How to Raise Puppies and Kittens in an Apartment

Puppies and kittens may be the cutest little things to walk this earth, but my oh my, can they be a handful!  Here at Fairfield Residential, we adore puppies and kittens – and we’re proud to say the majority of our communities now accept puppies and kittens under 1 year old – just check the pet policy of the community you’re interested in and you’ll be on your way to living with your newest fuzzy friend!

Raising a puppy or kitten in an apartment isn’t always fun and games, though!  There’s a lot of training and dedication required – especially with pups!  But, if you do everything properly and correctly, the results are so rewarding!  We’re here to offer you some helpful tips and tricks to make sure you stay sane while your baby fur-ball has the time of their life!

Raising a Puppy:

First and foremost, potty training.  Take your puppy out to the bathroom MANY times a day.  I’m assuming you don’t want him to ruin the entire apartment by peeing everywhere – hence why potty training is extremely important.  If you don’t take the correct steps to train him, you may notice that accidents will continue to happen later in his life – not good, and very frustrating!

Get your puppy lots and lots of toys to keep him busy and distracted from chewing on things like your couch! Kong toys are great because they’re durable and they can keep an energetic dog busy. There’s a special puppy Kong that helps with teething puppies.  Keep in mind that your puppy’s stomach may still be sensitive, so try stuffing it with wet dog food instead of peanut butter.  I also highly recommend going to garage sales and snatching up any dog toys or stuffed animals.  It’s way more affordable than buying from pet stores!  I would remove all the stuffing beforehand and also remove any hard plastic pieces, like eyes or buttons.  The last thing you want is an expensive trip to the vet due to an intestinal obstruction – not fun!

Exercise is crucial for dogs of all ages, so just because your dog is still a puppy doesn’t mean that he will not need walks or exercise.  Getting him used to walking on a leash will help in the long run with leash training – but don’t push him too hard.  Go on VERY short walks and engage in short play sessions.  If you notice him getting tired, it’s time to let him take a rest.  Amount of exercise will vary from dog to dog and will also change with age.  I would highly suggest reaching out to your vet and making sure your puppy is getting the correct amount of exercise.

I could go on forever about raising a puppy!  However, I think potty training, toys, and exercise are the three most important and essential aspects you’ll need to be aware of.

Raising a Kitten:

Kittens aren’t much different than puppies.  Potty training is still crucial for your kitten but is definitely a lot easier than potty training a puppy.  Cats naturally like to cover up their waste which is why they catch onto a litter box so quickly.  Try to place your kitten in the litter box every couple of hours until she gets the hang of it.

Toys and games are a great way to keep your kitten entertained.  However, before you bring her home, make sure you clear your apartment of any hazardous and potentially dangerous items she might ingest or chew on.  I recommend purchasing a cat tree for her to play on!  Or, if you’re up for the task, try DIY-ing a cat tree!  Cats typically enjoy chasing things, so tie some yarn on the end of a stick and you’ve got an awesome toy – simple as that!  Also, check out our DIY pet treats and toys to find a couple more fun options!

Most cats enjoy having some time to themselves, which is why it is important that you dedicate a quiet and peaceful little space just to her.  This will provide a safe place for her to sleep and get away from anything she might get worried about, like loud noises.

If you’re living on the 2nd floor or higher, I would suggest that you don’t let your kitten outside until you’re sure she can handle it.  Her curiosity might get the best of her!  I don’t think you’ll want your new little fur-ball to get into any trouble.

Enjoy your new little bundles of fur!