It is no secret that some people love cats. As pets and companions, there is just something special and unique about the domestic feline. Is it their distinct personalities or perhaps their emotional complexity? Is it their fluffy bodies and boopable noses? With so many folks out there that adore their kitties, it’s no wonder that these amazing animals have followed people wherever we go. Our list of the top five best apartment cats are all breeds that can thrive indoors and in smaller living spaces.
Cat Traits for Thriving in Apartment Living:
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of feline companionship. In fact, many cat breeds can thrive in smaller spaces, bringing purrs and cuddles without the chaos. But what makes a cat an ideal apartment dweller? Let’s explore the key traits that ensure a harmonious home for both you and your furry friend:
- Chill Vibes: Apartment life often means less space for zoomies. Opt for breeds known for their laid-back demeanors, like the Persian, British Shorthair, or Ragdoll. These gentle giants prefer lounging and cuddling to high-octane sprints across the living room.
- Vertical Venturing: Apartments may be short on square footage, but they offer vertical potential! Look for cats who enjoy exploring, like the Abyssinian or Siamese. They’ll happily scale bookshelves, perch on curtains, and survey their kingdom from atop kitchen cabinets.
- Entertainment Enthusiasts: Even mellow cats need mental stimulation. Choose breeds known for their playful nature, like the Bengal or Sphynx. These active cuties will keep themselves entertained with toys, puzzles, and even a good game of chase around the coffee table.
- Low-Maintenance Legends: Apartment living can be busy. Consider breeds with relatively low-maintenance grooming needs, like the Russian Blue or American Shorthair. A quick brush now and then is all they need to keep their coats sleek and purr-fect.
- Sound Silencers: Thin walls call for quiet kitties. Avoid breeds known for their vocal tendencies, like the Siamese or Oriental Shorthair. Opt for quieter companions like the Birman or Maine Coon, who are more likely to communicate through gentle head bumps and purrs.
Bonus Tip: Consider adopting! Many adult cats already possess the perfect temperament for apartment living. Shelters and rescues can help you find your ideal feline match, offering a loving companion and a second chance at happiness.
Remember, every cat is an individual, so even within breeds, personalities can vary. Spend time with your potential kitty to ensure a purrfect match. With the right furry friend by your side, your apartment can become a cozy haven filled with love, laughter, and the gentle rhythm of contented purrs. Our trusted sources helped us sort through loads of lively cats to find the best apartment cats that were most recommended across the board. Did we miss your favorite apartment-friendly cat breed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The List: Best Cat Breeds For Apartments, Per Feline Experts
1. Persian
Persian cats have several excellent traits that make them well-suited for apartment life. These calm cats are fully happy lounging around with their family. Redfin praises, “Looking for a sweet, docile cuddle bug? Look no further than the Persian… Persians don’t require vigorous exercise outside a daily play session or two, so if you’re living in a smaller home or studio, these cats are perfect for you.”
Plus, these kitties are known for their good looks. RentCafe raves, “One of the most beautiful breeds out there, Persians are more than just a pretty face. These real-life plushies have a gentle nature, usually like to lay low and are typically on the quiet side, which makes them ‘purrfect’ for apartment-dwellers in search of a mellow roommate. Plus, they’re also very adaptable and do well in small places, so they won’t mind sharing your studio.”
What makes them so special? “These majestic and fluffy cats are lazy and relaxed kitties. Persians are, in general, less curious about the world and more tolerant of sharing their space than other cat breeds. You can leave Persians to happily nap on their own when you go out to work too,” exclaims Cat in a Flat.
2. Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are very popular with cat lovers. “Ragdoll cats have been around since the 1960s and originated in the United States. This breed is known for having a soft coat and a fluffy mane — this means you’ll have some regular brushing to do to keep their fur clean and mat-free. If purebred, they’ll also have distinctive blue eyes,” says betterpet.
Super photogenic and fluffy, these chill kitties are quiet as well. “Gentle, docile, and very affectionate, the Ragdoll is a crossbreed between the beautiful Persian Cat and the Birman Tom. They are ideal for a majority of households, considering their need for companionship with the people around them. They love to play with cat toys and are great cuddlers, nuzzling their furry bodies to you whenever they get a chance. However, you need to keep in mind that Ragdolls need someone to be around them at all times,” describes WAGR.
Wait, there’s more? “The relaxed and calm nature of these fluffy cats makes them well suited to living in an apartment. Ragdolls are real lap cats and will be content living in an apartment as long as they can cozy up to their favorite human,” elaborates Cat in a Flat.
3. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs have a delightful pudgy look thanks to their round faces. Tag24 comments, “British Shorthairs are calm and loving family cats which always seek closeness with people. These adorable little buddies are great for families but will get scared by strangers. Luckily, though, they are adaptable and flexible and will get used to changes.”
These beauties often have yellow or amber eyes and love to be close to their humans. Meowa adds, “The British Shorthair, known for its plush, round appearance and distinct ‘smile,’ is a breed that does well in apartments for several reasons. They are not the most active of cats, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces. Most British Shorthairs are content with lounging around and watching the world go by.”
Plus, they won’t make a ruckus for your neighbors. “Known to be on the quieter side, the dignified yet affectionate British shorthair is perfectly adaptable to apartment life. According to Vetstreet, these cats are pretty inactive, so you won’t need to worry about providing him a large space to run and play. That said, British shorthairs are intelligent creatures who experience the occasional burst of energy, so it’s a good idea to have several interactive toys and puzzle feeders handy,” detail pet experts at The Dog People.
4. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is another beloved breed for apartment dwellers. Pure Wow explains, “American shorthair cats are an easy-going and adaptable breed, so they’ll adjust to any environment. Not only are they affectionate, but they also have a compact build—with round faces and short ears—which means they won’t need too much space to sprawl out.”
These charming cats are known for their sweet dispositions and great love of naptime. The Spruce Pets offers, “The American shorthair, the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair, is an easygoing cat that loves to hang out with its humans. These cats can do well in apartments as long as you’re home enough to meet their social needs. But they are also good at entertaining themselves with toys and watching out windows.”
That doesn’t mean they don’t love their owners. “American shorthairs like being around people. They’re happy living with singles, couples, or families and are typically gentle and docile. These cats often spend their days lounging and sleeping, making them very suitable for an apartment,” states betterpet.
5. Birman
Birman cats are popular for their loving behavior. This fluffy breed is easy to accommodate with treats, some playtime, and plenty of love. WAGR claims, “With eyes as blue as sapphire and a nose as cute as a button, the long-haired Birman cat is a breed that requires little maintenance. Though their origin remains a mystery, they were first recognized in France and called the Sacred Cat of Burma in French before the phrase was shortened to Birman.”
This kitty isn’t picky! “Far from requiring loads of space to roam, the Birman just wants to be near his owners… And while friendly, Birmans aren’t impossibly demanding attention-seekers. You’ll be able to go about your day without interference from them, and when it’s high time for some cat cuddles: your Birman will be right there,” relates The Dog People.
According to The Spruce Pets, “The sweet and gentle Birman is an affectionate lap cat that doesn’t require a ton of space. These calm cats just want to be wherever their favorite humans are, making the size of their home a nonissue. They do have a playful side and especially like to play chase with other pets. However, they don’t need much room to have a good time.”
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I used to breed purebred ragdolls years ago. They came about as a cross between a Berman, and an angora type. They are not related to Persians, and the registered purebreds for showing always have blue eyes.