Cats are second only to dogs as America’s favorite pets, and more people are getting pets nowadays, especially those who work from home, which has increased interest in the best indoor cat. If you want to find the perfect breed, keep reading as we list several of the most popular ones.
The 15 Best Indoor Cat Breeds
1. Ragdoll
| Height: | 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) |
| Length: | 10–20 pounds (4.5–9 kg) |
| Temperament: | Calm, friendly, and social |
Ragdolls are large, gentle cats with stunning blue eyes and semi-longhair coats. They have a calm temperament and enjoy being held and cuddled, often going limp in their owners’ arms. Ragdolls are friendly and social and get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to the family.
2. British Shorthair
| Height: | 12–14 inches |
| Length: | 9–18 pounds |
| Temperament: | Reserved, quiet, and undemanding |
British Shorthairs are sturdy, medium-to-large-sized cats with round faces and dense, plush coats. They are calm and undemanding, preferring a controlled and predictable environment. Although they are independent cats, they enjoy spending time with their owners and can be affectionate and loyal companions.
3. Maine Coon
| Height: | 10–16 inches |
| Length: | 10–25 pounds |
| Temperament: | Sociable, intelligent, and good with children and other pets |
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds and one of the most sought after. They are friendly and pleasant, often getting along well with children and other pets. These cats are intelligent and enjoy interactive play, making them great choices for families seeking engaging indoor cats.
4. Siamese
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–14 pounds |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, curious, and highly vocal |
Siamese cats have blue almond-shaped eyes, making them popular with pet owners. They also have short coats with distinctive color points. They are highly intelligent and vocal, frequently conversing with their owners to communicate their needs. Siamese cats are also affectionate, often demanding attention and forming strong bonds with their families.
5. Scottish Fold
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–13 pounds |
| Temperament: | Sweet-natured, affectionate, and good with children |
Scottish Folds have unique folded ears, which give them an endearing and distinctive owl-like appearance. Owners describe them as gentle, getting along well with children and other pets. They are adaptable and enjoy interactive play, making them a popular choice for families.
6. Abyssinian
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–10 pounds |
| Temperament: | Energetic, playful, and highly intelligent |
Abyssinians are medium-sized cats with short, ticked coats and lively personalities. They are curious, active, and highly intelligent cats that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Abyssinians form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy participating in various activities, making them excellent companions for individuals or families.
7. Russian Blue
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 7–15 pounds |
| Temperament: | Reserved, quiet, and loyal |
The Russian Blue has a short, dense bluish-gray coat that gives them a unique appearance. They are gentle and reserved cats, typically forming strong bonds with their human companions. While they may be initially cautious around strangers, they are loyal and affectionate once they establish trust.
8. Sphynx
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–12 pounds |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, extroverted, and playful |
The Sphynx cat is a hairless breed and requires special care to maintain their skin health. But they have warm and extroverted personalities and are highly sociable, seeking attention and engaging in playful antics, making them entertaining and affectionate indoor companions.
9. Burmese
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–14 pounds |
| Temperament: | Social, loving, and demanding of attention |
The Burmese cat has a glossy coat and captivating golden eyes. They are outgoing and people oriented, often following their owner around the house. They thrive on social interaction and enjoy being part of the family’s daily activities.
10. Devon Rex
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–10 pounds |
| Temperament: | Playful, mischievous, affectionate |
Devon Rex cats have curly coats, oversized ears, and mischievous expressions that make them popular with pet owners. They are highly active and playful and thrive on interaction with their human companions. They are highly adaptable to various living situations, making them great indoor pets for large and small homes.
11. Bengal
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 8–15 pounds |
| Temperament: | Active, curious, and playful |
Bengals have a wild appearance, with a coat featuring unique spotted or marbled patterns, thus resembling a small tiger. They are active and energetic, requiring ample playtime and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Bengals form strong bonds with their families and enjoy interactive games and challenges.
12. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Height: | 9–12 inches |
| Length: | 9–18 pounds |
| Temperament: | Sweet natured, intelligent, and good with children |
Norwegian Forest cats are large, strong cats with long, dense coats that help them survive in cold climates. This cat has a friendly and gentle disposition and enjoys the company of their human family members. Norwegian Forest cats are skilled climbers and like exploring their surroundings, making them ideal for indoor environments with vertical spaces where they can look over their territory.
13. Cornish Rex
| Height: | 9–11 inches |
| Length: | 6–10 pounds |
| Temperament: | Curious, outgoing, and sociable |
The Cornish Rex cat has a unique wavy coat and slender body. They are highly active and playful, often entertaining their owner with their acrobatic abilities, which makes them popular with children. Cornish Rex cats are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, demanding attention and enjoying interactive play sessions.
14. Oriental Shorthair
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–12 pounds |
| Temperament: | Playful, extroverted, and intelligent |
Oriental Shorthairs are sleek and slender cats with various coat colors and patterns. They are highly active, agile, and intelligent, often seeking mental and physical stimulation from their family members. These cats are talkative and enjoy being involved in their owners’ activities, making them lively and engaging companions.
15. Turkish Angora
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Length: | 6–12 pounds |
| Temperament: | Lively, social, and friendly |
The Turkish Angora has an athletic build and a longhaired coat that requires regular grooming. But they are highly interactive and playful cats that form strong bonds with their families. They enjoy being the center of attention, often showing affection through gentle head-butting and playful antics designed to capture your attention.
Summary
As you can see, plenty of cats make great indoor pets. In fact, any cat owner would say that all of them do. That said, the Ragdoll is a particularly great choice because these cats love attention and go limp when you carry them. The British Shorthair is another great indoor cat, thanks to their calm and relaxed nature. The Sphynx or Devon Rex can be ideal if you live in a warm environment, and many people love the Scottish Fold and their tiny ears.
Featured Image Credit: Rosa Jay, shutterstock
