Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a cat. However, some cat breeds are better suited to apartment living than others. Adaptable, quiet, and relaxed cats are generally the best fit for smaller living spaces. Here’s a list of the top 10 cat breeds that are perfect for apartment dwellers.
Key Takeaways
- Ragdolls are known for their easygoing and affectionate nature, making them great for apartment living.
- British Shorthairs are quiet and low-energy cats that adapt well to small spaces.
- Russian Blues are gentle and reserved, thriving in a calm and quiet environment.
- Scottish Folds are friendly and adaptable, making them well-suited for apartment life.
- Persians are laid-back and enjoy lounging, perfect for a relaxed apartment setting.
1. Ragdoll
If you’re looking for a cat that combines the best of both worlds—beauty and personality—then the Ragdoll is your purr-fect match. These gentle giants are a crossbreed between the Persian Cat and the Birman Tom, making them as stunning as they are affectionate. Ragdolls are known for their dog-like devotion to their humans, often following us around like a fluffy shadow. With their bright blue eyes and silky coats, they resemble little teddy bears that you just can’t resist cuddling.
Personality
Ragdolls are incredibly gentle and docile, making them ideal for apartment living. They love to play with cat toys and are great cuddlers, nuzzling their furry bodies against us whenever they get a chance. However, they do need someone to be around them at all times, so if you’re a frequent traveler, you might want to reconsider.
Physical Characteristics
- Average Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
- Average Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Coat: Long and silky
- Eyes: Bright blue
Living Conditions
Ragdolls are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments. Their moderate energy level means they won’t be scaling your bookshelves or poking around your cabinets. Instead, they prefer lounging around with their favorite human, making them the ultimate lap cat.
The name ‘Ragdoll’ comes from their tendency to go limp and relaxed when held, much like a ragdoll.
Care and Maintenance
While Ragdolls are relatively low-maintenance, their long coats do require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. A good brush a couple of times a week should do the trick. Also, keep an eye on their diet to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
For more tips on how to care for your Ragdoll, check out this guide.
2. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is the James Bond of cats—cool, calm, and collected. This breed is known for its laid-back personality and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for apartment dwellers. British Shorthairs are independent yet affectionate, striking the perfect balance for those who want a loving pet without the need for constant attention.
Physical Characteristics
- Weight: 7 to 17 pounds
- Height: 12 to 14 inches
- Coat: Short and thick, requiring weekly brushing
- Colors: Wide range, including solid black, white, orange, tortoiseshell, and calico
- Eyes: Blue, green, or amber
Personality Traits
British Shorthairs are the epitome of feline sophistication. They prefer lounging over racing around the house, making them ideal for smaller living spaces. While they may not be lap cats, they enjoy being near their humans and will often curl up next to you, waiting for an occasional affectionate rub.
Playtime and Activity
Although generally inactive, British Shorthairs do have bursts of energy. It’s a good idea to have several interactive toys and puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated. These cats are intelligent and enjoy challenges, so don’t be surprised if they figure out how to open your treat drawer!
Grooming Needs
Their short, plush coats require minimal grooming—just a weekly brush to keep them looking their best. This low-maintenance grooming routine is another reason why they are perfect for apartment living.
Adaptability
British Shorthairs are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in various living conditions. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a quiet suburban home, these cats will make themselves comfortable.
If you’re looking for a cat that combines independence with affection, the British Shorthair is your go-to breed. They’re like the teddy bears of the cat world—soft, cuddly, and always there when you need them.
For more information on British Shorthairs and other cat breeds, check out CatsLuvUs.
3. Russian Blue
If you’re looking for a cat that’s the purrfect blend of affectionate and independent, the Russian Blue might just be your new best friend. These elegant felines are known for their distinct, silvery gray coat and bright green eyes that seem to peer right into your soul. They’re long-legged, slender, and move with the grace of a ballerina.
Personality
Russian Blues are famously reserved and have an unhurried temperament, ideal for people who enjoy going through life at a more thoughtful, leisurely pace. They’re the kind of cats that will follow you around the house or wait for you by the door when you get home, but they’re also perfectly content to curl up in a corner with their favorite toy. They’re moderately active, so a nice cat tree for them to climb and stretch on is a good investment.
Living with a Russian Blue
These cats are quiet observers who are only moderately active. They’re independent enough to be left alone during the day but still enjoy playtime when you get home. Their tranquil and slightly withdrawn nature makes them perfect companions for a cozy and calm apartment. Plus, their playful, affectionate personality means you’ll never be short of entertainment.
Fun Facts
- Russian Blues have a natural smile thanks to the shape of their mouth.
- They are known for their large ears and bright green eyes.
- Despite their elegant appearance, they can be quite goofy and playful.
If a clingy pet isn’t your style, take a look at the affectionate yet independent Russian Blue. For the most part, these cats are quiet observers who are only moderately active.
For more information on the best cat breeds for apartment living, check out CatsLuvUs.
4. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a purrfect choice for apartment dwellers. Known for their distinctive folded ears that lie close to the head, these felines are mellow, easygoing, and affectionate. They adapt well to any environment, making them ideal for smaller living spaces. Scottish Folds are intelligent and adaptable, thriving on a stable routine and lots of affection from their owners.
Personality
Scottish Folds are known for their quiet and affectionate nature. They rarely become excitable or startled and are usually very relaxed. This makes them a great choice for apartments with thin walls, as your neighbors will barely notice you have a cat. Their squat face, big round eyes, and stocky build make them irresistibly cute, and they love to lavish in all the hugs you’ll be inclined to give.
Physical Characteristics
- Average weight: 6 to 14 pounds
- Average height: 8 to 10 inches
- Coat: Comes in both longhair and shorthair varieties, both having a thick coat
- Ears: Distinctive folded ears, but there is also a non-folded variety with the same personality
Fun Fact
Scottish Folds are a spontaneous mutation. The breed used to develop them is the British Shorthair, which explains their similar personalities.
Tips for Apartment Living
- Toys and Stimulation: While they don’t need too much room to be happy, be sure to have plenty of toys in your space for stimulation.
- Routine: They thrive on a stable routine, so try to keep feeding and playtimes consistent.
- Affection: These cats love affection, so be prepared for lots of cuddle sessions.
Perfect for those apartments with thin walls, your neighbors will barely notice you have a cat if you have a Scottish Fold in your home.
For more information on the best cat breeds for apartment living, check out this article.
5. Persian
The Persian is a quiet, fluffy cat you might like. These cats prefer a long nap to rough play. They are also very beautiful and gentle. Persians are as mellow as it gets. They do well in apartments with a tiny area to move around in.
Persian cats are also calm, affectionate and gentle. Their lush coats come in a variety of shades, from solid white and charcoal grey to colorful tabby patterns. They have round, flat faces and cute little snub noses. But their bearing is regal.
Wildly popular (and for good reason), the gentle Persian is a great match for apartment life. If you enjoy entertaining friends at your pad, this easy-going cat will happily tolerate guests. Persians are also pro-nappers, earning them the apt nickname, “furniture with hair.”
Known as “furniture with fur” Persian cats are among the more docile cat breeds, making them perfect for an apartment. While they don’t leap, climb and scour nooks and crannies like other cat breeds, Persian cats are just as intelligent and do require some play time. For the most part, however, Persian cats are master nappers and are known to remain inactive for long periods of time.
Persians understand the value of rest and relaxation. These gentle and serene cats are happy to plop down on any available soft surface, especially a lap. They’re not too keen on climbing and jumping, making them ideal for small homes. And while they enjoy the company of their favorite humans, they’re also typically fine spending some time by themselves.
6. Burmese
The Burmese cat is a purrfect choice for apartment dwellers. These sociable and playful felines are known for their sweet disposition and interactive nature. They love to be in the company of their humans or other pets, ensuring they don’t get lonely. Despite their athleticism, they don’t require a large space to thrive. As long as they have consistent attention and some cat trees or spots to leap and jump, they’re happy.
Personality
Burmese cats are incredibly sociable and playful. They enjoy physical and mental challenges, making them great companions for interactive play. Their ability to play fetch and tag can win over even the staunchest dog lovers. They are friendly with other Burmese cats and their humans, but can get prickly around other breeds.
Size
- Average weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Average height: 9 to 13 inches
Living Conditions
Burmese cats are well-suited to apartment life. They don’t need a lot of space and will find entertainment in the day-to-day activities of your apartment. Providing them with interactive puzzle toys and consistent attention will keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Burmese cats are not major space mongers and will find entertainment in the day-to-day activities of your apartment.
For more information on the best cat breeds for apartment living, check out this article.
7. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially the shorthaired version of the Persian cat. Like their long-haired cousins, these cats are calm and affectionate, preferring a warm lap or plush cushion rather than intense activity. They have a moderate activity level and will happily get out some energy with cat toys before heading back to your lap.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Short legs; rounded body; short nose
Personality
If you love everything about Persian cats but don’t want to deal with the excessive fur portion, get yourself an Exotic Shorthair. Dubbed, “the lazy man’s Persian,” these demure felines have all the attributes—quietness, calmness, affectionate—of a Persian cat, but come with a shorter, less demanding coat.
Grooming Needs
Breeders hybridized the Persian with an American Shorthair to give them a plush, short coat. They still require grooming to keep that coat in top shape, but it’s much shorter than a Persian. So, if you love the look of a Persian cat but aren’t sure about the grooming aspect, consider an Exotic instead.
Health Considerations
“They have the flatter faces like the Persian cats do,” explains McLean. “So if you get one of these cats, it is a probability that they will need medical treatment in their lifetime.”
The Exotic Shorthair is a breed that marries the luxurious look of Persians with a remarkably laid-back attitude. Also known as the ‘effortless Persian,’ these cats are perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet affectionate companion.
For more information on Exotic Shorthairs and other cat breeds, check out this link.
8. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is known as a "gentle giant" for its easygoing, friendly nature. These big cats love socializing with their humans, but they aren’t typically demanding of attention. And they do well with entertaining themselves as long as they have an adequate amount of toys. Maine Coons are intelligent, calm, and fiercely loyal to their families. They’ll sit next to you but not usually on your lap. Experts recommend brushing them daily, paying special attention to their eyes and faces. Maine Coons are fantastic with children due to their placid and curious nature. Although one of the larger domestic cat breeds, apartment living suits Maine Coons. Their gentle and tolerant nature makes these big cats content to live anywhere with their favorite human, although they will need frequent playtime and attention. Maine Coons can grow to be very large—up to 25 pounds and 40 inches long.
9. Sphynx
There’s nothing more iconic than the hairless appearance of the Sphynx. While you won’t find fur balls lurking in every corner of your apartment, these playful felines make up for their lack of hair with high energy. No hair doesn’t mean that there’s no grooming. Because they have no hair to absorb their skin’s natural oils, they should be wiped down with a baby wipe every few days.
Personality
Friendly and playful, a Sphynx thrives on human companionship. You can expect them to snuggle up to you every chance they get, especially during cold spells. These kitties are small and have high energy levels, so they’ll need an abode that allows them to leap and climb without too much restraint.
Size and Weight
- Average weight: 6 to 14 pounds
- Average height: 8 to 10 inches
Grooming Needs
Famous for being hairless, these felines are perfect for people who don’t want fur balls lurking in the various corners of their apartments. However, when you adopt a Sphynx cat, you trade in the grooming brushes for major play time. Because they have no hair to absorb their skin’s natural oils, they should be wiped down with a baby wipe every few days.
Adopting a Sphynx means you’ll have a playful, affectionate companion who loves to be the center of attention. Just be prepared for some extra grooming duties!
For more information on Sphynx cats and other breeds, check out this site.
10. Siamese
The Siamese cat is one of the best cat breeds for seniors and apartment dwellers alike. These elegant felines are known for their striking blue eyes, sleek bodies, and vocal personalities. Siamese cats are highly social and thrive on interaction, making them perfect companions for those living in smaller spaces.
Personality
Siamese cats are incredibly affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They are known for their vocal nature and will often engage in conversations with their owners. These cats are also quite playful and enjoy interactive toys and games.
Physical Characteristics
Siamese cats have a sleek, muscular build with short, fine coats. Their most distinctive feature is their striking blue eyes, which are almond-shaped and slightly slanted. They come in various color points, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac.
Care Requirements
Siamese cats are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their short coats. However, they do require regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy. Providing plenty of toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime is essential.
Ideal Living Conditions
Siamese cats are well-suited to apartment living due to their social nature and adaptability. They enjoy being around people and other pets, making them ideal for households with multiple animals. Just be sure to provide plenty of attention and stimulation to keep them content.
Siamese cats are not just pets; they are family members who will keep you entertained with their playful antics and loving nature.
For more information on the best cat breeds for apartment living, check out our comprehensive guide.
The Siamese cat is known for its striking blue eyes and sleek, elegant body. These cats are not only beautiful but also highly intelligent and social, making them wonderful companions. If you’re planning a trip or need a safe place for your Siamese to stay, consider our top-rated cat boarding services. We offer a comfortable and secure environment for your feline friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the purr-fect cat breed for apartment living doesn’t have to be a cat-astrophe. Whether you’re a fan of the laid-back Ragdoll or the adaptable Scottish Fold, there’s a feline friend out there ready to make your apartment their new kingdom. Remember, it’s not just about the breed but also about providing enough playtime, scratching posts, and cozy perches. So, don’t be a scaredy-cat—embrace the joy of having a whiskered roommate who will turn your apartment into a pawsome paradise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a cat breed suitable for apartment living?
Cats that are adaptable, quiet, relaxed, and calm are generally better suited for apartment living. These traits help them thrive in smaller spaces.
Do Ragdoll cats do well in apartments?
Yes, Ragdoll cats are known for their easygoing and affectionate nature, making them well-suited for apartment living.
Are active cat breeds suitable for small apartments?
Active cat breeds can do well in small apartments if they receive enough exercise and environmental enrichment, such as climbing spaces and interactive playtime.
What should I provide for my cat in an apartment?
Ensure your cat has places to climb and perch, ideally near a window, as well as cat-appropriate scratching areas and interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is it important to consider a cat’s personality for apartment living?
Yes, a cat’s personality plays a significant role. Cats that are adaptable, quiet, and relaxed are more likely to thrive in an apartment setting.
Can I adopt a cat from a shelter for apartment living?
Yes, many shelters have cats that are suitable for apartment living. It’s important to discuss your living situation with the shelter staff to find a cat with the right temperament for your home.