Owning a pet can improve your life in many ways. In addition to providing companionship, pets can reduce stress levels and give owners an instant mood boost. While there are some challenges to keeping a pet in a smaller space, there are plenty of good apartment pets that are cuddly.
These low-maintenance animals are highly affectionate and make great indoor pets, even in a small space like an apartment. Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a fish tank. There are a wide variety of pets you can choose from.
8 Good apartment pets that are cuddly
If you know you want a pet but aren’t sure which type of animal would be best, take a closer look at these creatures. All of these animals make excellent apartment pets.
1. Cats
Humans have kept cats as pets for over 9,000 years! While cats are highly independent, they can also be very affectionate and thrive in an apartment setting.
Cats spend most of their time sleeping and are happy to spend the majority of their time lounging. That said, cats also enjoy playtime and love being petted.
Since cats use litter boxes, it’s easy to clean up after them in a small space like an apartment. The typical lifespan of a cat is 12 to 18 years, so you’ll be able to enjoy the company of your cat for a long time. On average, cats are around 9.1 to 9.8 inches tall and 13 to 16 inches long, making them the perfect size for an apartment.
Some cat breeds that are known for being good apartment cats and also tend to be cuddly:
- Persian
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Sphynx
- Scottish Fold
- And pretty much any other domestic cat
2. Small Dogs
If you’re looking for cuddles and companionship, you can’t go wrong with a dog. Not all dogs make good apartment pets, but smaller breeds, such as cavalier King Charles spaniels or bichon frises, can live happily in small spaces. It’s best to opt for a less active breed that doesn’t need as much exercise.
Your dog will need to be fully housetrained to avoid problems. In addition to training your dog to use the bathroom outdoors, you’ll need to teach it not to bark all day so that you don’t disturb your neighbors. If you’re willing to put in the effort, dogs are loyal pets that will give you cuddles and affection throughout the day.
Just a few dog breeds that are known for being good apartment dogs and also tend to be cuddly:
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Pomeranian
- Bichon Frise
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
3. Guinea Pigs
The guinea pig is a type of rodent called a cavy. These animals are native to South America, but they’re kept as pets throughout the world. Guinea pigs are around 8 to 10 inches and will happily live in cages or enclosures, so these furry animals are good pets for apartment dwellers.
Many rodents are nocturnal, but guinea pigs are diurnal, which means they’re active during the day and sleep at night. They love interacting with their owners, whether they’re playing with toys or getting pets and cuddles! The typical lifespan for a guinea pig is around 5 to 7 years.
Here are five types of guinea pigs that are known for being good for cuddling and also tend to do well in apartment settings:
- American guinea pig
- Abyssinian guinea pig
- Teddy guinea pig
- Skinny pig
- Peruvian guinea pig
While some guinea pigs may be more naturally cuddly than others, a guinea pig’s personality and temperament can vary widely regardless of their breed or type.
It’s important to spend time with your guinea pig and get to know their individual personality to determine whether or not they enjoy cuddling and other forms of interaction.
4. Rats
Many people want to keep rats out of their apartments, but these rodents actually make fantastic apartment pets! Not only are rats affectionate and easy to care for, but they’re extremely intelligent creatures and can even be taught tricks! While you can let your rat out to cuddle and explore, these animals are content living in a cage.
While pet rats usually live for 2 to 4 years, some domesticated rats have longer lifespans. Fancy rats are the most popular domesticated rat breed to keep as pets, but other breeds can make good pets as well, including rex rats and hairless rats! Rats are omnivores and enjoy a variety of foods, including pellets, seeds, and fruits and vegetables.
5. Hamsters
While hamsters have a short lifespan of around 2 to 3 years, they’re small and affectionate pets that are well-suited to apartment living. Hamsters spend most of their time in cages but will happily run around in an enclosed wheel and explore your apartment.
Depending on the breed, adult hamsters can be anywhere from 2 to 8 inches long. Many hamsters are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand!
Even though hamsters are nocturnal, you’ll be able to hold and pet them throughout the day. Syrian hamsters, which are sometimes called “teddy bear hamsters,” are a good option if you’d prefer a larger hamster. If you’d prefer a tiny hamster, dwarf hamsters are an excellent option!
6. Birds
Although birds aren’t furry animals, they can be extremely affectionate pets. Many types of birds enjoy being scratched or petted by their owners, and some will even perch on their owner’s shoulder. Birds also enjoy interacting with their owners in other ways, such as talking or singing.
Some of the best types of birds to keep as apartment pets include parakeets, cockatiels, and finches. Since birds are extremely social animals, you may want to keep two birds instead of one. Lifespans vary from species to species, but many birds will live for 10 to 15 years.
7. Ferrets
The ferret is a domesticated animal that’s a part of the weasel family. While ferrets are energetic animals, they’re also clean and cuddly and can be very happy in smaller spaces like apartments. Once a ferret is comfortable with a human, it will happily relax on their shoulders!
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, so they need to stick to a meat-based diet. Since ferrets have the instincts of a predator, you may not want to keep a ferret in your apartment if you have other small pets, such as hamsters or birds. Ferrets are curious, playful, and affectionate animals that can be a wonderful source of companionship.
8. Rabbits
If you’re looking for a cute and furry indoor pet, you can’t go wrong with a rabbit! In addition to being affectionate and social, rabbits are highly intelligent and can even be trained to use a litter box. While rabbits are happiest when they have space to explore, you can keep your rabbit from getting into trouble by placing it in a rabbit pen.
Rabbits are herbivores and need a diet that’s high in fiber, so you’ll need to supply your bunny with plenty of hay. Other foods that rabbits enjoy include pellets and fresh produce. Smaller breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf and the Mini Plush Lop, are the best choice for apartments.
Here are a few rabbit breeds that are known for being good for apartment living and also tend to be cuddly:
- Holland Lop
- Netherland Dwarf
- Mini Rex
- Lionhead
- English Angora
As with guinea pigs, a rabbit’s individual personality and temperament can vary widely regardless of their breed or type, so it’s important to spend time with your rabbit and get to know their individual personality to determine whether or not they enjoy cuddling and other forms of interaction.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your apartment is set up to be a safe and comfortable living space for your rabbit, with plenty of room to exercise and access to appropriate food, water, and shelter.