Which cat is better to have in the apartment: tips from breeders and veterinarians

Living in a high–rise building is not a reason to give up the dream of a furry companion: experts say that both purebred and mongrel cats perfectly adapt to the "home–work-home" format, taking into account their character, level of activity and need for communication. Calm and balanced breeds, such as the British Shorthair, Russian Blue, Scottish and Burmese, feel especially comfortable in a confined space, without turning the apartment into an obstacle course. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What to look for when choosing a cat

The main thing when choosing a cat for an apartment is not the fashion for the breed, but the lifestyle of the family, the square footage and the willingness to devote time to the animal. Veterinarians emphasize that it is more important to choose a pet with the right temperament and activity level than chasing a popular color or extreme appearance.​

Experts recommend answering a few questions in advance.: how many hours a day the owners spend at home, whether there are children, whether they are ready for regular grooming and games. This makes it easier to understand whether a phlegmatic "sofa philosopher" is suitable or whether it is better to look for an active "cat-grower" who will involve the whole family in outdoor games.​

When choosing, it makes sense to consider:

• Apartment size and layout: large breeds need more space to play.

• Having children and other animals: tolerance and non-conflict of character is important.

• Busy owners: independent breeds tolerate loneliness more easily.

• Ready to care: Long-haired cats require regular combing.​

Quiet breeds

Calm and "lazy" cats suffer less from lack of space and are less likely to arrange night runs through closets. Such pets are suitable for both busy people and elderly owners who appreciate silence.

Experts consider the most comfortable conditions for living in an apartment to be:

• The British shorthair is an independent, patient and uncommunicative "aristocrat" who spends his time quietly alone.

• The Russian blue is an intelligent and unobtrusive cat that prefers a quiet atmosphere and a measured rhythm at home.

• The Burmese cat is a friendly and gentle companion who loves company, but without being overly intrusive.​

• The Persian cat is a phlegmatic "homebody" who appreciates comfort and does not strive for marathons around the apartment.

Experts separately identify ragdolls and some rexes: these breeds are known for their gentle nature and good tolerance of indoor life. Most often, they react calmly to children, are not aggressive, and are willing to communicate with a person.

If there are children in the family

When children live in an apartment, especially younger ones, the tolerance and gentleness of the cat's character come to the fore. Experts advise choosing animals that easily tolerate noise, touch and are not inclined to respond with claws to inept hugs.

As family pets, they are often recommended:

• The Burmese cat is sociable, delicate, calmly treats the child's attention.​

• The Scottish fold is balanced, playful, without outbursts of aggression.

• Ragdolla is a large, but extremely soft and sociable "soft toy" cat.

It is important to remember that safety is the responsibility of adults, not just the nature of the animal. Experts advise explaining the rules of communication with the cat to the child and providing the pet with a place where he can escape from unnecessary attention.​

Is a mongrel cat suitable

Breeders and shelter volunteers assure that most domestic cats, regardless of breed, feel great in an apartment. With proper upbringing and care, they are in no way inferior to their purebred counterparts in terms of affection, affection and the ability to use the tray.​

Experts formulate the advantages of an "ordinary" cat from a shelter or from the street as follows:

• Adaptability to different conditions of detention.

• Often, better health is due to mixed genes.​
  An opportunity to give a home to an animal that needs it badly.

Shelters usually help you choose an animal according to its character, tell you how it behaves indoors, and give you tips on adaptation. This reduces the risk of disappointment and helps to avoid mistakes in the first weeks.

How to prepare an apartment for the arrival of a cat

Even the calmest breed needs a safe and well-equipped space. Veterinarians remind you that the better prepared the apartment is, the easier the adaptation is and the less likely it is that the pet will start damaging furniture or looking for dangerous places.

Basic preparation steps:

1. Remove dangerous items: small change, wires, toxic plants, access to the washing machine and balcony.

2. Organize a "cat corner": a couch in a quiet place, a house or a shelf where no one will disturb.

3. Place the tray in a quiet area, away from bowls and aisles, and choose a convenient filler.

4. Provide access to clean water and feed, observing the diet according to the recommendations of the veterinarian or the feed manufacturer.

Daily routine is also important: changing the water, cleaning the tray, games and tactile contact help the cat feel protected and reduce stress levels. For long-haired pets, you need to add combing and regular monitoring of the condition of the skin and coat.

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