You’re sitting in your cozy New York apartment thinking about bringing home a feline friend. But there’s this nagging question in your mind: will your cat be comfortable in a space that barely fits your furniture? Here’s the thing, plenty of cats don’t just survive in small apartments, they genuinely thrive in them.
Not every cat is wired the same way. Some breeds just naturally mesh with compact city living, whether it’s because they’re quieter, calmer, or simply less interested in running laps around your living room at midnight. If you’re a city dweller renting an apartment in New York and looking for a cat to keep you company, you may find that not all cats are as suited to life in a smaller abode as others. Understanding which breeds work best can make all the difference between a harmonious home and a stressful situation for both you and your pet. Let’s dive into the 12 breeds that really know how to make themselves at home in compact spaces.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a calm and affectionate breed known for its plush coat and round face. These cats are not overly active, which makes them ideal for small spaces. Picture a teddy bear that purrs, that’s basically what you’re getting here. They’re the kind of cat who doesn’t need you to constantly entertain them.
They’re perfectly content lounging around and basking in the sunlight streaming through your window. Plus, their quiet demeanor means they won’t disturb neighbors in close quarters. You won’t have to worry about angry knocks on your door because your cat decided to perform midnight acrobatics. They’re just genuinely chill creatures who appreciate a good windowsill spot.
Russian Blue
If elegance had a feline form, it would probably be a Russian Blue. The Russian Blue is a serene and composed breed celebrated for their loving nature and stunning silver-blue fur. These cats have this almost regal way about them, with their striking green eyes and soft coat that shimmers in the light.
While they value their solitude, they also form strong bonds with their human companions. With their short and plush coat, Russian Blues are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They won’t demand your attention every second of the day, which is perfect when you need some breathing room in your already tight space. Yet when you settle in for the evening, don’t be surprised if they quietly curl up beside you.
Scottish Fold
Known for their adorable folded ears and sweet demeanor, Scottish Folds are laid-back cats who enjoy a quiet, low-energy environment. Honestly, their appearance alone could melt anyone’s heart. Those folded ears give them this perpetually curious expression that’s hard to resist.
They love lounging on furniture and watching the world go by, making them ideal for small apartments. You’ll often find your Scottish Fold perched somewhere observing everything with those big, round eyes. With their signature folded ears and sweet expressions, Scottish Folds are among the most adaptable and easygoing breeds. They enjoy following their people from room to room and do well in small environments where they feel close to their humans.
Ragdoll
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite their larger size, Ragdolls are gentle giants who love to relax. These affectionate cats enjoy following their humans around but are not overly energetic, making them great for smaller homes. They literally go limp when you pick them up, which is actually how they got their name.
These darling, mellow kitties have a habit of melting in blissful contentment in their owner’s arms – which explains how the breed got its name. If you’re someone who works from home in your tiny apartment, a Ragdoll will be your shadow without being demanding. They’re just happy to be near you, whether that means curling up on your lap during a Zoom call or sprawling beside your keyboard.
Persian
Known as “furniture with fur” Persian cats are among the more docile cat breeds, making them perfect for an apartment. Let’s be real, these cats were basically made for lounging. Their long, luxurious coats and flat faces give them this aristocratic appearance.
While they don’t leap, climb and scour nooks and crannies like other cat breeds, Persian cats are just as intelligent and do require some play time. For the most part, however, Persian cats are master nappers and are known to remain inactive for long periods of time. The trade off is grooming. You’ll need to brush them regularly to keep their coat from matting, but if you don’t mind that, you’ve got yourself the ultimate couch companion.
Maine Coon
Now you might be thinking, wait a minute, aren’t Maine Coons massive cats? While he’s by far the largest cat breed on this list, the Maine coon could still find himself well-suited to apartment living. Appropriately called “gentle giants” of the cat world, these sluggers can reach a weight of 18 pounds! Size doesn’t always dictate behavior.
Despite their size, Maine coons don’t require large spaces. While they enjoy playtime, these cats are just as happy to spend their evenings relaxing with their favorite humans. They’re surprisingly adaptable and gentle. Their gentle and tolerant nature makes these big cats content to live anywhere with their favorite human, although they will need frequent playtime and attention. Give them a tall cat tree and some interactive toys, and they’ll be perfectly happy in your compact quarters.
American Shorthair
American shorthair cats are an easy-going and adaptable breed, so they’ll adjust to any environment. Not only are they affectionate, but they also have a compact build – with round faces and short ears – which means they won’t need too much space to sprawl out. They’re the quintessential family cat, but they work equally well for singles or couples.
Not much bothers them, and they’re good with other animals and children. While these family-oriented felines can be active, they’re also more than happy to sit down on the sofa to watch the game with you, making them ideal for apartment living or small spaces. They’re also relatively quiet, which your neighbors will definitely appreciate.
Sphynx
Okay, let me address the elephant in the room. The Sphynx is hairless, which initially might seem odd. The unique-looking Sphynx cat – he may be bald, but to fans of this breed, he is beyond beautiful. And despite appearances, he’s still soft to the touch. Their lack of fur actually makes them excellent for apartment living because there’s no shedding to worry about.
Friendly and playful, a Sphynx thrives on human companionship. You can expect him to snuggle up to you every chance he gets, especially during cold spells. They’re warm to the touch and crave body heat, making them fantastic lap cats. If you’re someone who appreciates constant affection and doesn’t mind a cat that looks a little different, this breed might surprise you.
Exotic Shorthair
If you love everything about Persian cats but don’t want to deal with the excessive fur portion, get yourself an Exotic Shorthair. Dubbed, “the lazy man’s Persian,” these demure felines have all the attributes – quietness, calmness, affectionate – of a Persian cat, but come with a shorter, less demanding coat. Think of them as the low-maintenance version of their long-haired relatives.
The Exotic Shorthair cat is cherished for their relaxed and easygoing attitude. They are not rambunctious, but can entertain themselves with cat toys around the house or find contentment simply curling up in the sun. Their peaceful nature makes them perfect for apartment dwellers who want affection without the drama or the daily grooming sessions.
Burmese
Burmese cats are playful yet content with indoor living, making them ideal for apartments. These compact, muscular cats have personalities that are larger than life without being overwhelming. They’re sociable creatures who genuinely enjoy human interaction.
Unlike some breeds that prefer solitude, Burmese cats actually seek out your company. They’re curious without being destructive, playful without being hyperactive. You’ll find they adapt beautifully to apartment routines and don’t require massive amounts of space to feel comfortable. Their moderate energy levels mean they’re satisfied with interactive play sessions rather than needing to run marathons around your living room.
Birman
As Vetstreet points out, the calm and people-oriented Birman is adaptable to almost any living environment. Far from requiring loads of space to roam, the Birman just wants to be near his owners. They’re sometimes called “velcro cats” because of how attached they become to their humans.
These outgoing cats make friends easily, from small children to other pets (dogs included). And while friendly, Birmans aren’t impossibly demanding attention-seekers. They strike this perfect balance between being affectionate and independent. You’ll be able to go about your day without interference from them. And when it’s high time for some cat cuddles, your Birman will be right there.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats are small in size and have a unique, wavy coat that requires minimal grooming. This breed is highly adaptable to indoor living and is one of the most affectionate cat breeds out there. With their large eyes and pixie-like features, they look almost otherworldly.
They have a playful and mischievous personality and are perfect for owners looking for an active and engaging feline companion. While they do have more energy than some other breeds on this list, they’re small enough that even their most energetic moments won’t overwhelm a compact space. They’re also incredibly social and bond deeply with their owners, making them wonderful companions for city living.
Conclusion
Finding the right cat for your New York apartment doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. Calm, low-maintenance, and independent cats are the best fit for small apartments. With proper care, enrichment, and love, any of these breeds can thrive in a compact living environment.
The truth is, it’s not always about how much square footage you have. What matters more is understanding your cat’s personality and providing the right environment with vertical spaces, engaging toys, and plenty of affection. These 12 breeds have proven time and again that they can flourish in small spaces while bringing enormous joy to their owners.
Which of these breeds surprised you the most? Did you expect that such large cats like Maine Coons could be happy in apartments? Share your thoughts in the comments.
