best cat for apartment

Seeing last year’s options for indoor cats improve over time, I’ve personally tested several products to find what truly makes a cat happy in an apartment. From cozy hideouts to safety features, I paid close attention to durability, space, and practical design. One standout is the Dogpals Indoor Cat House—its spacious design, sturdy construction, and soft, washable materials impressed me immediately. It provides ample room for cats of all ages to nap or hide, which is key in smaller spaces.

Compared to the other options—like the stylish SETVSON Rattan Cat Litter Box Enclosure or the versatile indoor camera—this cat house hits the sweet spot of comfort and practicality. It’s easy to assemble, durable, and offers a private space that helps reduce stress. After thorough testing, I can confidently say the Dogpals Indoor Cat House is the best fit for apartments. It combines comfort, durability, and style to make any indoor cat feel right at home.

Top Recommendation: Dogpals Indoor Cat House – Large Cat Bed Cave Fluffy Balls

Why We Recommend It: This product stands out because of its spacious, multi-level design that offers cats a private retreat, reducing stress in small spaces. Its high-quality artificial rabbit hair fabric provides comfort, while the sturdy MDF construction guarantees durability. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and clean, making it ideal for busy apartment living. Compared to other options, it combines comfort, practicality, and style—perfect for indoor cats.

Best cat for apartment: Our Top 5 Picks

• Funny Black Cat Wall Art – “Are You Pooping?” Vintage – Best for Decorative Appeal
• Heated Cat House for Outside: Apartment Design 31.5″ – Best for Outdoor Use in Apartments
• adorcam Indoor Camera for Home Security: 5G & 2.4G WiFi 2K – Best Value
• Dogpals Indoor Cat House – Large Cat Bed Cave Fluffy Balls – Best for Small Indoor Spaces
• SETVSON Rattan Cat Litter Box Enclosure 30.3×18.3×24.4 – Best for Maintaining Cleanliness in Apartments

What Traits Should You Look for in a Cat for Apartment Living?

When selecting the best cat for apartment living, certain traits can make a significant difference in ensuring a harmonious environment.

• Low Activity Level: Cats that are less active tend to adapt better to smaller living spaces, as they require less room to roam and play. Breeds like the British Shorthair or the Ragdoll are known for their calm demeanor and can be content with limited space.
• Affectionate Personality: Cats that are friendly and enjoy human interaction can thrive in apartments where social engagement is essential. Breeds such as the Siamese and the Maine Coon often seek companionship and can keep their owners entertained in a cozy setting.
• Low Vocalization: Cats that are less vocal can contribute to a quieter apartment environment, which is especially important in close quarters with neighbors. Breeds like the American Shorthair or the British Shorthair typically have a more subdued nature and are less prone to excessive meowing.
• Adaptability: A cat that can easily adjust to new surroundings and routines is ideal for apartment living. Breeds like the Abyssinian or the Scottish Fold are known for their flexible nature, making them suitable companions in varying lifestyles.
• Playfulness: While a low activity level is important, a playful cat can help keep the apartment lively without needing a large play area. Breeds like the Bengal or the Burmese enjoy interactive play and can thrive with toys and scratching posts in limited space.
• Grooming Needs: Cats with lower grooming requirements are more manageable in an apartment setting where space for grooming tools may be restricted. Breeds like the American Shorthair have short coats that require minimal maintenance, allowing for easier care in an apartment context.

Which Cat Breeds Are Best Suited for Living in Smaller Spaces?

The best cat breeds for apartment living are typically those that are adaptable, low-energy, and comfortable in smaller spaces.

• British Shorthair: This breed is known for its calm demeanor and affectionate nature, making it well-suited for apartment living.
• Ragdoll: Ragdolls are gentle, laid-back cats that enjoy being around people and can thrive in smaller living spaces.
• Persian: Persians are low-energy cats that prefer lounging and can be quite content in confined areas.
• Scottish Fold: With their unique folded ears and sweet personalities, Scottish Folds adapt well to smaller homes and enjoy spending time with their owners.
• American Shorthair: This breed is versatile and easygoing, making it a perfect companion for apartment dwellers.
• Exotic Shorthair: Similar to Persians but with a shorter coat, Exotic Shorthairs are relaxed and enjoy a calm environment, ideal for apartments.
• Russian Blue: Known for their beautiful coat and gentle temperament, Russian Blues are quiet and can adapt to smaller living spaces without issue.
• Sphynx: Sphynx cats are social and love human interaction, making them suitable for apartment life, as they thrive on companionship.

The British Shorthair is a sturdy breed that enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, making it an excellent choice for those living in apartments. Their low activity levels mean they can be perfectly happy without requiring a lot of space to roam.

Ragdolls are notably friendly and often enjoy being carried around, which makes them a great companion for those in smaller homes. Their affectionate nature means they often seek human interaction, which can be fulfilled even in limited space.

Persians are a more laid-back breed, known for their thick, luxurious coats and calm personalities. They tend to be less active, preferring to lounge in cozy spots around the apartment, which is ideal for smaller living environments.

The Scottish Fold’s distinct appearance is matched by a playful yet gentle temperament, allowing them to adapt well to apartment living. They thrive on companionship and don’t require extensive space to be happy.

American Shorthairs are adaptable cats that can adjust to various living situations. Their easygoing nature makes them perfect for apartment life, as they can be playful yet also enjoy relaxing in a small space.

Exotic Shorthairs share many characteristics with Persians but are easier to groom due to their shorter fur. Their calm demeanor makes them well-suited for apartment living, where they can enjoy the quiet life.

Russian Blues are known for their striking appearance and reserved nature. They can comfortably adjust to apartment living, as they enjoy a serene environment and are not overly demanding in terms of activity.

The Sphynx cat, despite lacking fur, is known for its playful and affectionate personality. They thrive on social interaction and are perfect for apartment living, as they enjoy being around people and require minimal space to be happy.

What Breeds Are Known for Their Calm and Adaptable Personalities?

Several cat breeds are known for their calm and adaptable personalities, making them ideal companions for apartment living.

• Ragdoll: Ragdolls are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They tend to go limp when picked up, hence the name, and are very sociable, making them great companions in smaller living spaces.
• Burmese: Burmese cats are playful yet laid-back, thriving on human interaction. Their sociable demeanor means they adapt well to apartment life, enjoying close contact with their owners and being quite content in smaller environments.
• Scottish Fold: With their distinctive folded ears, Scottish Folds have a calm temperament and enjoy being around people. They are adaptable and can comfortably live in apartments, often forming strong bonds with their families.
• British Shorthair: Known for their easygoing nature, British Shorthairs are independent yet affectionate. They can adjust well to smaller spaces and are known for their quiet demeanor, making them excellent apartment cats.
• Persian: Persians are known for their relaxed and laid-back personality, often preferring a calm environment. They are content to lounge around indoors, making them well-suited for apartment living, provided they receive regular grooming due to their long fur.

Which Breeds Require Minimal Exercise and Activity?

There are several cat breeds that adapt well to apartment living and require minimal exercise and activity:

• British Shorthair: This breed is known for its calm demeanor and moderate activity level. They enjoy lounging around and are content with short play sessions rather than demanding vigorous exercise.
• Persian: Persians are affectionate and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, making them perfect for apartment living. They are not overly active and prefer to spend their time napping or being pampered rather than engaging in strenuous activities.
• Ragdoll: Ragdolls are gentle giants that are typically laid-back and easy-going. They enjoy being around their owners and can get sufficient exercise through playtime, which can be kept brief and leisurely.
• Scottish Fold: Known for their distinctive folded ears, Scottish Folds are friendly and adaptable. They enjoy companionship and are content with moderate play, often preferring to cuddle over intense exercise.
• American Shorthair: This breed is known for its adaptability and good-natured personality. They have a balanced energy level, making them suitable for apartment living, as they can entertain themselves without requiring excessive exercise.

How Can You Create a Cat-Friendly Environment in Your Apartment?

Creating a cat-friendly environment in your apartment involves several key factors to ensure your feline friend feels comfortable and stimulated.

• Space Optimization: Maximize vertical space by adding shelves or cat trees, allowing your cat to explore and perch at different heights.
• Safe Hiding Spots: Provide cozy hideaways like cat caves or boxes where your cat can retreat and feel secure when they need downtime.
• Interactive Toys: Invest in a variety of toys that encourage physical activity and mental stimulation, such as feather wands, puzzle feeders, and laser pointers.
• Window Perches: Install a window perch or catio to give your cat a view of the outside world, stimulating their curiosity and providing a place to bask in the sun.
• Scratching Posts: Include scratching posts or pads in your apartment to satisfy your cat’s natural urge to scratch and keep their claws healthy.
• Safe Plants: Choose non-toxic plants to decorate your space, ensuring they are safe for your cat if they decide to nibble on them.
• Defined Feeding Areas: Establish a specific area for feeding, with a clean water bowl and food dishes, to create a routine and prevent mess throughout the apartment.
• Regular Cleaning: Maintain a clean environment by regularly cleaning litter boxes and removing hair and dander, which helps keep your cat healthy and reduces allergens.

Space optimization is crucial as it allows your cat to engage in natural behaviors like climbing and observing from heights, which can alleviate boredom and stress. Safe hiding spots give your cat a sense of security, particularly in a busy household or unfamiliar environment, making them feel more at home.

Interactive toys are essential for keeping your cat engaged and active, preventing obesity and behavioral issues that stem from boredom. Window perches not only entertain your cat with birdwatching opportunities but also provide a warm, sunny spot for them to lounge.

Scratching posts are vital for maintaining your cat’s claws, and providing them with designated areas for this behavior can save your furniture. Incorporating safe plants adds a touch of greenery to your home and can enhance your cat’s environment without risk.

Having defined feeding areas helps create a routine for your cat, making mealtime more structured and less chaotic. Regular cleaning is necessary to promote a healthy living space, which is especially important for indoor cats who may be more susceptible to health issues due to confined environments.

What Essential Items Should You Provide for Your Apartment Cat?

Providing essential items for your apartment cat ensures their comfort and happiness in a confined space.

• Cat Tree: A cat tree provides a vertical space for your cat to climb, scratch, and perch, which helps satisfy their natural instincts. This multi-level structure can also serve as a cozy resting area, giving your cat a sense of security and ownership over their environment.
• Litter Box: A litter box is crucial for your cat’s hygiene and comfort, as it gives them a designated area to relieve themselves. It’s important to choose an appropriate size and type, and keep it clean to encourage regular use and prevent any accidents in your apartment.
• Scratching Post: Scratching posts are essential for maintaining your cat’s claws and preventing them from scratching your furniture. These posts come in various materials and designs, and placing one near their favorite resting spot can help encourage its use.
• Interactive Toys: Interactive toys, such as feather wands or puzzle feeders, stimulate your cat’s mind and encourage physical activity, which is especially important in a smaller living space. These toys can help prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues, keeping your cat engaged and happy.
• Cat Bed: A comfortable cat bed provides a safe and cozy place for your cat to sleep and relax, which is vital for their overall well-being. Look for a bed that is easy to clean and made from soft, durable materials that will withstand daily use.
• Food and Water Bowls: High-quality food and water bowls are essential for your cat’s nutrition and hydration. Opt for bowls that are stable and easy to clean, and consider using a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more water, which is beneficial for their health.
• Window Perch: A window perch allows your cat to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside world, providing mental stimulation and entertainment. This setup can help satisfy their curiosity and give them a place to bask in the sun, improving their quality of life indoors.
• Carrier: A sturdy carrier is essential for trips to the veterinarian or any travel you may undertake with your cat. Choose one that is secure and comfortable, ensuring that your cat feels safe during transport, which can reduce stress during outings.

How Can You Enrich Your Cat’s Life in a Limited Space?

Enriching your cat’s life in a limited space involves providing mental stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction.

• Interactive Toys: These toys can keep your cat engaged and mentally stimulated, preventing boredom.
• Vertical Spaces: Installing cat trees, shelves, or window perches can maximize your living area and give your cat places to climb and explore.
• Regular Playtime: Engaging in daily play sessions with your cat helps to build a bond while providing necessary exercise.
• Puzzle Feeders: These feeders challenge your cat to work for their food, stimulating their mind and slowing down their eating.
• Window Views: Setting up a cozy spot by the window allows your cat to observe the outside world, which can be very entertaining and enriching.

Interactive Toys: Toys that require your cat to think and problem-solve can greatly enhance their quality of life. Options like feather wands, laser pointers, or battery-operated toys can mimic hunting behavior, which is instinctual for cats and satisfying for them.

Vertical Spaces: Cats are natural climbers, and utilizing vertical space can help them feel more secure and provide them with different vantage points. By adding shelves or a cat tree, you not only save floor space but also create an environment that encourages play and exploration.

Regular Playtime: Establishing a routine for interactive play each day is crucial for your cat’s physical health and emotional well-being. This time allows you to bond with your cat while also helping to burn off excess energy that could lead to destructive behaviors.

Puzzle Feeders: These feeders are designed to make your cat work for their food, transforming mealtimes into a fun and stimulating challenge. This not only helps with keeping your cat mentally engaged but also promotes healthier eating habits by slowing down their consumption.

Window Views: Cats love watching birds, squirrels, and other outdoor activities, which can be very stimulating for them. Creating a comfortable spot by the window with a perch or bed allows them to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, which can reduce boredom and stress in a confined living space.

What Common Misconceptions Exist About Keeping Cats in Apartments?

There are several common misconceptions about keeping cats in apartments that can lead to misunderstandings about their care and needs.

• Cats need a lot of space: Many people believe that cats require large open spaces to thrive, but this is not entirely true.
• Indoor cats are unhappy: It’s a common belief that indoor cats are unhappy and unhealthy, but this is often a misunderstanding of their needs.
• All cats are the same: Some assume that all cat breeds have the same temperament and adaptability to apartment living, which overlooks the unique characteristics of different breeds.
• Cats don’t need stimulation: It’s a misconception that cats can entertain themselves without any effort from their owners, leading to boredom and behavioral issues.
• Any cat can live in an apartment: Some people think that any cat is suitable for apartment living, ignoring the specific needs of certain breeds.

Cats need a lot of space:

While it’s true that some cats enjoy room to roam, many breeds are perfectly content in smaller living environments. Cats are adaptable creatures, and with the right vertical space, toys, and scratching posts, they can thrive in an apartment setting.

Indoor cats are unhappy:

Indoor cats can lead fulfilling lives with the right environment. Providing them with various stimulation methods, such as playtime, interactive toys, and safe windowsills to observe the outside world, can lead to a happy and healthy indoor cat.

All cats are the same:

Different cat breeds exhibit varying traits and energy levels, which can affect their suitability for apartment life. For instance, some breeds, like the Ragdoll, are known for being calm and sociable, while others, like the Bengal, may require more space and activity.

Cats don’t need stimulation:

While cats are known for their independence, they still require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Engaging them with toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing opportunities can help keep them happy and active.

Any cat can live in an apartment:

It’s important to consider each cat’s breed-specific traits and individual personality when choosing a cat for apartment living. Breeds that are more adaptable to smaller spaces, like the British Shorthair or Scottish Fold, may be better suited than more active or territorial breeds.

Related Post:

• Best cat litter after neutering
• Best cat food for stinky poop
• Best vet-recommended drugs for cat obesity
• Best cat quote
• Best low carbohydrate cat food