Best Cats to Have in an Apartment

To find the best cats to have in an apartment you should not only look at the breed, but also their character. Some people may ask whether cats can live in an apartment at all, since they won't have access to the outdoors. In order to get a cat to adapt to life in your home as your roommate, the best thing to do is to look for the following traits:

• Firstly, and most importantly, is that it is able to spend at least 8 hours a day alone. If you leave home for work (usually the most common option) the feline has to be able to survive without you during that period. Some cats are very dependent on their humans and are not able to do this. Cats with outdoor access are able to find more ways to entertain themselves than housecats.
• Look for a cat with a tolerant and adaptable character, i.e those able to endure certain changes in habits.
• The cat should not be very territorial as space is limited and they will have to share. They may even have to share with other pets, so it should also be sociable.
• It is better if they are not too active. Cats that are too active (especially hyperactive cats) can feel confined indoors.
• If you have a cat which keeps trying to escape, it means they are likely unhappy being indoors all the time. When living in an apartment many floors up, this can also be very dangerous due to high-rise syndrome.

However, it is not only the cat that will have to adapt and make changes to their habits. When considering this type of pet, you should make sure that you are also able to change some aspects of your life and adjust to their needs where necessary.

Many cats will not be able to adapt to parties or noisy dinners with friends. They may find the constant coming and going of people difficult to deal with. These are details to take into account when choosing a pet as special as a cat. Although, just like with people, each feline has their own character and personality which makes them unique.

As we mentioned, some cat breeds have particular qualities that make them more or less suited to life indoors. Since apartments don't usually have access to the outdoors, this means they will need to be happy staying insude. Although each cat has its own character, the breeds that adapt more easily to an indoor lifestyle are:

Generally loving and affectionate, you should keep in mind the Persian breed needs a little more attention than others. If you spend too much time away from home you may not be suitable as a guardian. Still, the cat is usually very relaxed and does not exercise as much as some breeds, making them ideal for apartment living.

There are different types of Persian cat, but all have long hair. The peke-type Persian also has sunken eyes sockets (to varying degrees) and a brachycephalic breathing system. This means they require daily care. Although they may be suited to living indoors, they will still need attention.

The Russian Blue is probably the ideal cat for a single person because they are a very affectionate breed, but also very independent. They will be very loyal to you when you are at home, but if you go out they shouldn't be upset or cause behavioral problems.

As a grey cat breed, they have a beautiful silver-gray coat and are moderately active, although they particularly enjoy playing with the people they live with. This character means that they are a perfect addition to a list of the best cats to have in an apartment.

As one of the calmest breeds, they could be characterized as a ‘lap cat’ with their friendly and calm character. They are highly recommended as they are almost completely adapted to indoors. In fact, they should not really be let outside, unless they prove a good aptitude to dealing with outdoor environments.

The Javanese is a very suitable cat breed for first time cat owners or for older people. They are undoubtedly some of the best cats to have in an apartment as they are able to endure long periods alone, but they will be really happy with just a little time and attention. They are also quite playful.

As with all cats, we cannot neglect them, whether we live in an apartment or not. Even with an apartment cat like the Ragdoll, they can become bored, stressed or even aggressive if we do not stimulate them physically and mentally. However, we can help this situation by introducing another ragdoll cat, as they will often live well with another.

The British Shorthair is very similar in appearance and character to the Russian Blue. They are very suitable as indoor pets because they adapt perfectly to the space and schedules of their humans. This breed is very calm and affectionate towards its guardians. Again, we cannot neglect them, but their chill demeanor and (relatively) less need for exercise mean they can be great for apartments.

This is our advice as far as breeds are concerned. However, at AnimalWised we always encourage you to go to your nearest animal shelter. Besides being able to meet them and discover their character in person, there you will be able to find some of the best cats for life in an apartment. Mixed-breed cats can be just as suitable for apartment living as purebred felines.

Of course, we all love cute and cuddly kittens, but keep in mind that if you consider adopting a cat who is 3 years old or more years old, their character will already be fully formed. Most importantly, they will not suddenly change their personality unless they are ill cared for. The caregivers at the shelter will be able to guide you as to which one can best suit your needs and your lifestyle.

Do not reject the option of adopting an older mixed-breed cat too quickly. If you can accept the fact that it will not live with you for as long, senior cats will adapt more easily to you and will become your inseparable companion. They are more grateful than it may seem.

If you can afford it, both in terms of space and budget, the adoption of two cats is highly recommended. They will keep each other company in an empty apartment and you will also have double the love when you return home. Of course, it is important that they are compatible with each other, otherwise your apartment could become unsafe for everyone.

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