12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living

Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Browse through 12 types of exotic pets and why they are suitable for apartments, condominiums, and other small living spaces.

Tip

Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. Know which species you can keep in your town or city before bringing them home.

Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living — The Spruce / Lisa Fasol

What Is an Exotic Pet?

01 of 12

Rabbits

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There are nearly 50 breeds of rabbits that people like to keep as a pet. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. Rabbits are a suitable option for apartment living since they can be litter-box trained, groom themselves, and are relatively quiet. Many people allow their rabbits to roam free in their homes, which is a good way for them to get exercise. One drawback to keeping rabbits is that they like to chew and dig. You will need to bunny-proof your home by making sure there are no exposed cords and only allowing the rabbit to roam in carpet or rug-free rooms.

Species Overview

Length: 9 to 17 inches

Weight: 2 pounds to 16 pounds

Physical Characteristics: Small and furry mammals with long ears, short fluffy tails, and strong, large hind legs; coats can vary in color from whites to browns, grays, and black, and by fur length, from short to long
02 of 12

Ferrets

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Ferrets love to play with humans and each other. To accommodate their playful nature, provide them with a large cage. They make excellent apartment dwellers because they sleep most of the day while the owner is away for the day. They are quiet creatures but also like to hide and get into mischief. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven).

Species Overview

Length: 13 to 16 inches long
Weight: Up to 4.5 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Common variations include white, sable, cinnamon, and chocolate-colored slinky bodies with white foreheads, muzzles, and throats; black feet
03 of 12

Rats

Photography by Peter A. Kemmer / Getty Images

Rats are friendly, quiet, and intelligent animals. Their small size and relatively easy care make them perfect for smaller homes. Their cage needs are not too demanding: about 2 cubic feet per rat. They tend to be easily tamed and often like to hang out on people's shoulders or laps. Rats will likely sleep most of the day if you leave the house. They are most active at night but will wake for interaction during the day.

Species Overview

Length: 9 to 11 inches, plus a tail of 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 2 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Slender bodied with a pointed head, large eyes, and prominent, thinly furred ears; colors variations include brown, black, tan, gray, white, Siamese, blue, silver black, silver fawn, lilac, cinnamon, black-eyed white, cinnamon pearl, lynx, silver agouti, silver lilac, and blaze
04 of 12

Mice

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Mice do not require a lot of space or a large cage. Their size requirements are just one of the reasons why they make great pets for small spaces. They are also quiet, fastidious self groomers, and they are relatively easy to care for. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. While they are skittish, they can be tamed if handled regularly and hand-fed.

Species Overview

Length: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 1 to 2 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail; color variations include brown, black, tan, gray, and albino

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05 of 12

Hamsters

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No-pet apartment leases usually allow hamsters, and they are an ideal apartment pet since they do not require a lot of space. They are quiet, clean, low maintenance, and don't shed. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house. Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. All a hamster needs is a 2-cubic-feet cage equipped with an exercise wheel, items to chew, absorbent bedding, a hiding spot, food, and water.

Species Overview

Length: 2 to 13 inches
Weight: 0.5 ounce to 10 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors
06 of 12

Guinea Pigs

Jasmin Sachtleben / EyeEm / Getty Images

Guinea pigs crave socialization and are typically easy to handle. They make a "wheek" sound as a vocalization, but it is not loud enough to disturb neighbors in an apartment setting. Their enclosures are also a manageable size. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. Height is not critical; they don't tend to climb, so it does not need to be taller than a foot or 18 inches. They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. Like other pets allowed to roam in your home, make sure there are no exposed wires or toxic plants and protect wooden fixtures.

Species Overview

Length: 8 to 16 inches
Weight: 1.5 to 2.5 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Small, stout bodies with no tail, a large head with large and alert eyes, strong, short legs with four toes on their front feet and three on the back, all with sharp claws; color variations include black, beige, chocolate, cream, cinnamon, gold, lemon, lilac, red, silver, and white
07 of 12

Reptiles

Fernando Trabanco Fotografía / Getty Images

Reptiles like smaller lizards and snakes are not as social as mammals, but they can be good for small spaces. They make no noise and are relatively easy to care for. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Snake species that do not require large enclosures include corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, and ball pythons.

Species Overview

Length: 1 inch to 24 inches (smaller lizard species); up to 6 feet (common pet snakes)
Weight: 0.5 ounce to 1 pound (smaller lizards); 1 to 5 pounds (common pet snakes)
Physical Characteristics: Cold-blooded; scales instead of skin; come in a variety of colors
08 of 12

Hedgehogs

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Hedgehogs do not need a vast cage; a good size for an enclosure is at least 2 feet by 3 feet. Primarily nocturnal, they will not mind if you are away during the day. Hedgehogs are quiet and produce very little dander, making them the right pet for people with allergies. They're typically gentle and generally solitary. A drawback is that there are some parts of the U.S. where they are illegal or require permits; check your state laws on exotic pets before you adopt one.

Species Overview

Length: 4 to 12 inches
Weight: 0.5 to 2.5 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Cone-shaped faces, short legs, bodies covered in spikey hair called spines (looks like porcupine quills), can roll into a ball

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09 of 12

Frogs

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Many frog species don't need much space, so they are an ideal choice for small apartments. The ideal tank size for most frogs is a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. If you are looking for a pet to look at and display, then this is the right choice for you. They are also low-maintenance pets, only eating a few times a week. There are several types of pet frogs: aquatic frogs (African clawed frogs), semi-aquatic frogs (oriental fire-bellied toads), tree frogs (American green tree frogs), and large but sedentary frogs (Pacman frogs). Some male frogs sing, so they're not a completely quiet pet, but the sound is not loud enough to offend the neighbors.

Species Overview

Length: 1 to 13 inches
Weight: 1 ounce to 6 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied
10 of 12

Hermit Crabs

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Hermit crabs are a low-commitment pet. They are great for apartment living since they make no noise, are hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. They are social and do best when placed with other hermit crabs if their tank is spacious enough. House an individual in a 10- to 20-gallon tank.

Species Overview

Length: 1 to 6 inches
Weight: 7 to 18 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Outer shell; 10 jointed legs, the front two are of different sizes; large left claw is used for defense; smaller right claw scoops food and water
11 of 12

Tarantulas

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If you’re a fan of spiders, a pet tarantula can be a fascinating addition to your home. Tarantulas are quiet and typically only need a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium to thrive. They are low maintenance, only need food every other day or so, and do not mind if you are not around much. Although the venom of a pet tarantula is only mildly toxic (similar to a bee sting), you should not handle it.

Species Overview

Length: 2 to 10 inches
Weight: 1 to 3 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Hairy bodies with long, hairy legs; two visible fangs; most are brown, although some varieties are cobalt blue, black with white stripes, or multicolored
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Chinchillas

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Chinchillas are small rodents with playful personalities. They make good apartment dwellers since they are clean and relatively odor-free. They are nocturnal, so if you are not home during the day, they will not miss you much. With gentle handling from a young age, they can bond closely with you. House a single chinchilla in a cage that is at least 2 feet by 2 feet.

Species Overview

Length: 9 to 15 inches
Weight: 1 to 3 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Large, black eyes and bushy tails; luxuriously soft; silver, yellow-gray, bluish-gray, white, beige and black fur

Exotic Pets to Avoid

Exotic pets can be beautiful, unique, and some can be trained to do tricks, talk, or retrieve items for you. Generally, pets that require a large enclosure and outside-of-cage time like parrots need a space more extensive than a small apartment for free-flying. Some birds like macaws and Amazons are too loud, known for disrupting the neighbors.

Monkeys are exciting, but a significant downside is they need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise. Primates often fulfill their enrichment requirements by destroying property or wreaking havoc in your house. Similarly, pets like pot-bellied pigs might be naturally inclined to burrow and damage a rental property. Aquatic turtles may be okay to keep in an apartment as babies, but they can grow very large and may require a tank that is at least 120 gallons, which can be a drain on space.

FAQ

What small pets like to cuddle?

Guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets love to cuddle with humans.
What small pets like to be held?

Guinea pigs and ferrets enjoy being held.
What are the friendliest small pets?

Ferrets, hands down, are the most sociable small pets. They're extremely fun and playful.

Article Sources

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.