Best Small Pets for Apartments: Quiet, Low-Maintenance & Space-Friendly Options

Q: Which pets are quiet and low maintenance?

Fish, turtles, and geckos are quiet and easy to care for.

Q: Are pets allowed in apartments?

It depends on your lease. Always check pet policies first.

Q: What is the easiest pet for beginners in apartments?

Hamsters, fish, and guinea pigs are beginner-friendly.

Pawgram.pet

January 29, 2026

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of having a pet. Many pet parents worry about limited space, noise complaints, landlord rules, and maintenance. The good news? There are plenty of small, quiet, and apartment-friendly pets that thrive in compact homes.

If you’re searching for the best small pets for apartments, this guide will help you choose the perfect companion based on space, noise level, care needs, and lifestyle — without stressing your neighbors or your lease agreement.

What Makes a Pet Apartment-Friendly?

Not every pet suits apartment life. Pets for small spaces need to check key boxes to keep you—and your neighbors—happy.

Space requirements: They should fit in a compact cage, tank, or corner without needing a yard.
Noise level: Quiet pets or low noise pets for apartments avoid barks, screeches, or constant chatter.
Smell and cleanliness: Low maintenance apartment pets produce minimal odors and easy cleanups.
Time commitment: Ideal for busy apartment dwellers, with routines under 30 minutes daily.
Apartment rules: Many rentals ban certain breeds or limit pets, so check your lease.

Prioritizing these factors ensures apartment-friendly pets that enhance your home without headaches.

Top 12 Best Small Pets for Apartments

Here are the best small pets for apartments, ranked by ease for beginners. Each includes space needs, noise, maintenance, and who they’re best for. We focused on pets suitable for apartments like studios or 1BHKs.

Below are some of the best small pets for apartment living, including pros, cons, and who they’re best for.

1. Cats (Apartment-Friendly Breeds)

Cats are one of the best pets for small apartments.

Why they’re great:

Quiet and independent
Don’t need outdoor space
Use litter boxes

Best for: Busy professionals, small flats
Care level: Moderate
Noise level: Very low

✔ Tip: Choose calm breeds like Ragdoll, British Shorthair, or Persian.

10 Adorable Fluffy Cat Breeds for apartment

2. Hamsters

Hamsters are classic pets for small spaces.

Pros:

Tiny cages
Very low maintenance
Affordable

Cons:

Nocturnal (may be active at night)

Best for: Beginners, kids (with supervision)
Noise level: Low

3. Guinea Pigs

Social and friendly, guinea pigs are excellent quiet pets for apartments.

Pros:

Gentle and interactive
Don’t bite easily

Cons:

Need daily cleaning
Need companionship (keep in pairs)

Best for: Families, calm households
Noise level: Low–moderate (occasional squeaks)

4. Rabbits

Indoor rabbits can be surprisingly apartment-friendly pets.

Pros:

Can be litter trained
Quiet and affectionate

Cons:

Need chew-proofing
Require space to hop

Best for: Patient pet parents
Noise level: Very low

Rabbit Winter Care Tips for Beginners

5. Small Dog Breeds

Not all dogs are noisy or need yards.

Apartment-friendly breeds:

French Bulldog
Pug
Shih Tzu
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pros:

Loyal and loving
Adapt well indoors

Cons:

Require walks
Some breeds snore

Best for: Active owners who can walk daily
Noise level: Low (breed dependent)

Why Dogs Are the Best Pets

Also Check: Tick Removal for Dogs

6. Fish

Fish are the ultimate low-noise apartment pets.

Pros:

No sound
Very little space needed
Visually calming

Cons:

Tank cleaning required
No physical interaction

Best for: Studio apartments
Noise level: Silent

Also Check: Best Aquarium Fish

7. Turtles

Turtles are calm, slow-moving, and ideal for small homes.

Pros:

Quiet
Long lifespan

Cons:

Need proper lighting
Tank setup required

Best for: Responsible owners
Noise level: Silent

8. Leopard Geckos

One of the best reptiles for apartments.

Pros:

Small enclosure
Easy care
Quiet

Cons:

No cuddling
Live insects required

Best for: Exotic pet lovers
Noise level: Silent

Low-Maintenance Reptile Pets

9. Rats

Pet rats are intelligent and affectionate.

Pros:

Very social
Easy to train
Small cages

Cons:

Short lifespan

Best for: People wanting interaction
Noise level: Low

10. Frogs

Certain frogs are perfect low-maintenance apartment pets.

Pros:

Minimal handling
Compact tanks

Cons:

Limited interaction

Best for: Quiet households
Noise level: Very low

11. Hermit Crabs

Space: 10-gallon tank.
Noise: Silent.
Maintenance: Low—humid tank, monthly deep clean.
Pros: Curious climbers, inexpensive groups.
Cons: Shell changes; humidity monitoring.
Best for: Hands-off tropical vibe seekers.

12. Finches (Zebra or Society)

Space: 20×20-inch aviary.
Noise: Soft chirps (not loud).
Maintenance: Low—seed daily, clean weekly.
Pros: Colorful flocks, low touch.
Cons: Flight space key; no handling.
Best for: Bird lovers wanting lively backgrounds.