We are a nation of animal lovers. So, it’s not all too surprising that the majority of us want some sort of pet in our lives. Many species can make great companions, providing us with love, affection, and entertainment. But it’s important to bear in mind that they are living creatures, not toys, and that we assume responsibility for any pets that we do decide to bring into our lives. It’s up to us to provide them with what they need, as well as what they want. We want to provide an animal with a high quality of life, which brings us to this question, is it okay to own pets when living in a small space?
Cats
Of course, you can’t have any pet in a tiny living space. It wouldn’t be fair to them. But when it comes down to it, cats do tend to be comfortable living in smaller spaces, such as apartments, than other animals do. Many owners allow their cats out to roam freely and return home as and when they please, which means, of course, a small living space is fine. However, safety wise, it is recommended that people keep their cats indoors – there are a multitude of risks in the outside world and pets tend to be safer indoors. So, if you are going to have a house cat, just ensure that your living space has sufficient room for them to have a bed, some playthings (such as scratching posts), and room for a litter tray.
Dogs
The amount of space that a dog needs depends entirely on the breed. Large breeds require larger homes. Small breeds can be extremely comfortable in smaller homes. Also take a look at how much exercise and how playful different breeds will be. Dogs that are less energetic tend to fare better in smaller homes. Regardless of breed, dogs need a garden or outdoor space where they can stretch their legs and get a little exercise to complement their daily walk. If you coop any dog up too much, they may begin to show behavioral issues and you could find yourself dealing with or maybe even reaching out to the best dog bite attorney near me.
Rodents
If you have more limited space, but do want a pet, you might want to consider rodents. Rodents can live in cages and require much less room than other pets. However, you should bear in mind that this will require a lot of upkeep. Rodent cages can start to smell quickly if they are not properly cleaned and bedding or other materials are changed. This will be more prominent and noticeable in a small living space.
Of course, you should only ever take on an animal if you can meet all of its needs. So, make sure to see what any pet you’re considering taking on requires and what will make it happy. Only bring it into your home if you can check off all of the boxes!