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Written by Brian Enright
Pets are a common and beloved addition to most American households. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), of households with pets, 35 percent have dogs, 30.4 percent own cats, and 3.1 percent have birds. People with companion animals live in houses, apartments, and condos. When a person lives in an apartment or condo, their pet lacks the space that animals living in larger dwellings may have. To prevent potential problems from arising, pet owners should put careful thought into choosing the right type of pet to suit their lifestyle and their living space. In addition, a pet owner must also meet the animal's needs in terms of providing them with the proper care.
Most dogs require play time and physical activity to keep them healthy and happy. This is something that people should consider when choosing a dog as a companion. Dogs may become lonely and bored when they are left alone in places that offer limited space. When choosing a dog for a condo, typical characteristics of the breed should be taken into consideration. Some breeds, for example, are more prone to barking than others, making them a poor fit for apartment living. Other breeds are high in energy or may demand more attention from their owners. A dog that barks at every sound can quickly become a nuisance to neighbors, and an animal with an excess amount of energy may find destructive activities to keep itself occupied, such as chewing on shoes, clothing, or furniture. In addition to selecting the right type of dog, supply it with chew toys for times when it is alone, and give it plenty of attention and love at other times. Dogs should also be given regular walks outdoors for exercise and a way of burning off excess energy.
In general, cats are more independent than dogs, and as a result, they tend to do well in apartments. This doesn't mean that cats do not require attention and care. Although cats sleep a good portion of the day, they become increasingly active during the evening hours. A condo, particularly a small one, can have limited space for a cat to play. In smaller apartments, arrange the furniture in a way that allows cats to use it to jump and play. When a cat owner's apartment is located on one of the higher floors, there is the potential threat of falling. This can happen when cats are allowed to sit out on balconies or when windows are left open. To prevent these types of accidents, keep cats indoors at all times and ensure that any open windows have a secure safety screen in place. Perches that attach to the window are also a solution that allows one's indoor feline to look outside at the birds and other interesting sights.
Small animals that are housed in cages and aquariums make good pets for apartments. Animals such as birds, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and mice require well-maintained cages as well as toys that they can play with. Rats are highly intelligent animals and require attention, but no special changes are necessary to accommodate the size of the apartment. Fish in tanks and bowls are also great pets for people living in condos or apartment buildings.
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