| With approximately half of the population of the United | | | | this kind of stimulation tend to get bored and can easily |
| States owning a pet, there can be no doubt, it is an | | | | put on weight. Consequently, many indoor cats suffer |
| animal loving nation. However, with many people living | | | | from a variety of obesity related health problems. |
| in apartments, the well-being of the animal should be | | | | However, as long as a cat has plenty to keep him, or |
| placed above an individual's desire to own a pet. I am | | | | her, occupied, it can make a wonderful apartment pet. |
| obviously not suggesting that apartment dwellers | | | | Some owners choose to have their cats de-clawed, |
| should not own a pet, but it is important to ensure that | | | | which is a contentious issue. Obviously, the aim is to |
| your animal of choice is suitable for life in an | | | | ensure that the cat cannot damage any furniture or |
| environment of limited space. | | | | other household objects. However, this should not be |
| Dogs | | | | necessary, if your cat has enough toys of its own, it |
| If you live in an apartment, especially one with no | | | | will not begin to treat your expensive furniture as a toy. |
| garden or yard, it is probably best not to purchase a | | | | Of course, it is important that your cat is litter trained |
| large breed of dog, such as a Great Dane, St Bernard | | | | and that you clean your cat's litter box regularly. |
| or an Irish Wolfhound. Of course, from the dog's point | | | | Smaller Pets |
| of view, if you are in a position that allows you to take | | | | Obviously, smaller animals make the ideal apartment |
| the dog out frequently and regularly throughout the | | | | pets, because they do not take up too much room |
| day, then it may be possible to live with a large dog in | | | | and, typically, don't make much noise. I say 'typically' |
| an apartment. On the other hand, from your point of | | | | because some birds can sound like a foghorn despite |
| view, it is always worth considering how much space | | | | their small stature. |
| in your home the dog will take up. | | | | Small pets that you may like to consider for your |
| Therefore, I would recommend small breeds of dog | | | | apartment include hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea |
| for apartment living. Some dogs you may wish to | | | | pigs, fish and small birds. It is important to do your |
| consider include Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Jack Russell, | | | | research on any pet before you purchase it, but this is |
| Pug and Yorkshire Terrier. Obviously, there are many | | | | especially true of exotic pets, such as birds, lizards and |
| more small breeds that would be equally suitable for | | | | tropical fish. In addition, some small animals dislike living |
| apartment living. However, I would particularly | | | | alone, for example, rats and guineas pigs are very |
| recommend the Pug, because not only is it a small dog, | | | | social animals, so, it would be cruel to keep just one of |
| but it is also generally very quiet. Pugs are not known | | | | these animals on his, or her, own. Conversely, most |
| for being yappy, which, unfortunately, many toy breeds | | | | breeds of hamster live solitary lives in the wild and, |
| can be. | | | | therefore, should not be kept in pairs or groups. |
| Cats | | | | Whichever pet you choose to own, it is wise to ensure |
| If you plan to keep your cat as an 'indoor cat', then it is | | | | that you can supply all of its needs. The amount of |
| advisable to ensure that you have lots of toys and | | | | space in your apartment and the time you can offer |
| climbing equipment for your cat. Cats that do not have | | | | your pet should be among your first considerations. |