How to Choose a House Cat Breed

Wondering which breeds make the best house cats? Our Clackamas veterinarians help to take the guesswork out of your search for the ideal feline friend by highlighting 6 breeds we believe make excellent indoor companions.

What's the best breed for a house cat?

The answer to this question is dependent on the personality, physical characteristics, and other characteristics you seek in your feline companion. Cats are as individual as their owners; some are playful attention seekers, while others are peaceful snoozers. Here are some breeds that do well indoors.

Ragdoll

A good choice for apartment dwellers seeking a feline friend, Ragdoll cats are large, long-bodied and strikingly beautiful, with long, silky coats (which also have a high tendency to shed).

Personality-wise, they are loving, sweet, and always up for cuddles. They often greet their people when they arrive home and seem to pick up tricks easily with positive reinforcement.

British Shorthair

This strong, medium-to-large-sized breed is known for its round and thick build. Originally bred to keep rodents out of their masters' barn and house, they play well alone and are a good choice for single people as long as they get enough exercise and interaction from their owner.

Note that it’s important to brush your British Shorthair daily, as they tend to grow thick, dense coats in the winter, which shed with seasonal changes.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds, so named because of their unusual folded ears, are active mousers who are also playful, expressive, and sensitive. One of the first things you'll notice is their bright orange-yellow eyes.

They crave attention, companionship (even that of another cat), and time around people so are perhaps not the best choice if you’re out of the house for long periods. Bonus: they are very kid-friendly.

Burmese

These acrobatic, golden-eyed felines are outgoing athletes who will demonstrate their athletic abilities, provide hours of cuddles, and hold their own in a conversation. They shed less than other breeds and are simple to groom, requiring only weekly brushing.

Devon Rex

The pixie of the cat world, these loyal, relaxed, and fun-loving felines have large eyes, high-set cheekbones, slender bodies, and long legs. If you have children, they are a natural best friend and playmate.

Kittens at heart, they are intelligent, active, and need stimulation such as playing with puzzle toys that offer treats as a reward or learning tricks.

Himalayan

Also known as “Himmies”, these calm, gentle cats boast large, deep blue eyes and long, full, dense coats.

A Himalayan will frequently display kitten-like bursts of energy - their antics can have them snoozing in a sliver of sunlight, then suddenly up and running through the living room, on to their next adventure. They make excellent companions if their owners pay attention to nutrition and provide adequate exercise and interaction.

The Moggy

Moggy is slang for a mixed-breed cat. These cats have a variety of personalities depending on their origins, but they are generally healthy, content, and happy creatures. Shelters across the country are teeming with wonderful cats looking for loving pet parents. You might be able to find the ideal house cat at your local animal shelter or cat rescue.

Getting a new cat is very exciting. But it also comes with many responsibilities. Contact our Clackamas vets to schedule your new cat's routine exams and vaccinations right away.