Are Indian Apartments Too Small for Pets? Or Are We Just Lazy?

Tanisha Kumari | Sep 03, 2025, 21:30 IST
Indian apartments
Indian apartments
( Image credit : Pexels )
Indian apartments may look too small for pets, but space is not the real problem. With daily walks, toys and care, dogs and cats can live happily in small flats. The real challenge is not apartment size but lazy routines. Active pet parenting makes city life joyful for both owners and pets, no matter the home size.
In every Indian city more families are moving into tall buildings with small flats. These apartments give safety and comfort to people. But when it comes to keeping pets many ask if there is enough space for them to live happily. The truth is space matters but it is not the only thing that makes a pet’s life good.
Some people say pets need a big house and open garden. They feel a dog or cat cannot be happy in two small rooms. But others believe pets can live well even in small spaces when they get love, care and daily exercise. The real problem is not just the size of the flat. The bigger problem is the effort and time people give to their pets.
If a person does not spend time with the pet then even the largest bungalow will feel empty. But if a person gives walks, games and attention then even a small apartment becomes a happy place. Pets do not judge by the square feet of the home. They judge by the amount of love and activity they receive every day.

Indian Apartment Living and Pets

Pet-friendly homes
Pet-friendly homes
( Image credit : Pexels )

Indian apartments are often designed for comfort of human beings. They are easy to clean and safe to lock. But for pets they may feel like closed boxes if the owner is not careful. A dog wants to smell new places. A cat wants to climb and explore corners. That is why owners must make the flat more pet friendly.
Placing scratching poles for cats or giving soft mats for dogs can make small flats fun. Taking dogs down for regular walks is more important than having a big living room. In fact some large homes with lazy owners give pets less care than small flats with active owners. It shows that lifestyle is more important than pure space.
More and more young Indians are adopting pets in cities. They do not always have gardens or terraces. Yet many pets in these homes live healthy and full lives. What matters is not the apartment but the habit of the pet parent.

Is It Laziness or Lack of Awareness?

City apartments
City apartments
( Image credit : Pexels )

When people complain that their pet looks sad in a flat maybe the issue is not space. Maybe the issue is laziness. Walking a dog two times a day takes effort. Playing with a cat for 20 minutes takes energy. Many people find it easy to blame a small apartment instead of accepting that they are not giving enough time.
Some owners also lack awareness. They think owning a pet means just feeding it. But pets need daily activity, mental play and personal bonding. Without these things a dog may bark too much in a flat. A cat may scratch furniture in stress. This leads people to believe that the flat is the problem when the real issue is boredom.
It is true small apartments bring challenges. But they also teach owners to be more creative. A few smart changes in routine can make pets very happy even in a one bedroom.

How To Make Small Apartments Pet Friendly

Urban lifestyle
Urban lifestyle
( Image credit : Pexels )

Making a flat friendly for pets does not require large amounts of money. It requires planning. A dog will be happy if it gets outdoor walks in the morning and evening. A cat will be happy if it gets shelves to climb and toys to chase as small actions like these make apartments feel bigger for pets.
Many city parks have open areas where pets can run and play and social walks with other pets also make life joyful. Owners should use such chances for their pets. Even simple games inside like hide and seek with treats can keep a pet’s mind active. Clean drinking water, cozy resting corners and enough sunlight are also simple to give. These small things matter more to a pet’s health than just the size of the flat.

Changing The Way We Think About Pets in Cities

The truth is pets adjust to the space we give them. But it depends on how much we give of our own time. Indian apartments are not too small for pets if the owner is ready for regular care. The real problem is when the owner is too busy or too lazy.
City life is stressful for humans but pets can make it better if looked after with love. They give endless joy for a little care. Instead of saying flats are too small we should ask if we are giving enough effort. Pets do not demand houses with gardens. They demand families who treat them with love and respect.
Our busy city lifestyle must change if we want happy pets. Space is only one part of the puzzle. Care, attention and active play are the bigger pieces.

Indian apartments may be small but they are not too small for pets. With care, routine and love any pet can live a healthy life in a flat. The problem is not the size of the apartment. The problem starts when we ignore the needs of our pets. If we give time and effort pets will always be happy whether the house is big or small.

Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. Why don't most apartments allow pets?
    The landlords don't want to take on the liability that pets add to the rental and also some people don't take good care of their pets which cause a lot of mess.
  2. Why do dogs bark too much in apartments?
    Dogs bark in flats when they feel bored, lonely or full of energy. One can add regular exercise and walks in their daily routine which will help a lot with the case of barking.
  3. What apartment friendly dogs don't shed?
    Affenpinschers, Biewer Terriers, Bulldogs, Italian Greyhounds and Lhasa Apsos are the best options if one is looking for non-shedding dogs for their apartments.

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