When we decide to get a pet, many variables exist before bringing our new friend home. Aspects such as our schedule, the type of house we have, community rules, daily activities, or hobbies are some things to think about, as you will now include a cat that will either go everywhere with you or stay at home waiting. But which are the best indoor cats for a small home without a garden?
Remember that it is always important to do good research on the animal and its breed to know if the pet is right for you, but also to assess if you will be the best pet parent for it. Adopting a free-spirited cat will be very unhappy if it lives locked up in the house all day and will always be looking to escape. There are multiple pros and cons between indoors and outdoor cats.
If you live in a building with no garden, if you are out of the house most of the day, or if you are the type of person who prefers a relaxing weekend at home instead of camping, you may want to look for a cat breed that has no problem staying indoors for long hours or all day. To make your task easier, I will tell you which breeds are the best indoor cats. Now you have to choose the one that best suits your personality.
Best indoor cats: 5 breeds you should consider
Without further ado, here are the best indoor cats for people who live in small spaces or are gone all day:
Ragdoll Cats
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Life Span: 12-18 years
- Shedding Amount: Moderate
The Ragdoll is a large cat breed known for its calm and patient temperament. They are very docile cats with a dog-like behavior, characterized by being incredibly loving with their owners and friendly with any person or animal.
They are the ideal pet if you have children who know how to treat animals respectfully and for those who are looking for a house cat. These big guys enjoy playing, but they also enjoy contemplating life sitting quietly in the window or, better yet, on the lap of their favorite person. They aren’t considered hypoallergenic, though.
Physically, besides being big, they have a muscular body and long soft hair. Therefore, get a good brush to keep its coat healthy. This adorable cat comes in all colors, each just as cute as the others.
British Shorthair
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 7-16 pounds
- Life Span: 15-20 years
- Shedding Amount: Moderate/Low
This short-haired cat has a broad chest and a round head accompanied by plump cheeks and small ears. Their eyes are usually bright amber-orange, although they can be any color, and while you probably have a gray cat in mind, these furry cats come in all colors.
When talking about a British Shorthair, we are talking about a moderate cat in all aspects, it is a very active cat that enjoys playing a lot, but it is not a hyperactive and mischievous cat. It is affectionate with its owners but not dependent on them. Besides, they are tremendously intelligent. And to add something more to the formulation of the perfect cat, these guys are friendly even with dogs. What more can you ask for?
Siamese Cats
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 6-14 pounds
- Life Span: 15-20 years
- Shedding Amount: Low
A beautiful, blue-eyed cat? I’m in.
Let’s start by describing this popular kitty; they are slim and long, with a muscular body, their coat is cream or white, and their points (face, ears, legs, and tail) are darker in color, seal, and chocolate being the most common. The cherry on the top; his eyes are always blue, in all shades.
This breed is a very social and easygoing cat, ideal for families with respectful children and other pets, but beware of leaving your cat alone with a mouse, as it may awaken its hunting instinct. They are known to be very clever, so games that challenge their mind are best for them. Look no further if you want a super-loving cat that will follow you around the house. Your ideal velcro cat is undoubtedly a Siamese.
Russian Blue Cats
- Height: 9-11inches
- Weight: 7-12 pounds
- Life Span: 15-20 years
- Shedding Amount: Low
These cats are shy, independent, and very affectionate. The Russian blue is the typical cat that greets its owners at the door and accompanies them everywhere, lying down next to them and waiting patiently until the owners finish their activities and play with them. This lapcat is one of the calmest cats around and, although friendly, is easily stressed by new people and new spaces. That’s why it’s considered one of the best indoor cats.
Their coat is dense and short and is always gray, ranging from dark charcoal to light shimmering gray. This cat of medium height and a prominent head has beautiful eyes that eventually change from yellow to green.
They are hypoallergenic because they produce a minimal amount of Fel D1, the most common protein that causes allergies. So if your allergies have prevented you from having a cat, this buddy may be your best option.
Sphynx Cats
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 6-14 pounds
- Life Span: 9-15
- Shedding Amount: Very low
Impossible not to recognize this unique and peculiar cat, the bald cat with large ears. Contrary to what many people think, the Sphynx is not entirely hairless. It has fine and almost invisible patches of fur. And when we talk about color, we refer to the color of its skin, which can vary greatly. There is peach, brown, and gray, among others. This cat is medium-sized and quite muscular, has a small head, relatively large ears, and almond-shaped eyes that are usually green.
This chatty cat is super intelligent and loves to be the center of attention. He is very friendly, playful, and affectionate so that you won’t get bored with him for a second. But not everything is fun and games, because to keep them healthy, you have to take care of their skin by not exposing them to direct sunlight or covering them with a good sweater when it’s cold. And if you think you don’t have to brush them, I’ll tell you that you must bathe these cats constantly to prevent their natural oils from causing skin infections.
Best indoor cat: final words
There you have it, the best indoor cats for an apartment, based on multiple different criteria: socialization, intelligence, and health. I hope this article has helped you make a decision and that you can soon enjoy the company of your new feline friend. Remember to adopt, don’t shop!
What do you think? What is your favorite cat? Do you know other cats that are perfect to be indoors? Tell us in the comments!