Dog or cat in an apartment: comparing time, space and money

A dog in an apartment needs to go out every day and should not be left alone for more than four hours. An adult cat copes with longer absences, but needs a clean litter box, play and places to climb. The choice depends on your schedule, your space and your budget.

What each one needs, in short

The big difference is time: a dog needs to go outside every day, an indoor cat does not. Otherwise, both need food, care, play and a plan for the days you are away.

Dog or cat in an apartment: what each one needs

How much time does a dog take each day?

With a dog, you plan your day around its walks. It goes out for the toilet, for exercise and to explore smells. On top of that come meals, play and the training that teaches it to walk on a leash.

Dogs Trust recommends not leaving a dog alone for more than four hours. It gets used to it gradually, with short separations, ideally from when it is a puppy. If you work eight hours away from home, you need someone to take it out at lunchtime.

The indoor cat: less time outside, not less care

An adult cat can stay alone for longer, but it needs care and contact with people every day. Cats Protection gives a limit of around 12 hours, only occasionally, not every day. Kittens can only be left alone for a few hours, and older cats need to be checked more often.

At home, a cat needs to play, climb, scratch and hide. A toy it can chase and catch helps it use up its energy.

How to prepare the apartment

For a dog: a place to rest and an easy way outside

A dog needs room to stretch out and to move between the furniture. The way outside matters too: the stairs, the elevator and the distance to the walking spot. Think about how you will take it out when the elevator is not working.

Size matters less than energy, how it reacts to noises on the stairs and how it copes with being alone. For a building with close neighbors, see also the dogs that bark little. The final choice is made for the actual animal, not just for the breed.

Best dogs for apartment living

For a cat: height, scratching and a quiet litter box

A sturdy cat tree, safe shelves and places to hide give a cat more space to use. Put the litter box in a quiet place, away from its food and water.

Secure the windows and the balcony before you let it near them. The net must be strong, well fixed and without gaps. If the cat has also lived outdoors, ask how it would adapt to life only indoors: some find it hard to get used to.

Best calm cats for apartment living

What does everyday cleaning involve?

• For a cat: you scoop the litter box every day, wash the box from time to time and sweep up scattered litter.
• For a dog: you pick up after every walk and clean its paws when needed.
• For both: brushing that suits the coat, and washed beds and bowls.

The amount of hair varies a lot from one animal to another. If hair bothers you, see the dog and cat breeds that do not shed and ask how much grooming costs.

How much it costs, roughly

The cost depends on food, the vet and the animal's size, so ask a vet near you for prices. As a reference, PDSA worked out the costs in the United Kingdom in 2024. It arrived at at least £69 a month for a small dog and £116 for a large one, without treatment for illnesses.

For a cat, Cats Protection estimates over £1,000 a year in the United Kingdom. Prices differ from country to country, but the proportion is still useful: in the PDSA calculation, a large dog costs almost 70% more each month than a small one.

• For both: food, bowls, a bed, toys, a brush, check-ups and vaccinations.
• For a dog: a leash, a collar or harness, bags and transport; sometimes training, grooming or a dog walker.
• For a cat: a litter box, litter, scratching surfaces and a carrier.
• Separately: adoption or purchase, care while you are on vacation and money set aside for emergencies.

Who looks after the animal when you are away?

Decide in advance who will look after the animal when you are on vacation or sick. For a dog, the person you choose must keep to its meals, its walks and its need for company.

If the cat stays at home, Battersea recommends visits twice a day for food, water, the litter box and time spent with it. Leave the carer the routine, the vet's details and a number for emergencies.

How to choose based on your schedule

• Choose a dog if you enjoy daily walks and have someone for the long days.
• Choose a cat if you are away from home more, but can set up the space and keep a routine.
• Wait if you have neither the daily time nor a plan for when you are away.

Meet the animal before you take it home and be honest about how long you are away from home. The shelter or breeder can help you choose one that fits your schedule.

Questions about a dog or cat in an apartment

If you have decided on a dog and it is your first, start with the list of dogs for first-time owners.