Best Cat Breeds for Apartment Living

You finally moved into your new place, and now you’re looking to adopt a new pet. When it comes to furry friends, cats are (perhaps unsurprisingly) more popular than dogs — mostly because of their simple needs and fairly solitary, self-sufficient lifestyles. After all, you don’t have to worry about a cat getting bored or distressed when you’re gone during the day, or having an accident before you’re able to make it home. On top of that, they also require much less outdoor exercise than dogs do.

For these reasons, many renters opt for cats. The vast majority of landlords also tend to be feline-friendly because they know that cats generally don’t make a lot of noise and don’t present many hazards. Though specific cat breeds are ultimately a matter of preference, you may find some breeds to be a bit more suited to apartment living.

Here are a few of our favorite rental-friendly felines:

Russian Blue

This is one cool cat! The laid-back, uniquely-colored Russian Blue (they’re actually more silver) may seem a bit aloof at first, but in time, you’ll find that they make some of the most faithful companions, usually preferring the presence of just one person. On the flip side of that, they tend to be rather skittish around multiple people and will quickly run and hide from guests. This makes them the natural choice if you are single with no children and don’t really care for hosting large parties.

Persian

Don’t let looks fool you — the Persian is not as snooty or stuck-up as you might be inclined to think. A visually stunning breed, it boasts a long, dense coat of fluff that just makes you want to bury your face in it. It’s also a very content, easy-going cat who will often nap the day away until its owner returns, after which it’ll be all set to cuddle up next to you for some Netflix binge-watching. Other than their fur, which requires a thorough and perhaps professional grooming session from time to time, they really aren’t a high-maintenance breed.

American Shorthair

This sweet-natured, relaxed, and affectionate cat is one of the most beloved breeds in America. It’s an especially good choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance and friendly addition to their family. As you might infer from the name, they have fur that’s short and easy to brush, so they’ll almost never require any professional grooming. Though they aren’t known to be as energetic as other breeds, they’ll definitely appreciate you playing with them from time to time.

Maine Coon

This cat’s distinctive markings and shaggy fur have captured the hearts of people all over the world, not just in Maine. A hunting breed, they like to keep active, so you’ll definitely want to get them a catnip mouse or feather toy to keep them entertained while you’re gone. Of course, their sense of independence also means that they’ll be happy to be by themselves until their owner’s return. Still, they love nothing more than curling up against you at the end of a long day, and although their fur isn’t quite so long as to warrant professional grooming, they adore being brushed. You’ll definitely hear them purr in appreciation if you decide to take on that task yourself!

Javanese

The Javanese is purr-fect for those who don’t mind a talkative breed. Yes, you’ll never be met with the sound of silence having this kitty around. They’re also quite active and love it when their owners shower them with attention. Just make sure to provide them with an environment where they can explore and play when you’re not around. The second you come through the front door, you can expect a very warm welcome from this gregarious, extroverted kitty cat.

Ocicat

This eye-catching breed greatly resembles its distant cousin, the cheetah. Any Ocicat you buy is sure to be wild about you, but it’ll also want to explore your apartment all by itself. This curiosity is a good thing, though, because it helps them create their own excitement when you’re away. It also means that they won’t constantly be begging for attention when you’re home, but don’t worry: they’ll still jump up on your couch every now and then for a scratch on the head.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is big, furry, and often reserved. They produce less of the protein that causes cat allergy flare-ups in those typically sensitive to cat dander, so if that’s you, you’ll definitely want to consider this breed. They’re not very common in shelters, though, so you may have to go to a breeder to adopt one of these guys. Although they are native to the cold reaches of Norway, they will adapt to almost any environment, and often prefer to be given their space until they decide to be sociable on their own. For that reason, they get along just fine with anyone who’s more introverted. If you’re looking for a cat breed that won’t necessarily be attached to your hip, the Norwegian Forest Cat might be for you.

Though these breeds may differ in looks and temperaments, the common thread among them is their adaptability to apartment life. When you finally decide you’d like to welcome a feline friend into your home, you can rest assured knowing that there are many breeds out there that will be quick to adjust to your space, as well as to your unique personality and lifestyle.