Whether you’re living in a high rise apartment, or near a busy road, you may be looking for best cat breeds for indoors. In addition, there may be other reasons for wanting a cat more suited to the indoor life.
In this post you’ll discover 8 best cat breeds for indoors you’ll fall in love with. From long haired kitties, to those with short hair, I hope to inspire you.
While most animal welfare charities here in the UK believe in allowing cats free access to the outside, it may not always be possible. As a result, you may be left feeling guilty or a bad cat parent for your decision!
Worry not as I share with you the following breeds of cat most suited to indoor living. Be aware though, you will have to provide plenty of entertainment and be prepared for a few daily chores.
These include cleaning a litter box several times a day, and making time to play with your feline friend. Though the latter certainly isn’t a chore, cleaning a litter box can be!
1 Sphynx
The Sphynx is an unusual breed of cat and well suited to indoor life. This is because most Sphynx have very sparse hair and sensitive skin.
Exposure to hot sun would soon cause sunburn, and cold winter days would soon have your poor Sphynx shivering! In fact, you can actually buy coats and jumpers for them!
Before you decide to get one of these adorable kitties you’ll need to provide plenty of indoor entertainment. This is because Sphynx are known for their high intelligence and dog like nature.
They love climbing and exploring, so a cat tree with high perches would be a good idea. Also provide your Sphynx with a few interactive cat toys.
A bored Sphynx soon finds mischief! If you decide to get this breed of cat you may want to get two. Sphynx crave company and if you’re out all day a lone Sphynx would soon get lonely.
2 Persian
Persian cats are known for their stunning beauty and make wonderful pets. However, there are a few reasons why this breed is best suited for an indoor life.
Firstly, unless you have a safe, cat proof garden, you may run the risk of theft. Of course, this all depends on where you live, but if you want an indoor cat, this could be a good choice.
Secondly, as they have short legs, Persian cats aren’t keen on climbing. They’re also lazy and prefer lounging around in comfort!
Also, that dense covering of fur is prone to matts and tangles and easily picks up dirt. So you see, this breed is very well suited to the indoor life.
3 The Ragdoll
Ragdolls are noted for their laid back and gentle personality. This is a breed that isn’t streetwise and liable to befriend complete strangers.
In addition, they live up to their name when picked up. A Ragdoll cat is known for going limp when lifted, just like a ragdoll toy!
As you can imagine, allowing your Ragdoll kitty to wander outside would definitely make her a target for thieves. As a result, you can definitely add the Ragdoll cat to your list of best cat breeds for indoors.
If you’re looking for an affectionate cat you won’t be disappointed as Ragdolls are noted for their highly sociable nature. It may be a good idea to get two though, as they will keep each other company if you go out to work.
4 Maine Coon
If you’re looking for a supersize, loving cat as an indoor companion, the Maine Coon would make an excellent choice. These gentle giants are sociable but not demanding.
You may want to get two to keep each other company, but if you don’t have the space don’t worry. Ragdoll cats can entertain themselves providing you leave a few toys.
However, before making your choice, this breed isn’t a lapcat. Maybe just as well due to it’s massive size!
You’ll find a Maine Coon typically prefers sitting next to you, watching whatever you’re doing. Whether it’s typing on the keyboard or reading, you’ll never feel alone!
5 Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are one of the most relaxed cat breeds you’ll find. Their easy going, friendly nature makes them ideal for life in an apartment.
As a low energy breed you won’t have to worry about your cat spending all her time indoors. Though laid back, Scottish Folds are curious and like exploring. Don’t be surprised if you find your Scotty on top of a bookshelf, or checking out your cupboards!
If you decide to adopt a Scottish Fold you’ll find her to be an excellent companion. In fact, you may even find yourself conversing with your her as they can be quite chatty.
This breed are very distinguishable with their folded ears. In fact if you look at the head you’ll see why the Scottish Fold is often referred to as the owl cat! Large round eyes, round head, with curled ears flat to the head give this kitty a very owl like appearance.
6 Russian Blue
As one of the best cat breeds for indoors, the Russian Blue is affectionate but quiet natured. They don’t have high energy levels, and most are content to lounge around on sunny windowsills, or other high perches.
Providing you leave a few cat toys, this breed is usually content with their own company. As with most indoor cats, it’s good to provide a cat tree.
This allows your cat to climb and explore, providing her with mental stimulation. A bored cat can soon become destructive as she makes her own entertainment!
The Russian Blue is a stunning looking cat with distinctive blue-grey fur and long elegant legs. If you want to find more about Russian Blue cats read my article.
7 Burmese
Burmese cats are sociable, athletic and hate being alone. If you’re considering adopting a Burmese, you may want to get two.
This is so they have each other for company and don’t get bored if you go out to work. Due to the trusting nature of the Burmese, they’re vulnerable to theft. So as an indoor cat, it’s the perfect choice.
You’ll need to get a cat tree for your athletic Burmese to provide plenty of opportunity for climbing and jumping. In addition, interactive cat toys provide mental stimulation.
Burmese are highly intelligent and can often be taught to fetch. Also, they love rummaging in drawers, so you may want to lock valuables away!
8 The British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is ideally suited to indoor living. Its quiet laid back nature makes this breed the perfect companion for apartment life.
Like some of the other breeds I’ve listed here, the British Shorthair doesn’t have high energy and is content to lounge around for much of the day. However, it still requires mental stimulation for wellbeing.
Making time to play with your cat each day not only provides stimulation, but encourages bonding as well. Interactive puzzle toys are a good idea, as well as feather wands.
9 Munchkin
Munchkin cats are beautiful with very expressive faces. However, their dwarfish short legs makes it a bit harder for them to jump than other breeds.
If you need to keep a cat indoors this could be a good option. In fact, many believe it’s safer. However, don’t be fooled into thinking this breed can’t run fast!
Despite their short legs, Munchkins can run as quick as any other cat, which as you may know is lightning speed! Even though Munchkins can’t jump as high as other cats, they can still jump short distances.
One cute characteristic about this breed is their ability to stand on their hind legs similar to Prairie dogs! Also, they’re highly intelligent and will find ways to jump on your kitchen work tops.
Think again if you believe food would be out of reach of a determined Munchkin! Making sure everything is stored away safely is the best option.
In conclusion
Any one of the cat breeds listed here would be fine as an indoor cat. However, you will need to provide plenty of entertainment to keep your feline friend mentally stimulated.
Even the very laid back breeds such as Persians enjoy playing with toys. All cats are intelligent beings and prone to depression if bored.
A cat’s natural instinct is to hunt, so games encouraging stalking and pouncing are ideal. If you need to keep a cat indoors for whatever reason it’s often a good idea to get two.
This especially applies to very sociable breeds such as Burmese and Sphynx. This is because cats can get lonely if you’re out all day.
If you’ve enjoyed this look at some of the best cat breeds for indoors please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board.
Also, if you have any questions or would like to share experiences, please leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I love your website and your articles. I am so pleased I came across this article because my niece wants a cat for Christmas (early I know) and I told her parents that I would get one for her. So, I am looking for what cat to get her.
After reading about all the different cats in your article, I think she would love the Russian Blue cat. He/She looks very friendly and very cool. I think my niece would have the most fun with the Russian Blue. So I am going to look into where I can get one of those here in the UK.
I will let you know if I am successful in finding a Russian Blue, and if not I will let you know what cat I eventually get her.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom, thank you for your kind comment and so glad you enjoyed this post:). I’m sure your niece would love a Russian Blue cat and I’m sure you shouldn’t have any problems finding one here in the UK. Just make sure you do some research in finding a good breeder.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for introducing so many different cats that we can have at home. My top pick is Scottish Fold. How to say “NO!” to her cute eyes with folded ears? They are easy-going and friendly, which makes this cat the best choice for me.
I cannot imagine the life I have two little cuties around me when I work from home(the current lifestyle). Do you recommend having two cats of the same breed at home, or it’s fine to have two different breeds?
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed this post:) Yes, who could resist a Scottish Fold with it’s cute owl like face:) I don’t think it matters whether you have two cats from the same breed or different breeds. The main thing is they keep each other company and get along ok. Thanks for stopping by:)
Hey Kathy, thanks for sharing this fantastic list 🙂 I’m a big fan of cats, and I basically like every breed out there. However, there’s one breed that I would never get and that is the Sphynx. I just can’t understand those cats. They give me creeps brrrr. On the bright side of things, the Munchkin and the Russian Blue are my favourite cats from this list. In any case, thanks for sharing and keep up with the good work with your site!
Hi Ivan, thank you for comment and glad you liked this list of cat breeds. I have to agree that the Sphynx is a strange looking kitty with its sparse fur! Also, the Russian Blue is one of my favourites as well:) Thanks for stopping by
Hi Kathy, I’ve always kind of been put off getting a cat as I live in a block of flats. I always thought it is not really very fair on the animal but you make some good suggestions here. My favourite is the Sphinx I think. I never really thought there was such thing as a dog-like cat but very fascinated with Egyptian history so I like this breed. Also, I am quite fascinated when you say that these are mysteriously intelligent – kind of mystic. The others I can of skipped reading about but thanks for sharing I’m sure this will be very helpful information for people.
Hi Alex, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed this post:) I also live in a block of flats but fortunately, on the ground floor. My cat is quite happy going in and out of the window and loves being outside on the grass in this warm sunny weather. Of course, if you’re several floors up it would be difficult, but I remember a neighbour who used to carry her cat down two flights of stairs! Yes, the Sphynx is an unusual breed with an interesting history. Thanks for stopping by:)