If you’re looking to add a feline friend to a compact home, you’ll want one of the best cats for apartments. Cats may not take up much room, but not all of them are well-suited to living in a smaller space or enjoy life as an indoor cat – they might be the sort who needs to roam the neighbourhood to achieve the best quality of life.
That said, as long as you're meeting nutritional needs with the best cat food and your kitty’s exercise requirements with the best cat toys, many breeds can adapt to apartment living.
Keeping your apartment cat stimulated is the name of the game, so you’ll need to ensure they have lots of places for climbing and scratching.
A safe bet is a low energy cat breed with a friendly temperament that doesn’t need to be fussed over 24/7. With that in mind, let’s explore some breeds – here are just some of the best cats for apartments.
Best cats for apartments
1. American Shorthair
A hunter at heart, the American Shorthair has been keeping pantries rodent-free for centuries. Despite their instincts, American Shorthairs are good-natured, friendly, and outgoing cats who make great additions to the family.
American Shorthairs are muscular and well-built, and will need to maintain their physique with play, but overall, they are calm and quiet, happy to sit with you or entertain themselves.
Although a generally healthy breed, some American Shorthairs have flatter faces that can predispose them to breathing issues.
2. Birman
A few things you didn't know about Birman cats are that they are even-tempered, gentle, and stunning to behold. Their coats are long and silky, generally with darker points on the face, legs, and tail, and many have characteristic (and super cute) little white feet.
A classic lap-cat, Birmans live life in the slow lane but, at the same time, maintain an inquisitive character and love to be involved in whatever their human is up to. The Birman’s sweetness and people-friendliness are coupled with a soft, chirruping voice; they love to chatter away all day.
What’s more, they maintain their calm demeanour even when left alone, meaning you don’t have to worry about your work or social schedule too much.
3. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair, like its American counterpart, is an easygoing, no-frills type who’s not too clingy, but will happily chill out on the couch with you. One fun fact about British Shorthairs is that curiosity drives this little beast, and you’ll have a cat-shaped shadow following you about the apartment, either quietly observing or getting involved in your tasks.
Another more athletic-built cat, British Shorthairs do have a little energy to burn and will appreciate being played with or testing their climbing skills with one of the best cat trees.
4. Burmese
One reason to love Burmese cats is that they are super-smart Velcro kitties, meaning they stick close to their humans and are quite hard to shake off! This, of course, is no problem if you’re looking for a constant companion.
Burmese are very clever cats who need to be kept entertained. They love brain games and enjoy cat puzzle feeders and other interactive toys. Their high intelligence also makes them responsive to training, meaning they can be taught tricks and commands.
Burmese cats are also pretty athletic, so they are better suited to bigger apartments and ideally one that can accommodate a secure catio to satisfy their love of climbing and exploring.
5. Exotic shorthair
The exotic shorthair is one of the best cats for apartments, especially if they have an owner under time pressure. They’re calm, kind, and only need a quick daily brush, plus their round, teddy-bear faces make them wholly irresistible.
Sociable yet quiet, loving yet independent, exotics are happy to amuse themselves while you’re out, but still love company. They are a relaxed type, but still enjoy playing with their favourite humans – their short, sharp bursts of energy, though short-lived, are a joy to behold.
6. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are known for being among the largest cat breeds, but don’t let size put you off; these guys are extremely loving, loyal and cuddle. They pretty much crave human attention, which puts them firmly in the Velcro cat category.
They are recognizable for their tufty coats, which require daily brushing, elongated and wise-looking facial features, and exceptionally long, bushy tails. Maine Coons are a highly intelligent breed – another kind that loves to learn tricks – and moderately active, so a bigger apartment is a must.
Their love of company, intelligence, and grooming requirements make them one of the most high-maintenance cat breeds, which is something to consider before you take the plunge.
7. Persian
Personality-wise, Persian cats are much like the exotic shorthair – chilled out and family-oriented – but with a lot more fluff. Their dazzling coats are long, soft, and tangle-prone, so they need lengthy daily grooming sessions.
Other than that, Persians are easy to please. Plenty of cuddles, the option of alone time, and some daily play, and they’re as happy as can be.
8. Ragdoll
Another large breed, ragdolls are a chilled-out kitty who isn’t too fussed about the size of their home – it’s what’s inside it that counts! Known for the magnificent ruff formed by their long, soft coats, ragdolls may ‘dress’ like a British courtier but are as down-to-earth as they come.
Relaxed, friendly and calm, ragdolls aren’t especially active and, while they are interested in what their humans are up to, prefer to adopt the passive role of the observer – especially if there’s a sunny spot to lie in!
9. Russian Blue
These elegant cats are popular among apartment-dwellers for their loving yet undemanding natures. A little shy of strangers, a Russian Blue will soon become your best pal once they deem you worthy!
With their classic blue hue, Russian Blues are slim, long, and elegant, with green oval eyes and a short, neat coat, which they more or less take care of themselves.
Happy to be left, moderately active, and capable of amusing themselves, Russian Blues are a low-input, high-output pet! It’s no wonder they’re one of the best cats for apartments.
10. Sphynx
A few things to know about Sphynx cats are that they are slight, sprite-like, and one of the more intelligent kitties who needs plenty of mental and physical enrichment – be prepared to have more cat toys in your apartment than furniture! Although they require a high level of input in terms of entertainment, they are quite happy to be left to their own devices, too.
This cat’s most notable characteristic is its hairlessness, which means there won’t be a lot of sweeping up to do in a small apartment. You will, however, need to clean their skin regularly to avoid oil buildup and limit sun exposure where possible.
11. Munchkin
Munchkin by name and nature, these petite kitties have adorable little legs and long bodies. They are pretty much the daschunds of the feline world!
With sweet faces, walnut eyes, and comically large feet, these beauties are easy to fall in love with. Munchkin cats can be pretty active, but as a small-breed cat, they don’t need huge amounts of space.
This makes them one of the best cats for apartments, but you may need to make your space more accessible for your munchkin. Additionally, their conformation can predispose them to joint pain, so it’s important to monitor how they’re moving.
12. Ragamuffin
A larger cat, ragamuffins are linked to the ragdoll and are the result of outcrossing for greater color variation. They often have amber, green, or even odd eyes.
Ragamuffins are trusting, loving, and curious. They fare best indoors, easily placing them among the best cats for apartments. If you’re looking for a kitty that holds on to its youth, the ragamuffin is known for its kitten-like ways that extend into adulthood.
They love to be cuddled and carried and are great at solving puzzles, so they are easy to entertain. However, ragamuffins become strongly attached to their pet parents, so watch for separation anxiety creeping in.
13. Devon Rex
With a beautiful curly coat and ethereal features, slight and pixie-like Devon Rexes stand out from the crowd. While they love to play with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and their people, they are clever enough to entertain themselves, so they won’t require your attention day in, day out. Just watch out for classic Devon Rex mischief-making – they love to jump and climb!
Overall, Devon Rexes aren’t prone to any major health issues and don’t require a great deal of coat care, which is a win for time-pushed pet parents.
14. Himalayan
If you’re looking for a laid-back pal who loves nothing more than snoozy cuddles, as one of the calmest cat breeds the Himalayan is the breed for you. With luxuriant, silky coats and brilliant blue eyes, Himalayans and beautiful inside and out.
Their mild temperaments suit a calm, indoor lifestyle, and while loving and affectionate, Himmies are confident enough to be left home alone – and won’t cause mayhem while you’re out, either.
Being a brachycephalic animal breed, owners need to watch their Himalayan for any breathing problems or misaligned teeth that could cause issues with eating.
15. Scottish Fold/Straight
A breed favoured by Taylor Swift (she has two called Meredith and Olivia), the Scottish Fold is not without controversy. They have a gene mutation that causes damage to bone cartilage, which not only results in their characteristic, and very cute, folded ears, it also means this same defect is present throughout the body, causing pain.
However, not all Scottish Folds carry this gene – there is a variant called the Scottish Straight, whose ears stick up. These cats have a better health prognosis and, thanks to their small stature, affectionate natures, and playful demeanors, make very agreeable, loving, and entertaining apartment companions.
16. European Shorthair
These stocky, sturdy cats have sweet, round faces and inquisitive expressions. With manageable coats and a laid-back attitude, it’s easy to get along with these pleasant felines.
While a generally healthy breed, it’s important to encourage European Shorthairs to take exercise and hold back on the treats, as they can easily slip into the overweight category. Why not try offering one of the best cat interactive cat toys and watch those hunting instincts kick in?
17. Balinese
If you’ve got a bigger apartment with a secure balcony for an enclosed catio, the Balinese could be your ideal kitty. They have an independent side, so won’t rely on you being there 24/7, but are also inquisitive and love play, whether that’s alone or with you.
With slender bodies and a dignified appearance, Balinese might look like serious cats, but within lies a goofball that loves to entertain – they’re also pretty talkative! Sometimes, all that goofy energy is channeled into mischief, so why not invest in one of the best cat scratching posts to save your furniture?
18. Selkirk Rex
A relatively new and healthy breed, the Selkirk Rex is similar to the Devon for its curly coat and slightly impish features, but is much chunkier with a thicker coat. Like Devons, they aren’t worried about spending the day alone and will happily amuse themselves while their pet parents are out.
A people-loving moggy, Selkirks are great family pets and love to engage in games, although when the fun is over, they enjoy respite in a calm environment, so don’t be offended if your Selkirk needs a bit of ‘me time’.
19. American Wirehair
Another relation of the rex breeds, American Wirehairs are easygoing kitties who’ll go with the flow – they’ll happily be your lap cat but also be content to play and goof around.
They’re even happy to be left to their own devices thanks to their independent streak, though you may want one of the best pet cameras to keep an eye on them with. You’ll often hear them before you see them, as they’re widely accepted chatterboxes.
20. Shelter cat
Sadly, lots of the best cats for apartments find themselves at the animal shelter for various reasons. Many of these cute kitties are already accustomed to apartment life and will happily slot into your compact home. There are so many reasons to adopt a cat – could you find a place in your heart for one?
Read next: Hypoallergenic cat breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
This feature was last updated in May 2025 by Bethany Stone.
