City apartments and smaller homes can still be a perfect place for a cat — many breeds are calm, adaptable, and happy with indoor play and vertical space. Picking the right one helps keep both you and your pet comfortable in a compact setting.
There are 15 apartment cat breeds, ranging from American Shorthair,Tonkinese. Each entry lists Scientific name,Weight (kg),Temperament (short) so you can compare size and personality at a glance; you’ll find this information below.
What’s the best way to choose an apartment-friendly cat?
Look beyond size: focus on temperament and activity level, grooming needs, and how much interaction you can give. Use the list to compare Scientific name,Weight (kg),Temperament (short) for quick filtering, then meet cats or breeders to confirm energy and social fit.
Do smaller breeds always adapt better to apartment life?
Not necessarily — some small breeds are highly active or vocal, while some larger breeds are low-energy and content indoors. Consider temperament and enrichment options (toys, perches, playtime) as much as weight when deciding.
Apartment Cat Breeds
| Name | Scientific name | Weight (kg) | Temperament (short) |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Shorthair | Felis catus | 4–7 | low-to-moderate energy, quiet, independent |
| Russian Blue | Felis catus | 3–5.5 | low energy, quiet, shy but affectionate |
| Exotic Shorthair | Felis catus | 3–6 | low energy, quiet, affectionate |
| Persian | Felis catus | 3–6 | low energy, quiet, very affectionate |
| Sphynx | Felis catus | 3–5.5 | moderate energy, quiet, highly social |
| Scottish Fold | Felis catus | 3–6 | low-to-moderate energy, quiet, affectionate |
| Burmese | Felis catus | 4–6 | moderate energy, moderately vocal, very affectionate |
| Tonkinese | Felis catus | 3–5 | moderate energy, sociable, moderately vocal |
| Birman | Felis catus | 3.5–5.5 | low-to-moderate energy, quiet, gentle |
| Chartreux | Felis catus | 4–6 | low energy, quiet, affectionate |
| Cornish Rex | Felis catus | 2.5–4.5 | moderate energy, quiet, playful |
| Devon Rex | Felis catus | 3–4.5 | moderate energy, quiet, affectionate |
| Manx | Felis catus | 4–6 | moderate energy, quiet, loyal |
| Singapura | Felis catus | 2–3.5 | low-to-moderate energy, quiet, curious |
| American Shorthair | Felis catus | 3.5–6 | moderate energy, quiet, adaptable |
Images and Descriptions
British Shorthair
Calm, stocky British origin breed ideal for apartments; low activity, minimal vocalizing. Easy short-coat grooming, affectionate but independent, adapts well to single-person or family homes. Standout: placid nature and sturdy build make it tolerant of small spaces and routines.
Russian Blue
Slender blue-gray breed from Russia, very quiet and low-energy—excellent for apartments. Short plush coat needs minimal grooming; enjoys calm routines and gentle play. Affectionate with family but reserved with strangers. Standout: exceptionally quiet, graceful companion in small homes.
Exotic Shorthair
Persian-faced short-haired variety—calm, low-energy and very apartment-suited. Dense short coat reduces grooming time versus Persians but still needs weekly care. Affectionate and tolerant of quiet households; good with families and singles. Standout: Persian look with easier maintenance.
Persian
Longhaired, low-energy classic favored for quiet apartment life; often calm and affectionate. Requires daily grooming and regular coat care to prevent matting. Adapts well to indoor routines, prefers gentle interaction. Standout: sweet, placid temperament and regal appearance.
Sphynx
Hairless, social breed that thrives indoors; seeks warmth and human company. Moderate activity with playful bursts but generally quiet. Requires regular bathing and skin care instead of fur grooming. Highly affectionate and attention-seeking. Standout: unusually clingy, very interactive lap cat.
Scottish Fold
Small-to-medium folded-eared breed, calm and adaptable to apartment living. Low-to-moderate activity and minimal vocalizing. Coat varies; brushing a few times weekly suffices. Friendly and people-oriented, tolerates children and other pets. Standout: unique folded ears and mellow demeanor.
Burmese
Compact, muscular Burmese are social and people-focused—ideal for apartment owners who want company. Moderate energy with playful moments and moderate vocalizing. Short coat is low-maintenance. Bond strongly to families and adapt well to indoor life. Standout: extremely affectionate, often following owners around.
Tonkinese
Friendly Tonkinese blend Burmese and Siamese traits but usually less vocal and high-energy. Moderate activity fits smaller homes; very social and interactive. Short coat easy care. Enjoys play and companionship without needing extensive space. Standout: playful yet adaptable to apartment routines.
Birman
Soft-coated, gentle Birman prefers calm indoor life; low-to-moderate activity and quiet disposition. Semi-long fur needs regular brushing to prevent mats. Affectionate and tolerant of families and other pets. Origin: sacred temple cat roots, widely available. Standout: gentle, people-centered nature.
Chartreux
Robust, blue-coated French Chartreux is calm and low-energy—well suited to apartments. Dense double coat needs periodic brushing. Quiet and affectionate, bonds to family with gentle play. Good availability in many regions. Standout: calm hunting instincts but very mellow indoors.
Cornish Rex
Small, slender Cornish Rex has a short wavy coat and lively curiosity but moderate overall energy. Generally quiet and adapts well to indoor play. Low-shedding coat needs minimal grooming. Social and playful with owners. Standout: athletic, agile jumper in small spaces.
Devon Rex
Playful, affectionate Devon Rex thrives in apartments with interactive owners. Short curly coat is low-maintenance. Moderate activity and generally quiet vocal habits. Craves company, enjoys games but settles easily indoors. Standout: large ears and mischievous, puppy-like personality.
Manx
Tailless Manx is sturdy and adaptable, comfortable in apartments with moderate activity levels. Dense coat varies in length; regular grooming needed. Generally quiet, loyal, and great with families. Good indoor hunter and climber without needing wide open spaces. Standout: tailless balance and playful loyalty.
Singapura
Tiniest pedigree cat, Singapura is small, adaptable, and low-to-moderate energy—ideal for small apartments. Short coat requires minimal grooming. Affectionate, curious, and typically quiet; enjoys laps and playtime. Origin: Southeast Asian roots, increasingly available. Standout: compact size and big personality.
American Shorthair
Classic, medium-sized American Shorthair is calm, adaptable, and well-suited to apartment life. Short dense coat is easy-care and seasonal shedding manageable. Moderate energy with friendly, independent temperament; good with children and other pets. Standout: hardy, healthy breed widely available.
