11 Best Indoor Cat Breeds For Homebodies

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There are several cat breeds that want nothing more than to spend their days indoors lounging on the couch. However, indoor cats need physical and mental stimulation to reduce stress and stay entertained.

Because cats like to pounce and chase, they need toys to play with and encourage exercise. Many cat breeds are satisfied staying indoors if offered enough companionship and stimulation.

Keep reading to learn more about breeds that are better suited as indoor cats than others.

Why Keep Your Cat Indoors?

There are many benefits to having an indoor cat. Not only does it minimize the risk they will harm other animals, but it might also help keep the peace with your neighbors. Here are some reasons for keeping your cat indoors:

  • No chance of your cat being hit by a car.
  • No unwanted pregnancies, if your cat is not spayed.
  • Less of a chance of becoming ill as a result of eating tainted food or poisoned rodents.
  • A lower chance of catching diseases or parasites from other cats.
  • Your cat will have less stress and anxiety from not dealing with neighborhood cats or dogs.
  • No potentially fatal encounters with wild animals.
  • None of your neighbors will complain about cat poop and dug-up flower beds.

#1 Sphynx

Breed Overview
Sphynx Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Canada
Sphynx Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"-10"
Sphynx Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-16 pounds
Sphynx Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
13-14 years
Sphynx Group: Medium-sized hairless
Sphynx Price: $1800-$3000

The Sphynx breed loves to curl up in their owner’s lap and is often called the Velcro cat for obvious reasons. Sphynx kittens are very friendly and loving, who then turn into a cat that will love relaxing around the house with their owner. This breed is also smart, inquisitive, and is known to greet their owners at the door when they return from being out.

#2 Ragdoll

Breed Overview
Ragdoll Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Ragdoll Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
9"-11"
Ragdoll Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
10-20 pounds
Ragdoll Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years
Ragdoll Group: Large-sized long-haired
Ragdoll Price: $1200 - $2300

Ragdoll cats are loving, sweet, and love to cuddle with their owners. This breed will greet their people when they get home. Ragdoll cats are a great breed for apartment dwellers who want a cat, but this breed does need regular grooming to help keep their long coat under control.

#3 Scottish Fold

Breed Overview
Scottish Fold Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United Kingdom
Scottish Fold Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"- 10"
Scottish Fold Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
6-13 pounds
Scottish Fold Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
13-15 years
Scottish Fold Group: Medium to large short-haired and long-haired
Scottish Fold Price: $1000 - $2000

Scottish Folds are active little hunters who are playful, sensitive, and complex. These cats are named for their unusual folded ears and love to be around their people. Scottish Fold cats crave attention and companionship from their owners or other pets and get along well with children.

#4 Himalayan

Breed Overview
Himalayan Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Himalayan Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
12"-14"
Himalayan Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
7-12 pounds
Himalayan Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years
Himalayan Group: Medium-sized longhair
Himalayan Price: $200-$3,000

These calm, gentle cats exhibit kitten-like bursts of energy, stirring suddenly from dozing in a corner to uncontrollably running through the house toward their next journey. Himalayans make great companions to those who can provide the attention they need and give them enough exercise and physical contact, as well as daily brushing and combing grooming.

#5 Devon Rex

Breed Overview
Devon Rex Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United Kingdom
Devon Rex Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
12"-14"
Devon Rex Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
6-9 pounds
Devon Rex Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
10-15 years
Devon Rex Group: Small to medium-sized shorthair
Devon Rex Price: $600-$2,000

Devon Rex are mischievous kitties and also called the pixie cat because of their large eyes, high-set cheekbones, and slender bodies. This breed is defined as loyal, calm, and high-spirited. They can also be a great playmate for children you may have in the home. Devon Rex cats are intelligent, active, and require regular stimulation like playing with puzzle toys or being taught new tricks.

Also Read: The 10 Best Cat Slow Feeders & Puzzle Feeders

#6 Siamese

Breed Overview
Siamese Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Thailand
Siamese Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"- 10"
Siamese Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-15 pounds
Siamese Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
15-20 years
Siamese Group: Small to medium-sized short-haired
Siamese Price: $600 - $1200

The Siamese is one of the oldest and the most beloved cat breeds. This breed is playful and known for following their owners around the house while “chatting” with them. The Siamese cat seeks out companionship from their humans, especially sitting in laps or being cozy in their owners’ bed with them.

Siamese cats have several dog-like qualities, including the need for companionship and sometimes even playing fetch. If you spend a lot of time outside of the home, then this breed is definitely not the right one for you.

#7 Burmese Cat

Breed Overview
Burmese Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Burma/Myanmar
Burmese Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"-10"
Burmese Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-12 pounds
Burmese Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years
Burmese Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Burmese Price: $450-$3,000

Burmese cats are curious and active when they are young. As they get older, they become easy-going and prefer to watch rather than get involved in activities. You may find them sleeping in a windowsill or any other place they can catch a sunbeam. Cats of this breed are considered excellent jumpers and climbers and do best with cat perches or something they can climb up on.

#8 Singapura

Breed Overview
Singapura Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Singapore
Singapura Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
7"- 8"
Singapura Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
4-9 pounds
Singapura Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-13 years
Singapura Group: Small short-haired
Singapura Price: $1500 - $2000

With a similar personality to the Burmese cat, the Singapura is full of mischief and is extremely inquisitive, as well as affectionate. Singapura cats can be seen chasing a ball around the house or tap dancing on piano keys. These playful cats love their humans and get along easily with other pets in the house, even dogs.

#9 Persian

Breed Overview
Persian Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Iran
Persian Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"- 10"
Persian Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-15 pounds
Persian Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
14-15 years
Persian Group: Medium to large long-haired
Persian Price: $1300 - $3000

The Persian cat is lovable, affectionate, but can be discriminative and reserve their attention for their family and a few trusted friends. This adorable flat-faced feline does get along with children and other household pets well, but they are not big fans of loud situations. More serene homes with few changes are where this breed does best. Persians need daily brushing and combing to keep their profuse coats free from mats and tangles.

#10 British Shorthair

Breed Overview
British Shorthair Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United Kingdom
British Shorthair Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
11"-14"
British Shorthair Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
8-18 pounds
British Shorthair Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years
British Shorthair Group: Medium-to-large shorthair
British Shorthair Price: $300-$5,000

These cute felines are highly intelligent, but they are always happy to stay indoors and play with toys and their people. Having wand-like cat toys to keep your British Shorthair cat entertained is important. The British Shorthair has an easy-going personality and offers great companionship. While these cats love to play, they do not require an extreme amount of attention.

#11 Russian Blue

Breed Overview
Russian Blue Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Russia
Russian Blue Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8"- 10"
Russian Blue Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
10-14 pounds
Russian Blue Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
10-16 years
Russian Blue Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Russian Blue Price: $1000 - $1700

The Russian Blue enjoys following their owner around and trying to assist with what they are doing. This breed is not overly active but enjoys a playful game with their favorite humans. The Russian Blue may have quiet and reserved personalities, but these cats do like jumping and climbing to high places. While they love company, Russian Blues are capable of entertaining themselves while their owner is away, which makes them a great indoor cat.

How To Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Here are some ways to make sure your indoor cat is happy:

  • Consider a companion for your cat for playing, chasing, shared grooming, and snuggling to fulfill your indoor cat’s needs. This can help in the areas of exercise, companionship, and affection while owners are away from home.
  • Interactive toys will not only keep your cat physically stimulated but mentally stimulated as well. However, like children, cats may get bored with the same toys. Rotate different toys to keep your kitty interested. Also consider prey-like toys, such as a laser toy or kitty fishing pole, which allow you to bond and interact with your cat.
  • Scratching posts are important for indoor cats in order to exercise their natural instinct to scratch. Cats have individual preferences and many like certain scratching posts and surfaces. Offer several types in multiple locations around your house.
  • Climbing places on furniture, shelves, or cabinets is great but you may also want to have climbing areas designated just for your cat, like a cat tree. Cat trees are available at most pet supply stores, or online retailers like Chewy or Amazon.
  • Cat perches are necessary because cats are natural-born sun worshippers. Giving your cat access to several windows will give him the opportunity to witness the world outside and sunbathe. If you have narrow windowsills, a cat perch will work and allow your cat the space to spread out and relax. Shelf-like perches are made especially for this purpose and can be purchased at most pet supply stores, or you can even build your own.
  • Kitty TV is basically entertainment for your cat by placing a bird feeder or birdbath in your yard so that he can watch through the windows. A screened-in porch is also a great place for your cat to enjoy the show, but be sure that the screens are secure to prevent your cat from getting too close to the action.
  • Hiding places are a favorite among curious cats. Provide your feline friend with fun hiding places like a cardboard box or paper bag. You can also purchase a kitty tent, condo, or tunnel at a pet-supply store, or make one at home.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of reasons why cat owners decide to have indoor cats. Cats can easily adapt to an indoor lifestyle, as long as their owners meet their needs with all sorts of toys, climbing places, scratching posts, and lots of cuddle time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cruel to have an indoor cat?

Keeping your cat indoors will keep him off of busy streets, wild animals, and diseases. However, some indoor environments can be cumbersome and boring, which can lead to obesity. Your indoor cat needs a lot of play time and toys to live in doors happily.

Are indoor cats happier?

Indoor cats live in a more stress-free life than cats who spend time outdoors provided the indoor cat is receiving plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

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About Amy Brown-Towry

Amy Brown-Towry is a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist and animal lover. She is the proud owner of two cats and a dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.

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  1. tamera torgerson

    I want to put a screen like wall around our laini to give my cat more space and feel more of the outdoors of smell, sounds ect…Any suggestions would be great. Mahalo Tamera and Bill

    Reply