Make this the year you get a pet. Cats are a great fit for apartment living.
“Cats really don’t need as much space as dogs, which is why they’re perfect for apartments,” says Melissa Palmer, a cat foster parent with The Kitten League in Canton, South Dakota. “They sleep most of the day and don’t really need that much space for play.”
The first step in getting a cat is to review your lease to make sure pets are allowed. If they are, then you need to inform your landlord. (Never sneak a pet into your apartment.) Once you sign the pet agreement, pay any pet fees, and create a cat-friendly apartment, it’s time to find the perfect cat for you.
The best cats for apartments
The best cats for apartments have easygoing temperaments and don’t need a lot of space or stimulation. The breed isn’t as important as a cat’s personality.
The majority of U.S. cats aren’t defined by breed at all. They’re classified as domestic shorthairs, which means that a cat is a mixture of many breeds or their background is unknown. They’re usually cheaper to buy or adopt than a purebred cat. And there are many sizes, colors and temperaments to choose from.
“When you’re looking to adopt, make sure you spend enough time at the shelter getting to know the cat’s personality,” says Palmer. “We try to match a cat with the adopter’s personality and lifestyle.”
Consider an older cat
Kittens are cute. But they’ll be full of energy and need a lot more attention. If you’re looking for a lap cat, Cam Roberts, a foster parent with the Urban Cat League in Milwaukee, suggests skipping the kitten stage completely.
“Adopt an older one if you can,” she suggests. “They’re more mellow and less likely to stress out over small spaces.”
Get more than one cat
Cats of all ages need mental and physical stimulation. Toys and enrichment activities keep clever, active cats busy — and prevent them from destroying your stuff. But if you’re away often, two cats are usually better than one.
“There definitely are some cats who have become accustomed to being the only cat, but generally speaking, if adopted young enough, they will benefit greatly from having a buddy to keep them company while you’re at work,” says Palmer. “If the cat is a highly active cat, I don’t want to adopt them as an only cat to a person who works 10- to 12-hour days.”
9 best cats for apartments
Breed doesn’t define temperament. But it can be a helpful tool. If you prefer a cat with a pedigree, these nine breeds are among the best cats for apartments.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are the ultimate lap cats. They love rest and relaxation. They don’t need a lot of space or exercise, so they’re great choice for apartment living.
This breed is friendly and affectionate. They love their owners, so don’t be surprised if they follow you from room to room or curl up next to you in bed or on the couch.
“They’re very cuddly, very happy-go-lucky cats and very good with families,” says Crystal McLane, a LVT Licensed Vet Tech at Three Rivers Veterinary Hospital in West Fargo, North Dakota.“They love their people. And they do really well with being handled.”
Ragdoll cats are large and fluffy, with distinctive blue eyes. They have light-colored bodies and a darker face, tail, legs and ears.
Brush your Ragdoll daily to keep their long coat silky and prevent it from matting. McLane recommends daily grooming for all long-haired cats.
Persian
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.
“I say they are high maintenance, very intelligent and are extremely fussy,” says Nicola Rodriguez. She’s the owner of The Essex House Dolly in Epping, England and previously parented two Persian cats. “They do like being pampered and stroked a lot.”
Persians love attention and cuddles. But they’re also fine being alone for a while. They’re large cats, with short, heavy leg bones, so they don’t enjoy climbing. They prefer claiming all the coziest spots in the apartment instead.
Their personalities and distinctive appearance make Persians one of the most popular cat breeds in the country. But the facial features that make Persian cats unique can also cause medical problems.
“They tend to have a lot of breathing issues due to their nasal passages, which can be expensive,” says McLean. “If you do get one, go to a really good breeder.”
Birman
If you want a long-haired cat with a coat that’s a bit easier to care for, try a Birman. Their silky coats don’t tangle as much as some other breeds.
Like Ragdolls, Birmans have blue eyes, light-colored bodies and darker legs, faces and tails. Their most distinctive characteristic is their white paws, which make them look like they’re wearing little socks.
Birmans adore their owners and get very attached to them. But they’re also quite active and playful. That’s unusual in larger, big-boned cats.
“They tend to be a little bit more on the athletic side,” says McLean. “But at the same time, they’re very owner-focused.”
Help your Birman burn off their energy with plenty of toys and enrichment opportunities. They can become overweight if they’re too sedentary.
American Shorthair
American Shorthair cats are active, too. These strong, agile cats were originally bred as hunters to keep mice out of buildings, so they like to have a task. Their hunting instincts mean they’re compatible with dogs, but a danger to pet birds, mice and other small prey animals.
These cats are naturally muscular and medium-sized. But they can become overweight if they’re not active enough. American shorthairs are genetically resilient and have a strong immune system, so this is the main health challenge this breed.
American shorthairs are friendly and love attention from their owners. But they’re also quite independent and capable of entertaining themselves. This makes them a good choice for single people and people who work long hours.
This breed comes in a wide range of colors, including solid black, white and orange, as well as patterns like tortoiseshell and calico. Their coats are short and thick and require weekly brushing.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs look a bit like teddy bears. They have big heads, solid chests and legs, round bodies and chubby cheeks. Their soft coats look almost plush. They come in many colors, but a blue-gray coat is fairly common. Their eyes can be blue, green or amber.
Like their American counterparts, British Shorthairs have very few health problems other than the risks posed by obesity. They also have strong hunting instincts and an independent streak, so they’re happiest and healthiest when they’re quite active.
But just because they can amuse themselves doesn’t mean they don’t like company. British Shorthairs are affectionate family pets with a mellow attitude.
“They are just goofy little cats,” says McLane. “They’re pretty easy-going, happy-go-lucky cats with a playful, affectionate personality.”
Russian Blue
A Russian Blue gets its name from its distinct, silvery gray coat. They have large ears, a natural smile and bright green eyes. They’re long-legged and slender and look quite elegant and graceful.
“They have (a) thick, silver double coat which requires very little grooming and makes them relatively allergy-friendly cats,” says Ayat Hussein, who fosters three cats for Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue in Bismarck, North Dakota, including a pair of Russian Blues. “I would say brushing/bonding once a week or less, depending on the season.”
Russian Blues are good hunters who like exploring, climbing and being high above the ground. They enjoy cat toys and playing with (and resting near) their owners. But they’re also content on their own.
Russian Blue cats are very vocal and will “talk” to their owners to tell them exactly what they want and when. They like routine and they’re most comfortable with people in a one-on-one setting.
“They are friendly cats,” says Hussein. “They love all the visitors I get and often greet them at the door. Then they sniff them, give them love and bond–and require the same in return. They are both curious, yet calm.”
Burmese
Daily playtime is very important for Burmese cats. These strong, muscular cats are great climbers and natural athletes. They love climbing and perching up high, so invest in lots of cat trees and find some good window views.
Burmese cats enjoy physical and mental challenges as much as they enjoy cuddling with their owners. They can get prickly around other breeds, but they’re friendly with other Burmese cats and their humans. As long as they get a daily dose of attention from their owners, they’re happy on their own for stretches of time.
“A Burmese is like, ‘I like my person, but I also want a toy or to have something to do,’” says McLean. “They tend to be a little less on the cuddly, lap cat side and a little bit more on the hyper-independent side.”
All that exercise is important for a Burmese cat’s physical and mental health. They’re not large, but they’re naturally round and big-boned, so they can put on weight quickly if they’re not active.
Most Burmese cats are a rich sable brown color. Their coats are soft and short, so their grooming needs are minimal.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair was bred to be a shorter-haired version of a Persian. They look similar to their relatives, with big, wide-set eyes, a round face and a somewhat grumpy expression.
“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.”
These cats are very sweet and friendly. They get along with kids and other cats, although they may be shy with strangers. They’re dedicated to their owners and bask in their attention and praise.
Exotic Shorthairs are more inquisitive and playful than their Persian cousins. These cats love to bat around cat toys before returning to your lap or a cozy cushion.
Their coats are short and lush and they come in a variety of colors. But just because their hair is shorter doesn’t mean they don’t require grooming. Experts recommend brushing them daily, paying special attention to their eyes and faces.
Maine Coon
Maine CoonMaine Coons are intelligent, calm and fiercely loyal to their families. They’ll sit next to you but not usually on your lap. And that’s a good thing because they grow to be very large — up to 25 pounds and 40 inches long.
They’re impressive-looking cats, with a shaggy coat and a lion-like mane. Their thick fur requires daily grooming and mats easily.
Despite their size, they don’t need a lot of room and enjoy lounging close to the ground. These cats enjoy their own company and can entertain themselves as long as there’s something interesting to look at.
Their thick coats repel water, so Maine Coons are more interested in water than other cats. Most, (including Greg Johnson’s cat, Banjo) are happy exploring outdoors.
“Banjo tends to be very independent and will decide who gets his attention and when,” explains the West Fargo, ND, resident. “He can be a bit like a dog, in that he likes the outdoors and chewing on shoes. Banjo does well with a leash and collar, though he likes keeping close to the house and going behind bushes.”
Choosing the right cat
These nine breeds are among the best cats for apartments. But the best cat for you doesn’t need to have a pedigree. It just needs to suit your personality and your lifestyle.
