{"id":1955,"date":"2020-02-27T08:16:16","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T08:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/?p=1955"},"modified":"2024-01-23T17:49:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T17:49:03","slug":"best-cats-for-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/best-cats-for-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Cats for Apartments + Tips on Keeping Your Indoor Cat Happy"},"content":{"rendered":"

I will start this post by saying that I am one of those lucky cat<\/keyword> guardians whose feline friend doesn\u2019t want to go outdoors at all. I live in a building in a one-bedroom apartment (5th floor), and I\u2019m grateful that my cat<\/keyword> is happy and healthy and that she doesn\u2019t seem to need more space than the one that she already has available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note – I do not live in one of those apartments that cost a fortune and that you can\u2019t keep pets in, such as those in New York City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before the cat<\/keyword> I have now, I picked up a stray kitten back in 2015, and she was obviously not accustomed to living in an apartment building. She had way too much energy for me, constantly wanted to play, constantly attacked me while I was walking through the house, and kept trying to find entertainment by going into every little place and \u201cre-organizing\u201d everything.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I merely fostered that cat<\/keyword> and quickly found her a family who had a house with a yard. She’s just as energetic today but way happier, since she has friends like chickens and other cats and she’s well taken care of, but given the freedom that she needs. I had her for a month before I found her a family.<\/span><\/p>\n

It would have been a challenge for both of us to live together indefinitely, especially because I didn’t have enough time back then to actually be a cat<\/keyword> guardian. I will never blame or hold a grudge against a cat<\/keyword> simply because she loves being in the great outdoors more than she would ever like being cooped up in an apartment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But I will admit that having a cat<\/keyword> like the one I have now, that I love unconditonally and that I am eternally grateful for, makes things a lot easier for both of us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So that\u2019s why I decided to make a list of some of the breeds that are best suited for living in an apartment. I do not support breeding, however, but if you are to get a cat<\/keyword> breed, you might as well get one that best matches your personality and living space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Things You Should Consider When Buying or Adopting a Cat<\/keyword><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Before I move on to the actual breeds of best cats for small apartments, I\u2019d like to note some important factors that you should consider before buying or adopting a cat<\/keyword>. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Your living space<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your place needs to be as cat<\/keyword>-friendly as possible. Fortunately, cats don\u2019t tend to get in as much trouble as dogs, meaning that they aren\u2019t going to swallow your engagement ring, your shoelaces, or even a whole buzzing toy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But there are some things that can endanger their health, such as toxic plants that you should never keep in a cat<\/keyword>\u2019s proximity. Do your homework before bringing a cat<\/keyword> into your environment. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Your working schedule<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most people nowadays have hectic schedules, and it\u2019s often very tedious to have to go home and play with a pet when you\u2019re tired, and you\u2019ve had a hard day. But it\u2019s part of the job of being a good pet guardian, so everyone has to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

While cats cope with loneliness a lot better compared to dogs, there are some that can be clingy, and that can suffer a lot mentally if you go away and leave them on their own for even a day or two. Spend as much time during the weekend with your cat<\/keyword> as possible and make sure you play with your feline companion at least 10 minutes every day. They\u2019re just 10 minutes, after all. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. The <\/span>cat<\/keyword>\u2019s activity level<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some cats are social and can have a personality that\u2019s more characteristic to that of a dog rather than that of a feline. On the other hand, there are cats that are low energy, slightly disinterested in humans, and that know how to care for themselves with just some basic things on your part (such as good food and fresh water). Which one\u2019s the right one for you?<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Responsibilities\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Good cats for small apartments come in all shapes and sizes and have different personalities, but they all need the same things. Your love and care. Pet care costs a pretty penny, especially in North America, and if you don\u2019t get pet insurance and your cat<\/keyword> gets in trouble, you might even end up in debt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure your cat<\/keyword> is vaccinated and dewormed on a regular basis. Keep an eye on your cat<\/keyword>\u2019s behavior to notice any changes. Cats are excellent at hiding illness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, I\u2019d like to add that you should look for apartments for rent that accept cats if you\u2019re planning a move to a city, for example. Hiding the fact that you are a cat<\/keyword> parent from the landlord can be dangerous (and it\u2019s most certainly immature). You might even end up with a lawsuit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best cat<\/keyword> breeds for apartments<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Maine Coon<\/h3>\n

You wouldn\u2019t think that when looking at their size, but Maine Coons are among the sweetest cats. Plus, they don\u2019t tend to make a lot of noise, they\u2019re mostly calm, and they aren\u2019t going to damage your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to their coat, they do need a little more care compared to others, but you can usually do with regular weekly brushing. Maine Coons are quite affectionate and are known to give you headbutts or facebutts on more than one occasion. Plus, they have a habit of being very loyal, and they tend to bond for life to their owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Scottish Fold<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best thing about Scottish Folds is their temperament. They are very calm and might be found taking a nap rather than investigating whatever place they haven\u2019t gotten into in your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They are also easy to train, but they don\u2019t like to be alone. A Scottish Fold appreciates routine and can become stressed if anything significant changes in their living space. Like Maine Coons, they don\u2019t have any interest in chewing on or damaging anything out of boredom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Abyssinian<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you care more about getting a quiet cat<\/keyword> as you don\u2019t want to bother your neighbors, the Abyssinian is the right cat<\/keyword> breed for you. Not only is this breed breathtaking, but it also just trills or chirps instead of yowling or meowing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Abyssinians love to play, and they will grab any opportunity to do so. They can also learn tricks. This is a breed that\u2019s comfortable with families with kids or other cats so long as they have someone to play with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Birman<\/span><\/h3>\n

As uncommon as they might be, Birmans are beautiful and easy to groom. Even though they are fluffy, they don\u2019t have an undercoat, so they require less care compared to others. They are social, though, so they\u2019d much rather be owned by a person who works remotely rather than someone who leaves from the house for 10-11 hours a day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Persian<\/span><\/h3>\n

Persians are among the laziest cats on the planet! They love napping, and they love to snuggle, which means that they make the best option for people who love to be quite affectionate with their feline companions. A small apartment is the best type of living space for a Persian as this breed tends to get a little anxious in a large and busy environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ragdoll<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not only is it one of the most beautiful cat<\/keyword> breeds out there, but it\u2019s also one of the most laid-back ones, too! The Ragdoll has a sweet temperament, is very cuddly, and doesn\u2019t seem to want more than love, which is why the breed is also known as the ‘lap cat<\/keyword>\u2019. It\u2019s like whenever you hold a Ragdoll, she dissolves in your hands and becomes liquid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Russian Blue<\/span><\/h3>\n

Russian Blues are a little standoffish, which might not make them the best companions for all types of cat<\/keyword> guardians. However, they are affectionate when they feel like it, and they\u2019re way easier to care for due to their short fur. Like Maine Coons, they tend to bond with one person for life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Are cats a good pet for apartments?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Of course! They\u2019re easier to care for compared to dogs. You don\u2019t have to take them outside at 5-6 am to allow them to \u2018go to the bathroom\u2019. Some of the breeds showcased in this post don\u2019t even have to be taken outside, ever, although the social ones can be, with a harness and a leash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, there are pets that require less maintenance and that might make even better choices if you live in a small apartment. These range from hamsters to pet fish — but they\u2019re nothing like what a cat<\/keyword> can give you if you\u2019re a cat<\/keyword> person, right?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In my life, I\u2019ve had all sorts of pets – from budgerigars and finches to hamsters and pet fish, but I\u2019ve always lived in an apartment and could never imagine being a dog parent — not because I don\u2019t like dogs. I just wouldn\u2019t be able to give a dog the right living conditions and care in my situation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideas for cats in small apartments<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you tend to work long hours, but you still want a cat<\/keyword> to cuddle up with at the end of the day, there are some things that you can do to prevent your cat<\/keyword> from getting bored. You can use interactive toys, get two cats instead of one, or provide them with a variety of things to scratch on (such as cat<\/keyword> trees, for instance).<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure that your cat<\/keyword> always has access to good food and fresh water, with the water being extremely important. Cats are prone to UTIs and a variety of urinary problems specifically because they don\u2019t drink a lot of water, but if it\u2019s not fresh and clean, they aren\u2019t going to drink any.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your neighbors are noisy and your cat<\/keyword> tends to get scared easily, make sure that she has a safe space where she can hide. Most cats prefer hiding under the bed if you have the space, but if you don\u2019t, it might be a good idea to get a cat<\/keyword> cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indoor cats are healthier than outdoor cats<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not just about your living space and demands, after all, it\u2019s also about your cat<\/keyword>. <\/span>Indoor cats<\/span><\/a> are less exposed to cars, predators, fights with other cats, and most importantly, infectious diseases and parasites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you can bring parasite eggs on your shoes into your home, the likelihood of your indoor cat<\/keyword> getting worms is quite slim, especially compared to that of an outdoor cat<\/keyword>.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I will start this post by saying that I am one of those lucky cat guardians whose feline friend…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22630328,"featured_media":9038,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1364],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":1364,"label":"Lifestyle and Behavior"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/20240123_231624_0000-1024x759.png",1024,759,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Emily Hartwell","author_link":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/author\/emily\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":1364,"name":"Lifestyle and Behavior","slug":"fun-lifestyle","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":10,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":57,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":1364,"category_count":57,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Lifestyle and Behavior","category_nicename":"fun-lifestyle","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22630328"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfelinebuddy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}