Living in an apartment means limited space, and when you’re considering adopting a cat, certain breeds are better suited to smaller living environments than others.

The best cat breeds for apartment living tend to be those that are less active, enjoy indoor spaces, and adapt well to confined areas. When choosing a cat for your apartment, you’ll want to consider personality traits, energy levels, and size.

Cats, unlike dogs, don’t require large outdoor spaces to be happy, but they do need mental and physical stimulation. With the right breed and some thoughtful care, your feline friend will thrive in an apartment setting.

Best Cat Breeds for Apartment Living

1. Persian Cats

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

Persian cats are known for their calm and relaxed temperament, which makes them one of the best choices for apartment living. They tend to enjoy lounging around and aren’t overly active. Their low energy and affectionate nature mean they are happy to spend time indoors, lounging on a window perch or cozying up on the couch.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Persian cats are sweet, gentle, and enjoy a calm environment. They form strong bonds with their human companions and can be quite affectionate.
• Size: Medium to large
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Grooming Needs: High—Persians require regular grooming due to their long, luxurious coats.

Why They’re Ideal:

Their laid-back personalities and love for lounging around make them perfect for smaller spaces where they don’t have to worry about a lot of room to run around. While their grooming needs may be more time-consuming, their calm demeanor more than makes up for it.

2. British Shorthair

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

British Shorthairs are an excellent choice for apartment dwellers because of their easy-going temperament and relatively low energy. These cats are known for their independence and ability to entertain themselves, which is a great trait when you have limited space.

Characteristics:

• Personality: British Shorthairs are affectionate but not overly demanding. They’re quite independent and can entertain themselves, making them ideal for busy people or those who may not have time for constant interaction.
• Size: Large
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Grooming Needs: Low—they have short, dense coats that require minimal maintenance.

Why They’re Ideal:

Their calm and relaxed nature allows them to adjust well to apartment living. They’re also quiet, which is important in an environment where noise can be a concern. Their grooming needs are minimal, which makes them easier to care for compared to long-haired breeds.

3. Ragdoll

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

Ragdolls are known for their laid-back and docile nature, which makes them one of the best breeds for apartment living. They enjoy being around their human family members and are content to lounge around the house. Ragdolls are also typically social, gentle, and affectionate, making them great companions.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Ragdolls are friendly, affectionate, and love being around people. They are known for their tendency to go limp when picked up, which gives them their name.
• Size: Large
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Grooming Needs: Moderate—they have semi-long hair that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

Why They’re Ideal:

Ragdolls are laid-back and don’t need a lot of space to be happy. They are happy to stay indoors, and they enjoy cuddling with their human companions. Despite their size, they don’t require much exercise, making them perfect for apartments where space is limited.

4. Scottish Fold

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

Scottish Folds are an adaptable breed, and they do well in small spaces, making them an excellent choice for apartment living. Their calm and affectionate nature means they enjoy the company of their human family and can be content with indoor life.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Scottish Folds are gentle, affectionate, and quiet. They’re also playful, but they’re not overly demanding. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for apartments.
• Size: Medium
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: Low to moderate—they have short or long coats depending on the variation, but both require minimal grooming.

Why They’re Ideal:

The Scottish Fold’s sweet and laid-back personality makes them an ideal pet for smaller spaces. They don’t require much exercise and are content with indoor activities and cuddling with their owners. Their small to medium size also makes them easier to manage in an apartment environment.

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5. Burmese

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

Burmese cats are playful and energetic, but they’re also compact and well-suited to apartment living. Their friendly and social nature means they enjoy spending time with their human companions, but they are equally happy lounging around the house. They tend to be very adaptable to various living situations.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Burmese cats are affectionate, playful, and social. They enjoy being around people and will likely follow you around the house.
• Size: Small to medium
• Energy Level: Moderate to high
• Grooming Needs: Low—they have short, sleek coats that are easy to care for.

Why They’re Ideal:

Although Burmese cats have moderate to high energy, they are still well-suited for apartments because of their playful but manageable nature. They enjoy interacting with their owners but also relax well in small spaces. Their small to medium size makes them a good fit for apartments, and their grooming needs are minimal.

6. Sphynx

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

The Sphynx is a unique breed known for its lack of fur and outgoing personality. Despite their hairlessness, they are one of the best cat breeds for apartment living due to their affectionate and social nature. Sphynx cats thrive on human interaction and are very playful, making them a great companion in smaller spaces.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Sphynx cats are social, affectionate, and playful. They love attention and enjoy being the center of attention.
• Size: Medium
• Energy Level: Moderate to high
• Grooming Needs: Moderate—they may not have fur, but they require regular bathing to remove oils from their skin.

Why They’re Ideal:

Their need for human interaction makes them an ideal breed for people who want a cat that will be involved in family life. While they do require more maintenance in terms of bathing, their sociable and affectionate nature makes them well-suited for apartments, where interaction and companionship are important.

7. Abyssinian

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

Abyssinians are active, curious cats, but they are also relatively small in size, which makes them a good fit for apartments. They are playful, intelligent, and enjoy engaging in interactive activities, but they don’t require large spaces to satisfy their energy levels.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Abyssinians are intelligent, active, and playful. They are independent but enjoy spending time with their owners and playing interactive games.
• Size: Small to medium
• Energy Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Low—they have short coats that are easy to maintain.

Why They’re Ideal:

Though they are active, Abyssinians can adapt to apartment living if they are given enough mental and physical stimulation. Their small to medium size and relatively low grooming needs make them ideal for people with a busy lifestyle or those who want an interactive, playful cat in a smaller living space.

8. Maine Coon

Why They’re Great for Apartments:

While the Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, they are also known for their easy-going nature. They are typically calm and tolerant of smaller spaces, and as long as they have a few things to do, they can thrive in an apartment.

Characteristics:

• Personality: Maine Coons are affectionate, friendly, and laid-back. They’re known for their dog-like behavior, often following their owners around and playing interactive games.
• Size: Large
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: High—they have long, thick coats that require regular grooming.

Why They’re Ideal:

Despite their size, Maine Coons adapt well to apartment life due to their calm and sociable nature. They enjoy playtime but aren’t overly energetic, making them a good fit for smaller spaces. However, their grooming needs are higher, so regular maintenance is necessary.

FAQs

What factors should I consider when choosing a cat for an apartment?

When selecting a cat for apartment living, consider the following factors:

• Size: Choose a breed that fits well in your living space.
• Energy level: A more relaxed or low-energy breed is better suited for small spaces.
• Grooming needs: Low-maintenance breeds are easier to care for in smaller spaces.
• Personality: Consider how social or independent the breed is and whether you have time for interaction.

Can I have an active cat in an apartment?

Yes, some active breeds, like the Abyssinian, can adapt well to apartment life as long as they receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Interactive play and regular exercise are key to keeping active cats happy in small spaces.

How can I ensure my cat is happy in a small apartment?

To keep your cat happy, provide vertical spaces (like cat trees or shelves), engage them in interactive play, and ensure they have plenty of enrichment opportunities. Regular attention, social interaction, and a comfortable environment are also crucial.

Are there any cat breeds that don’t do well in apartments?

Certain breeds, particularly those with high energy or territorial instincts (like the Bengal or the Savannah), may be more difficult to manage in an apartment setting. These breeds require more space to run and explore.

Do I need to worry about noise in an apartment with a cat?

Some cat breeds are quieter than others, making them ideal for apartment living. Breeds like the British Shorthair and Persian tend to be quieter, while breeds like the Siamese are known for being more vocal.