Cats make wonderful companions and, generally speaking, require less time and energy than their canine counterparts. If you’d love a cat but worry about your abode being on the small side then worry not, many cats can thrive in small spaces providing you pay a little attention to their needs.
Not all cats are energetic hunter-gatherers types, there are plenty of felines who have easy-going temperaments with relatively low energy levels.
What breed of cat is best for apartment living?
Weighed up the pros and cons and decided that getting a cat is for you? Great! Take a look at our list of eight cats that are perfect for apartment life.
1. The British Shorthair
British Shorthair cats are affectionate and playful, making them wonderful pets, but they’re also calm and independent with lower energy levels than some of their feline counterparts. The breed is a little weightier than other cats and their natural curiosity means, providing you give them ample toys and areas to explore, they’ll be happy in a more confined living situation.
2. The Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is another playful and affectionate cat that is rarely clingy. They're happy in smaller spaces and generally have moderate energy levels so won’t require long hunting stints at night. They’re particularly fond of heights so consider a cat tree and avoid putting your most delicate valuables on shelves that they may find irresistible.
3. The American Shorthair
The American Shorthair, like its British counterpart, is an easygoing cat that loves to spend time with humans. While you are away an afternoon, they’re happy to look out of the window and will play with toys and cat trees to stay entertained. They do ask for their social needs to be met though so they might not be the best cat if you’re likely to be out for long periods each day.
4. The Birman
The Birman is an affectionate lap cat that doesn’t need bags of space to be happy. They have a playful side and will happily interact with you and other pets. Like the American Shorthair, they’re very fond of their humans and want to spend time with you so they may act out if you leave them alone too much.
5. The Burmese
Burmese cats are playful, affectionate and require plenty of companionship. They will happily play with cat trees thanks to their athleticism and, as long as you’re around a fair bit, will be wuite content to live in an apartment.
6. The Maine Coon
These gentle giants are easygoing and friendly moggies who are sociable without being too demanding. If they have a cat tree, some toys and a window or two to gaze out of, they're usually pretty happy. Maine Coons are also usually willing to walk on a leash.
7. The Persian
Persians love to sleep! These chilled-out moggies love to curl up on your lap but will also be okay on their own. They’re not huge jumpers and have moderate energy levels, making them a great choice for apartment living.
8. The Ragdoll
The Ragdoll gets its name from its tendency to relax and go limp like a doll when being held. Considered to be the ultimate lap cat, these pretty kitties are adaptable to most living conditions. They’re playful and will happily follow you around all day.
Is it okay to have a cat in an apartment?
In short, yes, you can have a cat if you live in an apartment. Many cats actually quite like confined spaces so an apartment will usually be perfectly adequate.
Don't just think of your flat in terms of floor space but consider height too - cats love to climb and explore different surfaces and levels. If you use the height of your rooms creatively, your small apartment space can be a great area for your kitty to explore and stretch their legs.
Do cats do well in small apartments?
Cats are curious creatures and need plenty of stimulation to keep them happy indoors. If your cat is likely to spend a lot of time inside then attempt to bring the outside in. Cat trees, lasers and other chase toys will provide needed environment enrichment to ensure that your moggy doesn’t miss external stimuli.
Which cats can be left alone?
You’re unlikely to encounter separation anxiety in cats in the same way that you might with dogs. Cats are independent creatures and most of them will tolerate you heading out to work or to run errands for a few hours, providing they have enough stimuli in the apartment.
Main Coons, Russian Blues and Scottish Folds are all happy enough being left to their own devices so if you do have a job that takes you out of the house for a few hours each day, consider one of those adorable breeds.
Cats are adaptable creatures and with a little thought and attention given to the matter, most of them will be perfectly content coming to live with you in your flat or apartment.
