College Student Looking for Unique, Low-Maintenance, and Social Pet Suggestions!

I’m a college student living in a 4x4 apartment and am considering getting a pet. While I initially thought about getting a dog, my current schedule and living situation might not be ideal for one. I’m not particularly fond of cats, but I’m open to exploring other unique and less common pet options.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • Affectionate and enjoys human interaction
  • Suitable for apartment living
  • Preferably unique or uncommon
  • Can be socialized (not necessarily through walks) as I enjoy spending time with and socializing my pet
  • Should tolerate or be okay with occasional pipe tobacco smoke in my room, or provide advice on managing this

I’d appreciate any recommendations you have, ranked from least maintenance to most. Thanks in advance for your insights and experiences!

2 Likes

Smoking in the room with animals is never advisable. If you have a pet, it’s best to smoke outside to ensure their health and well-being.

As a fellow smoker, I’d strongly advise against smoking in any room with your pets. I smoke and have rats, who have very sensitive respiratory systems, so I always smoke outside to keep them safe. I also avoid burning candles in my apartment for the same reason. With any pet, especially exotics, which can be costly to care for, it’s best to minimize risks and keep their environment as healthy as possible.

Ferrets require a lot of space and can experience stress if kept in a confined area for too long. A goldfish might be a better option for a smaller living space.

1 Like

Goldfish need large aquarium.

1 Like

I like Guinea pigs. Can be loud though.

1 Like

It depends on the size of the enclosure you plan to provide. Guinea pigs need a spacious area and should ideally be kept in pairs for socialization. They make fantastic pets, but the minimum recommended cage size for two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet, with more space being even better!