12 Cat Breeds That Are Great for Apartment Living (and 6 That Need Extra Space)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Scottish Fold indoors
t_watanabe/PixaBay

Are you a cat lover searching for the perfect feline companion that fits your apartment lifestyle? Whether you’re in a cozy studio or a bustling city flat, finding the right cat breed can make all the difference in creating a harmonious home. Some cats thrive in compact spaces, enjoying every nook and cranny, while others need extra room to roam and play. Discover which cat breeds are perfectly suited for apartment living—and which ones might need a little more space to stretch their legs. Let’s find the purrfect match for your home!

1. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cat with blue eyes.
Cats Coming/Pexels

The Ragdoll, often referred to as the “puppy cat,” is a breed that naturally loves attention and affection. Despite their large size, they are typically calm and docile, making them great companions for apartment dwellers. Their laid-back temperament allows them to adapt to smaller spaces, though they do appreciate vertical climbing areas and cozy corners where they can relax. While Ragdolls don’t require a ton of room to roam, providing them with stimulating toys and vertical spaces will help them feel more at home in an apartment setting.

2. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cat relaxing lazily on table
Thirdman/Pexels

The Scottish Fold’s signature folded ears make them one of the most unique-looking cat breeds. Known for their gentle, affectionate nature, Scottish Folds are content to be your lap cat and won’t demand much more than your attention. These cats are highly adaptable and comfortable living in smaller spaces, making them perfect for apartment life. However, since they love their owners’ company, they do benefit from regular interaction and mental stimulation through simple games, keeping them happy and entertained in confined spaces.

3. British Shorthair

British Shorthair
Pixabay/Pexels

The British Shorthair is a robust, independent cat that doesn’t require a lot of space to thrive. Their reserved nature makes them suitable for apartment living, as they tend to be low-maintenance and enjoy their quiet time. While they appreciate a good cuddle session, they don’t require constant attention, which can make them ideal for smaller living spaces. Providing a few favorite hiding spots and scratching posts will allow these easy-going cats to comfortably settle in your apartment.

4. Russian Blue

Russian Blue couchant
moonsword/PixaBay

The Russian Blue is known for its striking silvery-blue coat and calm personality. These cats are incredibly low-key, making them a good fit for apartment living. Russian Blues are not overly demanding in terms of space; they are content to observe their surroundings from a cozy perch or curl up on a quiet windowsill. They enjoy the companionship of their owners but are not overly clingy, which makes them well-suited for living in smaller spaces, provided they have places to hide and explore within the home.

5. Persian

Persian
Michelle_Raponi/Pixabay

While Persians are known for their luxurious coats and regal demeanor, they are also one of the most relaxed breeds in terms of space needs. These cats prefer lounging in comfort and require little exercise, making them an excellent choice for apartment living. While their long coats require regular grooming, Persians enjoy the simplicity of quiet spaces and won’t need extensive room to roam. A few cozy beds and some interactive toys will keep them content in your apartment’s limited space.

6. Birman

Birman
Tranmautritam/pexels

The Birman is another breed that thrives in apartment living due to its calm demeanor and affectionate personality. These cats love being around their humans and will happily follow you from room to room, though they don’t need a large area to do so. Birmans enjoy playing and can be content with a few toys and scratchers, but they won’t mind a smaller living space as long as they are receiving attention. They are social, gentle, and adaptable, making them a great choice for apartments where space may be limited.

7. Devon Rex

Devon Rex
Vphotostock/123rf

The Devon Rex is known for its large ears and playful, curious nature. This breed doesn’t require much room to thrive, but they do need an environment where they can remain mentally stimulated. These cats love to climb, jump, and explore, so providing shelves or climbing trees in an apartment will satisfy their need for physical activity. They enjoy being the center of attention and can be just as happy in a smaller living space as long as there is plenty of human interaction and entertainment.

8. Siamese

siamese cat
liliy2025/pixabay

Siamese cats are known for their vocalizations and high energy, but they are equally adaptable to apartment living. Though they’re active and love to explore, they don’t require a large living space as long as they have plenty of interaction and mental stimulation. Siamese cats can form deep bonds with their owners and enjoy playing and being the center of attention, making them well-suited for apartments where they can engage with their humans and stay active in a confined area.

9. Sphynx

Sphynx
Pexels User/pexels

The Sphynx is a cat breed that is all about socializing, and it doesn’t need much space to do so. These hairless cats thrive on human companionship and can be incredibly affectionate, often seeking out warmth and attention. While Sphynx cats are highly energetic and playful, they are not particularly demanding in terms of space. They will happily run and play within an apartment, as long as there are ample opportunities for interaction. Sphynx cats are perfect for those who want a loving, engaging pet in smaller spaces.

10. American Shorthair

American Shorthair
shamilini/123rf

The American Shorthair is a well-rounded breed that is as comfortable lounging around as it is engaging in play. These cats are generally independent and adaptable, making them ideal for apartment living. They don’t require much space but enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring their environment and scratching on designated posts. As long as there are plenty of opportunities for them to play, they will be content in a smaller living space. Their low-maintenance personality makes them an easy fit in apartments.

11. Maine Coon

Maine Coon Kittens
Eric Heim/Pixabay

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and they certainly need room to stretch their long limbs. These affectionate cats love to play, and their size means they will benefit from a larger living space, especially if you can provide areas to climb or explore. Maine Coons tend to be very social and are content as long as they are around their human family members, but they do need room to move and play freely, so apartments with extra space or access to larger areas are ideal.

12. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair cat looking up
MelaniMarfeld/Pixabay

Exotic Shorthairs are calm and affectionate cats that don’t require large spaces to thrive. Their easy-going personalities make them perfect for smaller living environments like apartments. They enjoy snuggling and lounging, so a cozy spot in your home will be all they need. Despite their laid-back nature, Exotic Shorthairs are still playful and enjoy interactive toys and games, but they are equally happy to just relax by your side, making them great apartment companions.

13. Bengal

Bengal cat sitting proudly on dining table
Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash

Bengal cats are known for their striking leopard-like spots and wild appearance, but their energetic, adventurous personalities require more space than smaller apartment cats. These cats are incredibly active and curious, often leaping, running, and climbing to explore their environment. While Bengals can adapt to apartment living, they need plenty of mental stimulation and vertical space to roam. They do best in homes with access to larger areas or dedicated climbing structures.

14. Savannah

Savannah kitten
Lindasj2/123rf

Savannah cats, with their exotic look and energetic temperament, require more space than most domestic breeds. These cats love to climb and explore, so apartments can be challenging for them if they lack opportunities to move around freely. Savannahs thrive in homes where they have ample room to run and play, and they need access to high places and stimulating environments. Their adventurous nature makes them more suited for homes with larger spaces or outdoor access.

15. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cat
tsapenkodg/pixabay

Abyssinians are highly active and playful cats that enjoy climbing, running, and exploring. While they are adaptable to apartment living, their high energy levels require a spacious area to roam and engage in activities. Providing vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves will help fulfill their needs, but Abyssinians will do best in larger apartments or homes with access to more room. These cats are not content to sit idly—they thrive on exploration and activity, making them a great fit for larger living spaces.

16. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest cat with green eyes.
Kanashi/Pexels

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, athletic breed with a love for climbing and exploring. These cats are built for adventure and require a significant amount of space to play and roam. While they can adapt to apartment living, they need vertical spaces to climb and jump, along with plenty of interactive playtime to keep them mentally stimulated. Norwegian Forest Cats are best suited for homes where they have room to move freely and express their instincts.

17. Ocicat

Ocicat
alexvol2014/123rf

Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats are domesticated cats that require more room to roam than most apartment-friendly breeds. They are active and love to climb, jump, and explore their environment. While they are highly social and enjoy spending time with their owners, they thrive in homes with plenty of space or vertical climbing structures to satisfy their playful nature. Without enough room to express their energy, they can become bored or anxious.

18. Turkish Van

A beautiful Turkish Van cat with white fur and orange markings lounging gracefully on a wooden shelf. The cat looks directly at the camera with alert golden eyes. Next to the cat is a digital thermometer showing temperature and humidity, and a green potted plant adds a touch of nature to the scene.
Анна Кухарчук/Pexels

Known for their love of water and large size, Turkish Vans need plenty of space to thrive. These active and adventurous cats enjoy climbing, running, and playing, so a larger living space is ideal for them. While they can live in apartments, they need access to vertical climbing areas and areas to explore. Turkish Vans are particularly playful and curious, so they require an environment that offers the space to engage in their energetic play and love for water activities.

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