The best cat breeds for keeping in an apartment

Cats are much more adapted to living in an apartment than dogs. And yet, we can highlight several character traits of the animal that will make the cat simply an ideal pet for keeping in an apartment. For example, an ideal apartment cat should be calm, in some cases it may even be passive and be able to occupy itself in the absence of its owners.

You need to remember that, unlike dogs, cats prefer vertical space, so your pet will feel very comfortable if you equip it with a certain number of shelves, stands and niches. And the higher they are, the more comfortable your furry pet will be.

The list below describes the cat breeds that are best suited for apartment living.

Bengal breed

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A relatively young breed of shorthaired cats. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by leopard print colors, like their larger wild counterparts. But in character this breed does not differ in the ferocity of its wild relative: the cat is very gentle and playful. A sort of miniature affectionate leopard in your home. But you need to take into account that Bengals are very active and very sociable. They get along well with other animals, as long as they do not consider them food or hunting.

Lifespan: 18-20 years.

Weight and size: height - 40 cm, length - 90 cm, average weight of a cat - 4-7 kg, cat - 3-6 kg.

Maintenance: minimal. Periodic bathing and brushing during shedding is all that is needed. You might be surprised, but this breed simply loves to swim. Therefore, the owners of this cat will certainly not have any problems with this. But it is necessary to accustom a cat to a scratching post from a very early age.

Breeds with good health

The healthiest cats are mongrel cats. They sometimes have to survive in harsh street conditions, since they are often deprived of a warm home, tasty food and loving owners. Such animals undergo natural selection - they survive strong, strong and healthy.

A kitten or adult cat taken from the street will have good health and good immunity. Such a pet must be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination in order to receive the necessary vaccinations and cure existing diseases, if any.

If the owners want to take a purebred pet into their home, they should pay attention to such animals as:

Bengal cat

Bengal cat - has excellent health, a submissive disposition, loves to play and gets along well with children, is undemanding in care, has good genetics - for this reason she rarely gets sick;
Siamese - a cat with a strict disposition and strong immunity, perfect for living with one owner, does not welcome other animals or large crowds of people nearby;
Maine Coon - such a pet is more suitable for keeping in a private house, since it catches mice well, but it will also be comfortable and cozy in an apartment;
Siberian is an ancient breed that calmly tolerates drafts and cold, rarely gets sick, but needs affection and care from the owner.

Siberian cat

British shorthair breed

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The breed was finally formed towards the end of the 18th century. The breed is distinguished by its calmness and friendliness, making it perfect for a novice cat owner. This breed is easily recognized by its characteristic rounded muzzle, and their fur feels plush to the touch. If you cannot devote a lot of time to your pet, then this breed will be the ideal choice for you. Thanks to their independence, the British do not require much attention from their owner, and their peaceful nature allows them to get along well in a family where they also have children and other pets. By the way, an interesting feature of this breed is that male cats grow quite slowly; they reach their full size by about 3 years of age.

Lifespan: on average 12.5 years.

Weight and size: 30-35 cm in height, the average weight of a cat is 4-8 kg, a cat is 3-5 kg.

Care: periodic combing and wiping with a damp cloth to remove dead hair.

The cleanest cats for indoors

For home keeping, not only the agreeableness of character is important, but also the cleanliness of the pet:

The Russian Blue cat is carefully groomed, its fur is smooth and clean. A pet accustomed to water will not refuse to bathe.
The Cornish Rex is a very low shedding breed. The pet's fur feels like velor to the touch.
Rarely shedding options include the Oriental breed. In addition, the cat does not rush around the apartment.
The Scottish Fold cat has short and very soft fur. Smart, clean and affectionate.
The Scottish Fold looks like a Scot. The coat is short and licks well. You can get used to water procedures.

Munchkin

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The Munchkin is a real cat dachshund. A very funny breed with a very interesting history. In fact, all currently existing representatives of this breed descended from one cat named Ezhevichka. The owner of Ezhevichka did not breed this breed on purpose, but simply picked up a cat that was already pregnant at that time on the street. When the cat gave birth to kittens, Sandra Hochnel (the owner) noticed that half of them were short-legged. Since then, cats with short legs have become a separate breed of munchkin cats or, translated into Russian, karapuz. Although, if you are offered to buy a munchkin kitten, and the kitten’s legs are quite long, do not rush to blame the seller for wanting to deceive you, since long-legged munchkins also exist.

The short legs of munchkins do not in any way prevent them from being very active and playful animals who love communication with both children and other animals. It’s very funny to watch how munchkins, with their short legs, try to quietly steal a tasty morsel from the table. The hind legs of this breed are usually longer than the front legs, which causes the body to rise from the front to the back, making the cat look even more funny.

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

Weight and size: height -18-20 cm, average weight of a cat - 3-4 kg, cats - 2-3 kg.

Care: all care for munchkins consists of periodic brushing, which these cats perceive quite favorably. Short-haired munchkins need to be brushed once every few weeks, while long-haired munchkins need to be brushed twice a week.

Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats are nicknamed "poodle cats" due to their wavy coat, high intelligence, and outgoing nature. This unique breed originated in the 1950s in Devon, England. They are distinguished by mischievous faces, high ears, huge eyes and a slender physique. The Devon Rex loves to play and climb, so it is perfect for active owners who can devote a lot of time and attention to their pet. These super social cats love people and love making new friends. They crave attention and do not tolerate loneliness well.

The Devon Rex has an elfin, almost alien appearance. This is a medium-sized cat, weighing 2.7-4.1 kg and standing about 25.4-30.5 cm in height. These curly cuties have fine, thick and wavy fur. Their fur is short, but it is especially short and less dense around the head, ears, neck, paws, chest and belly. This breed is not hypoallergenic.

Cuddling and fooling around with their owners is the Devon Rex's favorite pastime. He is not aggressive and prefers to walk away rather than deal with rude people. These cats remain playful into old age, maintaining the energy of a kitten well into old age. Although the Devon Rex can be a little demanding, it is not a particularly noisy cat breed.

They are highly intelligent, easy to train, play maze games and can learn complex tricks. However, these stubborn cats are difficult to motivate. Praise, games, and snacks are good tools.

Caring for a Devon Rex is quite simple. But it is worth considering that his short coat can easily become oily, so your pet needs to be regularly bathed in warm water with a mild pet shampoo.

Maine Coon

American cat breed, originally from Maine. You can always recognize cats of this breed by the presence of tufts on their ears. They also usually have a furry collar, like a lion. If you have aquarium fish or hamsters in your house, then the Maine Coon will be a good choice for your family, since cats of this breed do not tend to encroach on the lives of other pets of their owners. However, this cat will not give a chance to mice that suddenly look at the light. Maine Coons have a fairly high intelligence, which makes them easy to train. Males are generally more social than cats.

Maine Coons, like British Shorthair cats, develop rather slowly. They reach adult size only by 3-5 years.

Lifespan: 12-17 years.

Weight and size: height - from 25 to 41 cm, length - up to 120 cm, average weight of a cat - 10-12 kg, cat - 7-8 kg.

Care: due to the high cleanliness of this breed, you will only need to bathe your pet when necessary, but you will need to brush it twice a week. Also, because of the cat's cleanliness, you will have to ensure that your pet's litter box is always clean.

Housing problem

Active Bengal, Abyssinian and Siamese cats, nimble Kuril and Japanese bobtails, representative Maine Coons and Chausies cannot live in small-sized housing.
These cats require space and a lot of exercise. A small apartment will not confuse representatives of such breeds as:

British Shorthair.
Scottish (straight and fold).
Sphinx (Don, Canadian and St. Petersburg).
Persian and Neva masquerade.
Exotic shorthair.
Russian Blue and Siberian.
Sacred Burmese and Turkish Angora.

After intense exploration of the world in childhood and adolescence, these cats acquire sedateness and wisdom sufficient to not bother their owners.

Waking up from sleep, they monitor the household, making active body movements as needed: as a rule, in the morning, before going to the toilet, and in the evening, to remind who is the real boss in the house.

Manx

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Another feline native to Maine, but this time from the Isle of Man. This is where the name of the breed comes from. A distinctive feature of this breed is the absence of a tail, or a very short tail, as well as medium-length hair. Manx get along well with people, as they can subtly sense a person’s mood. With all this, Manx are excellent hunters and guards. Like a real watchdog, the Manx can begin to growl threateningly if he suddenly decides that something is a danger to him or your family. If suddenly the need arises to change the family for a cat, the Manx easily adapts to new people and a new environment.

Manxes are very obedient cats, and if you tell him not to scratch the sofa with his claws, he won't do it. However, in this case, it is better for you to offer him a scratching post instead of the sofa as an alternative.

Lifespan: 8-14 years.

Weight and size: height - 18-23 cm, weight - 3-6 kg

Care: brushing once or twice a week, more often during shedding.

Origin of dwarf breeds - where did they come from?

In nature there are many wild cat species with miniature dimensions. But domestic breeds, bred through selective breeding, are breaking all records. Breeders focus on the originality of the appearance of cats and interesting features . There is no longer any need to create large and strong breeds adapted for catching mice. Now breeders prefer compact pets.

Over the past three decades, cats have been in demand that look cute and funny as adults, and at the same time behave like kittens into old age. American and European breeders, following the fashion for pets, create miniature cats with a charming appearance, lively and playful character.

Small breeds are still not very common, but the demand for them is growing every year . In some cases, selection work requires adjustment. American specialists have achieved the best results in the selection of small cat breeds. All existing dwarf cats are the result of either gene mutation or complex hybridization. The only small breed that has not undergone significant genetic transformations is the Singaporean.

Persian breed

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Probably the most beloved breed in the world. The most popular are Persians with long hair and a short nose, although there are also representatives of the breed with long noses. According to breed standards, Persians' eyes are quite bright and rich in color.

Persians are sedate and important cats who do not like fuss and loud sounds. Cats are conservative, preferring stability and predictability to changes and innovations. This is probably the only breed that does not try to climb somewhere higher, being content with more accessible surfaces. Since Persians are very fluffy cats, you need to be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of hair on furniture and clothes.

Lifespan: 12-17 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, weight of a cat - 4-5 kg, cat - 3-4 kg.

Care: Persians need to be brushed daily and they must be accustomed to this procedure from childhood, so that in the future they will be more relaxed about this procedure. Persian owners should pay special attention to their eyes and breathing. The eyes must be wiped periodically to prevent the accumulation of bacteria that cause conjunctivitis. And breathing problems can arise due to the structural features of the nose of this breed.

What do you need to prepare?

When choosing a pet for an apartment, you need to remember that the cat will live side by side with its owner for many years. It is necessary to choose a four-legged companion taking into account the characteristics of your character and lifestyle, so that living together with an animal is as comfortable as possible for both.

To make your cat feel comfortable in the apartment, you need to organize her personal space - a warm corner. It is advisable to purchase a scratching post, a bed, a ball and other toys so that the pet can entertain itself on its own.

Be sure to purchase:

toilet tray (with or without filler);
bowls for food and clean water (not plastic);
slicker brush (for long-haired breeds and animals with thick undercoat);
a carrier for visits to the veterinary clinic and travel;
wet or dry food.

Russian Blue breed

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The favorite of the Russian royal house, the Russian Blue cat is distinguished by its grace, elegance and intelligence. She has a long neck, thin, slender legs, a narrow muzzle with emerald green eyes and a delightful gray-blue coat. Photographers often photograph models paired with this cat.

The character of the cat is also delightful. Are you afraid that if you take a cat home, you will face the problem of marking the territory? Then Russian Blue is what you need. Males of this breed do not engage in such disgrace. In the spring, this breed will not cause trouble to its owners with demanding cries that they need a mate. Cats are not intrusive, not aggressive, very clean and get along well with children and other pets. They show affection only to members of their own family; they behave very shyly with strangers. Knows how to entertain himself in the absence of his owners. When seeing an upset owner, she tends to show sympathy.

Lifespan: 10-20 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, length - about 60 cm, weight - from 3 to 7 kg.

Care: all cat care consists of periodic brushing and regular cleaning of the litter box. If you don’t clean the tray on time, you risk running into a protest in the form of eliminating natural needs in an inappropriate place. It should also be remembered that this breed may have a tendency to overeat and gain excess weight, so it is better to give up the idea of treating your pet with a tasty treat once again.

The cleverest

Among animals, dogs are considered to be the smartest. The intellectual abilities of cats are often underestimated, considering them incapable of learning. However, among the representatives of the cat family there are many who have developed intelligence.

The best intellectuals among cats:

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora – has a developed and flexible mind and good memory, is able to understand and remember commands, is distinguished by courage and the ability to make quick decisions;
Norwegian Forest is a true intellectual, has good manners and submissive behavior, is not capable of doing dirty tricks and mischief in the apartment in the absence of the owners;
oriental – has high intelligence and moderate activity, is accustomed to respect and reverent attitude towards one’s person;
The Siamese is one of the most intelligent and inquisitive breeds, curious, often unpredictable and willful, quite active and does not like locked rooms in the house.

Oriental cat

Ragdoll

Translated from English, the name of this breed means “rag doll” and this perfectly characterizes these cats. The peculiarity of this breed is that they have reduced muscle tone, and because of this they relax to an incredible degree. You may get the impression that what is lying on your lap is not a cat, but its skin. Representatives of this breed also have blue eyes.

Ragdolls are very trusting and good-natured cats, often unable to protect themselves, so it is better not to let this cat walk alone for its safety. Despite their obedience and amazing ability to completely relax and lie where the owner puts him, cats of this breed cannot be called inactive. They love to play and perform various tricks, which they learn quite quickly. Just like Persians, Ragdolls are not too fond of the highest surfaces in the house, preferring to stay close to people. They are very affectionate, and not only to people. They can even make friends with a pet that they would rather consider as food than as a friend.

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

Weight and size: cat height - up to 40-66 cm, cat height - up to 38-58 cm, cat weight - 7-11 kg, cat weight - 6-10 kg.

Grooming: Despite their relatively long hair, Ragdolls do not shed as intensely as one might expect. But, nevertheless, daily brushing is highly desirable for this breed. You can bathe your Ragdoll once a month.

Neva masquerade cat

The Neva Masquerade cat
is distinguished by its muscular body, powerful paws, shiny coat and fluffy tail. Males can reach up to 10 kg. Their eyes are light blue or bright blue.

Advantages and disadvantages

The character of the Neva Masquerade cat is balanced and calm.

They can show courage when defending their territory.

They communicate with the owner as equals. They show caution towards strangers.

They get along well with other pets, including parrots and rodents.

They shed a lot, so they will need frequent cleaning of the apartment.

Keeping a room less than 8 square meters can lead to mental disorders.

Sphinx

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Despite the fact that the Sphynx breed is quite ancient, modern Sphynxes appeared only in the 20th century. Initially, the breed was not specially bred, and appeared as a result of a natural mutation, but then breeders began to make attempts to repeat the birth of hairless kittens. Since then, the Sphynx breed has become increasingly popular. One thing is obvious: there is no such person who would remain indifferent to him. Anyone who sees the Sphinx begins to feel either incredible sympathy or complete rejection.

Sphynx cats are very active, inquisitive, intelligent and get along well with other pets. The Sphinx's favorite place to stay is the lap of its owner. But he will not impose himself on you if you are not in the mood to communicate with him.

Lifespan: 10 -15 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, cat weight - 4-5 kg, cat weight - 3-4 kg.

Care: In terms of care, the Sphynx will require more attention from you than any other breed. It is necessary to bathe your Sphynx every week, otherwise he will start to smell unpleasant and leave greasy marks on the furniture and your clothes. Between baths, you can wipe your Sphynx with wet wipes. In the summer, the Sphynx needs to be protected from sunburn, and in the winter, you will have to wrap it in cat sweaters and overalls. The eyes and ears of sphinxes will also require special attention. They must be wiped once a week with damp cotton pads.

Which cat is best for a child?

Each cat breed has its own characteristics, which it is better to know about in advance, and its own character. If there is a child in the family, it is of course better to choose a cat among non-aggressive, friendly, playful breeds. Before purchasing, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed and prepare for possible difficulties.

If you have decided on a breed, pay close attention to the breeders. Unfortunately, there are now more and more people who are trying to make money from breeding without caring about the health of the animals. A low cost may indicate that the animal was raised in poor conditions and fed cheap food, without veterinary control, or the kittens were the result of inbreeding. Such cats can have a number of serious defects and diseases.

It is important for parents to remember: no matter what animal they get, they must carefully monitor the health of their pet. Firstly, we are responsible for those we have tamed, and secondly, our smaller brothers themselves can become carriers of some diseases dangerous to humans if basic prevention rules are not followed.

Be sure to visit a veterinarian for a preventive examination and vaccination at least 1-2 times a year. At least 2 times a year, you should drive away worms with special means: even if the cat sits in the apartment forever, you yourself can bring helminth eggs or dangerous viruses from the street on your shoes. When going outdoors, don’t forget to treat your fur against fleas and ticks.

Scottish Fold breed

A young breed dating back to the 20th century. A distinctive feature of the breed is the hanging ears, which give the round muzzle of the Scottish Fold even greater roundness. Interestingly, kittens of this breed are initially born with straight ears, which then begin to fold. They reach their final appearance at about 12 weeks. The Scottish Fold is a very hardy breed and adapts well to any conditions. Usually, they choose only one of the family members as their owner, but they also behave very friendly with other family members, be it a person or another pet.

Representatives of the breed are moderately active, intelligent and love games in which they can use their intellectual abilities. But most of all he enjoys communicating with people. He tries to take part in all matters that the family is involved in.

Lifespan: 11-14 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, cat weight - 3-5 kg, cat weight - 2.5-3.5 kg.

Grooming: Grooming depends on the length of the coat. Long-haired representatives of the breed should be brushed more often to avoid the appearance of tangles. Particular attention should be paid to ear cleaning, which should be taught from early childhood. You should also have your pet's ears checked periodically by a veterinarian for parasites and infections. To prevent excess weight gain, you need to follow a diet and not overfeed your pet. You should handle the Scots tail with caution: do not pull it under any circumstances. If you notice that your cat is in pain when moving its tail, it is best to ask your veterinarian to check whether your cat has arthritis. Unfortunately, joint diseases in this breed are genetic.

What selection criteria should you focus on?

The choice of sex of a four-legged pet is influenced by many factors. One of the most important criteria is the type of home in which the owner lives. We must not forget about those who live next to him. The presence of small children and other pets must be taken into account. An important factor will be how the new pet tolerates loneliness and long separation from a loved one.

In an apartment or private house

When thinking about whether it is better to have a cat in an apartment or a country house, you can read forums or chat with experienced owners. Most often, in a city apartment it is recommended to have cats. Females are cleaner than males, do not leave odorous marks, and do not scatter litter. In addition, keeping a girl in a confined space will not result in an unplanned pregnancy, because the owner can control her social circle.

Cats love to spend time on the couch and on a person's lap. They don't need the open spaces of the street to feel happy. But the female, unlike the males, is much more effective in ridding the country house of annoying rodents. Cats quickly lose interest in monotonous hunting and find other activities - mainly guarding the territory and clashes with neighboring cats.

Boys prefer the opportunity to go outside the home. They want to run, jump, climb trees. Males need to feel like masters, so they mark their territory. Finding such marks in an apartment is not very pleasant. A private house will be the optimal habitat for boys.

Affectionateness

The furry pet is very sensitive to the attitude of family members. If someone doesn’t like him or offends him, the two-legged animal avoids him.

Girls are more prone to reciprocal affection and tenderness from the owner. Kitties become more attached to a person and better adapt to his character. Cats are more independent in this regard. They are more interested in climbing a tree or curtain than purring in the arms of their owner.

Intelligence and ease of education

The behavior of mustaches directly depends on their upbringing

It is important to instill in children the norms of behavior in the family from early childhood. Representatives of any gender and breed respond well to the persistent demands of the owner

However, females are more flexible in this regard. They will fulfill a person’s demands, so as not to offend him, to please him.

Males, on the contrary, will prefer to run away, hide, rather than obey. It is more difficult to train them to use the cat litter box and not to throw litter around. After a walk outside, males will immediately jump onto the sofa, and the girl will patiently allow her to wipe her paws.

Independent representatives of the cat family that do not like to obey humans and are difficult to train include the British, Russian Blue, and Scottish Fold breeds. But sphinxes, bobtails, and orientals are ready to do anything for the sake of their owner, so they can be trained without any problems - regardless of their gender.

Are there small children in the family?

Females are much more obedient and affectionate than males. They are less likely to scratch and bite

In a family with a small child, this is very important. The male is accustomed to dominating and defending his position no matter what, so he is capable of harming the baby

You must understand that no animal likes to have its tail pulled, constantly pressed and squeezed. It is necessary to explain to the child that this is not a toy, but a living creature with its own character. Sooner or later, both girls and boys can react equally aggressively to persistent caresses and disrespectful attitudes.

Are there other animals in the family?

Because of their inherent mentality, girls share their territory with other pets much more easily. And the tendency to dominate, characteristic of boys, forces them to show their superiority over the rest of the inhabitants. It is especially difficult for two cats to get along in one place. They constantly fight for leadership, arrange showdowns, and mark their territory.

Even castrated males are unlikely to make friends - most likely, their conflicts will subside, but a strong friendship will not work out. If there is an adult cat in the house, it is not advisable to take a second adult male - it is better to take a female or a very small kitten.

Cats get along with other animals depending on their character, and gender does not have that much influence on this. Even a brutal cat can become an affectionate nanny for a horde of puppies, ferrets and even chicks - if his disposition is completely peaceful.

Exotic shorthair breed

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A cat breed that was accidentally created by crossing the American Shorthair and Persian breeds. The breeders were just trying to achieve a new shade of fur and a more massive body, but in the end they got a new breed. Cats of this breed have the same flat face as Persians, but the hair is usually short. Although kittens with long hair are also born from exotic shorthairs and are even recognized by experts.

This breed is easy to train and probably understands the word “no” better than all other cat breeds. And of course, you will be pleased by the fact that exotics do not damage furniture and clothes even as kittens. They rarely use their claws at all.

Cats of this breed do not impose their company on people, but will play with pleasure if they are invited to participate. They sleep most of the day, and are usually active in the morning and evening. Therefore, he can easily endure loneliness while you are at work. This is one of the most affectionate and loyal cat breeds.

Lifespan: 12-13 years.

Weight and size: height - 25-30 cm, cat weight - 3-6 kg, cat weight - 2.5-4.5 kg.

Care: combing the fur during the molting period will get rid of hair on furniture and clothes. Exotics need to wipe their eyes with a damp cotton swab several times a week. It is enough to bathe your pet once a month.

How to choose a cat breed

When choosing a kitten for your home, it is advisable to proceed from the characteristics and interests of the family, the presence of other pets, small children, and allergy sufferers. For a village or country house, ratcatcher cats are required. In an animal for an apartment, first of all, communication skills, the ability to get along with people, and a calm disposition are important.

Criterias of choice

Basic criteria for choosing a cat breed:

owner's lifestyle;
difficulty of care and maintenance;
character;
unusualness.

The owner's lifestyle. Busy working people, single pensioners, families with children should choose different purebred pets based on their usual lifestyle and time for a tailed pet.

Independent cats that tolerate loneliness well in the absence of the owner - British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Maine Coon. They do not require unnecessary attention, do not bother you if you are not in the mood, they will find something to do for themselves or will sleep peacefully on their favorite bed.
If you want to buy a pet for a child, then it is appropriate to focus on kind, patient breeds that are able to leniently tolerate children's pranks and engage in joint games. Most often, playful lovers of pranks with an easy-going character are chosen for children: Norwegian Forest, Siamese, Bengal.
A lonely person lacks communication; such people choose cats that are affectionate, loyal, affectionate and sociable. It will be nice to while away long evenings with them, talk about everything, sit in an embrace on a soft sofa. Affectionate, talkative breeds: Thai, Bengal, Cornish Rex.
For a private home, it is better to choose a cat with a good hunting instinct to fight rodents. American Shorthair, Siberian, and Scottish Fold will be excellent at exterminating mice and rats.
If the family already has pets, cats or dogs, then an American Bobtail, Thai, or Himalayan are ideal partners. They are friends with dogs, willingly play with other cats, sleep together, lick each other.

Difficulty in care and maintenance. Depending on its characteristics, each cat breed requires more or less attention and time for care, and is simple or difficult to maintain.

The easiest to care for are unpretentious in food, without thinking through the daily menu, and short-haired pets that do not require combing or daily cleaning of the apartment when shedding.
If you have the time and desire to carefully care for your tailed pet, then long-haired breeds, which often shed and require constant care for their fur, are ideal, as well as hairless breeds, whose representatives need to create a special temperature regime, constantly freeze or sweat, and therefore have to wash frequently.
Difficult in keeping can also include the Persian with a specific flat muzzle, due to the structure of which diseases are often possible, the Scottish Fold with special care for unusually shaped ears, all varieties of Sphynx - hairless cats, which must be carefully warmed, without allowing thermal blows from overheating.

Character. Each breed of cat leaves its mark on the character of the animal, its temperament and disposition.

There are talkative and sociable dogs that are suitable for those who are used to having philosophical conversations and cannot tolerate oppressive silence in the house: Canadian Sphynx, Siamese, Thai.
The list of silent felines for which meowing is the exception rather than the rule includes the Cornish Rex, Siberian, and American Shorthair. They are turned on by people who value tranquility and who are irritated by unnecessary sounds.
Active, active tailed cats, constantly in motion and exploring space, the owner will have to constantly come up with new activities, although they often find them themselves by examining the contents of cabinet drawers, shelves and racks. Prominent representatives of restless cats: Bengal, Abyssinian.
The list of the laziest is headed by the British, Persian, and Siberian. It is important for them to eat heartily and sleep to their heart’s content. Sometimes owners may even forget about their presence in the house, the cats spend so much time in the kingdom of Morpheus.
Loving people will be delighted with the most affectionate cats that constantly follow their owner in anticipation of hugs and other tenderness: Sphynx, Ragdoll, Burmese. You should only get them if you are ready to give your pet a lot of attention and affection.
Intelligent breeds that are easy to train, understand human speech, and can learn simple commands. Smart cats - Siamese, Oriental, American Bobtail.

Unusuality. If the main thing for you in a cat is its unusual appearance, and you are willing to overpay for this, since the average price is quite high, then it is advisable to study the list of the most exotic breeds that are available in nurseries:

American Curl - funny curled ears catch the eye;
Devon Rex - has an alien appearance and huge ears;
Cornish Rex - short curly fur, wedge-shaped head, thin limbs are touching;
munchkin - characterized by a cute face of a plush toy, thick short legs;
Laperm - unusually soft fur with large curls.

What should a breeder provide when selling a purebred kitten?

To avoid mistakes when choosing a purebred pet, be sure to require the seller to provide the following important points:

Complete reliable information about the pet. If the seller hides information, refuses to answer, or does not know the answers to the questions asked, then this means that this is an incompetent breeder or reseller who may turn out to be a scammer.
Full examination of the animal. You should pay attention to the condition of the kitten’s claws, teeth, ears, fur, eyes, degree of mobility and fatness. If the animal is too lethargic, timid, does not respond to external stimuli, or has problems with the above body parts, this may be a signal of a painful condition and the possible death of the animal subsequently. You should choose an inquisitive, confident, playful kitten with excellent physical characteristics.
Documents - veterinary passport and birth certificate (pedigree). It is appropriate to contact the club with which the parents and litter are registered to ensure the authenticity of the documents. They should indicate the timing of vaccination, quarantine of the kitten, information about the animal’s mobility, temperament, exterior defects, maintenance rules, disease prevention, kitten skills, and features of preparation for exhibitions.

Some felinological clubs issue a certificate stating that the baby has no hereditary genetic diseases that may be characteristic of the breed.

Recommendations when choosing

If you want to buy a healthy purebred pet, it is advisable to follow a few tips from experienced cat lovers:

When choosing a suitable breed, you need to study living stories and reviews on cat lovers forums, and not focus solely on breeders’ websites. The more information you collect about the breed, the more confident you will be in making the right choice.
Carefully read the information provided by the seller and the kitten’s documents. Ask any questions you have, contact the club with a request about the parents and litter. If you have doubts about the purity of the breed, it is better to refuse the purchase.
The metric should contain a description of important information: pedigree number, date of birth, parental information, breeder coordinates, breed, gender, nickname. The pet's veterinary passport must contain information about vaccinations against viral infectious diseases, rabies, dermatomycosis, preventive measures and examinations.
When choosing a kitten, it is not enough to look only at a photo; it is appropriate to see it in person, and ideally, to also see the parents. The best option where to buy a purebred animal is at an exhibition where kittens are shown in detail.
You should take into account the fact that purebred kittens cannot be cheap in price. How much an animal costs depends on the class: pet (for home keeping), breed (for breeding), show (for exhibition activities). The most inexpensive pets for the home at a budget price are offered from a selection of higher classes, with minor defects in the exterior.

Burmese

Burmese are well suited for small families, where they can receive enough attention and affection.

These animals are easy to care for and do not require too much space to live. They are very playful and affectionate, which will be a plus for families with children.

Choosing joy for your home

Our rating is based on reviews from owners and “contrast indicators,” because cats are very different.

Best breed – favorite breed (mongrel cat)

If you are not a breeder and you do not have any special requirements, the ideal option is a four-legged dog rescued from the street or a shelter. With mongrel animals, you can't count on a certain character or skill, but you can be sure that the pet will remember your kindness for the rest of its life. Let’s not lie, among outbred cats there are quite a lot of “harmful” cats with difficult characters, but only they can boast a number of advantages:

Most “nobles” are unpretentious in feeding and are not prone to food allergies.

Developed intelligence - in the absence of a sharp mind and innate cunning, a cat cannot survive on the street.

Hunting skills - most purebred cats do not hunt, but outbred cats with tails successfully exterminate pests.

Good health and good gene pool, ensured by natural selection.

Outbred animals (those without a pedigree) cannot be bred, therefore, in the interests of maintaining health, it is recommended that animals be spayed and neutered at a young age.

Canadian finx

Probably one of the most desirable breeds for an apartment. The reason for its popularity is obvious; Sphinxes have no fur. The breed was developed by selecting representatives with genetic mutations. The fact is that even outbred cats rarely give birth to hairless or “velor” kittens.

The appearance of the Sphinx created a sensation among cat lovers. It must be said that the Sphinxes had many fans, but there were also people who did not understand the beauty of hairless cats. Most people who don't like Sphynxes change their minds when they stroke the cat's soft, velor, unusually hot back.

This is interesting! The appearance of Sphinxes is often compared to that of an alien; there is even an alien version of the origin of the breed.

Hairless cats do not have a completely feline character. Most of them are incapable of aggression, become very attached to their owner and behave a little like a dog . Sphynx dogs can be taught tricks, tolerate walks in a harness well, and quickly establish contact with other animals. The breed is not talkative, which is important for apartment living.

Hairless cats are odorless and relatively easy to keep. Compared to other breeds, Sphinxes are calmer during the heat period, cats do not scream too loudly, and cats hardly mark. With balanced feeding and a comfortable stay, representatives of the breed rarely get sick or cause inconvenience.

Note! In addition to the Canadian Sphynx, hairless breeds include the very rare Bambino, Ukrainian Levkoy, Don and St. Petersburg Sphynxes.

British cat

One of the most common breeds, bred in England through interbreed matings between aboriginal representatives of cats and Persian cats, already known at that time. The goal of developing a new breed was to obtain an apartment version of a cat that was easy to care for and without obvious health problems.

Adult British cats are large and heavy, but at the same time the muscular cat is harmoniously built. The British are loved for their round, bright eyes and cute cheeks. By the way, the cheeks of cats are much more developed. British cats are famous for their printed coat of a noble, blue color. The breed standard specifies only one color, but recently breeders have begun active work to expand the color palette and recognize the expanded standard.

Cats are considered moderately active, active with a balanced character . The experience of the owners proves that the British tend to become very attached to their owners. In relation to children, representatives of the breed are very affectionate and patient. Representatives of the breed boast a strong nervous system and resistance to stress.

Representatives of the breed do not require complex care, minus the demanding nutrition. Many Britons are prone to food allergies, which can lead to skin problems.

Scottish cat (fold and straight)

From the moment of their breeding until recently, Scottish cats were considered a separate breed. A certain external similarity with British cats led to the fact that dishonest breeders often crossed animals of different breeds. Today, as a result of this chaotic activity, the question of uniting the breeds into one – the British one – has been raised head on.

Straight-eared (straight) Scottish cats are very similar to British cats, fold-eared (fold) cats have only one difference - curved ear cartilages. The highlight of the breed is the result of a genetic mutation. According to breeding rules, mating of two Scottish Folds is strictly prohibited, but since such manipulation allows you to increase the number of fold kittens in a litter, dishonest breeders often resort to it.

Most cats born from fold litter are disabled from birth , although an inexperienced cat owner may not notice the abnormalities. If you decide to buy a Scottish Fold kitten, opt for babies with confirmed breed value (with a pedigree), otherwise you are taking a big risk.

Purebred Scottish cats are healthy breeds. Many owners note that their pets have a very good appetite. In terms of character, Scottish cats are almost no different from British cats; they are active, sociable and not too active.

Like British cats, Scots are not very picky about grooming, but need a balanced diet . With a food allergy, the cat suffers from itching, which is fraught with scratching and the formation of purulent wounds. Metis are prone to problems with bones, spine, joints, and the functioning of the hormonal system, in particular, they are prone to diabetes.

Maine Coon

A breed that is not suitable for a small apartment, since in adulthood cats weigh about 10 kilograms, cats are slightly smaller, usually up to 8 kilograms. The history of the breed stretches from America, where the ancestors of Maine Coons were called raccoon cats.

The appearance of Maine Coons is probably their main trump card. Against the backdrop of power and nobility, representatives of the breed enchant with their bewitching grace. In adult individuals, tassels are developed on the ears, like a lynx, the tail is pubescent and looks very heavy, and cats have well-developed withers and mane. Despite their solid dimensions, representatives of the breed, by nature, remain teenagers until 4–5 years of age. Due to their late maturation, Maine Coons are bred rarely and late, which explains the price and rarity of kittens.

From the outside, the Maine Coon may seem dangerous because its claws are highly developed and, hypothetically, such a cat can cause serious injuries. In fact, purebred representatives of the breed are distinguished by true kindness, they are polite with adults, affectionate with children, and forgiving if someone behaves intrusively. During adolescence, Maine Coons easily learn tricks and become accustomed to wearing a harness. Such large cats need a lot of space and love to walk outside, but walking on their own is dangerous for them. Despite their external power, Maine Coon fighters are mediocre.

This is interesting! Maine Coons do not cause trouble by meowing, but they do purr constantly.

Your pet will need several beds located in convenient places, since Maine Coons tend to sleep wherever they can (even if it’s uncomfortable). During the period of active growth and throughout life, representatives of the breed need an enhanced but balanced diet. The four-legged cat needs to be given enough time, and in childhood, the cat needs to be taught to play independently.

Exotic Shorthair (exotic)

A cat breed beloved by many, with a very interesting appearance. Such original quadrupeds were bred by crossing Persian cats and native quadrupeds from America. Thanks to the stronger genes of American aboriginal cats, Exotics have short hair, which is undoubtedly convenient for apartment living.

Note! Externally, the shorthaired exotic differs from the extreme Persian only in its long hair.

Exotic shorthair cats are very intelligent, sociable, gentle and responsive. Unlike the Persian, exotics are more active, curious and playful. Another undoubted advantage is high stress resistance. Exotic shorthair cats quickly become accustomed to people, even as adults. In terms of caring for exotics, there are no special problems if the cat is healthy. Representatives of the breed need a balanced diet and are prone to respiratory ailments and ophthalmological problems.

Persian cat

One of the most famous breeds in the world. The four-legged animals were bred in Asia and attracted the world's attention for their luxurious fur and very docile nature. Persian, without exaggeration, is the ideal cat breed for an apartment if you are ready to provide your pet with decent care and nutrition.

Representatives of the breed are well built, muscular, harmonious and very graceful. The coat is long, luxurious, elongated at the withers and tail. A small, slightly depressed nose and huge, expressive eyes give the cat a special charm. In terms of colors, the breed standard is almost unlimited, but the contrasting tabby, Himalayan and color point are considered the rarest.

Persian cats are the calmest and most domestic cats in the truest sense of the word . The breed was originally bred as a pet, pampered, not lacking care, attention and love. The four-legged animals are distinguished by their affectionate nature and absolute trust in their owner. Representatives of the breed quickly become attached to the family, sincerely love people, and treat all members very kindly.

The intelligence of the Persians is also amazing; they are able to analyze the situation for a long time and make their own, most often, correct decisions. A big plus of the breed is its complete adaptability to living in an apartment . Most Persian cats will not agree to walk outside, even if their freedom is unlimited. If you enjoy walking cats, your kitten should be harness-trained and outdoor-trained from early childhood (immediately after receiving its vaccination).

If you don't like brushing cats, the Persian is not for you. Many people find the process of caring for their pet's coat calming, which is why representatives of the breed are so popular. Your pet's coat needs to be brushed thoroughly every day! If a cat does not receive proper care, it becomes covered in tangles, and this is not only unsightly, it is painful. Persian cats shed a lot of hair when they shed, even if you groom them every day. Some representatives of the breed snore in their sleep and are prone to breathing problems, this is explained by the structure of the skull.

Important! It is better to buy a Persian cat kitten only from trusted breeders recommended by your friends.

Cornish Rex

The first impression is not deceiving, the Cornish Rex is an oriental cat, one might say, one of the interpretations of the orientals. The birthplace of the breed is in England, which is not surprising; the breeders of this country have always strived for a kind of perfection in the cat's appearance.

The Cornish Rex stands out among its relatives with its short, very pleasant to the touch, plush and wavy hair. Representatives of the breed also have wavy mustaches. The quadrupeds are built very harmoniously, despite their high legs and developed muscles. When on the move, the Cornish Rex is graceful and very confident. Distinctive features include an elongated head shape and very impressive ears. Due to the short hair, the Cornish Rex's tail looks very thin, and due to the pet's sociability, it constantly wriggles and bends in a funny way.

Note! Cornish Rex dogs do not shed, do not sweat, do not smell, and when properly cared for, do not leave traces of sebum.

If you live in a one-room apartment and for this reason alone cannot get a dog, choose a Cornish Rex. This cat has truly a dog's devotion and somewhat of a character. The Cornish Rex quickly becomes attached to its owner and endures a change of owner extremely painfully . Representatives of the breed get along with dogs and other animals without any problems. In relation to children, Cornish Rexes are patient and affectionate; towards strangers, they are a little distrustful.

The Cornish Rex is a very intelligent, intellectually demanding breed. Four-legged dogs learn commands well, walk happily on a leash, and have fun with interactive toys. Against the backdrop of mobility and curiosity, Cornish Rexes are unobtrusive and if the pet sees that the owner is not in the mood or time to play, he simply observes everyday life.

Probably the biggest plus of the breed is its unpretentiousness . With the right choice of diet, cats eat well, are not picky, and tolerate regularity in their diet. There is only one caveat - the pet must have conditions for leisure, otherwise it will eat out of boredom and gain weight.

Ragdoll

Oddly enough, such calm cats are descendants of Siamese, which have a very lively disposition. However, when bred, the character of the Siamese was no secret. Therefore, many specially selected, most flexible Persian cats took part in breeding work. Some experts still do not recognize that Siamese cats and Ragdolls are relatives and believe that the latter's docile nature is the result of a gene mutation.

The calmness, complaisance and obedience of the representatives of the breed are so unshakable that groups of breeders struggled to overcome this feature. the fact is that when Ragdolls appeared in Europe, a myth was born about the fearlessness of these four-legged animals and their inability to feel pain. Behavioral studies have shown that the phlegmatism of the breed's representatives in some way conflicts with the survival instinct - the strongest instinct of any creature.

Note! According to the breed standard, the Ragdoll is far from phlegmatic, but affectionate, flexible, demanding of communication, calm and intelligent.

Munchkin

A phenomenal breed of short-legged cats that have been compared to basset hounds, dachshunds and even kangaroos. The last comparison is due to the fact that Munchkin tends to rise on his hind legs and stand in a column for quite a long time. Munchkins are very attentive, curious and often amaze their owners with their level of intelligence.

Note! Quadrupeds differ in the length of their fur, but it is always velvety and very soft to the touch.

By nature, representatives of the breed are very affectionate, responsive and flexible. Munchkins are very attached to their owners , sometimes even too much. For example, Munchkin owners say that until the pet grew up, he followed him everywhere, even to the bathroom and toilet, and if you closed the door in front of his nose, the ward began to worry and seriously panic. For some owners, it is very important that the cat does not climb everywhere, and Munchkin fully meets this requirement; due to his physique, he simply cannot jump high. By the way, on their claws, on a porous surface, these cats can rise quite high.

The Munchkin is not quite adapted to being alone for a long time , but representatives of the breed tolerate travel and a change of environment very well. Four-legged animals love to walk on a leash and the attention of strangers, believe me, many will not be able to pass by such a pet without emotions. With appropriate upbringing, you can raise a Munchkin to be a full-fledged companion, and although the pet will not be able to bring you slippers, comfort you in grief or make you laugh on a gray day, it is quite capable.