What is the best cat to have in an apartment?

When you get a pet, your space is no longer just yours. This means that you must carefully choose the cat that best suits your lifestyle as well as your living space. If you live in a small apartment, it’s important to know which cats are best for apartment living.

Some cats can live happily in small spaces (and this is not always dependent on their size), while others, for example, those with excess energy, will be happy in larger rooms.

Many cat breeds are great for apartment living, but make sure the furry friend you want is compatible with you in other ways as well.

small living spaces

If you and your furry pet will live in cramped conditions, look for a cat with a light temperament who will be happy to be near his owner all the time.

One of the most popular cat breeds, Persians are a great option due to their soft, adaptable nature, according to the Cat Fanciers Association. If you host a reception, the Persian cat will not resent or disturb your guests. However, keep in mind that Persian cats require higher veterinary care costs as this breed is prone to health problems. The Ragdoll is also a good option because, despite its large size, it is outgoing and laid-back, which means it won’t get annoyed if you’re always around. The short-haired variant is the Burmese breed, it is friendly and gets along well with children and dogs.

Medium and large living spaces

Very active cats need a room in which they can run, and cats that require solitude also prefer spacious living spaces where they can be alone with themselves. A fun and loyal breed is the Siamese (but they are super scratchers, so check out some DIY scratching post ideas). Since the Siamese is very sociable, a more spacious dwelling will suit her in order to reduce the level of noise she makes. Other active breeds that thrive in large spaces are the Russian Blue, which loves to play, and the Bengal, a talkative cat that stays active throughout its life and looks like a leopard too!

Shelter cat

Check with a local shelter representative about the breeds and types of cats they have. While some purebreds are more predictable in nature, a mixed-breed pet can also have its advantages, and usually such pets are less likely to suffer from hereditary diseases. They may exhibit the characteristics of their most dominant breed, but the point is that you can actually see how the cat behaves in certain spaces. Cats in shelters are often released into large rooms to run and play. You will be able to see how she behaves and better understand how she will feel in your apartment. If a cat constantly presses against walls and hides in secluded places, she is probably more suitable for keeping in small apartments, where she will feel comfortable. However, if you see her running around the room and climbing on things, she has a strong sense of adventure and will probably like larger spaces where she can walk around and explore. Whatever cat you choose to adopt, you can help it adapt to its environment by providing everything it needs to do so.

Preparing your home for a cat

A loft-style apartment with lots of windows will give your cat plenty of room to run, jump, and watch through the windows. In a small and cozy apartment, she will find many places where you can curl up and take a nap. Regardless of the area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbyour housing, the cat will need a personal territory (by the way, you will too). According to VetStreet, cats love small spaces where they can snuggle up and feel safe, and if you have a large apartment, it’s especially important to set aside places for your cat that she can call her own. Try strategically placing a cardboard box (or two), give it a corner of your closet, or place it under a table or bed.

Pay special attention to the number of windows available to the cat. If the apartment does not have a large number of windows, then a balcony or a large glass door will also give the cat the opportunity to watch what is happening on the street. For the safety of the animal, install protective nets everywhere, including on large glass doors. If windows or doors face a busy street or a green space with trees, flowers and birds – this is what you need!

Uncarpeted flooring, such as parquet, is easier to clean of pet hair, but needs to be swept frequently. If you choose this option, be sure to arrange for your kitten to have plenty of soft sleeping places in the apartment. For example, buy a plush sofa, two-seat sofa, or chair (large enough to accommodate you and your cat, of course). Your furry pet will sleep in the same bed as you, which means that you will need to purchase large soft pillows and blankets.

Before signing a lease, check with the landlord that the apartment is indeed pet-friendly. Read the fine print on the contract to learn about your responsibilities as a pet owner. Many landlords and rental agencies require an additional pet security deposit in case of any potential damage, and you don’t want any future surprises.

If you know what living space is best for your lifestyle and what are the best cats to keep in apartments, you and your furry companion will live happily ever after!