What would be a good pet for a couple in a small apartment?

Question

I live with my boyfriend in a small apartment in miami, and am looking for a new pet. I used to have a miniature snauzer but he was too much work and I didn't have enough time for him. I would like something sweet to keep me company when my boyfriend is working late; and something that I can dedicate some time too, without being too hyper-active and attentiong starved. I was looking into hedge hogs but I don't know where to find them or even if they would make a good pet.

a cat would be good.. but unfortunately my boyfriend doesn't like them and is allergic to them.

Fish are pretty, but unfortunately not the kind of company I was really looking for. I guess I can always put the fish in a plastic bag and cuddle with that right??.. I just need something to love that might love me back a little.

Answer 1

Ever thought about a chincilla or a dwarf rabbit?

Chinchilla's are very intelligent (and somewhat unusual) pets to keep. I had a roommate that had one (you can potty train them) & she would let it out. He would booby trap our apartment (gather everything that wasnt tied down & stacked it in front of the door) & I swear he would laugh when my roommate or I tripped going thru the doors. Google search them for more info.

A dwarf rabbit is also a good apartment pet, if you get one that has been neutered. The live longer & healthier lives this way, and also wont spray on your furniture. They are very easy to litter train & are sweet & cuddly pets.

Both chins & bunnies need a good size cage, though, but are small, neat animals that do well in apartments. They dont bark, there are no litter boxes to scoop (just cage cleaning) & are less expensive to keep than your average dog or cat (which are great pets--dont get me wrong!)

Good luck on your pet search!

ps--many of these animals can also be adopted through petfinder.com. Lots of people get chichillas or rabbits because they are cute, but tire of them after only a few months. Lots of these animals can be yours for a minimal adoption fee.

Answer 2

What about a kitty cat? Cats are great company if you get them as a tiny kitten and teach them to sit on your lap. They don't require walking or even to be let out of the apartment if you get an indoor cat.

Get a cat that won't grow too large and buy it an exercise tower. Your kitty will love you lots and keep you company, and it won't be lonely or upset when you're not home or busy doing something else.

Answer 3

I have pet rats. They are cleaner than people think and each have their own personalities don't take that much looking after but they love company so you need at least 2 females. Males do get along but smell worse than females. They love to play and are quite friendly!

Cats are good too but as long as you get a breed that likes being indoors otherwise it way take off or get run over if you live near a busy road. They are also just as much work as a dog although I suppose you don't have to let it out at night to pee.

Answer 4

I'd vote for a rabbit. They are more work than a cat, but less than a dog - they don't need to be walked and they sleep during the day when you're at work and at night. I'm very allergic to all pets, except our bunnies don't bother me at all.

You can adopt a bunny and give an unwanted bunny a home. Before you adopt, I suggest you do some research as rabbits, like any pet require care and attention. They are wonderful pets...amusing, smart, and affectionate (on their terms).

Here are three good sites that have information on bunnies. The last one also had adoptable rabbits in the Miami area.
House Rabbit Society: http://www.rabbit.org Also check chapter websites as top rabbit professionals advise chapters in their cities.
Rabbit References: http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html
House Rabbit Adoption and Rescue (H.A.R.E.) http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/rabbithealth.html many excellent articles on rabbit health and care.

Answer 5

Hedgehogs are a no-no. They are wild animals and it is cruel to keep them in a domestic setting.

Try getting a couple of kittens. Do not get one as it will be lonely when you are out, a pair will always have each other for company, and yes they will want a fuss but usually at set times of their choosing which you will come to know. The rest of the time they sleep!

Answer 6

are you kidding me? fish are the hardest things to keep!! you have to make their aquariums exactly like to ocean or whatever they live or else they will die because of either too high salt concentration or too low. and the nitric acid build up is so toxic you have to filter it out or get a fish that is used to high nitric concentrations...get like a turtle or snake or something b/c mammals are a lot or work and you have to play with most of them (besides cats but u've said no to cats) go to like a pet shop and ask someone there

Answer 7

maybe a breed of cat that is known to be quite quiet
uhm a talking bird that can be put back into a cage

your best bet for company is a dog or cat

Answer 8

Depends on if you want a dog, cat, bird ,etc. If you want a dog I would say a Yorkie. My mom raises them and they are very smart dogs. They don't get big IF you find a TRUE breeder. On the other hand if you want a cat or bird I have NO CLUE!!! Good luck

Answer 9

please don't get one, get a hobby go to the gym get a really sexy body, a apt is to small for a pet and if you like to have fun on the weekends what are you going to do with the pet, enjoy your freedom , i have 5 dogs 1 cat and a pig, i love them like there my kids, so i cant go anywere , i worry if i leave that they are not going to be ok. just find something else to do ,

Answer 10

I recommend a cat- but please change the liter more than once a week! If it gets too dirty the cat may start to mess all over the apartment. If you get more than one cat, get more than one liter pan-they don't like to share- learned this the hard way!