Cats can be loyal companions and loving companions. Here are some recommendations from our Ocala veterinarians for the best breeds to consider if you're looking for the ideal indoor house cat.
How to Choose a Cat Breed
When deciding on the best breed of a house cat for you, there are several factors that you should consider, including:
- How much time will your cat spend alone?
- How much grooming are you willing to commit to?
- What kind of personality are you looking for in a cat?
Once you know the answer to those simple questions you can begin to narrow down your breed options and begin to single in on the perfect breeds to suit your lifestyle and personality.
Ideal Indoor House Cats
If given enough stimulation and companionship, most cats will be content to stay indoors. Nonetheless, some breeds prefer to live indoors more than others. Here are a few of our favorite domestic cat breeds.
Sphynx
This breed, also known as the Velcro cat, enjoys curling up in its owner's lap. Sphynx kittens are extremely friendly and affectionate, and they will grow into a cat who enjoys lounging around the house with you. This breed is also intelligent and inquisitive, and will gladly greet you at the door if you've been gone for a while. Despite being completely hairless, it's important to note that this breed requires a lot of grooming to keep its skin healthy.
Ragdoll
These lovely long-haired cats are affectionate, sweet, and always eager for cuddles. Ragdoll cats will greet their owners when they return home and can easily learn tricks with a little positive reinforcement (and a few treats). These cats have long, silky coats and are large, long-bodied, and strikingly beautiful. Ragdoll cats are an excellent breed for apartment dwellers looking for a feline companion, but they do require regular grooming to keep shedding under control.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are playful, expressive, and sensitive mousers. These cats, so named because of their unusual folded ears, have bright orange-yellow eyes and adore being around people. Scottish Fold cats crave human or other pet attention and companionship, and they get along well with children.
Himalayan
These gentle, calm cats have large, deep blue eyes and long, full coats. These lovely cats can have kitten-like bursts of energy, going from snoozing in a sliver of sunlight to frantically running through the living room on their next adventure. Himalayans make excellent companions for owners who pay attention to nutrition and provide adequate exercise, interaction, and grooming.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex, also known as the pixie of the cat world, are mischievous felines with large eyes, high cheekbones, slender bodies, and long legs. This breed has been described as loyal, laid-back, and fun-loving. If you have children, they are natural best friends and playmates. Devon Rex is an intelligent, active animal who requires regular stimulation such as puzzle toys or learning new tricks.
Siamese
Siamese cats are strikingly beautiful, with a short, soft, light-colored coat on the body and a darker face, paws, ears, and tail. This breed is known for being playful and for 'chatting' with its owners around the house. If you spend a lot of time outside the house, this is not the breed for you. Siamese cats have many dog-like characteristics, such as a love of play and a strong need for companionship.
The Moggy
A mixed-breed cat is referred to as a moggy. These cats have a variety of personalities depending on their origins, but they are typically content and happy creatures. You might just find the perfect pet for you at your local animal shelter or cat rescue.
