Chinchilla Rat
Apartment-friendly pets for everyone
Many people feel that they are limited in their choices for the pets they can own when it comes to apartment living. The pet shouldn’t be too large, noisy, smelly, annoying, etc. However, people with this idea are not thinking outside of the box. Come on people! Expand that mind and just think about all of the small furry (and not-so-furry) creatures that could bring fun and joy to your life.
First, I highly recommend the sweet n’ furry chinchilla. Although these creatures are quite small, they require a lot of space to run around (active little buggers they are), so make sure you have enough room to keep a large cage. These little bundles of joy are very playful and friendly, but don’t generally like to be cuddled with or held for extensive periods. They can be a skittish if you get one when they’re a little older, but can be trained into tameness. Since chinchillas are nocturnal, they’ll wake when you arrive home and play with you. However, I would not recommend getting a chinchilla if you have small children or you don’t want to turn on your air conditioner (a chinchilla needs to stay cool during the summer to prevent overheating).
Another one of my favorite animals for apartment living is the classic kitty cat. I am partial to cats because I like my independence, which is something they cherish also. That’s not to say dogs aren’t wonderful – they are super fun to cuddle with and make you feel happier when you’re sad. However, cats have an advantage on dogs for apartment living as they are generally smaller, make less noise, and don’t have to be let out to do their business. Another plus for cats: you can leave for a whole day and not worry that they’re going to starve or pee all over your carpet.
Now bear with me on this one: I love rats. I know, it sounds nasty, but from every rat owner I’ve ever listened to, they are amazing pets! Despite the reputation of being dirty animals, rats are actually quite clean and affectionate pets. They are social animals, so having two of them (preferably the same sex) will keep them happy and provide you with entertainment! Rats are a little larger than mice, so they are easier to hold and with human interaction, they are sure to be a friendly critter.
On the flip side, a few pets I am personally not fond of (although I hear they make good apartment pets):
- Snakes (not because they’re “scary”, but because they eat my friend mouse and just lie there for the most part)
- Fish (they do not provide me with enough entertainment)
- Birds (so loud and messy, way too annoying for me)
- Ferrets (although they can be quite funny to watch, I’ve had personal bad experiences with one evil ferret…and they smell disgusting!)
So there you have it. My suggestions for some fun critters to liven up your life. Let us know what type of animals you have found to make awesome pets, send pictures of your sweet cuddle bugs in, or disagree and argue me with the animals I have chosen!
About the Author
Shauna Nicholson is a resident at the Urbane Apartments in Metro-Detroit. She shares her stories of apartment lifestyle and experiences discovering Birmingham and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Chinchilla, Rats And Me
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Living World Ergonomic Dish … |
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Oxbow Western Timothy Hay – 15 oz $4.29 Oxbow Western Timothy HayLooking for a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition and a fresh fragrance that’s irresistible to small herbivores? Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is the ideal long-strand fiber source for keeping small animal digestive tracts functioning properly. With high fiber, low protein and low calcium content, it is widely recommended by veterinarians.Available in 15 oz. and … |
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RAT/FERRET/CHINCHILLA CAGE, Color: BROWN; Size: 31 X 20.5 X 40 (Catalog Category: Small Animal:ENCLOSURES) Small wire spacing and solid metal ramps and platforms make this cage ideal for rats, chinchillas and baby ferrets. Large front door and smaller rooftop door allow for easy access to pets. Pull-out bottom grille and tray make cleaning quick and easy. Bottom shelf is included for storing extra food, treats and supplies.(Color: BROWN; Size: 31 X 20.5 X 40)… |
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Oxbow Western Timothy Hay, 40-Ounce Bag $6.75 Oxbow Western Timothy grass hay with high-fiber, low-protein and low-calcium content, helps keep the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits and small herbivores functioning properly. Western Timothy hay will help prevent obesity, maintain a healthy urinary system and improve overall health. A high-fiber diet will also lower the incidence of soft stools, intestinal gas and bloating. Timothy hay is the m… |
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Oxbow Western Timothy Hay $21.04 As a high fiber, low protein, low calcium grass hay, Western Timothy is the one most widely recommended by veterinarians for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other herbivores…. |
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Oxbow Western Timothy Hay – 25 lbs $40.38 Oxbow Western Timothy HayLooking for a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition and a fresh fragrance that’s irresistible to small herbivores? Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is the ideal long-strand fiber source for keeping small animal digestive tracts functioning properly. With high fiber, low protein and low calcium content, it is widely recommended by veterinarians.Available in 15 oz. and … |