What breed of cats to choose for an apartment: TOP 10 best options for an apartment

Cats are much more adapted to living in an apartment than dogs. And yet, we can highlight several character traits of the animal that will make the cat simply an ideal pet for keeping in an apartment. For example, an ideal apartment cat should be calm, in some cases it may even be passive and be able to occupy itself in the absence of its owners.

You need to remember that, unlike dogs, cats prefer vertical space, so your pet will feel very comfortable if you equip it with a certain number of shelves, stands and niches. And the higher they are, the more comfortable your furry pet will be.

The list below describes the cat breeds that are best suited for apartment living.

Which kitten is better to have in an apartment?

Choosing a kitten for your home is not so easy.
Take into account your preferences and desired character traits. A representative of a passive breed is not suitable for a family with children or for a person who is active by nature. An overly active pet will be difficult to keep in an apartment. Cats shed periodically, and this fact is also taken into account if there are health problems. We recommend paying attention to the following cat breeds:

1. Domestic cats of the Scottish breed are sensitive to the mood of the owner and do not require much attention. They are ready to play and are joyfully greeted from work, but do not bother if the owner is not in the mood.
2. A Burmese kitten is suitable for those who are ready to pay attention to their growing pet. The Burmese has an easygoing disposition, he is affectionate and gentle, and does not require much space to keep.
3. The British Shorthair looks like a plush toy and evokes sympathy and affection. The kitten easily adapts to being kept in an apartment, but does not accept very annoying household members.
4. The Russian Blue cat impresses with its friendly character and calmness. Does not require excessive attention, we train well.
5. For older people, a Javanese cat is suitable. She is affectionate, playful and responsive to her master's requests.

To overpay or not to overpay?

When purchasing a cat, you may come across different prices, and in different regions they differ significantly, so the question arises, why in some places they give purebred cats for absolutely nothing, and in other places they ask for fabulous money for them? This all depends on several factors:

Each nursery must maintain its own brand. It’s the same as with selling things: branded clothes are much more expensive than similar Chinese products

The nursery will provide you with documents for the kitten, which will indicate its pedigree, and this is very important if you want to reproduce the animal in the future. Of particular value are show-class kittens whose parents took prizes in shows and exhibitions.

If this is not important to you, then you shouldn’t overpay. Compliance with breed standards. Experts will immediately suspect incest in the kitten’s appearance. This is called a defect, a deviation from the breed. Sometimes such defects can occur in a kitten of purebred parents. But still, it is not suitable for exhibitions, unlike its successful brothers and sisters, and therefore its price will be much lower. The age of the kitten also plays a role. It is best to sell it at the age of 2-3 months. Older kittens are considered “grown up” and are cheaper. Sometimes it happens that a kitten is sick, and the owners try to sell it quickly while the disease is not noticeable. In this case, the price may also be low.

The Javanese cat endures loneliness without its owners during the day. There are different cases, for example, at the bird market, a purebred kitten can be bought for ridiculous prices. Owners sometimes don’t know how to quickly get rid of their offspring. If you are not interested in exhibitions, medals and regalia, then this is also a good option for purchasing a furry miracle. It’s up to you to choose which cat is best to have in your apartment.

They will tell you which cat is best to have in your apartment and select a pet for you, taking into account your interests. But it’s worth talking about your wishes in more detail so that there are no disappointments later.

For example, it is very important to know how long you will be away, since some breeds cannot tolerate being alone, it is also important whether you have enough time to care for the cat, this is important for long-haired breeds, whether you plan to have offspring, etc. Ragdoll has an easy character

Ragdoll has an easy character

A good breeder is also interested in ensuring that his kitten ends up in kind and caring hands. It may take time for you to choose the right option, but if your desires and capabilities coincide, you will gain a reliable friend for life.

The most unpretentious cats for an apartment

The category of unpretentious pets is usually classified as moderately active, independent, and not requiring special care:

1. Burmese cats are distinguished by their elegant appearance and easy-going character. They are easy to care for and obedient.
2. The Ragdoll is obedient and affectionate, allowing itself to be stroked. The cat’s disposition fully reflects the name of the breed (“rag doll” translated into Russian), and is suitable for keeping in a family with children.
3. Representatives of the American Shorthair breed are endowed with a light character. They get along well with other animals and are in good health.
4. Burmillas are short-haired, fluffy cats that are very calm and friendly. They get along easily with people and other four-legged household members.
5. The Cornish Rex just needs to be fed, trained and petted to your heart's content.

For children

Choosing a breed that is suitable for a child is not so easy. On the one hand, the animal must be loyal to games, and on the other hand, be patient and forgive children's pranks.

Cats that equally possess these qualities include:

• Kurilian bobtail (a playful “catdog” who will gladly share the child’s enthusiasm);
• Manx (a very smart and energetic cat, he prefers intellectual games);
• Turkish Van (suitable for an older child who can look after him and become a full-fledged owner for the pet);
• ragdoll (a calmer cat for children that can easily tolerate careless pranks);
• Burmese cat (contact and affectionate Burmese cats will be happy to receive the attention of their little owners).

Calm cat breeds in the apartment

Breeders try to choose a calmer breed of cat for an apartment in order to save themselves from problems.

Take a closer look at these calm cat breeds:

1. The Neva Masquerade breed attracts with its gentle disposition, goodwill and moderate activity. The cat loves communicating with people and understands them perfectly.
2. Siberian cat. Representatives of this breed have a calm, friendly character and get used to those who feed them. The pet needs to be combed periodically to prevent tangles from forming in the long fur.
3. The exotic has a calm disposition and is very trusting of its owner, loves to cuddle and play, but prefers to hide from strangers.
4. The Singaporean breed is quite rare. Such a cat will get along with everyone and will surprise everyone with mutual understanding.
5. Persian cats are calm and intelligent. The pet develops a devoted attachment to its owner, for which Persians are known as monogamous people. A cat's fluffy fur requires special care.

How to choose the right kitten and why should you choose cubs?

Before getting a pet, of course, it is worth deciding how much living space it will subsequently receive, and how much attention and effort it will require in caring for it. It is important how much the cat’s character can fit into the rhythm of the owner’s life. How much time does he spend at home?

The composition of the family, its way of life, the amount of free time and financial capabilities are of great importance when choosing a cat. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the presence of children and other pets, the tendency of cats to aggression and jealousy.

The conditions of a city apartment are actually different for each family. However, they come down to limited free space, high density of interior items and often the combination of many functional areas. Having a kitten means shifting your priorities somewhat: instead of the usual order and tranquility in the house, you need to be prepared for the fact that his appearance will disrupt the order of things. Both literally and figuratively.

Therefore, for keeping in a limited space, you need to choose calm phlegmatic people, melancholic people, and in extreme cases, sanguine people, and not choleric people. Yes, yes, cats also have their own temperament, and a highly active cat of the Siamese-Oriental group, even if you get him as a very small kitten, will be able to turn the whole apartment upside down in one sitting.

Traditional domestic breeds are considered the best idea for apartment keeping.

The British Shorthair or Persian cat will delight you with its even and balanced character, and it is difficult to imagine it riding on a ledge. The characteristics of these breeds imply a calm and stable psyche of cats.

This also includes all Scots by origin: Scottish and Highland also have an undoubted advantage in easy adaptation and adaptability to an apartment.

Of the exotic breeds, all types of Sphinxes are considered the most “apartmental”. They will fit perfectly into the decor of an apartment, however, they need a person a little more than people from Foggy Albion or Persians.

• Pet's age.

Some people prefer "mutts". These cats did not have noble ancestors in their family or they have mixed roots. And this has its advantages. For example, mestizos have better health than their “blue-blooded” counterparts. This is due to the wider gene pool. Therefore, the risk of genetic diseases is very low.

However, such cats often have an independent character, and their hunting instincts are more pronounced. Adults love to mark territory, and it is not very easy to wean them from this habit.

The “mongrel” has better health

At the same time, purebred cats have predictable habits. They value cleanliness more because breeders select for breeding those individuals that are less prone to marking territory.

An adult cat or a cute baby? This seems like a minor issue, but age is an important factor.

Kitty

As a rule, kittens are taken into the house. It is believed that in childhood the animal gets used to the new environment better.

A cat feeds its cubs with milk until they are three months old. This is important because the baby acquires primary immunity. It is the mother who takes best care of health and knows what her “child” needs. Communication with the parent is also responsible for socialization. An early break with a nursing female is fraught with the following problems for the offspring:

• mental disorders;
• behavioral disorders;
• weak immunity.

The mother accustoms the cubs to unfamiliar food, instills hygiene skills, shows how to use a tray and sharpen their claws.

Temporary immunity is transmitted to the kitten with milk.
Cats are vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks (booster vaccination). Therefore, after 3 months the body is maximally protected from infections.

Adult cat

Animals older than a year are reluctant to be taken into an apartment due to prejudice. But veterinarians assure: often these are just myths that have no basis in reality.

Table 1. The most common misconceptions of future cat owners.

Adult cats are often more comfortable than kittens

People who decided to take such a step believe that it was done correctly. They argue that there are many reasons why a shelter cat will do well in an apartment.

Table 2. Pros and cons of a shelter cat.

As for communication with curators, this is a temporary phenomenon. As soon as volunteers or shelter workers understand that their pupil is in good hands, they stop disturbing the new owner.

Don't be afraid to adopt a cat from a shelter - this has its advantages

Shelters are also found through social networks - usually such organizations have pages. If you couldn’t find an adoption center in your city, you will definitely find one in a neighboring town.

Those who want to get a cat need to know what difficulties they will have to face, regardless of the breed and gender of the animal. A person who is used to traveling should realize that a cat is a homebody who does not like traveling. Rare pets agree to share the road with their owner and even go to the mountains with them.

You need to be patient in order to instill basic skills in your cat - teach him to go to the litter box and sharpen his claws not on furniture, but on a scratching post. Training requires perseverance from a person; training takes energy and time. If there is no desire to work with your pet in this direction, then soon the house will be a mess.

The cat needs to be taught basic skills - to learn to use the litter box.

Another difficulty awaits those who do not consider the possibility of spaying or neutering their pet. Several times a year you will have to go through the real hassle associated with sexual hunting.

Most cats sleep from morning to evening, especially if their owners spend all day at work and do not play with them during daylight hours. They are nocturnal. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that your pet can disturb your sleep with its nightly activities. These are just some of the inconveniences that you will have to put up with.

Smooth-haired cat breeds for home use

To keep a cat in an apartment with less hair, choose smooth-haired representatives:

1. The Balinese cat will be liked by its warm color and silky thick coat without undercoat. Balinese are smart, flexible and obedient.
2. A Bengal cat looks like a small leopard. The pet is active, but meek and obedient. Loves games and walks.
3. The Devon Rex has fur that resembles astrakhan fur. He loves to spend time lying quietly in his owner's arms and loves being stroked.
4. The Bombay cat is nicknamed the charming little panther. Behind the predatory appearance lies an easy-going, unobtrusive nature. She is no stranger to games and “conversations” with her owner.
5. The European Shorthair (Celtic) breed is naturally healthy. At home, the Celt remains independent, but is responsive to the owner's affection.

To overpay or not to overpay?

When purchasing a cat, you may come across different prices, and in different regions they differ significantly, so the question arises, why in some places they give purebred cats for absolutely nothing, and in other places they ask for fabulous money for them? This all depends on several factors:

Each nursery must maintain its own brand. It’s the same as with selling things: branded clothes are much more expensive than similar Chinese products

The nursery will provide you with documents for the kitten, which will indicate its pedigree, and this is very important if you want to reproduce the animal in the future. Of particular value are show-class kittens whose parents took prizes in shows and exhibitions.

If this is not important to you, then you shouldn’t overpay. Compliance with breed standards. Experts will immediately suspect incest in the kitten’s appearance. This is called a defect, a deviation from the breed. Sometimes such defects can occur in a kitten of purebred parents. But still, it is not suitable for exhibitions, unlike its successful brothers and sisters, and therefore its price will be much lower. The age of the kitten also plays a role. It is best to sell it at the age of 2-3 months. Older kittens are considered “grown up” and are cheaper. Sometimes it happens that a kitten is sick, and the owners try to sell it quickly while the disease is not noticeable. In this case, the price may also be low.

The Javanese cat endures loneliness without its owners during the day. There are different cases, for example, at the bird market, a purebred kitten can be bought for ridiculous prices. Owners sometimes don’t know how to quickly get rid of their offspring. If you are not interested in exhibitions, medals and regalia, then this is also a good option for purchasing a furry miracle. It’s up to you to choose which cat is best to have in your apartment.

They will tell you which cat is best to have in your apartment and select a pet for you, taking into account your interests. But it’s worth talking about your wishes in more detail so that there are no disappointments later.

For example, it is very important to know how long you will be away, since some breeds cannot tolerate being alone, it is also important whether you have enough time to care for the cat, this is important for long-haired breeds, whether you plan to have offspring, etc. Ragdoll has an easy character

Ragdoll has an easy character

A good breeder is also interested in ensuring that his kitten ends up in kind and caring hands. It may take time for you to choose the right option, but if your desires and capabilities coincide, you will gain a reliable friend for life.

The smartest cat breed in the house

Many purebred cats have a well-developed understanding with humans.

You will find an almost ideal intellectual cat among the following suggested options:

1. Siamese cats are inquisitive and smart. The Siamese is sensitive to changes in the owner’s mood, is easy to train, and is able to express a wide range of emotions with sounds and intonation.
2. The Canadian Sphynx is able to understand the emotional component of human speech. This pet is friendly to all household members and is able to make friends with other cats and dogs. Loves to play and is trainable.
3. The Turkish Angora is a long-haired white cat. He understands his owner well and becomes very attached to him, amenable to training. The Angora is an excellent companion for a lonely person.
4. The Oriental cat is endowed with the mental ability to subtly and clearly capture a person’s mood, feel his malaise, and relieve pain with the warmth of his body. Oriental is playful and talkative.
5. British cat. The British cat is emotionally restrained, calm and well trained. He can be taught to open the door and turn on the light.

Housing problem

Active Bengal, Abyssinian and Siamese cats, nimble Kuril and Japanese bobtails, representative Maine Coons and Chausies cannot live in small-sized housing.
These cats require space and a lot of exercise. A small apartment will not confuse representatives of such breeds as:

• British Shorthair.
• Scottish (straight and fold).
• Sphinx (Don, Canadian and St. Petersburg).
• Persian and Neva masquerade.
• Exotic shorthair.
• Russian Blue and Siberian.
• Sacred Burmese and Turkish Angora.

After intense exploration of the world in childhood and adolescence, these cats acquire sedateness and wisdom sufficient to not bother their owners.

Waking up from sleep, they monitor the household, making active body movements as needed: as a rule, in the morning, before going to the toilet, and in the evening, to remind who is the real boss in the house.

The cleanest cats for indoors

For home keeping, not only the agreeableness of character is important, but also the cleanliness of the pet:

1. The Russian Blue cat is carefully groomed, its fur is smooth and clean. A pet accustomed to water will not refuse to bathe.
2. The Cornish Rex is a very low shedding breed. The pet's fur feels like velor to the touch.
3. Rarely shedding options include the Oriental breed. In addition, the cat does not rush around the apartment.
4. The Scottish Fold cat has short and very soft fur. Smart, clean and affectionate.
5. The Scottish Fold looks like a Scot. The coat is short and licks well. You can get used to water procedures.

The most hypoallergenic cats in the apartment

People suffering from allergies should choose a cat with caution.

The following breeds are suitable for allergy sufferers:

1. The Oriental Shorthair cat practically does not shed, and its excreta contains minimal amounts of the animal allergy-causing protein Fel D1.
2. Cornish Rex. It also rarely causes problems with portability.
3. The Javanese breed is bred artificially. The Javanese has a fine, silky coat without undercoat. Due to these qualities, it is classified as a hypoallergenic cat.
4. The secretions of the Siberian cat are hypoallergenic. The character of the representative of this breed is flexible, the cat is not annoying and does not get underfoot.
5. The Ocicat has short hair that rarely sheds. Follows simple commands and can be trained to walk on a leash.

Popular hairless cat breeds

List of unusual hairless cats:

1. Petersburg Sphinx. This is a green-eyed or blue-eyed cat with a muscular body, proud posture and a long neck. The body of the Peterbald is covered with a soft, suede-like undercoat and 2 mm of hair.
2. The Kohana is a cat breed native to Hawaii. A cat's skin resembles a soft, waxy surface and is completely lint-free.
3. The Don Sphynx is a hairless cat with an almond-shaped, trusting gaze and extravagant ears. He is distinguished by his flexible character.
4. The Canadian Sphynx is characterized by an abundance of folds on its graceful, hairless body. The cat surprises with its huge eyes, reflecting the blue of the sky, and is distinguished by its friendliness and sociability.
5. The Bambino is a relatively new breed. Characteristic features are a smooth, hairless body with short legs, large ears and a long narrow tail. The cat's character is good-natured and sociable.

The smallest cat breeds

We present to the attention of lovers of small-sized cats the following dwarf breeds:

1. Skif-tay-don is a dwarf breed. An adult cat weighs no more than 1.5 kilograms. The pet has beautiful light-colored fur with black accents on its face, ears, paws and the tip of its tail, and its disposition is playful and inquisitive.
2. The Munchkin is a fidget on short legs, with a build similar to a dachshund. Loves to make hiding places with his favorite toys. A cat of this breed weighs no more than 3.5 kilograms.
3. Napoleon is a small cat with luxurious thick fur on short legs. Attracts with expressive, captivating eyes. The weight of a cat rarely reaches 4 kg.
4. The Lamkin is a breed of small cat with a curly and fluffy coat. The name in Russian translation means “lamb”.
5. Kinkaloo belongs to the weight category of 2-3 kilograms. The cat is active and playful, loves walks with her owner.

The fluffiest cats for an apartment

The following furry pets are suitable for keeping in an apartment:

1. Angora is a graceful cat with a peaceful disposition.
2. Ragamuffin is the owner of a surprisingly luxurious fur coat that requires special care. The cat needs to be bathed and brushed.
3. The Persian cat is fluffy and imposing. Requires care.
4. The Siberian cat is beautiful and proud of its luxurious tail. The fur is moderately fluffy and does not tangle too much.
5. The fur coat of a Kimra cat is comparable to that of a rabbit to the touch. The cat is not a timid cat and is capable of protecting its owner.

The most original cats for home

If you want to have a pet with an unusual appearance, check out these options:

1. The Minskin cat looks like a hobbit. Thick and dense hair covers certain areas of the cat's naked body - the head, ears, paws and tail.
2. Dwelf looks like an alien from another planet. A small head with large eyes and ears curved inward, a long, squat body, devoid of hair.
3. Mei-kun is a giant among cat breeds. He is good-natured, endowed with soft fluffy hair and cute tassels on his ears.
4. The Savannah cat has a leopard coloration. She is large in size, with a good-natured character. Willingly keeps the owner company on a walk.
5. The Japanese Bobtail is a cat with an unusual, rabbit-like tail. He is active and intelligent, receptive to training.

Cat breeds with good character

The excellent character of a four-legged pet is expressed in such qualities as friendliness and obedience.

A list of cats with wonderful personalities is presented below:

1. The Abyssinian cat is distinguished by its balanced disposition and loyalty. She is always ready to give and receive attention.
2. Toyger is a medium-sized tabby cat. He has a non-conflict character and gets along easily with his family.
3. The Bengal cat not only looks attractive. He has a developed intelligence and a friendly disposition.
4. Sacred Burmese cats are obedient and get along well with children and guests.
5. Smart and calm Burmese cats are wonderful walking companions and are happy to follow their owner’s commands.

Playful

The most active and irrepressible breeds include:

• Abyssinian cat: always explores the whole house and climbs the hills, while managing to follow the movements of the owner. If it seems to her that the owner is busy with something more interesting, she will definitely rush to “help” him;
• Bengal cat: a miniature leopard that matches the habits of its wild ancestors. Bengals love to play and explore new things;
• Egyptian Mau: has many similarities with the Abyssinian cat, which is not surprising, since both active beauties were favorites of the pharaohs;
• Turkish Van: playfulness is about him. The cat loves to explore, climb and swim. Van really enjoys interacting with his owner and is devoted to only one owner all his life;
• Ocicat: a breed that adapts well to human habitation. Cats are great at opening cabinets, bedside tables and doors, and then enthusiastically explore the new space;
• Kurilian Bobtail: an aboriginal cat, has many canine traits in its character (very smart, devoted to its family, easily learns commands and is somewhat suspicious of strangers).

Bengal cat

Turkish van cat

Ocicat cat

Kurilian bobtail cat

This is interesting! Bobtails are one of the few cats that do not mark their territory. In addition, they love to swim, and therefore, in addition to hunting, they love fishing.