Do you live in an apartment and want to bring a pet into your home? You don’t have to settle for the traditional cat or dog; there are plenty of other fun, furry friends that make great pets even if you’re living in an apartment.

From lizards and hamsters to birds and fish, these six small-space-friendly animals can add joy and companionship to your life without taking up too much room.

Hamsters

These pocket-sized rodents are easy to care for, friendly, and fascinating to watch. Not only do they come in a variety of colors and sizes; but hamsters can also be taught tricks like running through mazes or walking on a leash. Dwarf hamsters are recommended for apartments since they are smaller and less active than regular hamsters.

Additionally, hamsters don’t require much space to thrive, and their cages are usually small enough to keep in a living room or bedroom. However, they do need special attention, as they should be handled carefully and allowed to roam in the cage you provide for them.

Lizards

Reptiles make great pets for apartment-dwellers, as they don’t take up much space and can be quite affectionate when handled regularly.

These scaly creatures are fun and interesting — plus, there are plenty of varieties that stay small enough to live in an apartment, like the leopard gecko or bearded dragon. According to reptile information from Reptiles Time, bearded dragons are especially popular with city-dwellers as they’re relatively easy to care for and can be very playful. On the other hand, geckos are nocturnal, so they are well-suited for people who prefer to keep their pet in a terrarium and only view it occasionally.

While lizards do require more specialized equipment than some of the other animals on this list, there is still a wide variety of tanks and accessories that are designed for small spaces.

Birds

If you’re looking for a pet that can sing, chirp, and be a companion, then you might want to consider getting a bird. Although some species of birds can get quite large, there are plenty of small varieties that can fit in an apartment, like parakeets, finches, and budgies. Additionally, birds are relatively low maintenance — all you need to do is make sure they have the right food, a clean cage, and plenty of toys to keep them occupied.

Fish

Another popular pet for apartment dwellers is fish. While most people think of goldfish when they imagine having aquatic pets, many other small species can thrive in an aquarium. From tetras and guppies to neon fish and gouramis — there are plenty of brightly-colored options that don’t take up too much space. Plus, having an aquarium in your home can be very relaxing and therapeutic!

Make sure you do your research before purchasing any fish species; some might require a larger tank or special water conditions to stay healthy.

Rabbits

These fuzzy little critters make great pets for anyone living in a small space. Not only are they adorable, but they are also fairly low maintenance and don’t require much in terms of space or equipment. Rabbits can be litter-trained like cats and can even learn a few tricks when given enough time and patience. There is a wide variety of rabbit breeds out there — from lop-eared to giant, so you can choose a type that fits your space.

However, it’s important to remember that rabbits do need plenty of exercises, so you might want to consider setting up a pen or play area in your living room or bedroom.

Ferrets

Last but not least, ferrets are an ideal pet for apartment dwellers. They are relatively easy to care for, highly inquisitive, and social animals who love to explore new places and cuddle up with their owners. Plus, they don’t require a lot of space — a ferret-proofed room or small cage will do. Just make sure to give them plenty of toys and playtime, as they are very active animals.

Additionally, ferrets can be trained to use a litterbox, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after them too often. This makes them a great pet for someone who wants an animal companion without too much hassle.

No matter what type of pet you’re looking for, there is sure to be a perfect fit for your apartment. From fish and lizards to birds and ferrets — each animal offers something special that can make living in an urban space more enjoyable.

Before taking the plunge into pet ownership, however, it’s always best to do some research about their care requirements and ensure you have the time (and money) necessary to provide them with everything they need. With a little bit of knowledge and dedication, these six fun pets are great companions that will bring joy into any home!