10 Pets That Make Sense If You Just Started Living Alone
Living alone has its perks. You get to make your own rules. There’s no one to question when you adjust the thermostat to how you like it, and even enjoy cereal for dinner. But there are moments when that freedom can feel a bit quiet and lonely.
However, the right pet will help you settle into solo living with ease. Just choose a pet that fits your needs, not one that looks good on Instagram. Here are ten options that strike the perfect balance between care, cost, and companionship.
Hamster
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No matter how small your apartment is, hamsters will run marathons on a wheel all night. They can take care of themselves as long as they have fresh food, clean bedding, and a safe cage. If you want a solo pet, get a Syrian hamster. If you want a small pair, get a dwarf breed.
Gerbil
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Gerbils spend much of their time digging and rearranging material in their enclosure, a natural behavior that keeps them active. They groom themselves frequently and are generally low in odor compared to many other small pets. Care mainly involves providing food and water and regularly cleaning their habitat.
Guinea Pig
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A guinea pig will talk to you in squeaks and purrs, especially when it’s time to eat. These herd animals do best in pairs and need a roomy enclosure with hay and places to hide. If you don’t like grooming, get a breed with short hair.
Rabbit
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Rabbits can be full of surprises. Sometimes they zip around like lightning, and other times they just sit and relax like royalty. They need room to move around and a steady supply of hay and fresh vegetables. Short-haired breeds need less brushing, and bonded pairs won’t be lonely when you’re gone.
Goldfish
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Goldfish look simple, but they really want a ton of space. A small bowl won’t work. If you give them a clean tank and clean water, they will live for years and give you soothing movement. Put them in pairs or groups to enjoy seeing how they interact with each other.
Betta Fish
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Some pets can change the mood without saying a word, like a betta swimming around in a tank. Their fins are so beautiful that it’s hard to look away, but they like to be alone. Just make sure the temperature remains consistent and their water is checked weekly.
Canary
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A canary won’t cuddle you, but it will make quiet rooms feel cheerful. They need a big cage with toys and places where they can sit and look busy. They can’t go a day without fresh water. Putting a cover over the cage at night helps them sleep and stay healthy.
Parakeet
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Parakeets are natural entertainers. They do best when together, playing with toys, talking, and keeping each other busy. They make a little mess, but nothing major. The best way to keep their spirits high is to give them a cage that doesn’t rust and spend time with them.
Cat
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Felines are fantastic at living alone. They’ll take over your couch, your windowsill, and even your lap, but they’ll also give you a lot of space. Short-haired breeds make grooming easy, and a scratching post and puzzle toys keep them from getting bored.
Dog
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If you really want a dog, consider how much energy it will need. When you live alone, a mellow rescue or a naturally low-key breed is best. They’ll happily sleep nearby most of the time, but walks will become a regular part of your day.