Cats can be intelligent, loyal and loving household companions. Here are a few recommendations from our Central Illinois vets on best cat breeds if you are looking for a great indoor companion.
Choosing The Right Breed for You
If you're wondering about the best breed of house cat for you, there are a number of factors worth considering, including:
- How much time will your cat spend by itself?
- What type of personality are you looking for in a cat?
- How much grooming are you willing to commit to?
Once you understand the answers to these simple questions, you can start to narrow down your breed options and focus on the perfect cat to suit your lifestyle and personality. Are you looking for the most friendly cat breeds available today? You've come to the right place.
Cat Breeds For Indoor Living
Most cats will be content to remain indoors if they get enough mental and physical stimulation, companionship and love. That said, some breeds are happier indoors than others. Here are some of the most popular indoor cat breeds:
Burmese
These golden-eyed felines have a talent for acrobatics due to their athletic tendencies. They also often have outgoing and adventurous personalities. They love showing off their athletic skills and are happy to offer hours of cuddles. They are also chatty kitties who can keep up their end of a conversation. You may also be happy to find they shed less than some other breeds and are relatively easy to groom with only weekly brushing requirements.
British Shorthair
This powerful breed ranges from medium to large-sized and is known for its comfortable, round shape. A good choice for single people if they get sufficient exercise and interaction with their owner, they were originally bred to keep rodents from invading their masters' barn and house. They also play well by themselves.
Keep in mind that it's important to give your British Shorthair daily brushing as their coats tend to grow thick and dense in the winter, then shed as the season changes.
Siamese
This cat has uniquely striking features, including a short, soft, light-colored coat that's darker on the face, ears, paws and tails. These characteristics make them a highly desired pet. But make no mistake: The Siamese isn't just a beautiful face; they are also a fun-loving pet. Playful and known for following their owners around the house to 'chat', they may just be the addition you're looking for. Note that they are very social creatures who need lots of companionship and attention.
Devon Rex
This playful feline boasts big, expressive eyes, a slender body and long legs. Known as the 'pixie-like' cat breed, this breed is often described as fun-loving, relaxed and loyal. They may just become your natural best friend and children's playmate. Take a Devon Rex home and you'll likely get an active, intelligent companion who needs regular stimulation (e.g. cat-friendly puzzle toys, learning new tricks).
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.
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.
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!
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.
Once you've chosen your cat, don't forget to book your kitty's first veterinary appointment for a routine exam. We look forward to meeting you and your feline friend, and providing them the best preventive care so they can live a long, happy life.