SAEDNEWS: In this section, we’ll introduce you to the best pets. Join us on this journey
According to SaedNews’ pet care service, pet ownership has become increasingly popular among Iranian families. Pets can fill your free time, keep loneliness at bay, entertain your children, and bring a fresh sense of joy and color to daily life. But what is the best pet for apartment living? Can you keep cats, dogs, or birds in an apartment setting?
Nowadays, fewer families live in villas, as apartments dominate urban landscapes. This raises the question: can pets thrive in apartments too? While the limited space might seem like a challenge at first, the right choice of pet can easily overcome it.
Before deciding on a pet for your apartment, it’s essential to evaluate your circumstances. Do you have children? How old are they? Do they have any allergies? Are you out of the house most of the day? Questions like these help guide your decision.
These aren’t the only factors to consider. Apartment rules matter too. Many rental or purchase agreements explicitly forbid certain pets, like dogs. Some landlords may not allow pets due to noise concerns, and even if you do keep them, neighbors may eventually complain. Preventing these conflicts is always better than dealing with them later.
Globally, cats are the most beloved pets, and for good reason. They don’t require much space, making them ideal for apartments. Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, making them perfect companions for busy people who spend long hours outside the home.
Cats are calm creatures that largely take care of themselves. Their quiet nature reduces the likelihood of disturbing neighbors, and they pose almost no risk of harm to residents—an important consideration for those wary of pet-related accidents.
Cats can be trained to use a litter box, minimizing the need for constant cleaning. And since they are naturally solitary, they don’t require a companion, so one cat can comfortably live alone. For these reasons, many consider cats the ideal apartment pet. They can stay alone for long periods without making much noise.
Dogs, on the other hand, are less suited to small apartments. They are noisy, need space to roam, and cannot be left alone for extended periods. If you are a working professional frequently away from home, a dog may not be the best choice. Dogs also require regular walks and outdoor exercise. Having a yard is almost essential, and frequent outings help develop their social skills.
However, dog lovers need not despair! Many dog breeds are smaller in size and suitable for apartments if you have the time and patience to care for them.
Fish offer a very different pet experience. Unlike cats or dogs, you cannot cuddle them or form a direct emotional bond—but studies show that watching fish swim can reduce stress and blood pressure. For children, it can help reduce hyperactivity, and even Alzheimer’s patients may benefit from observing fish.
Most people are familiar with keeping goldfish for Nowruz, but maintaining aquarium fish is far more complex. Small aquariums are manageable but require careful monitoring of ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, pH, and water hardness, as even small changes can endanger the fish. Larger tanks are less sensitive but more expensive and costly to maintain.
If you want a pet for your child, dogs, cats, or fish may not be ideal, as most responsibility falls on you. Hamsters, however, are small, adorable, low-maintenance, and perfect for children.
Hamsters don’t smell as much as cats or dogs, are entertaining, quiet, and inexpensive. A proper cage is necessary, and most hamsters prefer companionship. Their low cost and simple care routine make them excellent apartment pets, provided their cages are kept clean.
In Iran, birds are among the more popular apartment pets. Birds are generally harmless, affectionate, and highly intelligent. While many are noisy—whether the melodic canary or the squawking parrot—they are usually quieter than cats or dogs.
Birds learn quickly, can mimic some words, and are easy to keep in apartments. They don’t require walks and can safely stay in their cages when you’re away. Feeding costs are lower than for cats or dogs, and they need little space. In Islam, keeping birds at home is even recommended.
Before choosing a pet, carefully evaluate your situation and determine which animal fits your lifestyle.
Cats remain the most popular apartment pets worldwide.
Dogs can thrive in apartments if you have time and patience, though they are less suitable for busy lifestyles.
Fish don’t form emotional bonds but offer a uniquely calming presence.
Hamsters are small, inexpensive, and low-maintenance.
Birds are intelligent and adaptable; quiet species make excellent apartment companions.
Selecting the right pet ensures both your happiness and the well-being of your new companion.
