Inner-city living is more popular than ever… I have plenty of friends who can testify to that. These days, if you want the luxury of living near the city on a large house block with a big backyard, you need to be a millionaire. But just because you live in a high-density area or high-rise housing doesn’t mean you can’t experience the joy of owning a pet - New Yorkers have been doing it for years!
For me, there is nothing better than opening my front door and seeing the happy faces of my dog and cat. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, they make me smile every single time. I hate that so many people these days are missing out on this wonderful experience because their living circumstances make it difficult. It really is just a matter of choosing the right pet and providing them with appropriate care and a stimulating environment.
Some dogs can live happily in small spaces and the number one rule is size doesn’t matter. The animal’s size is no indication of its suitability for apartment or inner-city living. In fact small breeds aren’t always the best option for living in a small environment.
For example, some smaller dogs like the Jack Russell are always “on-the-go” and need more space to run around. The Chihuahua and the Maltese are the perfect size for an apartment, but these breeds do tend to bark more than others, (which will do you no favours with your neighbours).
Some small to medium-sized dog breeds happy to lounge around indoors include Pugs, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Italian Greyhounds.
Less active dogs still require exercise, so your penthouse pet can double as your personal trainer! A walk before and after work is enough for some dogs, but a good option is to hire a dog walker to take ‘Fido’ out during the day - this will reduce the risk of separation anxiety and provide him/her with the socialisation that all dogs need.
Some larger breeds are more suited to the lounge-chair lifestyle than smaller, hyperactive ones. A good example is the Great Dane - a giant breed with a big heart and beautiful nature, these dogs adapt very well to living in small spaces provided they get daily outings and mental stimulation. If your apartment or home is very small, be aware that these guys will take over - not just floor space but your furniture too. To a dog, there is nothing quite like napping on the sofa or bed while their owner is out!
Cats are generally an easier option for apartment living. They are much less demanding than dogs and because they sleep about eighteen hours a day, they are quite content to spend their day sleeping by a sunny window or in a basket in a warm spot.
A cat that has been raised indoors usually has no trouble with the indoor lifestyle. Those that have been raised as outdoor cats may need some time to adjust, so it is best to start getting puss used to staying inside, well before you make the switch. Start by bringing your cat indoors at night only and then gradually increase the time he’s kept inside. I would do this over a two to three month period before you make the full-time change to indoor living.
Because kittens are much more active than adult cats and are demanding on your time (and furniture), I often recommend that apartment dwellers get a mature cat. There are many beautifully natured cats out there that need some affection and a caring home and what could be better than coming home to a purring puss that you have adopted. Provided you choose an adult cat that is laid back and not a crazy curtain climber, then this could be the perfect pet for you.
There are personality differences between cat breeds too. For example, Siamese are very vocal and Burmese are very active and need lots of games and activities while Devon Rex just want to sit on your lap the whole time. If you want a pure-bred cat, be sure to do some research.
If you want some help choosing the right dog or cat breed for your living circumstances, go to Selectapet at
www.petnet.com.au You answer a short set of questions and Selectapet will recommend breeds that are best suited to your lifestyle.