Top 10 Cat Breeds for a Paw-sitive Renting Experience
Pets are a big part of many of our lives. Coming home after a long day and being greeted by your furry friend can sometimes be just the thing to cheer you up. If you live in a community where pets are allowed, you may be thinking of adding a four-legged companion to your life. While cats tend to be about the same size, not all cat breeds have the same traits and temperament. Here is a list of 10 cat breeds that are known for being great for those living in apartments!
1. Ragdoll
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13-15 years
COAT: Medium-length, silky
SHEDDING: Medium
WEIGHT: Males weigh up to 20 pounds; females weigh between 10-15 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blue eyes, semi-longhaired coat
While Ragdolls are a larger cat with a fuller coat, they may be just the breed you are looking for. Ragdolls are very sociable with both humans and other cats, making them the perfect addition to families who already have pets. While they can be easygoing and independent, they are also clingy and affectionate. This gorgeous breed will play, follow you around, and curl up in your lap and purr to no end!
2. Persian
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-17 years
COAT: Long
SHEDDING: High
WEIGHT: 7-12 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium-Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Solid color, tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded and smoke, and Himalayan; eye color can be blue, green, blue-green, hazel, and copper
As one of the most beautiful breeds out there, Persians are great for those who want an extra fluffy companion! These fur balls have a gentle nature, enjoy laying low, and are normally quiet, making them great for those living in apartments. Persians are also known for being adaptable and do well in small spaces. Persians are not too keen on jumping and climbing, further making them great for small spaces.
3. British Shorthair
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-16 years
COAT: Short and dense
SHEDDING: Medium
WEIGHT: 7-17 pounds; males are usually larger than females
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Colors include solid white, black, red, cream, and blue, but also can be bi-color, tabby, calico, smoke, and shaded variations; eye colors include copper, green, gold, blue, and odd-eyed
As their name implies, British Shorthairs require less grooming than other breeds on this list. This breed is quite independent, so they are ideal for those who are looking for a cat who can do well on its own. While they can entertain themselves, they are still an affectionate cat without being clingy. British Shorthairs acclimate well to their human’s personality and seldom refuse playtime, although they are pretty mellow otherwise.
4. Russian Blue
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15-20 years
COAT: Short
SHEDDING: Low
WEIGHT: 7-12 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Short, blue coat with green eyes
Known for their curiosity, the Russian Blue cat will follow you around your home, watching what you’re doing, however they also enjoy spending time alone. They are a quite loyal breed and frequently bond with one person and tend to be standoffish to strangers and those they don’t know well. While they are not an overly active breed, Russian Blues will sometimes have a burst of energy and love toys. One of the best things about them is their blueish fur which produces fewer proteins that may cause allergies.
5. Maine Coon
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9-15 years
COAT: Long, double coat
SHEDDING: High
WEIGHT: 9-17 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: High
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Come in 75+ different coat color combinations; gold, green, or copper eye color
Grooming is a must with Maine Coons, as their coat requires lots of attention, but it pays off! This breed grows bigger than average cats, which just means there is more of them to cuddle and love. While Maine Coons are a larger breed of cat, they do just fine living in smaller homes. If you have experience with Maine Coons, you may already know that this feline is one of the smartest in the animal kingdom. Similar to the Russian Blue, this lovable breed tends to stick to its favorite human, but they do enjoy being part of the family as well!
6. American Shorthair
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15-20 years
COAT: Short
SHEDDING: Medium
WEIGHT: Males weigh 11-15 pounds; females weigh 6-12 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Coats comes in a wide variety of combinations, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, tortoiseshell, cameo, and many more; eye colors include hazel, gold, blue, copper, and green
The American Shorthair is by far one of the most popular breeds that people own. They are a great family pet, as they are laid-back, sociable, and low maintenance. They do great with other pets and children. American Shorthairs take their naps very seriously and can be entertained quite easily. They love looking out windows, as well as having their humans pet and scratch their back. If you are looking for a long-term companion, the American Shorthair is the breed for you as they typically have a long lifespan.
7. Birman
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13-15 years
COAT: Long and silky
SHEDDING: Medium
WEIGHT: 10-12 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium-High
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Coat colors include seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie; deep blue eyes
Birmans absolutely love their cat naps and are normally calm, but they can get a burst of energy and become playful out of nowhere. Known for being extremely friendly, Birmans typically get along well with other pets. They have a silky coat that may seem to be high-maintenance, but it’s actually quick and easy to groom. Spending time with their human is extremely important to this breed so you must make time for play and petting sessions every day!
8. Scottish Fold
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11-14 years
COAT: Short
SHEDDING: Medium
WEIGHT: 5-11 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Variety of coat colors including many colors, tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico patterns; eye colors include green, blue-green, and gold
Commonly known for their ears, Scottish Folds are a breed who loves their owners and expect affection to be returned. However, like most cats, they do enjoy their alone time and are not an overly clingy breed. Scottish Folds generally have a relaxed nature and like having a routine. Since they are a clever and inquisitive breed, food puzzles are a great way to keep them occupied, especially when you’re not able to be home with them. If you are looking for a pet that is calm and does not startle easily, a Scottish Fold may be perfect for you as they are smart and highly adaptable.
9. Burmese
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 16-18 years
COAT: Short
SHEDDING: Low
WEIGHT: 6-14 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: High
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Sable, champagne, platinum, and blue in color; green or gold eyes
Burmese are an affectionate and soft-spoken breed. Burmese are playful well into adulthood, however they are not overly active, as they love to cuddle up in warm laps. They are known as being “dog-like” so you can expect a Burmese cat to follow you around your home, finding adventure in the daily hustle and bustle of the household. As a very social breed, Burmese cats enjoy continual company from their humans. Burmese are a great choice if you already have pets, as they tend to get lonely when left alone.
10. Exotic
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15+ years
COAT: Short, dense, very plush
SHEDDING: Low-Medium
WEIGHT: 6-13 pounds
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
TENDENCY TO VOCALIZE: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Variety of coat colors including solid black or white, golden, silver, smoke, bicolor, and Himalayan; eye color is mainly gold or copper, but can also be green or blue
The Exotic breed is the short-haired version of the Persian cat. Similar to their long-haired counterpart, they are a peaceful, calm and affectionate breed. Exotics prefer a warm lap or cushion to lounge on over intense activity. While they do require moderate activity, they will gladly get out some of their energy by playing with toys, only to return to your lap. If you are looking for a mellow companion for your apartment, the Exotic cat may be just what you’re looking for!
Sources:
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