You think you’ve found your dream place, but you have something in mind to truly create your ideal living situation: a cat. You’re not alone if you’re wondering about the best cat breeds for apartments. Once you’ve looked into pet fees and new neighborhoods, you can start searching for your ideal kitty.
Even if your living space is small, you can still provide a great home for a feline friend. Learn about the best cat breeds for apartments and how to prepare your apartment for cats once you’ve found your perfect place.
Cat Breeds for Apartments
Many cats will thrive in an apartment as long as you ensure they have enough environmental enrichment, attention, and opportunities to play. Still, some cats are better suited to apartment life. The best cats for apartments have adaptable, easygoing temperaments. Cats with low to moderate energy are perfect for small living spaces. Active cats can do well, too, as long as you make sure they exercise.
1. American Shorthair
The easygoing American Shorthair is one of the best cats for an apartment. These cats love hanging out with their human companions, and you’ll want to ensure you’re home for enough hours to meet their social needs. American Shorthairs can also keep themselves entertained with some toys or a window view to enjoy.
2. Birman
Birmans make some of the best cats for small apartments. These affectionate creatures love curling up in laps. As long as they can hang out with their humans, these cats don’t take issue with a home’s size. Sweet and gentle, Birmans also have a playful side likely to come out in a game of chase with other pets you may have.
3. British Shorthair
Like their American Shorthair counterparts, British Shorthair cats easily thrive with apartment life thanks to their adaptability. They’re laid-back and quiet, often preferring to lounge around rather than explore all the nooks and crannies of a home. British Shorthair cats have bursts of energy, and they’ll enjoy interactive play that keeps them mentally and physically engaged.
4. Burmese
If you’re around to keep your Burmese cat company, these kitties are awesome cats for small apartments. Generally sweet, cuddly, and social, Burmese cats can get lonely if they don’t have another pet or human to provide interaction. They’re also athletic, and you’ll want to create places for a Burmese to jump and leap. As long as they get your consistent attention, they won’t mind the size of your apartment.
5. Exotic
Exotics are shorthaired cousins of Persian cats, some of the best apartment cat breeds. Calm, peaceful, and affectionate, Exotics go for plush cushions and warm laps more than enjoying high levels of activity. These mellow cats are ideal for the apartment lifestyle.
6. Persian
Persian cats tend to make the top of the list as the best breed of cat for apartments for a good reason. Not only are Persians serene and gentle, but they’re also into activities such as relaxation and resting. Persians are more than happy to plop down on almost any soft surface, such as your lap, and they’re not all that inclined to climb or jump. Persians also don’t mind spending time on their own sometimes. All in all, they make great pets for smaller spaces.
7. Ragdoll
Does curling up on the couch each evening with a mellow cat on your lap sound appealing? You’ll love having a Ragdoll cat around you. Instead of leaping off your bookshelves, a Ragdoll cat will love settling in your arms. Ragdolls are moderately active and highly social, and they do well in smaller homes such as apartments.
Apartment Amenities to Keep Your Cat Happy
No matter how laid-back your feline friend is, you’ll want to create a home that offers an enriching environment. Cats need mental and physical stimulation in addition to an overall pet-friendly space. Cat-appropriate scratching areas and time for interactive play go a long way toward keeping your new roommate happy. Places for climbing and perching, particularly near windows, can help your cat stay entertained when you’re not around to cuddle or play with it.
Consider the amenities below if you’re searching for a place to live with a cat.
Window View
The view isn’t just for you. Cats also love peering outside to catch sight of squirrels and birds. Cats do well in apartments with deep sills, but you can install a platform next to the window for perching. You can also place a sturdy table beside the window for the same effect. Make sure you keep the window closed all the time. Cats can pop out screens.
Scratching Areas
Unless you want your carpet and couch to become your cat’s scratching post, you’ll need to give your pet plenty of acceptable scratching areas. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. To preserve your apartment, put toys or treats around designated scratching places to inspire your cat to use these areas. You’ll want to create variety. Go for scratching posts and cat trees as well as sisal boards or cardboard along the ground.
Climbing and Perching Posts
Even if your apartment is small, you can create plenty of space for your cat to enjoy. Cat trees and kitty condos increase the space available for climbing and perching. Shelves and ramp systems on the walls offer another possibility. By adding these areas to your apartment, you’ll increase the space your cat has to explore. These natural climbers want to survey their territory.
Whether you’re moving from a house to an apartment with your pet or you’re looking for your first cat to keep you company in an apartment, you can make your apartment a great home for a cat. All cats are individuals, and you may find other breeds or mixes perfectly happy in an apartment. The amount of engagement, attention, and environmental enrichment you can provide for your cat will have a big impact on your pet’s satisfaction with its home.
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