5 Condo-Friendly Pets to Keep You Company if You’re Living Solo

When the government announced that people have to stay indoors to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in the Philippines, most people who live alone in condo units had to look for ways to feel less lonely. Some who live independently went home to their family homes to reunite with family members, while others connected virtually with family and friends via video conferencing calls. But for some, feeling another’s warmth and heartbeat is the best cure for cabin fever.

Welcome a furry, quilly, and scaly member to your home

Living with another person isn’t always the most practical way to feel less lonely. At times, a wagging tail is more than enough to make your day colorful, ease your loneliness, encourage you to exercise, and reduce your stress. While not all condos allow owners to keep pets, there are still some that do. If you are planning to buy a condo unit in Sheridan Towers, then you are extra lucky as the management allows pets to live with their owners in their units.

Ideal pets to keep in a condo living set-up

Once you’ve confirmed with your condo management that pets are allowed in your unit, don’t just pick any pet that suits your taste. Ensure that they go with the specific standard of your condo management if there are any, and be sure that you can provide your pet its needs.

When it comes to selecting pets, dogs and cats are always on top of the list. But other than these furry pals, you can find other cute and quirky pets you can add to your choices.

Dogs

Dubbed as “man’s best friend,” dogs make wonderful pets in your condo so long as you choose breeds that are quiet and do not need plenty of space and exercise. Some breeds you can consider are French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Pug, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodle, and small to medium-sized Aspins (Asong Pinoy).

Cats

Cats are loyal, loving, and independent. They don’t require much maintenance. They are easy to housebreak and are often quiet. Cat breeds you can keep in your condo include Persian, Siamese, Maine Coon, and of course, Puspin (Pusang Pinoy). Just make sure you have a scratching post, a kitty litter, cat food, and a window, and your cat will love you dearly.

Fish

You can’t pet a fish the same way you pet cats and dogs, but it is sure relaxing to watch how fishes such as Goldfish, Guppy, Molly, and Zebrafish go around their aquarium. Lessen the work in maintaining your pet fish by sticking with freshwater fishes and invest in the right size of tank.

Hedgehogs

A hedgehog might suit those looking for a quirky but cute pet aside from hamsters and guinea pigs. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures who love to nap all day and run in their wheels at night. These pets are low maintenance, especially when you’ve already tamed them--meaning they are comfortable and do not shoot their quills up when you pick them up.

If you’re bringing a hedgehog in your condo, make sure to spend at least 30 minutes cuddling them. They might “anoint” you in the process where they lick your hand or finger. Their mouths will start to foam, and they will spread that froth throughout their quills. Don’t be weirded out. It’s entirely normal for them to do that. Hedgehog needs a hedgehog-friendly plastic enclosure, a wheel to run, a sleeping pouch, and toilet paper tubes for play. They eat mealworms and dry cat food.

Bearded Dragon

Yup, that’s right! You can fit a dragon in your condo unit. A bearded dragon, that is. For those who love anything out of the ordinary, a bearded dragon is a good condo companion. These reptiles come in different sizes and morphs that will surely bring out the Daenerys Targaryen in you. 

Bearded dragons require a special enclosure usually measuring around 48” x 24” with UVB light, basking light, cool side lamp, ceramic heat emitters, thermometer, hygrometer, and driftwoods. Bearded dragons eat crickets, mealworms, leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits.

Pets are great companions for solo condo tenants. They may not speak to you, but indeed their company is enough to warm your heart and make each day memorable. They do not only make you happy, but they also keep you healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.