A house is not a home without a pet
I just moved into my very first home. It’s all very exciting, for the first time in my life there are no flat-mates slobbing on the couch, no one else is hogging the bathroom and I can do the dishes whenever I want. The freedom is breathtaking.
Yet after a month, I feel that something is missing. Ever heard the adage, ‘A house is not a home without a pet’? Obviously Barack Obama felt the same way, which is why he recently bought a Portuguese Water Dog for his family after moving to the White House.
My yearning was further exemplified after reading Marley and Me. This cute story is about a young family and their rambunctious Labrador, Marley. It has to be said that Marley wasn’t the most obedient dog in the world. He was so friendly and excitable but his brute strength and size made him a challenging dog to have around. Training him was an insurmountable and teaching him any tricks completely laughable. Despite these challenges, he was a much loved member of the family.
Of course, like all good books, Marley and Me has been made into a Hollywood blockbuster, with Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson in the starring roles. Both celebrities have asked questions on Answers recently about pets.
Jennifer Aniston asks What is your funniest family pet moment?
Owen Wilson asks What are some good tips on how to train a puppy?
Perhaps if his character had that advice, he might have done better training Marley!
Once I read all those great funny family pet moments, I really felt the urge for my own furry friend. My one concern is that I’m living in a flat, obviously a huge dog like Marley would be out of the question.
I’ve always had cats but they’re usually outdoor cats that love climbing trees and chasing lizards. How do you keep pets occupied in an apartment so they don’t chew up the furniture?
Hope you can help!
Caitlin
Community Manager
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you should not keep dogs or cats in an apartment. they neeed to be outside and NOT kept indoors like a toy.
I agree with steve, if you live in an apartment it’s cruel to keep animals which require exercise, you will soon see a dog/cat will get bored and tear your place to shreads !! your choice !! maybe go for a fishtank, dogs/cats need stimulation & outdoor space. I have owned pets my entire life, so I think I know what I’m on about..
You can keep pets inside, but you need to look at breeds that are happy to stay inside. I have ragdoll cats that have never been let outside and are perfectly happy! I would suggest a internet search for “indoor happy” cats and dogs! I would tend to suggest buying 2 cats/dogs from the same litter so they can keep themselves company whilst you’re not there!
Cats can live perfectly normal lives indoors – any good vet will tell you that. Make sure you have lots of toys for them to play with to keep them occupied and if you are away all day, consider having 2 cats so they can keep each other company.
You have to read to your pets, try Othello or Macbeth from Shakespeare. That will make them clever like a genius.
i have have until recently moved out of an apartment and i had 2 dogs in there with me and a cat. My cat was more than happy to be let walk on the balcony but preferred being indoors on my bed, my friends also had cats and a dog and it was a larger dog in an apartment it was more the exercise that was the one thing like her dog was old and her cats were happy as long as they were fed kept clean and patted.
My dogs are a small chihuahua and a medium sized american staffordshire they were fine as long as they had food water and walked regularly. Its not the size of the area but what you are able to put into a dogs health needs as in walks and socialising them. I live in the desert now and its far too hot and dangerous for their skin to be in the heat no matter the shade or the dog houses i have there for them as they are so fair skinned and the sun is dangerous for them. So even though my dogs have a yard they are inside 80% of the time i found making sure the dogs are well exhausted stops bad behaviour but if you get a puppy expect the chewing to happen no matter what. get the puppy pads that go on the floor for any inside training till they are awware that going out is the place to go to the toilet. My larger and youngest dog is the one that knocks on the door, the chihuahua is the only one that is the messer and he is learning off the baby to go outside. I found that they like and prefer to be indoors when its hot or cold and even beg or bang at the door to be let in. So i do not agree that all dogs need a yard i believe large dogs may not be the best for an apartment but depends on the nature there are some breeds that although are small have more needs as far as energy than a small dog. Irish wolfhounds tend to be sleepers more than active and they are one of the largest breeds. I kept a german shephard and a great dane X in an apartment and they were more than happy and healthy even get calls from my veterinary clinic asking to bring my animals in to show how well behaved they are to people that are thinking of a chihuahua as a nasty little dog and an american staffy as a vicious breed as when handled well and correctly all animals are only as good as the treatment and care they receive. I do agree that some animals need 2 for company but make sure that you are able to cope with 2 i personally am fine with 2 but i am home alot if you aren’t remember 2 dogs makes double mess. Company for the animals is the key and i used to leave the TV on for the noise. Always teach them that their chew toy is there for them use it as enouragement and try and hide electric cords for the first few months and all things small like shoes, think unavailable to them. think of your dog almost like an inquisitive child of 18 months old sad to say but in truth thats the same nature all things go in the mouth and there are the accidents of potty. You need to feed them keep them warm or cool. Get them medical attention and needles for the first year at least. Sorry its waffly but i am an animal lover and i dont agree with the general its cruel to have animals in an apartment its only cruel when the animal isnt walked or fed or paid attention too. Just pick wisely and id even suggest a more established aged dog even a 3 year old not necessarily a puppy and make sure they are desexed. Cats are easily happy no matter the situation my cat longs to be outside but i live near an animal reserve and she was a feral when i got her now she is a lounger and expects to be treated like cleopatra fanning and peeled grapes included so its all on how you handle or how much you will allow.
I’ve had quite a few vets tell me that there is absolutely no need for a cat to ever go outside anymore. If the inside of your apartment is the environment they grow up knowing then they will feel that is their territory and they will be happy there. I know quite a few cats who’ve never set foot outside and are very happy. And you’ll never have to worry about cat fights, cars or nasty people! Why don’t you talk to a vet or an animal shelter? They could give you far more informative answers than the opinionated ones you’re likely to get here. Good luck, and I hope you get your cat, as there are too many needing homes to turn one down. Just one thing I have to mention about a previous comment though – it doesn’t matter what breed they are, they can adapt. And getting them from the same litter leads to a lifetime of competetiveness – I know from having tried that twice now. They just never lose that sibling agro! As for entertaining them you’d be surprised how easily amused they are. Probably with all the things you don’t want them to play with, rather than the expensive toys you buy them, but that’s why you love the animal isn’t it?
There are more pets in this world than just cats and dogs. Hamsters, for example, are sweet, affectionate, can be happily caged when you are not home, and are perfect in apartments. Look beyond the ordinary.
I agree completely with the first two comments. Keeping dogs and cats in an apartment is very mean and cruel. They are outdoor animals, as you already said about your previous cats, and so having a completely indoor life is a long and very sad existence for them. If you are only asking this question because you are more worried about your furniture than your pets, then you definately SHOULD NOT have any animals.
I have had pets all my life, including when I was a child, and I know that cats and dogs need a more outdoor existence rather than indoor. It makes them happy and healthy which is what should be most important.
Get a rag doll or a rag doll X they prefer to be indoors my cat is a rag doll X blue persian I cannot get him to stay out side except for his toilet he rushes back in side Give it lots of attention when your home with a few cat toys when you have to out make sure it has its own basket and feeding bowl and always leave water for it
Do you have a courtyard or balcony? Cats are great indoor animals but they do need a bit of sunshine.A small breed of dog would be better but not a jack russell as they have ADD, they are very active. If you have a balcony you can put chicken wire or lattice around the railing so the animal cannot fall and a couple of pot plants if you have a courtyard and its shared with the neighbour you can partition off your side so the pet has access to a grassed area. You can get 2mx2m and bigger rolled grass for a dog to do their business on these are available in the better pet shops. Another alternative is have you thought of a rabbit? They are happy to sit in their coup all day as long as you keep the sawdust clean. You can get leashes and they can be walked daily too. If you have made your mind up about a pet seriously research the breed your living arrangements should not impact on your happiness on having a pet, it can be done buit you need to follow this with your eyes open and not fall in love with the first cute fluff ball you see be it kitten,puppy,hamster,rabbit etc.
I have 2 13 year old cats who love to be outside but for their own safety and the safety of other wildlife they remain mostly indoors. One of them has managed over the years to get hit by 4, yes 4, cars and had a nasty run in with a possum. So after very little consideration it was decided he would remain inside where he is very content. Initially I thought it cruel to lock him in but would now recommend it to all cat owners. He now only has supervised visits to the garden and is happy to lay in the sun while i do the gardening or enjoy and drink outdoors but is never left to his own devises…which apparently get him into a lot of trouble.
humans are the cruelest of species. on one hand we keep pets as though we love animals and on the other we coup them up in horrific environments so we can have chicken and chips. now we want to keep them cooped up in our apartments because we are so desperate for our amusement ourselves. go and get a life and stop ruining the lives of animals.
I read Cesar Milan’s (the dog whisperer) book, and he says that you can have your dogs behave themselves all day while you are out with 3 very simple daily things. I have tried this, and it works. But before I go on, you have to realise that pets are a big responsibility…They have the right to a good life, and if you can’t make sacrafices for them, then get a furby.
The trick is this: Cesar realised that dogs need a leader a job to do. It is hardwired into them. The leader is you. You have to remind them every day that you are the leader, or they will think you are failing in that job and try to take the place of leader. If they do their job they are satisfied and they behave well. This is what you need to do, and the order that you do it: Every morning you need to get up early enough to take them for a vigorous walk This should take between 1/2-1 hour or more depending on the size of the dog…bigger= longer. They need to be on a lead (at first anyway) and need to walk a little behind you all the time. If the are in front they will think they are dominant ‘cos this is where the leader of the pack walks. You decide whether they can stop and smell the post etc. ..not the dog. Then when you get home, you discipline the dog…ie, sit and stay while you get the food, roll over etc. Then you give them food/affection. You need to do it in this order. So no cuddling , petting etc, until after the walk! This is hard when they are so cute, but you are doing the dog a favour in the long run. So it’s 1. Work(walk), 2. Discipline 3. Food/ affection.
Do this every single day and you will have a happy healthy dog who will be happy to stay at home all day alone without crapping everywhere and ripping up the furniture. PS If you are in an apartment, a smaller dog might be a good idea…something fluffy, not a fox terrier!
I wouldn’t advise keeping pets indoor. Pets, may it be a cat, dog, birds etc need air and space. Pets shouldn’t be kept indoor, they need a house with a lawn not an apartment’s balcony.
DO NOT GET A CAT Can I say that any plainer? Forget worrying about it needing attention blah blah blah but do you want to come home to your house smelling of cat wee? Eww nothing worse. Who wants to clean a cat tray all their lives? Try something like a pair of lovebirds or fish. I think the lovebirds would be more fun for you though and dont need all of the cleaning, feeding, time etc.
“Look beyond the ordinary”…great advice!! I really wanted some furry affection living alone in my apartment & after much research adopted a little bunny. Apartments can be great for rabbits. They’re generally very quite so no disturbing neighbours, its a secure area so no digging out & you can make the space a source of endless entertainment! They tend to be most active early morning & evening which is ideal for working hours [2 bonded bunnies even better]. I am constantly astounded by the love she gives me & the antics she entertains me with. She sits on my knee at night to watch TV etc etc. However good bunny proofing of wires and furniture etc is essential. Research is needed for this!! Be prepared also for vet bills & vaccination costs – just cause they’re small they do need plenty of care and attention & are quite fragile little critters.
I adore being a slave to my little furgirl but please do plenty of reading before adopting as they do require alot of care. The rewards are endless though!! Also PLEASE adopt from a rescue centre…there are so many animals in need of love just crying out for a home!!
Different animals have different needs, I would suggest something small like a mouse, or a rat, and don’t freak out about mice, and rats they are very loving creatures, if you fell the need for more then one (I would suggest this as both are very social) make sure they are all female, more then one male leads to fights for dominace, and one male and on female leads to well more then you can handle. how ever if you were looking for a cat, I would suggest adopting an older one, not to old though just past the kitten stage as they can be very distructive at this age, I own a cat, and have had her for 5 years and she is full of love and affection, but I find it best to have a mixture of indoor and outdoor for a cat, for a week or so leave it indoors at your place, and then while watching it let it out side some times, it will soon know it’s invironment and come and go is it pleases, again I would suggest female, as Tom’s are extreamly teritorial, and will mark every thing in a very strong, not so nice oder, thats not to say a Queen (or female) won’t they are just less likely, as I said an older cat is better so just ask its old owners what he or she is like, and if they have been an outdoor cat, ask spacific questions though like ‘does this cat mark alot?’ and ‘is she at all distructive?’ even if a cat is not distructive be awear that they do need some form of a scratching post or you can say good by to your coach, also some cat breeds are calmer, also there is the litter box tthat should be cleaned evry 1 or 2 days. Now if it is a dog you want, you will need to have alot of time, even for a low energy dog, you will need to likely toilet train youger animals and be able to take them out side for such practices atleast five times a day and walk it for an hour a day, a lot of work, research what you want in a dog and then make sure it wont need to much space. Apartments are small places so I am not going to lie and say that cats and dogs thrive in this enironment, but fish do, and I am not just being silly, there are a virity of fish and I am sure you could find love in one, goldfish as a staple for appartment pets and can be really cool, but if you want something more wow, go tropical, keep in mind that you will have to fork out at first, you need a larger tank, special lights, and it would be a salt water aquariam, but they are as much a pet as a piece of stunning art work, they are low matinance and fun to watch, so for an apartment I would really push fish… but cats and dogs can live happily in an apartment if you just enrich there environment, with toys, and games.
I hope this helps.
I have kept a chihuahua in a unit for quite some time and she is perfectly happy. Even when we were in a house she much preferred being inside and would only go out when we went for walks. As long as they have plenty to play with they do not harm any furniture. Despite being a small dog she loves going for walks and we walk for at least an hour each day after work. As long as you put in the effort a small dog will be very hapy in a unit.
It depends on what you like,& also on the Individual character of the pet you get,but that’s not all there is to it. I suggest you read up on a few different types of pet first. Already Chosen one? OK, Many types of Dogs,Do Need a lot of Space to run outside,but many others do Not. You CAN still keep your favourite Active breed in a small space IFF You give your friend plenty of Outside Exercise time,when He/She wants it,not just when it suits you. Labrador’s are a big dog,& generally are quite active & need space. However,if you get it as a pup, & Train it to be an Indoor dog(much like a seeing eye dog),your dog will be content to live mostly with you inside,but will still need those Outdoor play times. Cats, can be either Indoor Cats like ours,or they can need lots of time outside. It really depends on the Cat(& on the breed too.) Fish, are not a ‘cuddly’pet but can be excellent company too. Fish are happily kept in their aquarium which resembles their natural habitat,& will provide you with a lifetime of interest & pleasure. (I used to have over a Dozen Aquariums in the small 1 bedroom unit were I lived! I had Tropical Marines,Cold Water Marines,Tropical Fresh Water,& Cold Fresh Water Tanks! Now, I have just 1 Goldfish Tank & a Fishpond. Birds are very good, but Can cause you headaches too. Lovebirds are Very LOUD, Lorikeets ‘Squirt’over 1 meter! All Parrots(including Budgies) will Chew Anything,even your antique lounge suite! I Could goon as I used to breed birds. I believe that Birds should fly free. I had an Indian Ringneck Parrot & a couple of Budgies in that 1 bedroom place too. The birds had their own cages where they would always find food & water,& a place to sleep,but there was No Door. I removed that for them to come & go. They flew all around the flat.(made a mess too,so I hope you like cleaning!) But, The Absolute ‘Ultimate’ Pet for any girl to keep in her apartment, is a House Trained Guy!! ,,,, Or get a wild one,& Train your own!
I love my dogs living inside, as long as they are washed regularly and the house/apartment is clean who cares, no ones business. Keeping them occupied lots and lots of toys, barking could be a problem, keep the radio on may help.
I tie a bright coloured string around my ankle and running around the place. Drive the cat crazy and keep me exercised.
We eat on the same plate while watching movie together under dim light. Sometimes we have our karaoke night where I play diva and Kitty acts as a back up singer.
I love to read out loud before going to bed with Kitty at my side. We sleep together. I place the kitty litter in the bathroom adjacent to my room.
My apartment has balcony with great view. That is where I put Kitty when I have to go to work. On the balcony, Kitty has its own water-proof house with lots of padding inside, its food + water + sand box/kitty litter. I place it strategically, so Kitty won’t get cold when the wind blow and if Kitty gets bored, it could venture by itself. Kitty has microchip and wears collar with my phone printed on it.
you dont… shame on you how wrong!!!!!!!!!!
Signs of chewing furniture could be signs of stress and to gain attention, in the dogs world it means to spend more time with each pet not just one of them and giving outdoor excercises they enjoy.
Another reason could be just that they are growing age and getting their teeth like humans they need to chew on something hard when teething .
Third reason is they could having some nutritional deficiency causing them eat or chew furniture or all kind of weird things..
get some tennis balls and cut a hole open it put some meat chunks in and your dog will try and get it out for hours
i agree to get small dogs ie chihauha maltese also indoor happy cats get them very young and teach them to walk with a harness on believe it or not cats will adapt to the harness and enjoy going for walks always remember to exercise your animals when you come home and first thing in the morning take them to a pet friendly park if you can also buy those pet toys that you can put food in and for a cat get a cat tower attach all sorts of toys to it also scrunch up pieces of paper into balls and leave them around for the cats not for dogs as they tend to chew it up but the cats will spend hours rolling the pieces of paper around
always have a comfortable bed for them and leave not one but two bowls of water
its not cruel to keep animals indoors like previous comments some dogs and cats prefer the indoors but also remember EXERCISE EXERCISE
Do not keep your puppy inside but if you are worried that it will run away or something, buy a puppy pen for just when it is young and that should train it to not run away. To reinforce this, also train it to obey you at a very young age.
Hope this helps
Personally, when i first got my cat everyone told me to always keep her inside because it’s bad to have her outside etc.
She stayed inside for a good month, but she was so desperate to go outside, she would sit at the door for ages and she’d run out any chance she could.
Eventually I let her out, and she was very happy to be out, she was running around the yard like crazy.
She’s neutered so she doesnt wander far, she doesnt go near the road because she knows that cars are dangerous, and she’ll stay away from dogs.
Keeping a cat in a apartment isn’t very nice, you should find a something else, maybe a rat, fish, guinea pig, or a ragdoll cat might be suitable if you really want a cat.
Interesting site:D hope to definitely visit soon:D