
When space is at a premium, as it often is in apartments, we seek adaptable pets that don’t need large habitats. Rats fit the bill perfectly.
Their compact size and modest housing needs make them ideal for smaller spaces. Furthermore, they’re quite social animals.
When you come home after a long day, you’re greeted by curious little faces eager for interaction.
Their intelligence is truly surprising, with the ability to learn tricks and recognize their caregivers.
Rats offer a heartwarming bond for those of us craving companionship without the extensive requirements of larger pets. Plus, they’re low maintenance in terms of noise and grooming.
So, if you’re considering a pet for apartment living, consider welcoming a rat into your life. They might surprise you with their charm!
3. Leopard Gecko
Among the best exotic pets for apartment living are leopard geckos. They’re friendly, beautiful, and relatively easy to take care of.
They can thrive in much smaller living spaces than other lizards, with 10 gallons enough for one or two geckos.
Insects from your local pet store are the perfect food choice.
They give them all the nutrition they need in an easily accessible form. Plus, they’ll usually enjoy socializing when you handle them.
However, remember that leopard geckos can transmit salmonella to their owners. So, be sure to always wash your hands after handling them.
You don’t usually need a UVB lamp unless your tank gets too cool, so keeping the right temperature for them is essential.
4. Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are small, exotic mammals that make wonderful pets for people with allergies.
They don’t produce the same dander as other animals, so they are a hypoallergenic choice for those with allergies.
Regarding personality traits, these creatures are usually solitary and gentle.
This means they really don’t need much interaction with others or you! All that’s required is a two-foot by three-foot cage to house them.
Before choosing this critter as your next pet, you may need to obtain a permit from your local government. So, make sure to check before attempting adoption.
Despite certain restrictions on ownership, hedgehogs still make great animals. That’s because of their adorably quiet and solitary behavior.
If living in an environment that will meet their needs (including diet and temperature), hedgehogs can be low-maintenance companions gaining popularity recently among pet owners.
5. Ferret
Ferrets are next on our list of the best exotic pets for apartment living. They are very social and playful animals, making them great family pets.
Yet, they need much attention and playtime throughout the day to stay healthy and happy.
Invest in a large cage providing plenty of space for running and hiding to accommodate this behavior.
Along with plenty of time outside their cage to explore and release energy, your ferrets will remain content.
While ferrets love to explore, always watch for mischief or any unsafe places they may try to get into, as they’re small creatures that often fit into tight spaces.
Before adoption, ensure the ferret has been spayed or neutered by checking with your vet.
It is essential for female parents to add many ferrets since unspayed females are more susceptible to cancer and other medical conditions later in life.
The good news is that most pet stores have already taken this step before selling their ferrets.
So, all that needs verifying before bringing them home is double-checking with the vet.
6. Mice
Mice are one of the most popular and delightful exotic pets that exist.
Not only are they endearing to look at, but they’re fairly low-maintenance to own and maintain.
Generally, mice don’t need a huge space, and a small group of female rodents will be perfectly content with a standard cage.
This is great news for those living in cramped apartments, as male mice tend to have a stronger odor. And this may not be ideal for those who live in smaller dwellings.
In addition to being small and adorably active at night, mice can often be tamed with enough effort.
It can take longer since they’re quick and agile creatures. But patience proves necessary when attempting to make them comfortable with handling.
Even if you forego such interactions, entertainment is assured by watching them play around in their cages.
Nothing can quite compare to the joys of observing these everyday activities for yourself!
7. Guinea Pig
We often overlook the charming guinea pig when we think of apartment-friendly pets.
Yet, these adorable creatures make some of the best exotic companions for apartment living. First, their compact size means they don’t need much space.
They’ll feel at home with a cozy cage and regular cleaning. Guinea pigs are friendly and crave human interaction, unlike other exotic pets.
Their gentle chirping can become a familiar and soothing background to your daily life.
Plus, we can’t resist their playful antics and cute expressions, which never fail to lift our spirits after a long day.
Their dietary needs are straightforward, too – fresh veggies and a good pellet mix, and they’re golden. And remember, while they’re low-maintenance, they do love cuddles.
So, if you’re looking for a pet with personality, warmth, and minimal fuss, guinea pigs might be the apartment buddy you’ve been searching for.
8. Fire Bellied Newt
Fire Bellied Newts are among the best exotic pets for apartment living.
They’re fascinating creatures that make interesting and vibrant additions to an aquarium.
These amphibians require a setup with half water and half land to thrive, as they prefer an entirely aquatic lifestyle but need a place to dry out.
Fire Bellied Newts come in several species, each with its own mix of brilliant greens, oranges, reds, blues, and blacks on their backs and bellies.
They are simple to keep and look after due to their tolerant nature. However, it is important not to handle or disturb them too much as it may cause stress for the animal.
These little creatures also have plenty of personality, getting up close to investigate what’s going on in their environment or taking the opportunity for daily swims around the tank.
What many hobbyists appreciate most about the Fire Bellied Newt is their low maintenance needs even beginners can easily meet if they have little patience and attention.
If you’re looking for a unique pet that will bring life into any room, these newts are worth considering.
Just remember that they should never be handled or taken out of their aquarium!
9. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are a popular reptile choice, renowned for their gentle and friendly personalities.
They make excellent starter lizards because they are easy to keep, although their housing needs must still be considered due to their small size.
Appropriate habitats for these reptiles definitely can be possible in an apartment setting, plus they’re even legal to own just about everywhere.
Of course, it’s essential that all new owners practice thorough handwashing after handling their beardie, as salmonella is sometimes present.
It goes without saying that proper nutrition should be top of mind when keeping a bearded dragon pet.
These omnivores require a balanced diet featuring live insects, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
Mealworms and crickets can provide some much-needed protein, while lettuce, carrots, bananas, and apples can give your new friend the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.
Just be sure to select the freshest produce from the grocery store in order for your scaly buddy to receive maximum health benefits from his meals!
10. Frog
Frogs make the perfect pet for small apartment owners. They need minimal space, and their home can easily fit in a 10- or 20-gallon tank.
Frogs are also low-maintenance pets; they only require feeding a couple of times weekly.
When choosing your frog pet, there are various types to consider, such as aquatic, tree, and sedentary frogs.
Doing some research ahead of time to find the right species for you is a must.
Fortunately, male frogs don’t sing much, and what little singing they do won’t disturb your neighbors.
Frogs are lively creatures that don’t require many resources or attention from you.
You can even watch them hopping around in their tank as they investigate their environment.
Another big benefit is that most types don’t live more than just a few years, so there isn’t too heavy of a commitment required if you decide to get one as a pet.
Before you buy one, though, be sure to check out all the possible breeds of frogs available, from tropical species like dart frogs to North American runners, leopard frogs, and even albino bullfrogs.
11. Hamster
Hamsters make great pets for those who live in apartments or smaller spaces, as they are relatively low maintenance and easy to tend to.
They are quiet animals that don’t shed and produce minimal allergens, making them suitable for most people with allergies.
Hamsters are also able to be tamed fairly quickly and easily if you handle them regularly.
When it comes to their cages, they typically require at least two cubic feet of space and amenities.
These include a hamster wheel, bedding, food and water dishes, and a place to hide away from the hustle and bustle of life.
But be sure that the bedding used for your little friend is absorbent because hamsters can be prone to wetness around their bottoms.
All of these components will help ensure your pet has a comfortable and safe home away from home.
12. Chinchilla
Chinchilla is the last on our list of the best exotic pets for apartment living.
Chinchillas are often considered a very unique pet, and it’s easy to see why.
They have lovely fur that can come in many colors, from gray to white to black.
Also, they’re small and playful creatures who love to bask in the attention of their owners if given a chance.
Chinchillas can be excellent additions to any home or apartment because of their cleanliness and the fact that they generate almost no odors.
Plus, with enough patience and gentle handling early on, chinchillas can form strong bonds with humans over time, allowing for plenty of playtime!
Since chinchillas are nocturnal creatures who usually spend most of the day sleeping, you may need to take extra care when trying to engage with them during the day.
That being said, these little critters require plenty of exercise space.
A bare minimum of two feet is recommended in order to keep your chinchilla happy and healthy.
Besides this, all they really need is access to fresh food and water as well as some dust baths every now and then for proper hygiene.
All things considered, owning a chinchilla can make for an enjoyable experience both for you and your furry friend!
Bottom Line
These are the best exotic pets for apartment living if you actually need one.
From small reptiles to low-maintenance rodents, there is a pet out there for everyone.
Yet, it’s important to consider factors such as space, noise level, and the pet’s needs before making a decision.
