This post seems to be a bit lopsidedly focused on what would work best for you vis a vis the pet, and not so much on what would work best for the pet vis a vis you and your environment.

Might want to spend some more time thinking about whether the various pets that you're considering could be comfortable and content with you.

Personally, my primary concern is how much time I am able to spend with a pet. Some pets (fish, lizards, small rodents) can get by with just feeding and cage/tank cleaning. Others, like birds, need a lot of socializing. (Ever seen a bored bird? It's not pretty.)

Unfortunately, pets don't always adhere to our human schedules. If you have a demanding schedule, then perhaps pets are not for you.

When I was a kid I had a skunk that had his stink glad removed. Smart clever little things, perfectly happy in an apartment. I'm not sure what heather77 is being so high and mighty about, all of the critters she has listed would be perfectly happy with, if not entirely oblivious to, apartment life. It's not like she's pondering a pitbull over a kangaroo.

hamster wheels can be made quiet -- i had a hamster for a few years and i would grease the wheel to silence it :)

hamsters make great pets! i would hamster-proof my bathroom and let her run around the whole bathroom at night. she loved to sleep in my laundry

I have to completely disagree that taking care of fish is "easy". There is so much more to taking care of a fish than any other animal. Fish don't breathe the air like we do, you have to build an entire ecosystem for them to survive in, which includes weekly water changes, water testing (PH, Ammonia, etc), water treating, among other things to keep the fish alive.

Despite popular belief, fish are not the kind of pet that anyone who is "lazy" or lacks committment should own.

I'm curious to know why Marcia feels cats would not be the right fit for her. Just not a cat person? Or not home often enough?

Or perhaps she hasn't met the right cat...

I would suggest adding rats to the list of small critters to consider. They take up a relatively small footprint, require moderate maintenance, and offer lots of personality and intelligence compared to other similarly sized rodents. They don't run in wheels like hamsters, and they don't squeal like guinea pigs. Mine were always game for some hangout time on the couch in front of the TV.

I will also echo the sentiment of the previous post and mention that some birds have very long lifespans, and the long term commitment should be considered when selecting them as pets.

I loved my little mouse, but as he possessed a brain the size of a pea he couldn't love me back. I didn't mind.

Find a landlord, ANY landlord, that says snakes are ok right off the bat and I will give you a cookie. I've had snakes and every single time it's a battle to keep them. "Oh, you have a snake? That must mean it's 20 feet long and eats small children!" My landlords have often had incredibly stupid attitudes about snakes in particular, reptiles in general. I've even been charged a pet deposit for my snake. That thing lives in a *&%% cage - what damage is it going to do to the apartment pray tell?!

I suspect this is a widespread problem. ALWAYS check with your landlord about your particular pet before you assume it's ok, and get it in writing! Also make sure that the animal in question is legal in the area you're moving to; some states/cities have laws regarding particular species.

What about RATS?!?

They make no noise and take up almost no space.

Incredibly social and smart, you can teach a rat anything you can teach a dog or cat (that includes playing fetch and using a litter box!).

Rats are the perfect pet for apartment dwellers as they are very clean and can easily move with you where ever you go.

Don't let your thoughts of city rats scare you, fancy rats bred to be pets come in lots of beautiful colours and are friendly and cuddly pets.

My guinea pig, Zoe, lived with my husband and I in a variety of different-sized apartments for eight years before she passed away. She was a fantastic pet -- fluffy, sweet, and social (she'd "wheek" anytime she heard a plastic bag rustle -- they reminded her of her treat bag -- and she loved hanging out in our laps). Guinea pigs aren't terribly expensive to take care of, but they aren't exactly easy to clean up after (since they pretty much live in their own filth) either. We would scoop her poops and pees every day, and do an overhaul of the cage once or twice a week.

CavyMadness is a great online resource, if you're interested in a guinea pig. I'd also recommend building your own cage (the pet store cages are way too small): http://www.guineapigcages.com/.

Congrats on your soon-to-be pet!

I would love to have a little companion running around my apartment, but I don't want to shell out the $500 fee that my apartment building requires for cats and dogs.

Does anyone have any experience with ferrets? I hear they are social and loving little critters. But I've also heard they can smell a bit musky.

A note on the small critters - most rodents are super chewers, so that's another thing to consider when finding the right pet for your living situation. I own two chinchillas and had to 'chin-proof' our apartment before letting them out to play to ensure they don't void our security deposit by chewing on baseboards, doors, etc. They aren't by nature very 'cuddly' either, so no lap-sitting. They are a lot of fun to let play and run around a room. And unlike a lot of small critters their lifespan is about 10-15 years, so as much of a commitment as some birds.

Some landlords won't allow ferrets or birds so it's best to check w/ them before adopting or moving into a new place.

@mmelugin my roommate had 5 ferrets and they do get a bit musky. She helped keep the smell down by giving them a plastic bin with uncooked rice in it - it was a great playtime activity and also absorbed some of the oils(?).

I am in favor of the domesticated rat. We had two, and they were so sweet and personable. They each had distinct personalities, and really got along great with all of us in the family, kids, dog, cat. But rats do need social time with their people, especially if you only have one, and they really like very clean cages.
I have not had a good experience with hamsters or mice, and ferrets, although I loved the ones I took care of, require A LOT of attention, special habitats, and potty training. A ferret is way more work than a cat.

I have 7 frogs in my 380 sq. ft apartment and it works out great for me. They definitely aren't the cuddliest animals, but if you want to ever hold them, tree frogs are the most accepting of it.

I would stress though thoroughly learning about any pet before committing to getting one, as I found out afterward that many frogs can live to their late teens.

I would think hard about it before suggesting a ferret. I LOVE ferrets, I had one years ago and would love to have one again. However they are very active animals, very inquisitive, love to steal shiny things (like keys) and can fit their body through any space their head can fit. We once lost my ferret for several hours just to find she had hidden herself away in a suitcase with all the little bits of change and foil candy wrappers she had been hiding there.

hedgehog!

you'll need to read a lot about them and find a reputable breeder if you choose this route. actually, i suppose you need to do that for a lot of pets.

here's a photo of my hedgehog ham</a href> that somehow got uploaded to daily squee.

TURTLES! I had a turtle for 12 years and he was the best - I could take him out and let him walk around the apartment without worrying about him every making a mess, his tank was easy to clean and he was great fun at parties, believe it or not. Very people friendly, willing to be picked up, etc, and cheap to maintain.

One word to the wise: reptiles keep growing. They grow until they are big enough for their habitat, and then you have to buy a new one, and then they outgrow that space - I probably replaced my tank 4 times in 12 years. Same goes for snakes, iguanas, etc.

Why are you "dying" to have a pet?

Perhaps you could just visit/do volunteer work at the local zoo?

@jick: OMG, I must have a hedgehog now!

I have two snakes, never had an issue with landlords once over the 3 different places that I've had them at. They're awesome, especially if you're busy. You feed them once a week.. clean cage as they dirty it (about every second week, depending on the snake and the enclosure). They're adorable and don't *need* to be handled, but don't mind it either.

We've also had terrariums with scorpions, they're more work. And I HATE crickets, they stink.

We have had a few guinea pigs over the years, they are adorable and lovely. (but I'm allergic)

Our latest family member is a cat, which I never thought I'd enjoy living with, but he is great. He's like a little furry roommate more than a pet. I wish we'd gotten one years ago now.

I would recommend proceeding with caution when it comes to a bird. (Doesn't sound like you're leaning in the bird direction, anyway, but...) They can be terribly loud, and neighbors in an apartment building aren't going to appreciate that. A friend of mine used to have someone's pet bird living above him, and he got really tired of the racket. And my ex's parents had a bird that I, as a certified Animal Lover, detested and frequently, silently willed it to drop dead. It was loud and aggressive towards people it didn't like, which was, um, everyone.

God, I hate that bird.

I have a relative with ferrets and they are extremely expensive to take care of with their veterinary needs. I had to say no to my child when he wanted one.
He likes cockatiels. Male birds are very loud.
Even our guinea pig required a vet with "Exotic pet" fees. I do recommend them as fun, cuddly and easy to confine.
Iguanas need very careful treatment to replace the lack of tropical light they require for their vitamins. The special lights they need must be replaced frequently to provide the spectrum. Proper diet is not enough to keeps them healthy and growing to a quite large size. We were given a mistreated one and he died. I don't think they are easy to care for or very rewarding in personality. I would worry about salmonella with them crawling loose in the house.
In my single days I had a house rabbit, very high maintenance, but I loved her and she was very assertive.
My friend loved her rat. I'd try one but spouse does not like smelly or noisy pets, though he married me anyway, haha. We have a goat and some aggressive geese currently.

Our neighbour's rabbit was recently maimed by an escaped ferret, so I'm a bit hesitant, beautiful as ferrets are.
A rabbit? My daughter fosters a bunny - potty-trained and sociable - in her small (rabbit-proofed) flat. Nothing is more irresistible. NOTHING.
Degu's, though: so sweet. They need a terrarium (and company), as they munch through anything and everything, but they are lively and lovely. Orange teeth! Scalloped ears! I adored mine.

Another vote for rats. They are lovely little critters and will steal your heart.

Lynn: Yeah, ferrets are predators that weren't originally domesticated as pets. They were for hunting out small animals like rabbits and they still have those instincts. Mine caught any mouse that was unlucky enough to come into our house, she was better than many cats I've known.

@mod and ellen - a big N-O to rats from this girl. My roommate had a pet rat, not from the street or anything - she claimed it was legit. Tried to feed it ONCE and got a RAT BITE. It took restraint for me to not throw it out in the alley behind our apartment.

I agree with another poster - maybe they just haven't found the right cat. An older, goofy cat could be a nice compromise if you're a dog lover.

Ever since elementary school reading" Ricki Ticki Tavi," I have wanted a mongoose to guard me from cobras.

i am both amused and deeply horrified by this string.

personally I think a cat is much easier to care for than a ferret, or bird or fish. and they make soft pillows

main coons are very dog-like.

Water turtles need a large volume of water and powerful filters as they produce a lot of waste. They also need an area where they can climb out of the water to bask, a basking light, and a place where they can hide underwater from perceived predators (otherwise they get stressed out). All of that can get expensive. You also need to do partial water changes frequently, clean the filter often and take them to a reptile vet if they come down with fungal infections or respiratory diseases from dirty or too-cold water.

Other than that, they're great pets.

just get the right sort of cat- mine are very dog-like..they fetch, beg, sleep at the foot of the bed...no walkies, but a good friend does walk her two cats.

I have tonkinese, she has quite large furry things that look like the maine coon type cat.

**please, no "business" about cat breeders, there are only 2 cat breeds that I am not allergic to.**

I've had rats off and on since kindergarten.... they're adorable, quiet, clean, and so smart and affectionate. There's a great breeder in North Hollywood. Her website is http://www.ratzrealm.com.... she hand raises all the little sweeties and they are very healthy! I've never been bit by any of my rats in the past 21 years, I'm sure it happens but I've been scratched by cats a dozen times over the years.... that seems a lot more likely.

@ Melissa_B: um.. a "legit" rat.. just like a "legit" snake, bird, cat, dog.. turtle.. w/e.. can bite. It's an *animal*.. not a person (though I understand that those sometimes bite too). Throwing an animal out into the alley just because it reacted to (probably) feeling threatened would be a pretty dickish move. Srsly.

@ Marcia: BTW, snakes don't require a heat lamp (or a heated rock either), a human-type heating pad under their cage works well and is built to a higher standard than a pet version.

In my experience cats and dogs are pretty similar depending on personality. For example, a friend has had two male siamese cats that would play fetch and happily land in your lap as soon as you sat down. My sister has a tortie that acts JUST like our border collie mix. She wants attention when she wants it but tolerates it if you want to pet her when she doesn't. She'll get up and walk away after a bit, though. By the way, I used to think I wasn't a cat person, now I have two. They are a lot like furry roommates, as d4kk1tt3n mentioned.

And then there are my cats who are both quite cranky. I'd recommend getting someone from a shelter since you'll get the best idea of what sort of personality you're getting and how well socialized they are.

In my experience, hamsters are evil. A coworker mentioned that she'd had a skunk for years and it was great. Can't really say about any of the other options.

@Tiamat_the_Red: "hamsters are evil" Heh. What's the story?

We had a rabbit - for 11 years - who was half-puppy too. Jumped on laps, pulled on pant-legs for attention, knashed teeth at the pleasure of stroking. I still miss her.

ohmygosh, if you have not read this email exchange between an Australian humorist and his building's management, you must:

The Ducks Are Not Mine

I've got plenty of room for pets ( luckily since it's one of my biggest hobbies to keep pets). But there was a time when I also lived at a small apartment and I was keeping dwarf hamsters there. It is true that they are nightly creatures but for an adult this doesn't need to be a problem. There are special work out wheels available that are called "Silent Spinner", it does as it says... spin very silent! As for character you should always try to choose a hamster that is not scared of you. It is normal that it holds back a little but it shouldn't bite or scream when you try to pick it up gently. A lot of hamster are solo creatures, very few of them are sociable towards their own species. Make sure you are informed about the habitat and social (or non social!) conditions your hamster needs to be kept in.

If you really want to hug your pet a lot than I'd follow the advice of some other readers before me and get a rat. I know you either love rats or you don't, but they are great social beings that just love to get attention from you.

Aquarium's are definitely cool if you don't feel the need to cuddle your pet, but fish aren't the only animals to keep in aquariums. In my experience the easiest to care for are crayfish. Axolotls and aquatic frogs are really nice too! Just remember not all of them go together OR with other fish, so you should get yourself informed before purchasing any of them.

this post just makes me think of family guy, "no dogs allowed."

and jacksonlalonde, although it might not be appropriate for the poster who has a doggy ban, my pitbull is very happy in our apartment. :)

Um, if you are in California I am pretty sure that it is illegal to buy/sell a ferret here... You would have to go out of state...
I have also heard that they don't do well with children (if you have/plan on having any or have kids that visit).

Owning any pet is a huge responsibility. The pet has to fit your lifestyle. All pets need at least some daily attention and interaction. If you aren't home often and/or live in a tiny place and/or the landloard won't allow pets or charges a monthly pet fee etc, then owning a pet probably isn't best.

And don't forget about vet care. Pets will need vet care when they get sick or injured. Even small animals like mice and rats may need vet care on occasion. Vet care is not cheap so you may want to also consider whether or not you can afford vet care if your ideal pet becomes sick or injured.

Instead, why not volunteer at the local animal shelter or rescue? Or do some pet-sitting or dog walking around the neighborhood? Or try short-term fostering for the shelter/rescue to see if you can commit to being a full time responsible pet owner.

Gerbils make great pets :) I've had them for a couple years now. They can be kept in same gender pairs or small groups. They're active at all times of the day, unlike hamsters which only wake up at night. Gerbils have very fragile tails that break very very easily so it's best to handle them very carefully. They like to socialize with each other and with their owner. Play time outside the main cage/tank is a must. The bathtub (with the drain covered) is a great place. I let my gerbils play in an underbed storage box that's filled with bedding and empty tissue boxes and tubes. Gerbils are very quiet. Occasionally they'll squeak (like if one smushes the other while sleeping or steals a snack away) but it's barely audible.

Finally, a post that mentions pet birds! I have 7 parrots in a small apartment, so I have a little bias.

First, there are bird people, and non-bird people. If you don't absolutely love birds, don't entertain the idea of owning one merely for the sake of teaching it to talk. They are complex--and messy--creatures.

On the topic of noise, the species of bird really makes a difference. Tiny Parrotlets are virtually noiseless, while my Sun Conure has forced us to install sound-proofing materials. If you cover your birds at night, they won't really "tweet" until you uncover them when YOU wake up.

http://urbanparrot.blogspot.com/

@konar: No, please don't get me wrong, I LOVE pitbulls! I've had them all my life, and they've never had a problem with apartments so long as they get a good run.

I can't believe there are so few mentions of Rabbits! We've lived with two house-rabbits and they make fantastic apartment pets. They are sweet and clever and sociable, and can easily be trained to use a litterbox. They are easy to feed and their poo doesn't smell- actually, it's fantastic fertilizer for your garden! They will happily stay in their cage if you are going to be busy, but also do very well free roaming the house if you do some simple chew-proofing first.

Our Finnegan is a Holland Lop and has the happiest little personality. He's great company and follows me everywhere during the day, and is very snuggly and gregarious. He's the boss of the house, haha. He's quite smart, too, and has learned some basic commands and a few tricks.

I used to be a dog person, but through a strange series of events acquired and fell in love with a Tonkinese cat (now deceased). Cats are FAR easier to keep than dogs or lots of other pets -- we also have house rabbits and I would NEVER do that again! Cute but untold trouble and expense. And cleanup.

But nobody should get any kind of pet unless they are going to give the pet what it needs by way of environment to live in and attention and care. I have strong feelings against people who open the door and let their cats out for the day while they are at work, for instance, or who don't take their animals to the vet routinely for checkups and appropriate preventative care. It is not cheap to own pets, and if you are taking on the responsibility for another life, even "just an animal", you should do it mindfully. An older cat might make a good apartment dweller, but a kitten needs some space and ideally playmate/s.

@ SherryBinNH- I'm curious about this "trouble and expense" your house rabbits have given you. Ours have nary nibbled nor ruined a thing in the house, excepting their designated chew toys. And the vet bills have been no worse than our cat's. They do get into some antics, but nothing tough to clean up again. Finn the Lop does kick his timothy hay around the floor a bit, i suppose :)

Wow, thanks for all the GREAT feedback about owning different types of animals for pets. Regarding cats, I am simply not a cat lover. The shedding, moodiness, and litter box (especially the litter box) turns me off, but I am sure they are great for other pet owners.

apf - I love that you greased your hamster wheel. I would never have thought to do that, brilliant.

jick - After seeing the photo of your hedgehog, I really want one.

I never knew that you could train other animals to act like dogs and even fetch. I have a lot to think about before getting a pet. Everyone's feedback and personal experiences gave me great insight on what to except and things I have not thought of before.

wait until you can get a dog.

@ akay: another 27b/6 reader!

@ the op and all others: rats are awesome. Really awesome, as long as you spend lots of time with them. They DO NOT do well in a cage all alone all day long, they need frequent attention from humans and, if possible, a cage-mate. Handle them frequently and they make fantastic companions.

One thing to know.... Gerbils and hedgehogs are illegal in California, as well as some other animals: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/nuis_exo/ferret/ferret_issues_table6.html

In some states, certain animals require a permit because they are considered wildlife.

Its not just about your needs but more importantly what you can give them.

These all so different and have completely different requirements you really need to research research.

Some animals live for a long time and you need to be prepared to deal with that. My 19 year old Jack Russell Terrier needs completely different care then he did just three years ago and extremely different care when is was 10 yrs. Now my social life is very limited, mostly invite people over because he cannot be left alone for very long and traveling is out of the question. These are thing to think about.

There are rescues for almost every animal and maybe fostering might be a good way to test the waters before making a commitment. The shelters are full of these critters because people loose interest or move or have a baby the excuses shameful.

If you're skeeved out by the litterbox, then maybe you should wait until you can get a dog. All of the animals you listed have litter maintenance of one sort or another.

I used to hate cats then circumstances found me with a kitten,
9 years later my Siamese has more personality than most people I work with.

You can train them to use the toilet nowdays too.

Here are many just waiting for a home-
http://www.sfgov.org/site/acc_index.asp?id=6610

My landlord has an unusually tight-assed pet policy, and now I'm worried we're going to have to get rid of our two guinea pigs because the on squeals really loud when he's hungry and the other has a penchant for biting on his cage incessantly. And our walls are rather thin. I'm hoping the lady upstairs isn't bothered by them too much...

Marcia: You seem largely focused on cuteness, inconvenience levels, and what this future dream pet is going to offer you.

REALITY CHECK. A pet (of any kind) is a major commitment. Money. Time. Responsibility. Yes, pets do bring rewards. But they also demand of you. Like children, they are 100% dependent on you.

Your statement that you don't like cats' moodiness, litter and shedding is very telling. All pets are going to crap somewhere. And pet crap is YOUR responsibility. I could go on and on here for hours giving you specific examples.

The bottom line is this: You need to get realistic. I don't think you have a clue what pet ownership is all about (for that matter, I think most people don't have a clue what constitutes responsible pet ownership.).

Sorry for the rant. I just pet sat for a co-worker whose cat is living in hell. Or so I discovered when I went to her place to feed it. What passes for responsible pet ownership is appalling. (And I am not advocating that pets should be treated like people, either.)

Volunteer at a shelter for a year. If you still want a pet after that (and you have a few thousand extra dollars available to you every year), then get a pet.

Everything poops. If you're lucky, it poops in a litter box.

If you don't want to clean up poop, get a plant.

It poops air. Which you can breathe.

First, I suggest you volunteer at a shelter. There are SO many shelters inundated with animals and they need help. If you have time to take care of an animal, you probably have time to help out a shelter, assuming you have one near you. My friend lives in an apartment and desperately wanted a dog, but she started volunteering instead and loves it. She helps animals and doesn't have to leave one at home all day while she's at school. (Wish I could the same for me- I have two dogs waiting for me right now.)

Second, I had two rats growing up and they were the sweetest, most social animals. They were quiet, but also would hang out on the couch with me while I read. I was pretty young, too, and they tolerated my friends and I making them into characters for our plays and musicals we performed (we were bored, and ultra-creative). They don't require much space, don't bite, and were much more pleasant than the guinea pig I also had.

Third, bunnies are PRECIOUS but require a lot of space and time. I investigated getting a bunny when I moved into my apartment, but they are just as time-consuming as dogs and will chew through wires. It takes diligence to bunny-proof your apartment.

Fourth, if you don't live in a state where they are illegal, you might consider a hedgehog. I have never owned one, but people I know who do LOVE them! And they're so cute!!

Finally, decide whether you really want an animal. Why do you want one? Why do you think you should be a pet owner? Also, in deciding on the animal, think about your past experiences with animals - which animals did you like and why? Remember that not all hamsters, birds, or snakes are the same. I also think it IS a good idea to consider the maintenance requirements for prospective pets. There are certain things I would prefer to do over something else, like I would rather pick up dog poop on a walk than have to clean out a rodent's cage, because that is messier, and in my living situation, I don't have a place to do a decent, thorough job. And I know how you feel about litter boxes - I dated a guy who had a cat, and I hated going to the bathroom after the cat had kicked litter all over and left a strong-smelling deposit. That's a dealbreaker for me. But do be prepared to take care of your pet, and that entails even its "accidents," whether that's a ferret stealing your earrings or a hamster exercising in the middle of the night. Arroyo seemed a little curt in her response, but I do agree that you should decide whether you really want a pet, or do you just like the idea of a pet. I strongly suggest volunteering before committing to anything.

Another consideration with birds, besides the noise, which can be considerable, is that it can be a really long term commitment. Parrots, especially, are very long lived. The smaller parrots live from fifteen to twenty years, the bigger parrots, like African grays, live fifty years, even longer (I've heard up to 80 for some of them). Think long and hard before getting a pet that you may need to leave to someone in your will.

Also, most birds are highly intelligent, very social and have strong needs for companionship, as much as or even more so than a dog. A lonely, bored parrot will be destructive and even pluck their own feathers out.

Please don't get a parrot as a substitute until you can live in place that will allow dogs. Get a parrot because you love birds, because you want an awesome, intelligent companion that will be with you for decades.

"[bunnies] are just as time-consuming as dogs"

I seriously beg to differ. Rabbits don't need constant attention and/or daily "walkies", can easily hang out in a cage for most of the day or night, and can be litter trained in a snap. Their poop is FAR less gross and smelly than that of cats and dogs, and can easily be swept up or vacuumed in case of an accident. Just dump it out in your garden and your plants will be happy! And they're incredibly cheap to feed, just hay, pellets, and leftover veggies from the fridge. We put cord protectors on our electrical wires which takes all of 30 mins to do, and if you give them plenty of daily affection & toys for chewing they won't act out and chew up your stuff.

Seriously, rabbits are awesome.

Bunnies are great apartment animals! If you bond well they will great you when you get home and come cuddle with you. I know some bunnies who sleep in bed with their humans! When neutered/spayed (which is a much healthier option for them) they will liter-box train themselves. But please don't keep them in cages! They live much longer without them (you can put up pens for them to run around in when you're out of the flat).

And, as with all animals, please PLEASE check out your local pounds!!!! I volunteer at one near my house, and we get all sorts of animals besides dogs and cats: snakes, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc.

Right on LoriSF and RoseCampion. I came to post that parrots and iguanas have an exceptionally long lifespan (as do many breeds of dogs and other birds). Before you consider getting a "cool alternative" think about the commitment you're making to be responsible for the life and well-being of... another living thing.

Betas are incredibly easy to take care of if you get a healthy one from a good pet shop. In the wild they live in small puddles in rice paddies, so they're used to small spaces and not-always-the-purest water. Being fish you don't have to socialize them, so they're great for those with busy schedules. Also, its not hard to make friends with your fish, that sounds completely lame and somewhat unhinged, but I kept mine on my desk and while I was studying or working he was my desk buddy.

Also, if you have rats, the smell (not one that we can really detect) helps keep away *unwanted* rodents if mice are an issue for you.

I'm right there with kitsunerach, I have 3 parrots, 2 parakeets, and 1 hamster. I love our parrots, don't get me wrong, they've never been the type to wake us up in the morning... which doesn't go for all of them... but they DO require LOTS of attention and are very messy. The hamster is quiet and is always catching our attention. I've always heard negative things about them and after having a chunk taken out of my finger, I was very anti-hamster, but she is so much sweeter and definitely more docile than any of the pet rats I've had. It may have to do with us getting her when she was a youngin'...

i've had several friends with EXTREMELY affectionate iguanas, who snuggle into even strangers' hands to be pet. just sayin'.

i have house rabbits, and i adore them. that said, they are a lot of work and can be incredibly destructive to homes if you don't properly "bunny proof" - i.e., don't buy wooden furniture, cover all baseboards, no long-pile carpet, and hide all the cords! check out www.rabbit.org if truly interested. they are amazing animals, but not for everyone.

@arroyo: WORD. There is no ideal pet, just the right pet for you. The right pet for Marcia sounds like it might be a pet rock.

I don't get the desire for "a pet," without any specific inclination toward species. If I wanted a dog and couldn't have a dog in my current place, I'd find a place that allowed dogs. Same if I wanted a bird, a snake, a pony. Fit your place to your lifestyle, not vice-versa, KWIM? You say stuff like "soft and cute," "cool," and mark some pets noisy, others low-maintenance. Critters make noise. They also make mess. Smell. Chores. They're all animals, and they all have needs. If you can't fulfill the needs of another creature, don't get one! Don't romanticize pet ownership -- your future pet deserves better. This, incidentally, is why shelters are overrun with a crapload of wee chickens and bunnies days/weeks after Easter every year.

I went back to school a year ago and could've saved loads by going dorm/teeny apt., but I have big dogs, and big dogs require me to consider certain things I wouldn't otherwise need to, but you'd never get me to trade my babies for lower housing costs. You have to decide what your priorities are.

I am also kind of appalled at the convenience to humans tone of this post. I love this site, but animals are NOT decor.
I have a dog and when I need to move, I don't look at apartments on Craig's List without checking dog friendly first. When I decided to get her, I moved to a place that accepted dogs first. You need to commit to your animal first, then worry about your living situation. Pet friendly housing will be the least of your worries when an animal gets sick or has behavioral issues.
I currently live in Chicago and have a fabulous place that is perfectly dog friendly. It is totally possible. But if your priority is not to be inconvenienced by a move, then you are probably better off sticking with humans.

I have a parakeet, Mr. Rigel Beakerton Featherwythe IV, who lives very happily in my apartment - I like most birds, but parakeets are pretty great cause they're small, and even though they do make a lot of noise, they're not as loud as other parrot species. I've checked with my neighbors, and they said they didn't even know I had a birdy. Parakeets also come in pretty colors and have their own personalities and are fun once you tame them!

OMG ferrets stink! Definitely avoid those at all costs.

I've never owned a rabbit? But it seems like they might be apartment friendly.

If I were you (especially after reading all this), I would just get a nice PICTURE of a cool dog or something. It sounds as if you really don't have the time/space for a real pet.

HELL NAW TO THE RATS!!

I find it interesting, and rather upsetting, that this post and many of the comments seem to suggest both that animals are our property, intrinsically for human use, and yet at the same time suggest that we should have emotional bonds with them, that they should be affectionate to us, and so on.

It's kind of perverted,

That said, boa constrictors are very cuddly, and will snuggle in bed or even in the bath, but some by-laws prohibit them. Also, cats come in as many different personalities as people do. Check out a shelter, talk to people who foster them about your needs and personality, and educate yourself about them. There's definitely some cats out there who are suited for you, just look to the adults, cause kittens are mostly all the same. Either way, educate yourself about the disposition, behaviour, and lifecycle of the animal you choose- animals have needs beyond health care and diet. Which animal is right for you depends on what you are willing to bring to the relationship, and much as it does the intrinsic features of the animal. So many animals are put down due to "behaviour problems" that are the result of not having their emotional needs met. It sounds strange, but it's true- animals act out if they don't get enough attention, play, cuddles, or what have you. So, consider that first and foremost.

Gerbils bite less, get along better together, and are better parents in captivity than are hamsters. If you give gerbils an excellent habitat, husbandry, and diet, then they'll be content together and won't miss you.

However, unless you play with your gerbils, they'll be more like fish and less like most mammal pets. Like most rodents, they'll probably make babies faster than you can find homes for them unless you get only males.

I was sold what I was told were 3 brother baby mice, but mice are hard to sort when they're young. I realized that one was a sister when she gave birth. Her babies had babies. I soon had 14 mice.

Rats, mice, and hamsters are nocturnal. Gerbils are diurnal. Rats have the most personality. Gerbils and mice aren't smart and trainable like rats, but are more pretty and cuddly. Gerbils, mice, and rats are quieter than hamsters and guinea pigs. Rats and mice also are more sociable than hamsters.

Gerbil and hamster stools are like small rabbit and guinea pig stools. Guinea pigs are even more allergenic than are cats. Rats and mice urinate a lot. Their urine stinks and is highly allergenic, especially the males'.

Gerbils and hamsters urinate little or not at all, and their stools are odorless pellets. Gerbils and hamsters are less allergenic that are rats and mice. Guests who are phobic against rats and mice often don't fear gerbils, which are my favorite small rodent pet.

Herptiles are nonallergenic. Although amphibians and reptiles both are herptiles, amphibians require a wetter environment and should be handled less because their skins are more fragile. Amphibian pets are more like fish.

Geckos are reptiles but are similar in requirements to amphibians. Toads and water turtles produce large quantities of stinking urine and soft feces. Land turtles are easier to keep clean than are water turtles.

An adult iguana's a high maintenance herbivore. It's hard to keep a home for an iguana in which it can grow up healthy, happy, and safe. People often are dismayed to find that an iguana is harder to keep than is a dog.

A big advantage of turtles over other herptiles is that it seems that guests never have a phobia against turtles. I like both iguanas and land turtles, but land turtles are much less work, and they're my favorite herptile pet.

Birds are lovable, pretty, and trainable, but allergenic. Fish and other aquatic pets are pretty and nonallergenic, but I prefer a pet with which I can be a little more affectionate.

Some people keep insects as pets, in part because they are low maintenance, have short life spans, and are kept like pet fish. The insects usually kept as pets are nonallergenic, unlike highly allergenic roaches and moths.

Extensively research the needs of animals to which you are attracted. Accurately evaluate what you can provide a pet before adopting any animal. Choose a pet within your means so that you can enjoy it and care for it well.

Adopt an animal only if and when you're confident that you can be its loving, responsible human companion and that both of you can be comfortable and healthy together for life.

Be especially cautious about adopting if you already have allergies. If it turns out that you have to give up your pet to avoid Emergency Room visits and chronic wheezing and rashes, then it's very sad for all involved.

A person usually has strong emotional preferences for just a few pets from among all the available options. It seems implausible that you've been dying to get a pet and yet don't "love" any specific kinds of pets.

I suspect that you posted your question just for a big response, not as a sincere request for advice. If I'm wrong, then do volunteer work. Wait to commit until your feelings strengthen and become clearer to you.

House plants are low maintenance and may add natural beauty to a home. There are artificial lights to help keep indoor plants healthy. You could nurture, and be creative with, plants without risking neglect of a feeling creature.

I can't believe so many people enjoy having a rodent as a pet! I think the best idea for a pet for an apartment are exotic saltwater fish. There's not a lot of maintenance, they're beautiful, add character to a room and are fun to watch.