Cats can be loving, faithful and intelligent household companions. Here are a few suggestions from our Long Island vets on some breeds to consider if you are looking for the perfect indoor house cat.
Choosing The Right Breed for You
When deciding on the best breed of house cat for you, there are a number of factors that you should consider, including:
- How much time will your cat spend alone?
- How much grooming are you willing to commit to?
- What kind of personality are you looking for in a cat?
Once you know the answer to those simple questions you can begin to narrow down your breed options, and begin to single in on the perfect breeds to suit your lifestyle and personality.
Cat Breeds For Indoor Living
Most cats will be content to stay indoors if offered enough physical and mental stimulation, love, and companionship. Nonetheless, some breeds are happier indoors than others. Here are just a few of our favorite house cat breeds.
Sphynx
Often referred to as the 'Velcro cat,' this breed loves to stick to their owner's sides (or curl up in their laps.) Sphynx kittens are extremely friendly and affectionate and with love and care, they'll grow into a cat that will adore relaxing around the house with you. Sphynxes are intelligent, inquisitive, and will happily greet you at the door whenever you've been out. Although completely hairless, it's important to note that this breed requires a lot of grooming to ensure that their skin stays clean and healthy.
Ragdoll
These beautiful long-haired cats are loving, clever, and a lover of cuddles with their favorite humans. Ragdoll cats will greet their people when they arrive home and pick up tricks easily with positive reinforcement (and a few treats). These large, long-bodied cats are strikingly beautiful with long, silky coats. Ragdoll cats are a great breed for apartment dwellers seeking a feline friend but they need regular grooming to help keep shedding under control and prevent painful mats and tangles.
Burmese
These acrobatic, golden-eyed felines are athletic, adventurous and outgoing. They can show off their athletic skills, provide hours of cuddles, and keep up their end of a conversation in equal measure. They shed less than some other breeds and are easy to groom with only weekly brushing requirements.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are active mousers who are playful, expressive and sensitive. These cats are named for their unique folded ears and have striking, orange-yellow eyes. They're huge fans of people and need attention and companionship from people or other pets. Scottish Folds are also very easygoing with children.
British Shorthair
This powerful, medium-to-large-sized breed is well-loved for their comfortable, round shape. Originally bred to keep rodents from invading their masters’ barn and house, they play well by themselves and are a good choice for single people provided they get enough exercise and interaction from their owner.
It’s important to brush your British Shorthair every day! They tend to grow thick, dense coats in the winter that shed with seasonal changes.
Himalayan
These calm, gentle cats have large, deep blue eyes and long, full, dense coats. These beautiful cats are full of personality, able to have kitten-like bursts of energy after getting up from a nice nap in a sliver of sunlight. Himalayans make great companions, but owners must be attentive to nutrition and give them enough exercise, interaction, and grooming.
Persian
As one of the most popular breeds in the world, Persian cats are both beautiful and friendly. As with cats of any breed, Persians might need a little time to get used to their new surroundings but will be happy indoors with you and your family's love and attention. Note: you have to brush them frequently to maintain their coat, but this is part of what keeps them so adorable!
Devon Rex
Known as a 'pixie-like cat breed, the Devon Rex is a playful feline with big, expressive eyes, slender bodies, and long legs. This breed is described as loyal, relaxed and fun-loving. They make a natural best friend and playmate if you have kids in the house. Devon Rexes are intelligent, active, and require regular mental stimulation (e.g. cat-friendly puzzle toys, learning new tricks).
Siamese
This cat breed is characterized by a short, soft light-colored coat that is darker on the face, paws, ears and tail. These striking features have made Siamese cats a highly desired pet both for being strikingly beautiful and fun-loving. They are playful and known for following their owners around the house 'chatting' with them. This isn't the breed for you if you're out of the house a lot, since they are very social creatures and need lots of companionship.
The Moggy
Moggy is a general term for a mixed breed cat. These cats are a mixed bag of personalities depending on their roots, but typically they are content and happy creatures. You may just be able to find the perfect moggy for you at your local animal shelter, or cat rescue.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.