From the wild to the homes, mild, cats have made it through a long-long journey. And now, you’re sitting in a nice and cozy little apartment, complete with charming views of the brick wall next door, thinking about adding a feline friend to your compact kingdom.
We know this can be a difficult decision. But it looks like you’ve already made the more difficult one – cat or dog. So, don’t worry because, for the next one, you’ve got us (and we’ve got you covered even for the next important decision after this one).
You see, long before cats, with their glorious whiskers, were flooding the internet, they were worshipped in ancient Egypt. So, they know how to pick just the right spot to spread their legs and enjoy watching their humans – be it a sun-soaked temple or a cozy couch. And now, they’ve adapted perfectly to city life as well. They know exactly how to navigate small spaces and turn even the tiniest apartments into their own personal kingdoms.
But can all cat breeds thrive in the city environment?
We know some cat breeds that can be as active as dogs and others who have yet not come out of the wild spirit in them. So, for choosing the right one for your apartment, you need to look at the following factors –
Adaptability – A breed that wouldn’t mind being confined to small spaces.
Energy levels – You wouldn’t want a cat that is physically in your apartment but mentally in the wild (and especially not the ones that are prone to zoomies at 3 a.m.)
Sociable – A breed that is not very aloof and actually enjoys human companionship.
Quiter – We don’t want a cat that doesn’t meow at all but not even one that will wake up the entire building every time they see a phantom squirrel.
Keeping these factors in mind, here are some breeds that can thrive in apartment-style living – (1)
American Shorthair
Birman
British Shorthair
Burmese
Maine Coon
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Scottish Fold
What is the Friendliest Indoor Cat Breed?
Cats, in the process of evolution, have learned to enjoy the company of humans. So, when you say you’re looking for a friendly cat, it’s basically an ask for a cat that shows friendliness more evidently and often as compared to others. And we’ve got just the right one for you!
Abyssinian – This is a cat breed that you would wish as a friend in human form as well. They are full of energy and joy. Their personalities are rarely on off-mode. You’ll have them sticking to you most of the time (including in the shower). They are highly intelligent as well (wouldn’t mind doing your homework for you as a means of spending more time with you) (2)
While a cat’s personality does depend on the breed, it also depends on other factors like genetics, upbringing, socialization, etc. So, two cats from the same breed can show different levels of affection and vice versa. In the end, it’s about the bond you share with your cat.
What is the Calmest Cat to Get?
What you’re looking for is a doll – Ragdoll. Considered one of the calmest and cuddliest cat breeds out there, Ragdolls are extremely friendly and affectionate cats. And if by calm you meant laidback, you’ve got the perfect breed here.
What is the Most Low Maintenance Cat?
Maintenance comes in the form of time, effort and money. Time and effort are required for things like grooming, playing and exercising with them, etc. Money is required mainly for food and health.
‘British Shorthair’ is a breed that you can consider if you’re looking for a low-maintenance cat. The short hair won’t require much grooming. They can even be left alone for longer periods as compared to other indoor cats. For food, we believe, irrespective of the breed, you should be choosing a vet-recommended, high-quality diet for your pet. And for health expenses, we have a great solution for you below. (3)
Which Cat Likes to Be Held the Most?
Cats do have a reputation for not wanting affection and staying aloof, especially when compared to dogs. But some cat breeds will make you feel like you’ve got a puppy in your house instead. They will play with you, follow you around everywhere and most importantly, cuddle with you – the one quality that you’re looking for here.
The Abyssinian can be a great option here. We’ve already listed it as the friendliest breed out there. The friendly temperament comes with the tendency to be cuddly and hence, not mind being held. However, there are other breeds as well that would love it if you held them and cuddled with them. These include – (4)
Birman
Burmese
Cornish Rex
Persian
Maine Coon
Ragdoll, etc.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
As promised above, here’s something we would like to help you with – your feline buddy’s health. For a cat parent, it is important to know some facts relating to medical predispositions in cats. (5)
The most common health problems in spayed/neutered cats include hyperthyroidism, flea-bite hypersensitivity, obesity, periodontal disease, cardiac dysrhythmia, constipation and lameness.
Common health problems in intact cats include heart murmur, urinary tract infections (UTI), anemia, anorexia, complications and infections of the reproductive system, and overgrooming.
With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of the associated treatment costs that can at times put a big dent in your savings.
With a Spot accident and illness plan, you can take your cat for treatment at any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Spot plans don’t have networks, so whether you’re home or traveling within the U.S, veterinary services your cat receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of eligible services can be covered. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, ranging from broken bones and bite wounds to behavioral conditions, and cancer. While base plans do not offer coverage for preventive care services, Spot’s Wellness Riders can be added to any base plan for an additional fee and can help cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more!
Learn more about cat insurance or get a free quote!
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Brown, J. (2021, April 29). 10 best cat breeds for apartment living. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/top-cats-for-apartment-dwellers-4687114
2. Top 10 friendliest cat breeds. Is yours on the list? | Purina. (n.d.). https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/cat-types/breed-guides/friendliest-cat-breeds
3. Perfect Fit. (n.d.). Best indoor cat breeds. https://www.perfect-fit.co.uk/cat-advice/me-and-my-pet/indoor-cat-breeds
4. Geier, E. (2023, June 22). The 9 cuddliest, most affectionate cat breeds in the world. The Dog People by Rover.com. https://www.rover.com/blog/most-affectionate-cat-breeds/