Looking for a new furry addition to add to your apartment? First, check to make sure having a pet is allowed in your residence, and make sure to ask about fees as well. (Most apartments charge an average of $35 a month to own a cat or dog.)

A cat is a great apartment pet because they adapt well to living in small spaces. A dog, on the other hand, requires much more to care for in an apartment, but it can definitely be done! Apartment owners with dogs have found it helpful to get their dogs in a “potty time” routine. Taking your dog out (leash required) once every 2-3 hours should do the trick, or until they get used to the timing and begin to develop a sense of what’s happening. When your dog is on a “potty schedule” like this, it allows them to develop the skills to let you know when they need to go. But in the beginning, it is just nice to have a form of reference. Make sure you clean up after your dog, but don’t cringe with the image of you and a plastic bag in hand, there are alternatives! Here – look, no plastic bag!

Also, dogs require lots of attention and physical activity. So taking him/her for brisk walks or to a dog park for a few hours a day should keep them happy and active. There are also many toys available that will be able to fulfill the need to romp and play that can be equally interactive and done while indoors.

Cats are much easier when it comes to the bathroom situation because they do not have to be let outside every few hours – they simply go when they need to. The cat’s litter box should be scooped once a day. They are very finicky when it comes to a messy box and might resort to the living room or kitchen floor instead. It is best to keep their litter box in a private area, like the corner of the bathroom, laundry room, etc. Cats, like us enjoy, their privacy. If you have to keep your litter box in an open area you should get an enclosure to make your pet feel more comfortable. You can even get one to match in with your décor!

You should not keep your cats food and water dish next to the litter box either. They do not enjoy eating where they do their official business. Can you imagine coming home from work and having to eat dinner in your bathroom? Weird.

Whatever pet you chose, you need to make sure that there are places in your home just for them to relax and play. A doggie or kitty bed in the corner of a room or against the wall, toys out and available for them at all times, and of course you open with loving arms. Are there any other tips you can think of that might be beneficial to an apartment pet owner? Please share!

And, I will leave you with a picture of my beautiful kitty Mason lounging in a chair meant to be my reading chair, but as you can see, has been taken over.

Related posts:

1. Cats are the Simpler Pet
2. Keeping Your (& Your Pet’s!) Apartment Healthy & Happy
3. Favorite Pet Choices for Apartment Living
4. Apartment 4A is Starting to Look Like Noah’s Ark
5. 3 Great Large Dog Breeds for Apartments

Tags: apartments, cat, dog, Dog park, Litter box, pet toys, Pets