14 Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs That Stay Happy Indoors

Written By

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.

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Finding a pet that thrives in an apartment setting can be tricky, but some cats and dogs are perfectly suited to indoor living. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed lap cat or a playful yet chill dog, this list will guide you to the perfect companion for your urban lifestyle. These furry friends balance their size, energy levels, and personalities to adapt seamlessly to smaller spaces, all while being loving companions.

1. Persian – The Luxurious Lounger

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Persians are content to spend hours lounging on your couch or by a sunny window, basking in their elegance. They’re not big fans of exercise but will occasionally enjoy a slow-paced game with a feather toy. Persians are perfect for those who love a low-maintenance energy level but are ready to commit to regular grooming to keep that beautiful coat tangle-free. With their gentle temperament and minimal noise, Persians make ideal companions for quieter households. Their love for calm environments and relaxed routines makes them a soothing presence in any apartment. Persians are also known for their loyalty and the special bonds they form with their owners.

2. Ragdoll – The Gentle Shadow

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Ragdolls have earned their name for a reason—they’ll practically melt into your arms when you pick them up. These large, fluffy cats are affectionate to the core and will follow you from room to room like a loyal shadow. Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle and well-suited to life indoors. Ragdolls love interactive toys but are just as happy curling up with you for a nap. Their sweet, calm nature makes them a fantastic choice for apartments, as they’re rarely disruptive and thrive on companionship. Additionally, Ragdolls are great with families, often showing patience and affection with children.

3. British Shorthair – The Independent Companion

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
Photo by Canva/Pixabay

British Shorthairs are masters of balance. They’re playful yet calm, social but independent. These cats adapt well to apartment living, often finding joy in simple things like a comfy spot to nap or a cardboard box to explore. Their plush coats require minimal maintenance, and they’re not overly demanding in terms of attention. British Shorthairs are perfect for people who want a laid-back pet that’s just as happy doing its own thing as it is spending time with you. Their robust health and low grooming needs make them easy pets to care for. Moreover, they’re known for their quiet nature, rarely vocalizing unless they need something important.

4. Russian Blue – The Elegant Introvert

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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With their sleek silver coats and piercing green eyes, Russian Blues exude elegance. They’re moderately active cats who enjoy interactive toys and puzzles but are equally content to relax in a quiet corner. These cats are known for their shy yet affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their quiet demeanor makes them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers who value peace and tranquility. Plus, their low-shedding coat is a bonus for neat freaks. Russian Blues are also highly intelligent, quickly learning routines and even games. Their sensitivity to their environment makes them exceptionally tuned in to their owner’s emotions.

5. Scottish Fold – The Adorable Sweetheart

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
XFanly/Pixabay

Scottish Folds are famous for their distinctive folded ears and wide-eyed expressions, which only add to their charm. These cats are calm and affectionate, thriving in peaceful environments. They enjoy lounging in cozy spots and watching the world go by from a window perch. While they’re not overly playful, they’ll happily engage in gentle games with their favorite human. Scottish Folds are also known for their unique sitting posture, often resembling a teddy bear. Their sociable nature ensures they get along well with other pets, making them a harmonious addition to multi-pet homes.

6. Siamese – The Social Butterfly

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
Willianmatiola/Pexels

If you’re looking for a chatty, affectionate companion, the Siamese might be your perfect match. While their energy levels are higher than some other breeds, they adapt well to smaller spaces as long as their social needs are met. Consider adopting a pair to keep each other entertained when you’re not home. Their loving and engaging nature ensures there’s never a dull moment with a Siamese around. Siamese cats are also incredibly intelligent, often learning tricks and commands with ease. Their curiosity ensures they’ll keep exploring and finding ways to keep life interesting.

7. Burmese – The Compact Dynamo

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
Frans P/PEXELS

Burmese cats are tiny bundles of energy and affection. They love interactive toys and can spend hours entertaining themselves with the simplest objects. Despite their playful side, they’re also content to curl up on your lap for a cuddle session. Burmese cats have a sturdy build and a friendly, outgoing personality, making them a joy to have in an apartment. Their adaptability ensures they’ll fit seamlessly into any home. Burmese cats are also known for their dog-like behavior, often following their owners around. Their eagerness to engage makes them a constant source of delight and companionship.

8. French Bulldog – The Chill Charmer

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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French Bulldogs are the epitome of low-maintenance charm. These small, stocky dogs are perfect for apartments thanks to their minimal exercise needs and laid-back attitude. Despite their easygoing nature, they’re also playful and enjoy short bursts of activity. Frenchies are known for their big personalities and amusing antics, which will keep you entertained without overwhelming your living space. Their adaptability to different routines and their quiet nature make them ideal for city life. Additionally, their social demeanor ensures they’re a hit with neighbors and visitors alike.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Kindhearted Friend

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
PicsbyFran/Pixabay

Cavaliers are as sweet as they come. These small, elegant dogs thrive on affection and love being close to their humans. They’re adaptable and enjoy moderate exercise, such as leisurely walks or a game of fetch in the living room. Cavaliers are incredibly friendly and get along well with everyone, including children and other pets. Their calm demeanor and manageable size make them ideal for urban living. These dogs also have an intuitive sense of their owners’ emotions, often providing comfort when you need it most. Their eagerness to please and gentle disposition make them a favorite among pet lovers.

10. Dachshund – The Spirited Adventurer

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Dachshunds may be small in size, but they’re big on personality. These spunky little dogs love a good walk or a lively game but are equally content to relax at home. Their short legs and long bodies make them uniquely adorable, and their playful antics will bring plenty of laughter to your apartment. Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners, and their small size makes them perfect for city dwellers. Their bravery and determination make them surprisingly good watchdogs despite their petite stature.

11. Pug – The Lovable Clown

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Pugs are dogs with big hearts that come in small packages. These little pooches are full of charm and have a knack for making everyone happy. They’re low-energy and perfectly happy to lounge around the house, though they do enjoy occasional playtime. Pugs are incredibly affectionate and thrive on human interaction, making them wonderful companions for apartment living. Their goofy personalities will keep you entertained daily. Pugs are also highly adaptable, easily adjusting to new routines and environments.

12. Shih Tzu – The Regal Lap Dog

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
Pezibear/Pixabay

Shih Tzus are the ultimate lap dogs, with their luxurious coats and affectionate nature. They require minimal exercise, preferring to spend their days snuggled up with their favorite humans. While regular grooming is a must to keep their coats looking fabulous, their sweet and calm demeanor more than makes up for the effort. Shih Tzus are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a loving, low-energy companion. These dogs are also excellent with children, often displaying patience and gentleness.

13. Bichon Frise – The Cheerful Fluffball

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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Bichons are hypoallergenic bundles of joy. These cheerful little dogs love to play but are just as happy to relax indoors. They’re friendly and adaptable, making them a hit with everyone they meet. Bichons’ moderate activity levels and compact size make them ideal for apartment living, and their soft, fluffy coats are as delightful to pet as they are to look at. Their bright, friendly personalities will light up your home. Bichons are also quick learners, often excelling in basic training and tricks. Their eagerness to please ensures they’re always looking for ways to make you smile.

14. Greyhound – The Surprising Couch Potato

Apartment-Friendly Cats and Dogs
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When you think of Greyhounds, racing might come to mind, but these sleek dogs are surprisingly low-energy and love a good nap. They’re content with a quick daily walk and will spend the rest of the day lounging around. Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate, and quiet, making them perfect for apartment living. Despite their size, they’re incredibly graceful and adapt well to smaller spaces, proving that even large dogs can thrive in an urban environment. Greyhounds are also known for their affectionate nature, often leaning on their owners to show love. Their calm demeanor ensures they’re a peaceful addition to any home.

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