If your building does not permit renters to own dogs and cats, UI veterinarians suggest asking your landlord if alternative pets such as mice, gerbils, hamsters, birds, snakes, or fish would be allowed. Rabbits and guinea pigs are not included in this list since they may be more suitable to outdoor, hutch-living. Also, small birds such as finches, canaries, and parakeets may be better choices than larger parrots and cockatoos in terms of space and noise. Smaller breeds are better when trying to decide what type of dog to buy for your apartment. Keep in mind that a dog that has grown up in a small area will cope better with the arrangement than an adult that spent his or her life roaming free.
Cats seem to be the most suitable for apartment-living.
If yours is an inside cat only, and even if the lease does not require it, you may want to consider having him or her declawed. The alternative is to clip the toenails about every six to eight weeks and provide a scratching post for the animal. Wood with the bark removed makes an excellent scratching post, but you'll have to teach your cat to use it rather than the furniture or walls. A few words of advice for those that already own or would prefer to own a dog in an apartment or small house. While there are no set rules regarding the minimum amount of space required for a certain-sized dog, too small of a living area may be making your dog unhappy, which can lead to barking, destruction, or other behavioral problems.