Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the joy of a pet. While big dogs or roaming cats may not always be practical in smaller spaces, there are plenty of small pets that thrive in apartments. The trick is choosing an animal that fits your lifestyle, space, and noise tolerance.
Let’s dive into the best small pets for apartments, what makes each one unique, and tips for keeping them happy and healthy in close quarters.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Small Pet
- Lease & Landlord Rules
Some apartments restrict pets—especially rodents, reptiles, or so-called “exotics.” Always check your lease before adopting. - Noise Levels
Thin walls mean your neighbors may hear your pet. A barking dog or loud parrot might not be welcome, while fish and reptiles are nearly silent. - Odor Control
In small spaces, odors from litter boxes, cages, or tanks become noticeable faster. Daily spot-cleaning is key. - Space & Enrichment
Even little pets need stimulation—hamsters need burrowing room, rabbits need exercise, guinea pigs need floor time, and reptiles need properly sized terrariums. - Lifestyle Fit
Do you work long hours? Then a social pet like a rabbit or guinea pig may not be ideal. Want low-maintenance? A betta fish or gecko may suit you better.
TL;DR – Best Small Pets for Apartments
- 🐹 Hamsters: Easy and compact, but nocturnal and short-lived.
- 🐭 Rats & Mice: Social, smart, and affectionate—great for interactive owners.
- 🐰 Rabbits: Litter-trainable and cuddly, but need exercise space and supervision.
- 🐹 Guinea Pigs: Gentle, vocal, and thrive in pairs; require bigger cages than most expect.
- 🐦 Birds: Parakeets and finches add color and personality; some species can be noisy.
- 🦎 Reptiles: Quiet, fascinating, and low-odor—ideal for noise-sensitive apartments.
- 🐟 Fish: Relaxing, beautiful, and space-efficient; bettas and guppies are great starters.
✅ Best Pick if You’re Busy: Fish or reptiles.
✅ Best Pick for Social Interaction: Guinea pigs, rabbits, or rats.
✅ Best Pick for Low-Noise Neighbors: Hamsters, reptiles, or fish.
Hamsters
Hamsters are one of the most popular pets for small spaces. They don’t need a ton of room compared to larger pets, and with the right cage, they can stay happy and healthy in an apartment.
Housing Needs:
- A cage with at least 6 inches of bedding for burrowing.
- A solid running wheel (avoid wire wheels).
- Tunnels, chew toys, and platforms for enrichment.
Pros:
- Small and easy to house.
- Generally low-maintenance.
- Fun to watch, especially at night when they’re active.
Cons:
- Nocturnal—expect late-night wheel running.
- Not always the cuddliest pet.
- Short lifespan (2–3 years).
Apartment Tip: Choose a cage with a silent wheel so your hamster won’t keep you (or your neighbors) up at night.
Mice & Rats
Don’t let their reputation fool you—pet mice and rats are intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable. Rats especially love interaction and can even learn tricks.
Housing Needs:
- Multi-level cages with hammocks, tunnels, and chew toys.
- Rats do best in pairs or small groups.
Pros:
- Very social and bond with owners.
- Small cages take up little space.
- Entertaining and smart.
Cons:
- Short lifespan (2–4 years).
- Need daily enrichment and handling.
- Some people may be squeamish.
Apartment Tip: Check your lease—some landlords lump rodents into the “no pets” rule.
Rabbits
Rabbits are bigger than hamsters or guinea pigs, but still make good pets for an apartment if you dedicate space. They’re social, litter-trainable, and often enjoy free-roaming like a cat.
Housing Needs:
- A large indoor pen or free-roam setup.
- Hay, chew toys, and safe hiding spots.
- Supervised exercise time outside their pen.
Pros:
- Can be litter trained.
- Quiet companions.
- Affectionate and social.
Cons:
- Chew furniture and cords if not supervised.
- Need daily exercise space.
- Larger breeds need more room.
Apartment Tip: Create a bunny-proofed corner of your living room with tunnels and toys.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are gentle, social, and thrive with human interaction. While they need more space than hamsters, they’re still very apartment-friendly.
Housing Needs:
- A spacious C&C cage or large store-bought cage.
- Daily hay, fresh veggies, and chew toys.
- Floor time for exercise.
Pros:
- Sweet, gentle personalities.
- Fun “wheek” squeaks when they’re excited.
- Live longer than hamsters (5–7 years).
Cons:
- Need daily spot-cleaning to avoid odors.
- Do best in pairs, so plan for two.
Apartment Tip: Fleece liners make cages easier to clean in small spaces.
Birds (Parakeets, Canaries, Finches)
Small birds bring a lot of life to an apartment. The right species can be quiet enough for shared walls, too.
Best Apartment Birds:
- Parakeets (Budgies): Friendly, trainable, and playful.
- Canaries: Known for singing (beautiful but not quiet).
- Finches: Small, lively, and great in pairs or flocks.
Housing Needs:
- Wide cages with perches and toys.
- Out-of-cage time for exercise and bonding.
Pros:
- Colorful and lively.
- Some can mimic sounds or talk.
- Longer lifespan than many small pets.
Cons:
- Can be noisy depending on species.
- Cages need regular cleaning.
Apartment Tip: Budgies strike the best balance of fun and manageable noise.
Reptiles (Geckos, Bearded Dragons, Snakes)
Reptiles make excellent apartment pets if you want something quiet and low-maintenance.
Best Options:
- Leopard Geckos: Hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in small tanks.
- Bearded Dragons: Friendly but need a larger terrarium.
- Corn Snakes: Docile, easy to handle, and low-maintenance.
Housing Needs:
- Proper terrarium with heating, lighting, and humidity.
- Secure enclosures to prevent escapes.
Pros:
- Silent companions.
- Low-odor and easy to manage.
- Fascinating to watch.
Cons:
- Not cuddly in the traditional sense.
- Require specialized equipment.
- Some live 20+ years.
Apartment Tip: Leopard geckos are one of the best reptile choices for small spaces.
Fish
Fish are peaceful and space-efficient, making them great for apartments.
Best Options:
- Betta Fish: Hardy and low-maintenance, but need at least a 5-gallon tank.
- Guppies/Tetras: Colorful and fun for small community tanks.
- Goldfish: Popular but need more space than most people think (20+ gallons).
Housing Needs:
- Filtered tank with proper water changes.
- Heater for tropical species.
Pros:
- Relaxing to watch.
- Tanks come in all sizes.
- Very quiet.
Cons:
- No direct interaction.
- Water changes can be messy in small apartments.
Apartment Tip: A 5–10 gallon tank with live plants adds life without taking up much room.
Bonus: Ferrets
If your lease allows them, ferrets are playful, intelligent, and full of personality.
Pros:
- Trainable and interactive.
- Love to play and explore.
Cons:
- Can be smelly if not cleaned often.
- Require a lot of supervision and proofing.
Comparison At A Glance
Final Thoughts
Finding the best small pets for apartments depends on what you’re looking for in a companion:
- Want something low-maintenance and quiet? Go for fish or reptiles.
- Want a social, interactive pet? Guinea pigs, rabbits, or rats are great options.
- Want a colorful and lively presence? Birds add energy and life to small spaces.
No matter which pet you choose, remember that even the smallest companions deserve plenty of love, proper care, and enrichment. With the right setup, they’ll thrive just as happily in an apartment as in a larger home.