Cats can make loving companions and faithful friends. Here are a few suggestions from our Las Vegas vets on the best breeds to consider if you are looking for the perfect indoor house cat.
How to Choose the Right Cat Breed for You
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. However, some breeds are more at ease indoors than others. A few of our favorite house cat breeds are listed below.
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 up to be a cat who enjoys hanging out with you at home. This breed is also intelligent and curious, and will gladly greet you at the door whenever you return home. Even though they are completely hairless, this breed requires a lot of grooming to keep their skin healthy.
Ragdoll
These lovely long-haired felines are affectionate, sweet, and always up for a cuddle. Ragdoll cats will greet their owners when they return home, and with a little positive reinforcement, they can easily learn new tricks (and a few treats). These cats have long, silky coats and are large, long-bodied, and strikingly beautiful. Ragdoll cats are an excellent choice for apartment dwellers looking for a feline companion, but they do require regular grooming to keep shedding to a minimum.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are playful, expressive, and sensitive mice who are always on the move. These cats are named after their unusual folded ears and have bright orange-yellow eyes. They adore being around people. Scottish Fold cats enjoy receiving attention and companionship from people or other pets, and they get along well with kids.
Himalayan (Himmies)
Large, deep blue eyes and long, full, dense coats distinguish these calm, gentle cats. These lovely cats 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. Owners who pay attention to nutrition and provide enough exercise, interaction, and grooming will find Himalayans to be wonderful companions.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex, also known as the pixie cat, are mischievous feline with large eyes, high cheekbones, slender bodies, and long legs. This breed is known for being loyal, laid-back, and fun-loving. If you have children, they make a natural best friend and playmate. Devon Rex is an intelligent, active creature who requires constant stimulation, such as puzzle toys or learning new tricks.
Siamese
Siamese cats have a strikingly beautiful coat that is short, soft, and light-colored on the body with a darker face, paws, ears, and tail. This playful breed is known for 'chatting' with its owners as they walk around the house. This is not the breed for you if you spend a lot of time outside the house. Siamese cats have several dog-like characteristics, such as a desire for constant companionship and a desire to play.
The Moggy
A mixed-breed cat is referred to as a moggy. Depending on their origins, these cats have a variety of personalities, but they are typically content and happy creatures. At your local animal shelter or cat rescue, you might just find the perfect pet for you.