Living in a bustling NYC apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a pet.
Some furry, feathery, and even slimy friends know how to keep things calm and quiet while still bringing plenty of personality to your space.
From silent dog breeds who tiptoe through city life to tiny tree frogs that add a peaceful vibe, these 10 pets prove that small spaces and serenity can go paw in paw.
1. Basenji: The ‘Barkless’ Wonder
Known as Africa’s ‘barkless dog,’ the Basenji communicates through unique yodel-like sounds instead of traditional barking. These intelligent, cat-like canines are naturally clean and odorless.
Perfect for apartment living, Basenjis require moderate exercise but are content to curl up quietly afterward.
Their independent nature means they won’t demand constant attention, making them ideal roommates for busy New Yorkers.
2. Pacman Frog: The Colorful Couch Potato
Named for their resemblance to the video game character, these round amphibians barely move, let alone make noise.
Pacman frogs spend most days partially buried, waiting for food to pass by – perfect for busy New Yorkers with unpredictable schedules.
Their vibrant colors add a pop of living décor to small spaces. Housing requirements are minimal: a 10-gallon tank fits easily on a bookshelf.
While not cuddly, their fascinating feeding responses make them entertaining pets that won’t disturb your neighbors.
3. Italian Greyhound: Elegant Apartment Companion
Weighing just 8-15 pounds, these miniature versions of racing Greyhounds fit perfectly in compact NYC apartments.
Despite their athletic build, Italian Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy indoors, preferring to lounge in sunbeams most of the day.
Their minimal barking and gentle disposition make them excellent neighbors. These sensitive pups bond deeply with their owners and are content with short walks and cuddle sessions rather than boisterous play.
4. French Bulldog: The City-Dwelling Charmer
Frenchies have conquered NYC’s heart for good reason! These stocky companions rarely bark unnecessarily, communicating instead through adorable grunts and snuffles.
Their low exercise needs match perfectly with apartment living. Heat-sensitive and unable to swim, French Bulldogs prefer air-conditioned comfort to outdoor adventures.
While they do snore (consider it white noise!), their generally quiet nature and compact size make them ideal Manhattan residents.
5. Leopard Gecko: The Silent Observer
Virtually soundless and requiring minimal space, leopard geckos bring exotic pet ownership to cramped NYC apartments.
These fascinating reptiles thrive in terrariums smaller than a microwave, making them perfect for studio living.
Unlike many reptiles, they’re handleable and develop recognition of their owners. Leopard geckos eat just a few insects every couple of days and don’t need daily attention.
Their nocturnal nature means they’re most active when many New Yorkers return from late work shifts.
6. Whippet: The Quiet Athlete
Don’t let their racing background fool you! Whippets transform into couch potatoes indoors, requiring just brief bursts of exercise.
These graceful sighthounds rarely bark and possess an innate calmness that’s perfect for apartment settings.
Sensitive and gentle, Whippets form strong bonds with their owners. Their short coat needs minimal grooming, and their clean nature means no doggy odor permeating your small space.
Many NYC apartment dwellers find them to be the perfect balance of athleticism and tranquility.
7. Green Tree Frog: Tiny Emerald Roommate
Barely larger than your thumb, these emerald amphibians make charming, silent companions for space-conscious New Yorkers.
Their vertical habitat needs mean their enclosure takes up minimal floor space – perfect for maximizing square footage in premium Manhattan real estate.
Green tree frogs occasionally emit soft, pleasant chirps that won’t penetrate apartment walls.
Their simple care requirements include misting their enclosure and feeding crickets a few times weekly. Many owners find their wide-eyed expressions and tiny suction-cup toes endlessly endearing.
8. Betta Fish: Vibrant Underwater Soloist
Splash some color into your apartment with these flamboyant fish that never make a peep! Bettas thrive in smaller tanks that fit perfectly on countertops or desks in space-challenged NYC homes.
Unlike many aquarium setups, betta tanks don’t require noisy filters or bubblers. These intelligent fish recognize their owners and swim excitedly at feeding time.
Their flowing fins create living art that doubles as stress-reducing decor – something every New Yorker can appreciate after battling subway crowds.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Quietude
Bred for nobility’s laps, these gentle spaniels excel at apartment living. Cavaliers adapt their energy level to match yours – content with either cuddles or casual strolls through Central Park.
Unlike many small breeds, they’re not prone to excessive barking. Their sweet temperament makes them friendly with neighbors, delivery people, and other pets in your building.
Though they require regular brushing, their moderate shedding is manageable even in compact living spaces.
10. Fancy Mouse: Pint-Sized Companion
Surprised to see mice on a NYC pet list? Fancy mice are nothing like their wild cousins! These domesticated pocket pets come in stunning varieties of colors and patterns, requiring minimal space in your apartment.
Their soft squeaks are barely audible beyond their enclosure. Social and intelligent, fancy mice build complex nests and recognize their owners.
They’re active primarily during evening hours when you’re home from work. Their contained habitat means no worries about escape artists terrorizing neighbors!