Pets For Flats
I’ve often wondered, what is the best pet to keep in a flat? Obviously, bigger pets like a cat and dog are not possible, but smaller caged animals can often work well. Here are a few different types of pets that I would consider getting for a flat, along with why I think they would be a good/bad idea. If I’m wrong or you have anything to add, please use the comments form to let me know!
Fish
Fish make the perfect pets in some ways – low maintenance, quiet and they don’t smell if you clean them out regularly. The downside is that you don’t get any physical interaction with them, and the more exotic fish can be expensive to keep. Goldfish don’t require specialist equipment, but tropical fish need heaters etc to stay healthy. Overall though, I think fish are good pets to keep in flats.
Hamsters
The great thing about hamsters is that they are small, don’t require as much maintenance as other larger parts and you get physical interaction. The downside is that it’s hit or miss whether you get a good one or not. If your hamster doesn’t learn to like being picked up, then the constant sharp bites might become a little tiring! If they are handled from a young age, hamsters can make great pets though, and are perfect for flats where there isn’t much room.
Guinea Pigs
Many people think of guinea pigs as outdoor animals, but the truth is that they prefer to be kept indoors because they find large changes in temperature difficult. In general, guinea pigs are kind pets that are gentle and easy to keep. To begin with though, a pair of guinea pigs can fight for dominance, which can be distressing to watch. Usually this kind of conflict resolves itself, but in some cases two guineas just don’t get along.
One thing to keep in mind with guinea pigs is that they shouldn’t be left alone. They are sociable animals that require a lot of attention, but they are also delicate which means that they may not be suitable for young children to hold.
What do you think? Do you keep a pet in a flat? If so, what do you keep?