Living in a flat doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of having a pet. In fact, many animals are perfectly suited to apartment life! When thinking about the best pets for flats, it’s important to focus on size, noise levels, care needs, and how adaptable the pet is to a smaller living space. Having lived in various flats for over a decade, I’ve gathered real-world experience on which pets truly thrive — and which ones might not be the best fit.
Let’s dive into the top pets for flat living, along with what you can expect in terms of cost and daily care.
The Best Pets for Flats
If there’s one thing I know after a decade of living in flats, it’s this: life is better with a pet — but not every pet is cut out for apartment life. I’ve had my fair share of successes (and a few mistakes), so let me save you some trouble and share what really works when it comes to picking the best pets for flats.
First, you need to be realistic. Space is a luxury, and neighbors can hear everything. You want a pet that’s relatively quiet, doesn’t need a backyard to roam, and won’t stress out in a smaller environment.
1. Cats
Price Range: $50–$200 for adoption fees; $500–$2,000+ for purebreds
Monthly Costs: Around $40–$100 (food, litter, vet visits)
Why They’re Great:
Cats are famously independent and can comfortably live indoors. They’re quiet, clean, and need only basic supplies: a litter box, some toys, scratching posts, and regular food. Most breeds adapt well to smaller spaces, especially if you give them vertical options like cat trees or shelves.
Care Tips:
- Daily feeding and fresh water
- Cleaning the litter box every day
- Occasional grooming depending on the breed (short-haired cats are much easier)
- Regular vet checkups and vaccinations
Personal Tip: If you’re busy, a low-energy breed like a British Shorthair or a Ragdoll is ideal.
2. Small Dogs (French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund)
Price Range: $1,500–$3,500 depending on breed
Monthly Costs: Around $70–$150 (food, vet care, grooming)
Why They’re Great:
Some small dog breeds are fantastic flat companions. French Bulldogs, for example, are low-energy and love lounging around. Cavaliers are affectionate without being overly energetic. However, it’s crucial to match the dog’s temperament to your lifestyle.
Care Tips:
- Daily short walks and bathroom breaks
- Mental stimulation (toys, simple training)
- Regular grooming (especially Cavaliers)
- Veterinary care, including vaccinations and possibly pet insurance
Personal Tip: Avoid very high-energy breeds like Jack Russells unless you’re prepared for a lot of daily exercise.
3. Fish (Freshwater Aquariums)
Price Range: Starter tank setup $100–$300; fish $2–$30 each
Monthly Costs: $10–$30 (food, water treatments)
Why They’re Great:
Fish are ideal if you want something beautiful and calming without noise or destruction. A small freshwater aquarium can easily fit into a flat and needs relatively little attention once it’s set up properly.
Care Tips:
- Feeding once or twice daily
- Weekly partial water changes
- Monitoring water quality (simple test kits available)
- Keeping tank equipment (filters, heaters) running smoothly
Personal Tip: Start with hardy species like guppies, bettas, or tetras — they’re beginner-friendly and stunning.
4. Birds (Budgies, Canaries)
Price Range: $30–$150 for the bird; $100–$200 for a good cage setup
Monthly Costs: $20–$50 (food, toys)
Why They’re Great:
Small birds like budgies and canaries are lively and full of personality. They don’t need a huge amount of space, though they do need time outside their cages to stretch their wings and stay social.
Care Tips:
- Daily feeding and cage cleaning
- Regular interaction and mental stimulation
- Occasional wing-trimming (optional and controversial)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables alongside bird seed
Personal Tip: Noise can be an issue, especially early in the morning. Budgies chirp — a lot! Choose a quieter species if you value silence.
5. Small Mammals (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits)
Price Range: $10–$100 for the animal; $50–$200 for a proper enclosure
Monthly Costs: $20–$50 (bedding, food, hay)
Why They’re Great:
Small mammals are perfect if you want a cute, cuddly companion without needing a lot of room. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly popular because they can bond closely with their owners.
Care Tips:
- Daily feeding (pellets, hay, fresh veggies)
- Cleaning cages or litter trays regularly
- Exercise time outside of enclosures
- Regular health checks (teeth and nails)
Personal Tip: Rabbits can be litter-trained just like cats! Plus, guinea pigs are happier in pairs, so be ready to adopt two if you choose them.
What dogs are best for flats?
not every dog is suited for flat (apartment) living! The best dogs for flats are usually small-to-medium in size, have moderate to low energy levels, and are comfortable in more confined spaces. Based on both experience and expert advice, here are some of the top dog breeds for flats:
1. French Bulldog
- Why they’re great: Very low-energy, rarely bark, love lounging.
- Size: Small (under 28 pounds).
- Care: Daily short walks; avoid overheating. Prone to some health issues, so vet care is important.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Why they’re great: Friendly, adaptable, and love cuddling.
- Size: Small (13–18 pounds).
- Care: Needs daily short walks and regular brushing (they have beautiful, silky coats).
3. Dachshund
- Why they’re great: Loyal and playful but fine with short bursts of exercise.
- Size: Small (11–32 pounds, depending on mini or standard size).
- Care: Moderate walks; watch out for back issues — avoid too much jumping.
4. Boston Terrier
- Why they’re great: Quiet, cheerful, and very people-oriented.
- Size: Small (12–25 pounds).
- Care: Easy grooming; needs short walks and indoor play.
5. Bichon Frise
- Why they’re great: Hypoallergenic coat (good for flats with allergies) and very cheerful.
- Size: Small (12–18 pounds).
- Care: Needs grooming (professional every month or so) and daily play.
6. Pug
- Why they’re great: Happy to nap most of the day and very affectionate.
- Size: Small (14–18 pounds).
- Care: Short walks; be cautious about breathing issues (flat faces).
7. Yorkshire Terrier
- Why they’re great: Tiny and can exercise indoors easily.
- Size: Very small (4–7 pounds).
- Care: Needs grooming (their coat grows continuously) and regular, gentle exercise.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best pet for a flat comes down to knowing yourself and what you can realistically provide in terms of time, space, and money. If you want low maintenance, consider fish or cats. If you crave interaction, a small dog, rabbit, or bird could be a better fit.
Whichever you choose, a pet can completely transform your flat into a true home — full of life, warmth, and the kind of companionship that makes every square foot worthwhile.
