Gee Popcornbird, you mentioned both of my pets! I have to agree parakeets are small, affordable and easy to keep. They sure do sing pretty and are nice company. But if you want a furry pet I would recommend getting a cat from the Humane Society that is maybe a year or older (past the hyper kitten stage anyway). I would suggest you get a short-haired variety that would shed less than a long-hair. You would still have to brush it and vacuum but overall a cat is an easy keeper compared to a dog that has to be walked in all kinds of weather. As long as you have toys for it to play with and give it attention when you are home a cat should fit into your house nicely.