The Pet Owners Survey reports that there are more cats than dogs living in American homes.  Part of the reason cats have overtaken dogs is that cats adapt more easily to indoor life and can cope better with their humans' busy lifestyles. However, some cats still make for better apartment dwellers than others.

The Apartment-Friendly Personality

When choosing a feline roommate, look for the following temperament traits:

• Adaptable, easygoing disposition
• Doesn't need to be highly active to be happy
• Soft-spoken
• Can tolerate being alone for up to eight hours at a time (particularly if you work or are away a lot during the day)
• Sociable
• Not overly territorial

Be sure to take your lifestyle into account when selecting a cat, too. If you plan to entertain a lot, be sure your cat will be able to tolerate other people and the potential noise and chaos of events.

Apartment-Friendly Breeds

Below is a list of several breeds that are known to be good companions in apartments. 

The British Shorthair is particularly known for its ability to adapt well to apartment life. Quiet and friendly with its owner, this hardy breed is also a good fit for first-time cat owners. If you want a lap cat, this breed is for you.

The easygoing and affectionate Persian, with its relatively placid demeanor, is a good fit for apartment life. However, the Persian does need attention and will not thrive in an environment where its owner is away a lot. 

The Russian Blue is an affectionate but independent cat, well-suited for a life with working singles. They are known to be shy with strangers but very loyal to their favorite person. Their plush blue coat requires very little maintenance. They are moderately active and enjoy playing.

The Javanese is playful, affectionate, and vocal. Although the Javanese can tolerate being alone during the day, they do need daily one-on-one time with their owners to be truly happy. 

The Ragdoll is known for its laid-back and gentle temperament. If you're looking for a lap cat that enjoys playtime but isn't especially demanding, a Ragdoll could be your ideal companion. These cats should be kept indoors only and adapt well to apartment life.
 

Considerations

Your cat will benefit from having vertical territory. A tall cat tree or a special place on the mantel or bookshelf can give your feline friend the feeling that your apartment is much bigger than it is. This is particularly important if you have more than one cat; the extra space can help to prevent stress-related behavior problems such as fighting or inappropriate elimination.

Ultimately, the most important factor in selecting an apartment-friendly cat is not its breed but its personality.

Looking for a way to store your cats? This looks like a great idea.

(joking, no cats were harmed in the writing of this blog post!)

The post Top Cat Breeds for Apartment Dwellers appeared first on Block 2 Lofts Blog.

Here are some tips if you're thinking about bringing a dog into your home.
 

4 Tips For Adopting a Dog

Things to Consider

When you live in an apartment and are thinking of adopting a dog, there are many things to consider.  One is other pets you may have. For instance, if you have a cat, you might run into trouble when introducing a dog into a small living space.

You will also want to pet-proof your home, especially your windows and balconies. Make sure windows stay closed and patio doors are always secure. When your pet is on the patio, secure him with a leash and harness and never leave him unattended. There are special pet screens that you can purchase from pet and specialty stores that provide an added level of security.

We also suggest checking with your leasing agent to learn more about the pet policy in place. Some apartments may have weight or breed restrictions, so it is important to know what kind of dog you are allowed to have. Block 2 Lofts Apartments accepts all pets, regardless of breed! 
 

Size of Dog

Size is important when choosing a dog to share your apartment – both the size of the dog and the size of your apartment. If you live in a studio a small dog like a Chihuahua may be perfectly comfortable, but a Labrador Retriever in that same space wouldn’t be quite so practical. On the other hand, if you live in a spacious penthouse apartment, medium-sized or large dogs may be quite comfortable in your space.
 

Personality Traits

When choosing a dog to adopt, personality traits are important no matter where you live. But when you live in an apartment building with neighbors in very close proximity, you have a special set of circumstances to consider. You don’t want to choose a breed that is prone to barking or howling, especially if you work a full-time job. You don’t want to risk alienating your neighbors or worse – getting into trouble with your landlord or condo board.

Some people do not like dogs or may be frightened by dogs – even small breeds. Your relationship with your neighbors could change if you have a dog who doesn’t mind his manners around people in the hallway or elevator. You’ll want to choose a breed that is easy to train and will listen to your commands, even when distracted by the hustle and bustle of apartment living.
 

Exercise Needs

Dogs need exercise – even small breeds. When you live in an apartment you must make a commitment to exercise your pet regularly. Two walks per day are necessary to help maintain the health and temperament of your dog. If your dog is a medium or large breed, you will want to try to take longer or more frequent walks than if you have a small breed, but keep in mind even little dogs need exercise.
 

Special Notes

House training is another important issue to consider when you’re thinking of adopting a dog. If you live in a high-rise without easy access to outdoor space, house training your dog can get tricky. You’ll want to make sure that you prepare yourself for accidents and have a solid plan in place for house training.

Owning a dog is a serious commitment and sharing an apartment with a dog requires an added level of commitment to ensure the happiness, health and security of your pet. But with advanced preparation, you and your dog can share a lifetime of happiness, even in a small space.

If you keep all of these tips in mind, hopefully, you can avoid this:

The post 4 Tips for Adopting a Dog If you Live in an Apartment appeared first on Block 2 Lofts Blog.