Top 10 Apartment Pets You Can Keep

Many people who want to keep pets in apartments or condos worry: "Will the noise bother my neighbors?" "Could odors leak into the hallway?" "Can I actually keep a pet in such a small space?" This is a common concern for those considering multi-unit housing.

In this article, we evaluate pets suitable for apartments from three perspectives: noise levels, space requirements, and odor manageability, and present them in a ranking format.

Important Note: Some condominiums restrict pet types and sizes in their management regulations. Always check with your building management or management company before bringing a pet home.

Ranking Selection Criteria

To create this ranking, we evaluated pets across three key dimensions:

• Noise: Whether the animal creates sounds that won't disturb neighbors during day and night hours
• Space: Whether the pet can be comfortably kept in a studio to one-bedroom apartment
• Odor: Whether odors can be effectively controlled through proper cleaning and management

Rather than excelling in just one area, pets that balance all three criteria rank higher on this list.

Ranks 1–5: Pets Most Suitable for Apartment Living

Rank 1: Medaka (Japanese Killifish)

Medaka are nearly a "perfect choice" for apartment living. They produce zero noise, virtually no odor, and can be kept in a small aquarium or glass bowl. Weekly water changes are often sufficient, making them ideal for busy people living alone. Selective breeding has produced beautiful varieties like Yamato, Youkibai, and Tricolor.

Rank 2: Betta Fish

These tropical fish can be kept in a small 2–5 liter tank. Their vibrant fins make them beautiful and striking as interior décor. They produce no noise or odor, eliminating concerns about disturbing neighbors. However, a heater is recommended to maintain water temperatures between 18–28°C. They cannot be housed with other fish, so single housing is standard.