When it comes to domestic animals, particular those living in an apartment, cats are the kings, because they don’t need to be walked, need little space and they groom themselves, not to mention the 15 hours the average cat will sleep every day. Today we’ll recommend the top five cat breeds that are mostly suitable to be kept in an apartment for you.
1. Persian
Size: medium-size cat; 7-12 pounds
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Breed Characteristics:
| Affectionate with Family: | ★★★ |
| Amount of Shedding: | ★★★★ |
| General Health: | ★★ |
| Potential for Playfulness: | ★★ |
| Tendency to Vocalize: | ★★★ |
| Kid Friendly: | ★★ |
| Friendly Toward Strangers: | ★★ |
| Pet Friendly: | ★★ |
The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds, and it is very well behaved. They are intelligent enough to learn to do their business inside the litter box very quickly rather than all over your apartment. If you choose this breed of cat, you should give them attention and help groom their fur every day to prevent matting. This breed will curl up on a favorite pillow and sleep away the day. Caring for this cat is simple, and living with them can be joyful.
2. Russian Blue
Size: medium-size cat; 8-15 pounds
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Breed Characteristics:
| Affectionate with Family: | ★★★★ |
| Amount of Shedding: | ★★★★ |
| General Health: | ★★★★ |
| Potential for Playfulness: | ★★ |
| Kid Friendly: | ★★★ |
| Friendly Toward Strangers: | ★★ |
| Easy To Groom: | ★★ |
| Intelligence: | ★★★★ |
| Pet Friendly: | ★★★★ |
The Russian blue is very independent, which makes it the perfect cat breed for a single person who is in an apartment. They can play with themselves and won’t miss you until you return. On the other hand, they are very loyal to the person who feeds them. They are healthy most of the time and require little maintenance.
3. British Shorthair
Size: medium-size cat; Males: 12-20 pounds; Females: 8-14 pounds
Lifespan: 12-17 years
Breed Characteristics:
| Affectionate with Family: | ★★★ |
| Amount of Shedding: | ★★★ |
| General Health: | ★★★★ |
| Potential for Playfulness: | ★★ |
| Tendency to Vocalize: | ★★★★ |
| Kid Friendly: | ★★★★ |
| Friendly Toward Strangers: | ★★★★ |
| Easy to Groom: | ★★★★ |
The British Shorthair is quiet and very friendly with human beings, for example, they love sitting on your lap and asking for a cuddle. This breed of cat is the most adaptable cat breed when it comes to living in an apartment.
4. Javanese
Size: medium-size cat; Males: 5-10 pounds
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Breed Characteristics:
| Affectionate with Family: | ★★★★★ |
| Amount of Shedding: | ★★★ |
| General Health: | ★★ |
| Potential for Playfulness: | ★★★★ |
| Kid Friendly: | ★★★★ |
| Friendly Toward Strangers: | ★★★★ |
| Easy To Groom: | ★★★★ |
| Intelligence: | ★★★★ |
| Pet Friendly: | ★★★★ |
The Javanese is a breed of domestic cat recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association as a show cat. They are affectionate with people and are loyal. They can stay alone in your apartment while you’re outside without making too much of a fuss, only need you to give some attention once you’re back.
5. Scottish Fold
Size: medium-size cat
Males: 9-13 pounds
Females: 6-9 pounds
Lifespan: 11-14 years
Breed Characteristics:
| Affectionate with Family: | ★★★★★ |
| Amount of Shedding: | ★★★ |
| General Health: | ★★★ |
| Potential for Playfulness: | ★★★ |
| Kid Friendly: | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Groom: | ★★ |
| Intelligence: | ★★★★ |
| Pet Friendly: | ★★★★ |
Scottish Fold became the breed’s name in 1966. They have the dominant-gene mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to “fold,” bending forward and down towards the front of the head. They are good-natured, playful, and adaptable to domestic situations, people, and children, making it an ideal breed for living in an apartment. It’s a good choice to own a Scottish Fold cat and enjoying its funny “Buddha Position” – sitting with legs stretched out and paws on its belly.
Tips For Living With A Cat In An Apartment
A cat can live indoors for the whole life, and indoor living also has many advantages for the cats and people. Here are some tips before you decide to keep one, especially if you are a new owner.
1. Provide your cat with toys and scratching post: Cats have instinctive skills, such as stalking, pouncing, playing, rolling around, scratching, stretching and sprinting with high bursts of speed and sudden stops. To avoid expensive furniture being scratched by cats’ sharp nails, you’d better provide the cat with some toys to engage in these daily actives; or a simple scratching post does work, to wrap a 3-foot, 4-by-4 posts in sisal or rope can perfectly solve the problem.
2. Tackle the litter issue: Surely you don’t want your little apartment to smell like a litter box! Then keep it clean and scoop twice a day. Ideal locations for your cat’s litter box in a tiny apartment include the bathroom, or a little-used closet if one is available.
3. Always battle against cat hair: Even short-haired breeds shed and you have to face the constant onslaught of cat hair. A vacuum can be a great tool in the fight against cat hair. Choose furniture with a leather cover or one made from smooth fabrics, rather than knits or fleeces.
4. Keep your cat safe: If you live in a high-rise home, make sure that there is some sort of netting, fencing or other barrier around balconies and windows in case that cats fall from the balcony or an open window.
Keeping a cat breed mentioned above in an apartment is an enjoyable experience but you can only know it if you have a try!
