Babara Bush
Not all animals can live in the apartment – chaos would be inevitable, not to forget the quarrels of the landlords and first and foremost the welfare of the animal.
If it were up to your kids, ponies, goats, koala bears, and imaginary unicorns would share the table and bed with you. While the offspring assumes that you just have to feel comfortable in the nursery, you have to be sensible. You can find out here which pet is suitable for the apartment and how you can make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Dogs in the Living Room
Big dogs in small apartments are a no-go. The animals need more space, in addition to protective instincts, territorial fights, and dominant behavior. However, there are a few exceptions. So the Great Dane is quite happy in your four walls. The animals tend to love it quiet and hardly waste time barking. Likewise the Leonberger. The calm and balanced giant feels most comfortable in a warm place in the living room.
A number of other breeds are ideal as apartment dogs. These include the cozy pug, the intelligent and docile poodle, or the affectionate Maltese. Although the dogs usually feel comfortable in the apartment, these pets need an apartment and exercise. Their daily dog walkers and compensation in the form of romping around and playing must not be dispensed with.
Cats as Uncomplicated Roommates
There are many people who are simply against keeping cats indoors. The animals have to go outside, hunt mice, and run around. As a counter-argument, it could be noted that the dangers for free-running cats should not be underestimated and the average life expectancy for free-range cats is only three to four years.
Indoor cats can live with you for up to 20 years and are by no means unhappy. If you don’t get small cats used to run free, they won’t miss it either. So that a cat can be kept in a species-appropriate manner in the apartment, sufficient play and employment opportunities must be provided. If you are not regularly available for play and cuddling units, it is advisable to buy a second cat.
Rodents are Ideal Dwelling Animals for Children
Rodents are uncomplicated pets for homes and children. They can be found in every rented apartment and may not be forbidden by the landlord. Hamsters, mice, or dwarf rabbits are inexpensive beginner animals. The fluffy roommates can be looked after by the children. However, they are only partially suitable for cuddling.
Guinea pigs are not counted as rodents from a biological point of view, but they are at least as popular as dwelling animals. The maintenance effort is low. The cages can usually be found in the nursery. Guinea pigs are more agile than hamsters and can delight with small tricks and vocalizations.
Rabbits are less suitable for small apartments. The animals need sufficient exercise. You will not find this in conventional plastic cages. Self-built accommodation or converted bird aviaries are ideal.
Rodents in small cages should be given daily exercise. This can be done in an appropriately secured part of the room or you can prepare a special room accordingly. It is important that there are no cables or green plants that could be nibbled on.
Animals in Small Apartments
If your family lives in a few square meters, the idea of a pet may seem absurd at first. But even small apartments can be made friendlier and livelier with pets.
The television can stay off when the hustle and bustle in the aquarium can be observed. An aquarium can be placed on a sideboard or in the wall unit and therefore does not take up any additional space. Guppies or neon fish are housed in smaller aquariums. Colorful fighting fish or agile catfish provide variety in larger containers.
A small bird in a small cage is a rather sad sight. However, there is nothing to be said against giving budgies or canaries free flight through the apartment. You have to keep the windows and doors closed, of course. In closed cages, two budgies need home about one meter wide. If the bird only comes into the cage to eat and sleep, smaller models about the size of a shoebox are sufficient.
It gets exciting in small apartments with geckos. Anyone suffering from an animal hair allergy has finally found the right pet here. While snakes or spiders are real bores, geckos can prove to be bright and agile and can even be taught tricks.
The Landlord Takes a Stand
Once the decision has been made and a pet is to be purchased for the apartment, the landlord must not be forgotten. The argument is inevitable if this instance has been bypassed and your neighbors get upset about mauzen or barking soon afterward. These disputes often lead to court and do not always end well for the animal owner.
If the rental agreement generally prohibits keeping pets, you don’t have to accept that, because the legal situation is different. The keeping of small animals must not be prohibited.
Small animals are not necessarily defined as animals with small body dimensions, but rather that they are not expected to cause any nuisance or disturbance to the rest of the tenants. A Chihuahua is small but does not comply with the law if it barks for hours.
Your landlord must have no objection to keeping fish, birds, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, or turtles. You must obtain approval for keeping dogs and cats. The same applies to poisonous spiders, snakes, or ferrets because their smell could make people in a bad mood.
The Right Pet for the Home
If a pet is to be kept in the apartment, it must feel comfortable with you and nobody should object to your new roommate. You should consider the following points in advance:
Take a look at the rental agreement. The keeping of small animals must not be prohibited. In the case of dogs or cats, approval must be obtained.
The size and accessibility of the apartment should suit the pet. For the tenth floor of a skyscraper, a golden hamster is preferable to a Great Dane. House dogs should have direct access to the garden or terrace. Short distances to parks or meadows are an advantage.
How much time can you spare for the animal? Those who work full-time should not leave dogs and cats alone in the apartment. Fish, birds, or guinea pigs would be clearly the better choice here.
If a cat has the opportunity to go outside through the cat flap, it can be kept individually in apartments. Working people should opt for two cats so that the animal is busy during the day.