What cat needs the least attention?
Cat Breed Collections
High-energy cats are busy bodies always on the go. Playful and entertaining, they are a good fit for families with active children. These hyper cats still need plenty of attention and toys to help keep them occupied indoors. Notable high-energy cat breeds include the Abyssinian, Burmese, Ocicat, and Toyger.
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
Find the best hypoallergenic cat breeds that fit your allergen free household including the Balinese-Javanese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Siberian and Sphynx
Large Cat Breeds
Large house cats are the heaviest cat breeds, with males generally weighing a minimum of 12 pounds. Some large domestic cats, such as the Bengal and Savannah, resemble jungle cats having descended from the African Serval and the Asian Leopard Cat, respectively.
If you’re looking for a big house cat, consider one of these large domestic cat breeds: American Shorthair, Bengal, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, Ocicat, Persian, or Ragdoll.
Low-Energy Cat Breeds
Low energy cats are suitable as indoor-only pets due to their calm demeanor. These affectionate cats prefer to be with their human companions during nap time rather than playtime. Some of the most calm cat breeds include the British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Ragamuffin, and Ragdoll.
Medium-Energy Cat Breeds
Medium energy cats present the best of both worlds. They are neither too playful nor too calm. They also are independent and affectionate.
Different cat breeds with a medium-energy level include the American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Manx, and Siberian.
Medium-Sized Cat Breeds
The majority of domestic pedigreed cats are medium size cats. Ideal living companions, medium-sized cats typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds.
Some of the most popular medium cat breeds are the Abyssinian, Burmese and Devon Rex.
Most Affectionate Cat Breeds
Most Popular Cat Breeds
Whether you’re choosing a cat based on looks, size or temperament, there is a breed for everyone.
Most Vocal Cat Breeds
Opt for a vocal cat if you’re looking for a companion that will greet you and ask you about your day upon arriving home. For a loud cat, vocalization comes in the form of chirping and twilling in addition to the expected meowing and purring.
Breeds such as the Balinese-Javanese, Japanese Bobtail, Oriental, and Siamese are suitable choices if you are seeking a talkative cat.
Rare Cat Breeds
Boasting striking, unique features, rare cats are sure to dazzle and stand out among a sea of domestic pedigreed cats. Unusual cat breeds can be considered rare by color combination, availability or novelty. They also can be rare in that they are imported from a foreign country or developed through experimental or hybridization breeding.
Silent and Quiet Cat Breeds
Quiet cats show their affectionate in ways other than meowing. Though silent cats will purr when delighted, they will most likely prefer to cuddle or play with their human companions. Popular picks of cats that don’t meow, or are rarely vocal, include the Abyssinian, American Shorthair and Cornish Rex.
Small Cat Breeds
Ideal indoor companions for those who live in cramped quarters, small cats typically weigh 4 to 10 pounds. Their petite size can cause them to be timid around other animals, so be cautious with these little cats if you have other pets in the home.
Notable small cat breeds include the Abyssinian, Cornish Rex and Singapura.
Smartest Cat Breeds
Cats are known for being intelligent animals. Their intelligence is measured by their ability to learn and how easily they can adapt to a new situation or environment. Some of the smartest cats are readily trainable and interact well with humans and animals alike.
Best Cat Breeds for Children
Family cats with easygoing, loyal temperaments are good companions for children. You’ll also likely want to choose a breed that is sociable, adaptable to a variety of situations, and somewhat playful. Regardless which breed you select, it’s important to gradually introduce your new furry feline to your family. Handle the cat gently at first, especially with young children, to prevent scratching or biting. Allow your new family companion time to get acclimated in your household.
Best Cats for Multi-Pet Households
If your household already includes dogs or cats, you’ll want to select a cat breed that is non-territorial and gets along well with others. Shy, skittish or aggressive breeds are not a good fit for a multiple-cat household. Choose a breed with an even temperament. You’ll also likely want a cat that is easygoing and friendly.
Try to pick breeds that complement each other. Consider pairing an older cat with a kitten, or a high-energy cat with a low-energy cat. Intelligent breeds pair well together, as they can easily adapt to new situations and environments.
Calmest Cat Breeds
Less active households are ideal for calm cats. Quiet, independent children will appreciate the mellow demeanor of quiet felines. With that in mind, calm cats would not be suitable for families with active, rambunctious kids.
Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed
If you suffer from dander allergies but still want to make a feline part of your family, opt for cats that don’t shed. Although no cat is a total non-shedder, there are some breeds that shed significantly less than others. Non-shedding cats typically are hypoallergenic, meaning their coats produce little to no dander.
Cats that don’t shed can either be hairless or have a short coat. Some of the most popular hairless cat breeds are the Peterbald and Sphynx. The Bambino and Levkoy also are hairless and are good examples of hypoallergenic cat breeds.
Cat Breeds That Need a Little Attention
Cats that only need a little attention are good for busy families who are frequently on the go. Calm cats can be left alone for long periods of time, like while their owners are at work all day. However, this doesn’t mean you can neglect them; low-maintenance cats still need love and attention just as other breeds do. Although they may be reserved at first, introverted cats eventually will warm up to people and become attached to their family. They typically tend to have mellow, sweet temperaments. Independent cats also are not overly territorial.
Cat Breeds That Need Daily Grooming
Although cats are meticulous when it comes to being clean, they still can use some grooming assistance. As a general rule of thumb, the longer and thicker a cat’s coat, the more grooming she requires. Long-haired cats typically need daily grooming to help maintain her healthy, shiny coat and reduce shedding and hairballs. Regular bathing is also important for cats that shed.
Breeds that require daily grooming include the Birman, Himalayan and Persian.
Cat Breeds That Need Monthly Grooming
Despite being relatively clean animals, most cat breeds still need occasional grooming. Generally, cats with short hair only need to be brushed monthly in addition to occasional bathing. Some of the cat breeds that should be groomed monthly include the Abyssinian, Bengal, Ocicat and Toyger.
Cat Breeds That Need Weekly Grooming
Cats are considered very clean animals, but most breeds still require occasional grooming. Cats with medium hair generally need weekly brushing, plus occasional bathing. Regular grooming is important for the upkeep of your cat’s coat. It also reduces shedding and hairballs.
Some of the breeds that require weekly grooming include the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Savannah.
Cat Breeds That Rarely Need Grooming
Some cat breeds, especially those with short hair or those that are hairless, don’t require much grooming. Cats that rarely need to be groomed usually don’t shed much and can be hypoallergenic. The Cornish Rex and Devon Rex lack an undercoat, meaning they shed significantly less than other breeds. The hairless Sphynx also doesn’t require much grooming.
Cat Breeds with Long Hair
Long hair cats are characterized by their beautiful, soft coats. However, these silky, luxurious coats come with a price. You should expect to groom these long haired cats daily, and cats that shed are not a suitable option for people with allergies, as dander is retained in these cats’ long coats.
If you’re looking for a fluffy feline, consider one of these long haired cat breeds: Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, and Persian.
Cat Breeds With Minimal Shedding
If you’re looking for a low-allergen cat, choose a cat that sheds minimally. People with dander allergies will appreciate hypoallergenic cats because their coats produce much less dander than other breeds. However, keep in mind that cats with minimal shedding will still need occasional grooming.
Although non-shedding cats are a rarity, several hypoallergenic cat breeds, which are also hairless cat breeds, are the exception. They include the Bambino, British Shorthair, Levkoy, Peterbald, and Sphynx.
Cat Breeds With Moderate Shedding
Cats that shed moderately typically have a coat that is medium in length. Regular grooming is key to keeping their moderately shedding coats healthy and shiny, as it reduces shedding and hairballs. Some of the most popular cat breeds with medium coats and moderate shedding include the Bengal, Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Savannah, and Toyger.
Cat Breeds with Short Hair
Short haired cats are a good choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming their cat’s coat. However, short haired domestic cats should be brushed regularly to maintain a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Some of the most popular short hair cats include the British Shorthair, Burmese, Cornish Rex, and Devon Rex.
Cats with Medium-Length Hair
Medium haired cats usually have a thick, double coat. Weekly grooming is important to help reduce shedding and maintain a beautiful, healthy coat. Notable choices for medium hair cats include the Abyssinian, American Bobtail, and Egyptian Mau.
Hairless Cats
Suitable for people with dander allergies, hairless cat breeds, such as the Peterbald and Sphynx, may be bald or have peach-like fuzz. Their bodies are very warm to compensate for the lack of a coat. Hairless cats can be more affectionate than other breeds, as they like to be close to their human companions to stay warm.
Heavy Shedding Cat Breeds
Although their long, luxurious coats are stunning, cats that shed can be a problem among those with allergies. The dander that is produced in cat hair and floats through the air when cats shed can cause some people to have allergic reactions. To combat this, cat grooming is a necessity for those felines that shed heavily. They should be brushed daily to reduce the amount of shedding and hairballs.
If allergies are not an issue to you or your family, here are some notable breeds that shed frequently: Birman, Himalayan, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, and Turkish Angora.
Cats: Low Maintenance Pets?
The stereotype of the cat as low maintenance pets that doesn’t need, or want, much from their guardians prevents cats from getting what they need, causes stress, boredom, behavior and health problems, and leads to failed adoptions when the needs exceed the expectations.
I’ve seen it in rescue with cats being returned for being too clingy, too loud, too destructive, or “mean.” I recently saw a client with a lovely ragdoll kitten. The guardian was frustrated because the cat was “attacking” her, attention seeking, scratching her furniture, getting on the counters, and messing around with stuff the human didn’t want her to get into. She’d tried training the kitten with a spray bottle. She wanted a stereotypical, low maintenance, cat that slept all day and provided passive companionship with the sweet, laid back ragdoll personality. She had a bored kitten that was undersocialized in an environment that was not set up for a cat and provided no enrichment.
The myth of cats as a low maintenance pet has done much damage to the quality of life for cats. We keep our cats as indoor, house pets for their health and safety and to reduce their effects on the environment. But we miss the part about the need to provide Kitty with alternative ways to “cat.” Both cat and guardian end up unhappy.
Let’s look at some of these myths about our feline friends.
- 1 Myth: Not “Just a Cat” that you can leave to fend for herself
- 2 Myth: Cats are Aloof and Antisocial
- 3 Myth: Cats’ Needs are Limited
- 4 Myth: Cats Can’t be Trained
- 5 Myth: Indoor Cats Don’t Need to See the Vet
- 6 .Don’t Compare Your Cat to a Dog
- 6.1 Share this post:
Myth: Not “Just a Cat” that you can leave to fend for herself
Cats are not just couch potatoes that can be left to their own devices. They are Intelligent and resourceful animals that want and need our companionship. Cats that don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation get bored. Bored cats will make their own fun and you probably won’t like it.
The results can include destructive behaviors like scratching your furniture or door frames, shredding paper towels or your curtains, climbing your shelves and knocking things over. A bored or lonely kitty may develop inappropriate behaviors such as over-grooming/fur pulling, excessive vocalization, over sleeping or eating, or aggression toward other animals or people in the house.
Stress eating and eating out of boredom is a thing for cats as much as it is for you or I. This leads to obesity and related health problems.
Myth: Cats are Aloof and Antisocial
Actually, a well-socialized cat craves interaction with her people. Your cats do like you and want to be with you. Learn cat body language. The effusive greeting you get from a dog is very different from the greeting you will get from a cat. But it does not mean the dog loves you more, the cat and dog just speak different languages.
While cats in the wild are solitary hunters, they are not loners. Cats do form social bonds. Your furbaby will miss you while you are gone out to work or traveling. Consider adopting in pairs if your cat is going to be alone for the bulk of the day. Especially if you get a kitten. They need a buddy.
Despite their reputation for independence, cats are loving, social animals that need regular care and attention to thrive.
Myth: Cats’ Needs are Limited
While you might not need to walk your cat around the neighborhood every day after work like a dog, your cat does require an investment of your time and treasure. Properly caring for a cat requires investment of time, energy, space, and money.
Cats need more than just food, water, a litter box and a bed. They also need enrichment, exercise, opportunities to express predatory behaviors in play and a place to hide when they feel threatened. Kitty needs places to get up high and view his territory. They need to have appropriate places to scratch. You need to set up your house for Kitty’s happiness by providing adequate resources in a cat-friendly way.
Obviously they need fresh food 2-3 times a day, clean water, and a litterbox scooped at least once a day; but Kitty also requires daily playtime with you, grooming, and cuddling. And, depending on your cat’s personality, he might enjoy that daily walk too.
Myth: Cats Can’t be Trained
Actually, cats can be trained. They can be trained to do tricks, to run an agility course, to walk on a leash. You need time, practice, a good relationship, and high-value treats.
It is easy to house train a kitten. You can teach a cat to stop scratching the sofa and stay off the counter. But you need to be able to think like a cat to be successful. You need positive training approaches, rather than discipline or discouragement. Negative training will only make cats do the things you don’t want them doing when you aren’t around and associate you with fear.
Have you heard it said dogs are like toddlers, cats are like teenagers? Cats won’t change their behavior “because you say so” like a dog. You have to figure out what they are getting out of the behavior you object to and give them a better way to meet that need.
Reward her good behavior and distract her from what you don’t want. Be sure you are not subtly reinforcing the behavior you are trying to change. Even negative attention is still attention.
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Myth: Indoor Cats Don’t Need to See the Vet
The idea that cats are low maintenance pets that just need food and don’t need to see the vet is fading, but cats are still being under served when it comes to vet care. Cats are masters at hiding pain and illness. By the time a cat shows subtle signs of sickness, it’s likely been ill for some time.
Your indoor cat needs vaccines. She needs parasite control and regular preventive healthcare visits to the veterinarian.
.Don’t Compare Your Cat to a Dog
Judging cats by dog standards does no one any good. People think dogs require more attention because they need to be walked to go potty. They are more outgoing in asking for affection and attention. Puppies need training to become good pets. It is socially acceptable for your dog to become part of your activities.
Cats are quieter and less “in your face” about getting their needs met. But that doesn’t make them low maintenance, cheap alternatives. As we have seen, indoor cats are actually quite high maintenance pets and need significant time and energy to build a satisfying relationship that makes both cats and their guardians happy and fulfilled.
