Choosing the Right Pet for Your Apartment
Can owners of apartments in India have their own pets? Many of us think that we cannot own a pet if we’re staying in an apartment. In fact that is a wrong notion which most of us follow. Pets become an important part of our everyday life and it takes a lot of effort and love to sustain them. There are arrays of animals which can be nurtured at home and can have a happy life as long as you have the proper skills to maintain them.
Every apartment in India has its specific rules and regulations. Maximum number of apartments restricts the owners from fostering a pet in the resident premises or they have a certain list of animals only which they can nurture. If you are staying in an apartment and are planning for taking up a pet, you will have to take into account about many things.
Things to consider before owning a pet in your apartment:
- Firstly, check with your apartment owners association or the landlord if you are permitted to keep a pet at your residence. If yes, find out about the kinds of pets one can keep.
- Decide on what kind of pet you would like to have at your home based on the convenience and your awareness about how to take care of it. Do not go in for an animal whose living and behavioural conditions you are not aware of.
- One of the most important responsibilities before owning a pet is to give yourself a commitment that you will take up the complete responsibility of the pet. You need to remember that pets are living beings, similar to human beings and they need the proper care every time rather than being used as toys. If an animal is properly taken care of, they can live for many years and accompany you always.
- To nurture a pet you need to have an approximate budget plan from which you can care of its food, shelter and medical requisites. You need to be financially resilient in order to keep your pet comfortable and meet its needs. One of the reasons for the deaths of various pets is the lack of willingness to spend large amounts in their upbringing.
- You cannot just own a pet and feed it three times a day rather than spending time with them. Pets are faithful creatures that are humane and expect the owner’s attention, care and love often. Every animal needs the owner’s attention in various ways like taking your dig out for a stroll, or bathing your dog and cleaning the cat’s litter. You need to give them unconditional love in order to bring them up.
- You should decide of owning a pet based on the space available in your home. Animals nurtured indoors tend to be healthy as they are not exposed to the hazards outside the home. Similarly when indoors, you need to consider the space available and the type of environment in which your pet can stay happy. There should be enough space for the pet to run and play around or keep your home boundaries fenced in order to avoid your pet from wandering away.
- Another important factor to own a pet is to discuss the topic with your family if they are all staying under the same roof. You should make sure that none of your family member is allergic to animals. In such cases keep your pet in a separate place away from your family members.
- A little research on how to take care of them and the temperature, food and living conditions of a pet would help you a lot.
Pets which can be owned in an apartment:
Dogs: They are the basic pets whish are opted by humans in various places ranging from a home to a villa, apartment, bungalow or a camp. They are believed to be faithful animals and are friendly creatures. Many of us think that only small dogs can survive in an apartment, which is untrue. Large breed dogs can lead a happy life if taken care properly. You need to know the proper care techniques and the living conditions of a dog. Opting for a smaller breed is advisable as it will be easy for you to take them for a walk. Most of the smaller breed dogs are quite sedate and do not bark too much which makes your apartment a peaceful one. Other dogs like cocker spaniel would love to stay closer to you. Make sure that you opt for crate training for your dog or hire a dog walker if you’re away for a long time from home.
Cats (felines): They are considered as a great apartment pet because of their lifestyle and nature. They are small in size and do not require a lot of space or training. They can snuggle up in any corner and stay happy if proper care is given. Felines are petted by maximum number of animal lovers and more than one cat can be nurtured in your apartment. Maintaining cleanliness and a regular clean-up of the litter box of the cat is required. Also you can train your cat not to dirty the floor or scratch the furniture.
Fishes: Fishes are one of the simplest pets to keep in your apartment as well as a decorative piece. In order to nurture fishes you do not have to invest a huge amount unless you need a large luxurious fish tanks and expensive fishes. Apt care should be taken like a regular clean up, proper functioning of the tank and the feeding process. You need to be wise enough to choose the fish breed and avoid placing aggressive fishes with the sober ones. Fresh water fishes or community fishes can be bred in your apartment with the appropriate aquariums. You can also add other beautifying objects in your aquarium like plants, corals and accessories which are not harmful to your fishes. Various people have exotic and endangered fish species in their apartments, which is not advisable. They can be kept in a simple fish bowl or a huge aquarium.
Birds: you should be very choosy while selecting a bird to own at your apartment as they can be too noisy and a menace to other members. Make sure you get a smaller bird which does not screech and squeal too much or annoy your neighbours. Birds like parakeets and love birds can be petted as they are smaller in size and adjust to the cosy atmosphere as well as do not screech or disturb others. You need to have a strong big cage with a tight latch. Clean the cage regularly, line the bottom with newspapers and feed them with fresh food and water. Do not have large birds in your apartment as this can cause chaos. Other birds like African Grays, finches, Senegal, canaries, pionus and Meyers can be kept as well.
Hamsters: They are few of the smallest pets which one can opt for. Hamsters are a perfect pet for people who are too busy as they just need a warm and cosy atmosphere with a very little care. They are nocturnal and hence do not trouble you during the day. You need to spend some time once they’re awake and feed them the appropriate food. Hamsters are of various types ranging from a teddy bear hamster to a dwarf and long haired one. Other adorable tiny pets in your apartment can include Guinea pigs, appealing mice and rats. Proper care should be taken in order to maintain the cleanliness. It is advisable not to keep illegal or exotic pets like chinchillas, ferrets, skunks, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and degus.
Hermit crabs: If you already have an aquarium, is easy for you to cultivate hermit crabs. Having one of these wouldn’t cost you a huge sum and will add charm to your aquatic animals. They can be one of the best pets for your younger one in your presence. You can also decorate its surroundings by painting and getting new shells which he can stay into. Other aquatic animals which can be petted are turtles, starfish, shrimp, frogs, crabs, sea snakes, salamanders and eels can be opted for.
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