Cat Breeds Suitable for Home

Cats are great household companions for people of all ages. There are many feline breeds that are suitable for indoor living, but you must do your homework to find your perfect fit. Like dogs and humans, cats have distinct personalities and temperaments. Here are some of the top options for the best cat breeds for homes:

1. Persian Cat

Persian cats are among the oldest feline breeds around. Their distinct features include a long hair coat and round face. These cats have a gentle disposition and are certified lap cats. These are cat breeds for apartments. They make great pets for small homes as they’re not as keen on climbing, leaping, and jumping around. They can do well spending some time alone provided they have enough opportunities to keep them busy, happy, and well-stimulated physically and mentally.

2. Ragdoll Cat

These muscular cats have fascinating blue eyes and long hair coat. The breed was developed in America and is well-loved for being affectionate cats that can easily fit in any environment. They’re the ultimate lap cats. They tend to relax and go limp when held, thus the breed’s name. They’re quite playful and can adapt to many types of living situations. Ragdoll cats can be trained to walk on a leash.

3. American Short Hair Cat

Believed to be of European descent, these cats are among the most energetic feline breeds around. They have an athletic build and short, dense hair coat. Their average height is 8-10 inches and can weigh from 10-15 pounds. They can get along well with other pets in the household, particularly dogs. They love to hang out with their humans. These are among the best cat breeds for indoors as they can thrive well in apartment living as long as you make an extra effort to keep them physically and mentally stimulated coupled with regular social interactions. Cat-safe toys, kitty furniture, and a lot of vertical spaces can keep them busy and entertained.

4. Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian cats are popular for being very sociable and friendly. While the origin of the breed is uncertain, many cat breeders believe that these cats are an Ethiopian breed. They’re great for families with kids. Abyssinians are among several cat breeds you can walk on a leash.

5. Turkish Angora Cat

These cats are considered to be an ancient breed without having gone through genetic engineering intervention or scientific breeding process. The origin of the breed is from Ankara, Turkey.

6. Manx Cat

Gene mutation has resulted in Manx cats having a small tail, with some even tail-less. These cats are expert hunters and have been bred in the past to help farmers protect their crops. Manx are among the cat breeds you can leave at home provided they have an enriched indoor environment.

7. Birman

These affectionate and gentle cats are certified lap cats. They can thrive well with strict indoor confinement provided they have plenty of opportunities to engage in natural behaviors and lots of social interactions with their humans. Birman cats can weigh 8-12 pounds and can reach 8-10 inches in height. They have a distinctly round face, silky hair coat, and blue, oval-shaped eyes.

8. British Shorthair

These laid-back cats can easily adapt to apartment living. They love to spend the day just lounging around. But they do experience energy spurts and love playing with other pets or humans. They will benefit from lots of physical and mental stimulation that will motivate and challenge them. One way to keep them entertained is by using food puzzles; just make sure they’re not being overfed.

9. Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are very social, affectionate, and cuddly. They like to be around their humans or other pets. These athletic and energetic cats need lots of opportunities to climb, leap, and jump. The size of their immediate environment does not really matter to them as long as they receive consistent attention and stimulation. Burmese cats are also perfect for leash walking.

10. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic cats are the short-haired versions of the Persian cats. They love cuddles and warm laps over intense activity. Playing with their toys is a primary way to burn excess energy.

11. Maine Coon

Maine Coons have thick, heavy hair coats and can weigh up to 25 pounds. They are affectionately called “gentle giant” and are well-loved for their easygoing, friendly nature. Although they are social creatures, they are not as demanding of human attention and interaction as long as they have their toys, cat trees, a basking spot by the window, and vertical spaces. Main coons are intelligent and can be trained to walk on a leash.

While many of these cat breeds can be left alone, they will need adequate opportunities for physical and mental stimulation to keep them busy and away from boredom. Bored cats are more prone to developing bad habits that can be a challenge to get rid of. Enriching their indoor environment will encourage them to engage in natural habits and lessen the call of the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cat breeds are hypoallergenic?

Among these cat breeds that are suitable for homes and indoor living, only Burmese cats made it to the list of hypoallergenic breeds.

What cat breeds don’t shed?

Feline breeds that are minimal shedders include Birman, Burmese cats, Exotic Shorthair, Abyssinian cats.