Keeping a Pet in an Apartment

Many people would like to have a pet but are afraid to because they live in an apartment with little extra space. Learning from some easy tips, you can manage well and live a happy life with a pet even in a small apartment.

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1. Start with a Goldfish. A goldfish is easy to care for and will live for 4 or 5 years. All you do is clean the tank every couple weeks and feed it regularly. Small birds, Sea Monkeys (Artemia Salina) Guinea Pigs and Hamsters are other alternatives.
2. When you feel confident that you can take care of something larger, think of a cat or a small dog. A Dachshund is an example of an ideal dog for even a small apartment.
3. Cat care begins the instant the kitten/cat enters your home. Introduce it to its litter box immediately. This gives the kitten/cat a sense of comfort and it feels that it has its own little space in the world.
4. A huge dog breed like St Bernard or Great Dane would feel cramped in a tiny apartment. Herding dogs like the German shepherd dog or sporting dogs like the Labrador retriever need lots of exercise outside. These large dogs can manage even in smaller apartments only if you take them for an hour or two daily for exercise (running around) every day. Large dogs also eat a lot and shit a lot. So be prepared for that.
5. Keep your home as clean and clutter free as possible. Not only does keeping your apartment clean prevent accidents and diseases, but the pet also learns cleaner habits. To keep your sofa hair free, spread an easy to clean blanket, which you need to wash and air regularly. When your pet sits next to you or on your lap, it is a great way to bond.
6. Let your pet have its own spot. Even though there isn’t much extra space in a small apartment, it’s vital to give the pet its designated spot. Lay a blanket out in a corner or next to your bed or buy a basket and line that with blankets. Remember to air and clean the bed regularly. You then need to make sure that the pet sleeps in his/her own bed and not in yours.
7. Keep the pet’s food plate or drinking water bowl in the same place where the pet can easily get to it. Remember to give fresh drinking water regularly and clean the food plate and water bowl regularly.
8. Play with your pet regularly. All pets need attention, care and love. In return they would give you so much fun and love. No matter how horrible a day you have had out there, your pet dog will jump all over you, lick you and welcome you home with abundant love. You wouldn’t ever get that kind of loving welcome in any workplace!

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