Last updated Oct 24, 2022
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
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Medium-sized hairless
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$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
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Large-sized long-haired
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$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
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Medium to large short-haired and long-haired
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$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
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Medium-sized longhair
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$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
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Small to medium-sized shorthair
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$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.
#6 Siamese
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Small to medium-sized short-haired
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$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
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Medium-sized short-haired
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$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
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Small short-haired
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$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
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Medium to large long-haired
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$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
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Medium-to-large shorthair
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$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
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Medium-sized short-haired
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$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.
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
Hi Tamera, apologies for the late reply! You may be able to wrap a claw-proof mesh like this around the perimeter. As for further instruction, most catio guides will give you some information on how to transform a patio, lanai, or other space into a catio. There’s no one perfect tutorial for everyone, but this video might help.