They are quiet and compact, so that they can live in apartments. They can be as loving and fun as traditional pets, cats, and dogs. You can browse 12 exotic pets to see why they are appropriate for apartments and condominiums.

Rabbits

There are almost 50 types of rabbits that people love to keep as pets. Many are friendly animals who want to be around you. Because they are litter-box trained and can groom themselves, rabbits make an excellent choice for apartment living. People allow their rabbits to run free in their homes. This is a perfect way for them to exercise. The downside to having rabbits around is their tendency to chew and dig. Bunnyproof your home. This means there should be no exposed cords, and the rabbit must only be allowed to roam in carpeted or rug-free areas.

Ferrets

Ferrets are playful and love to play with each other and humans. A large cage is necessary to accommodate their playful nature. Because they can sleep throughout the day, they make great apartment dwellers. Although they are reticent, they can also be quite friendly and like to hide from their owners. Ensure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent them from hiding in unsafe places (like an oven).

Rats

Rats are intelligent, friendly, and quiet animals. They are small and easy to care for, making them ideal for smaller homes. Their cage space requirements are minimal at 2 feet per rat. Rats are easy to manage and will often hang out on the laps or shoulders of their owners. If you are away from home, rats will probably sleep most of the day. Rats are most active at night but will awaken during the day to interact with you.

Mice

Mice only need a little space or a large cage. Mice are great pets for small spaces because of their size requirements. They are quiet and meticulous and are easy to take care of. Their playful antics and intelligence are a delight to observe. They can be trained to be calm and controlled if handled well.

Hamsters

Hamsters are allowed in no-pet apartments. They can be kept in small spaces and are a great pet choice. They are quiet, clean, and easy to care for. With regular care, most allergy sufferers can live with a hamster. Hamsters can be tamed with regular handling. A foot cage with a water tank, an exercise wheel, chew toys, food, and water is all a hamster requires.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are social animals and easy to manage. As a vocalization, they make the “week,” but it isn’t loud enough to bother neighbors living in apartments. They are also manageable in their enclosures. These rodents require a minimum of square feet. They don’t need to be more than one foot tall. They love to be out of their cage and have the opportunity to play, socialize, and explore. Protect wooden fixtures, wires, and any other pets allowed to roam your home.

Reptiles

Although reptiles, like snakes and smaller lizards, are less social than mammals, they can still be helpful in small spaces. They are quiet and easy to care for. The best lizard species for beginners are leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, and bearded dragons. Corn snakes and kings snakes are all good options for beginners. Ball pythons are another option.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs don’t need large cages. A suitable enclosure size is at least  feet. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and will tolerate you being away during the day. People with allergies will love hedgehogs because they are quiet and produce little dander. Hedgehogs are usually gentle and solitary. There are places in the U.S. where they are not allowed or require permits. Before you adopt one, make sure to check your state laws regarding exotic pets.

Frogs

Frogs only require a little space, making them an excellent apartment choice. A gallon tank is the ideal size for most frogs. This is the best choice if you’re looking for a pet to look at and enjoy. These pets are easy to care for and only require feeding once a week. There are many types of pet frogs. These include aquatic frogs, African clawed toads, semi-aquatic ( Oriental fire-bellied toads), tree and giant frogs Pacman frogs. Although they are not quiet pets, some male frogs can sing.

Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs can be excellent pets for those with low commitment requirements. Because they are quiet, hypoallergenic, and easy to care for, hermit crabs are great for apartment living. Seeing hermit crabs move around from one shell to the next is fascinating. They will be social and most comfortable with other hermit crabs if the tank is large enough. Place one individual in a gallon tank.

Tarantulas

A pet tarantula is an excellent addition to any home if you love spiders. Tarantulas can be quiet and require gallons of a small aquarium to flourish. They do not need much food and are happy to eat whenever you are away. The venom of a pet Tarantula is mildly poisonous (similar to a bee bite), but you shouldn’t handle it.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas, small, playful, friendly rodents, can be found in Chinchilla. Because they are clean and have very little odor, they make great apartment dwellers. They can be left alone at night so that they won’t miss you. They will bond well with you if treated gently from a young age. Place a single chinchilla inside a cage at least two by feet.

Large with black eyes and bushy tails; incredibly soft; silver; yellow-gray; bluish-gray; white, beige, and black fur

Avoid Exotic Pets

Exotic pets are beautiful and unique. Some can even be trained to perform tricks, talk or retrieve items. Parrots and other pets require more space than small apartments for free flying. Some birds, such as Macaws or Amazons, are too loud and can cause disturbances to neighbors.

Monkeys can be fascinating, but they must also be mentally stimulated and exercise. Primate enrichment can be achieved by damaging your property or creating havoc in your home. Pot-bellied Pigs are also prone to digging in your rental property. While Aquatic Turtles can be kept in apartments as babies, they can become huge and require a tank of at least gallons. This can cause space problems and make it difficult to maintain the pets.