In the world there are more than a hundred officially recognized cat breeds, each of which has a certain set of qualities. They all differ from each other in character, appearance and size, and some also need specific care, which takes a lot of time and money. In today's article, a brief description of the main features of the best cat breeds for an apartment will be presented.
General recommendations
When choosing a pet, you need to focus not only on personal preferences, but also on several important factors. Since standard city apartments cannot boast a large area, it is undesirable to have large cats like Maine Coons, Serval or Savannah in them. Representatives of these breeds need a vast territory, and in a limited space they will feel, to put it mildly, uncomfortable.
Residents of megacities need to abandon the idea of buying Abyssinians, Siamese, Bengals or Kurilian Bobtail. These animals are hyperactive and require spacious housing.
Those who select the best breed of cats for an apartment should pay attention to the Scottish fold, British Shorthair, sphinx, Persian or exotic. All of them are moderately mobile, playful, affectionate, clean, and completely non-aggressive. They do not require regular walking, get along well with children and are even able to learn simple tricks.
British Shorthair
This is one of the oldest English breeds, whose history dates back to two millennia. Their ancestors lived side by side with the ancient Romans, who appreciated them for their well-developed hunting instinct and incredible endurance. Over time, they came to Northern Europe and the UK. English breeders were seriously interested in these animals and closely engaged in their breeding. In 1871, the official breed standard was developed.
British Shorthair - medium sized cats whose weight does not exceed 8 kg. Thanks to the massive compact body and large rounded head, they give the impression of large cats. The entire body of a typical British is covered with elastic wool, under which a thick undercoat is hidden. As for the color, it can be almost anything.
British Shorthair is one of the best cat breeds for an apartment. These are very flexible, affectionate and relatively calm creatures that do not require complicated care and special nutrition. They are not prone to damage to furniture and excessive meow, and due to the extreme cleanliness quickly accustom to the tray.
Persian
This is one of the oldest breeds, the history of which began back in the 12th century. They came to Europe from Iran thanks to the Italian traveler Pietro della Valle. At the end of the XIX century, they were brought to the United States and seriously interested local breeders. Through the strictest selection, the Americans managed to secure an unnaturally short nose and wide-set bulging eyes.
Persians have a peculiar, but very attractive appearance. The average weight of these animals ranges from 4-7 kg, so they can not be called large. Their squat body with a strong skeleton is covered with thick luxurious hair. Color can be anything.
Persians are the best animals for apartments and children. The calmest breed of cats, photos of which do not convey all its attractiveness, is not adapted for life on the street, therefore it is often called a sofa. They are very silent, melancholy and affectionate for people. If left for a long time alone, they will quietly lie in their favorite place, waiting for the return of the owners. The only inconvenience these furry creatures can cause is related to the care of their luxurious fur coat.
Scottish lop-eared
These animals appeared due to an accidental genetic malfunction. It manifested itself in an unusual shape of the ears caused by a defect in the bone-cartilaginous tissue. The Scottish Folds received official recognition by the American felinological organization only in 1976.
Scottish fold is one of the best cat breeds for an apartment. She has an unusual appearance and immediately stands out from her brothers. Her calling card is ears bent forward and down, fitting tightly to a rounded head. The massive body of these animals is covered with short thick fur of chinchilla, tortoise, clarified, patterned or plain color.
Scottish folds are unpretentious, balanced and completely non-aggressive animals, therefore they are often bought for children. The best breed of cats for an apartment does not require complicated care and is incredibly clean. Scottish fold quickly accustom to the tray and do not cause much trouble.
Exotic Shorthair
The history of this breed began in the mid-1960s. American breeders decided to slightly improve the appearance of the Persians and began to cross them with local cats. As a result of such mating, babies with a flattened muzzle, upturned nose and short plush fur began to appear. They were singled out as an independent breed and quickly gained popularity with professional breeders.
Exotics are very similar to Persians. The only difference is the length of their coat. Like the Persians, they are endowed with a melancholy temperament. Therefore, for those who want to find out which breed of cats is the most affectionate and calm, we recommend paying special attention to short-haired exotics. These animals do not require complex care of a fur coat and quickly become accustomed to the tray. They are not prone to damage to upholstered furniture and are ideal for maintenance in urban apartments.
Burmese
Experts have so far failed to reach consensus on the origin of these beautiful animals. According to one of the most plausible versions, they appeared as a result of the hard work of French breeders, purposefully crossing Persians with Siamese cats.
Sacred burma have a very interesting appearance. On a relatively large head with rounded cheeks and a convex forehead, neat ears and expressive blue eyes flaunt. The elongated body of these animals is covered with long silky hair, forming a lush collar. As for the color, it is almost identical to the color of the Siamese.
Burma is one of the best cat breeds for apartments and children. It miraculously combines balance, intelligence, quick wit and playfulness. They are characterized by a certain enthusiasm and temperament. They quickly become attached to their owners and do not cause much trouble. The only difficulty in caring for them is the need to regularly comb their long hair.
Russian blue
The exact origin of these animals is still unknown. According to one version, they were brought to England from Russian Arkhangelsk and aroused serious interest among the local population. Professional breeders began to breed them, striving to maintain an unusual color.
Russian blue is one of the best cat breeds for an apartment. She has a not too large size and a short beautiful coat, which does not require complicated care. This graceful animal is endowed with an obedient and good-natured character. Russian blue gets along well with other pets and does not show much zeal for walking.
Canadian Sphinx
Today, an increasing number of people keep these animals in the apartment. The best breed for children and adults with allergies does not have hair and looks like an alien creature. The Canadian sphinx has a strong body with a relatively graceful skeleton, wide massive chest and well-developed muscles. Its feature is the complete absence of hair - the entire body of this animal is covered with thick wrinkled skin.
The Canadian Sphinx is a highly intelligent creature endowed with a cheerful, friendly and playful disposition. He is very curious, brave and completely not aggressive. He quickly becomes attached to one owner and is easy to learn. The only difficulty in keeping these animals is the need to regularly wipe their skin with wet wipes.
Devon rex
Those who are trying to decide which breed of cats is best for an apartment can be advised to take a closer look at these unusual animals. Devon Rex has a rather original appearance that sets it apart from other brothers. On his relatively small head with a heart-like muzzle, huge wide-set eyes, unrealistically large ears and short curled mustache. The compact, muscular body of this cat is covered with soft curly hair of a plain or spotty color.
Devon Rexes are extremely social animals that do not tolerate prolonged loneliness. They quickly become attached to their owners and need constant communication with them. These cats are very affectionate, friendly and silent. They easily adapt to any conditions of detention and get along well with their own kind. Plus, they are smart enough and able to memorize simple commands.
Owner reviews
People whose apartments are inhabited by representatives of the breeds discussed above argue that they all adapt well to urban conditions and are incredibly clean. According to them, the joy of talking with pets smoothes out all the difficulties in caring for them.