Cat breed ok with living indoors
Discussion
I'm considering getting a pedigree cat within the next 12 months and am looking for recommendations as to which breeds to avoid/ aim for as suitable for living indoors. Our current cat is very happy living indoors and I was thinking that perhaps some pedigrees are more suited to indoor living?
Any recommendations appreciated.
Thank you
Nathan
Any recommendations appreciated.
Thank you
Nathan
We have a Persian, they're not the most energetic of breeds so are one of few that seem ok with being indoors.
She is happy being an indoor cat although we often let her out in the garden on a lead supervised. Living in a city centre and with no road sense, it's probably a good thing.
You have to play with them and keep them entertained to make up for the fact they're not going outdoors though.
She is happy being an indoor cat although we often let her out in the garden on a lead supervised. Living in a city centre and with no road sense, it's probably a good thing.
You have to play with them and keep them entertained to make up for the fact they're not going outdoors though.
We've had indoorsy type cats for years (lazy gits that can't be bothered to go out) so am used to providing enrichment in terms of play. I noticed that Maine Coons (I think) seem to be ok with Harnesses but I'm thinking something short haired.
The only reason I'm thinking of a pedigree is that I've never owned one. I like the look of Bengals.
The only reason I'm thinking of a pedigree is that I've never owned one. I like the look of Bengals.
Bengals are extremely active cats & are one of the most naturally athletic breeds. Keeping indoors would be pretty unfair imo. Maine Coons are also hardy, outdoor types.
BTW, we have a Bengal & Maine Coon & yes, they both go outside. A lot.
Get something like a Persian or Ragdoll or English Blue would be my suggestion.
BTW, we have a Bengal & Maine Coon & yes, they both go outside. A lot.
Get something like a Persian or Ragdoll or English Blue would be my suggestion.
I've realised I might be coming across as quite tarty in wanting a "pretty pedigree cat" but that's not the reason. We've had cats for years but I've never had a pedigree so wanted to give it a go as such and my current living arrangements mean I have no garden or outside space the cat could come and go from easily. My current moggy, Ted used to live with me when I had a garden but spent 99% of his day indoors and he has taken to the indoor life really well and to be honest, it makes my life a lot easier as I don't have to worry about him going missing, fighting, getting run over etc.
We have two we think are Maine Coons (as in, we were told this by the rehoming center but never seen any actual proof, they look the part though). They're indoor cats and seem happy with this. We have taken them into the garden a few times on harnesses, the elder one just wants to eat the grass and the younger one has a sniff about then wants to go back indoors.
My folks have had two persians, neither of whom ever spent any real time outdoors except to lie in the sun just beside the back door so as suggested above, I'd agree these are probably fine.
Both breeds are, in my experience, very good natured.
My folks have had two persians, neither of whom ever spent any real time outdoors except to lie in the sun just beside the back door so as suggested above, I'd agree these are probably fine.
Both breeds are, in my experience, very good natured.
I have one moggie and one Bengal, both are currently indoor cats (moggie is only 7 months old, the Bengal is only 3)
I did my research before buying the Bengal, but you cant appreciate how athletic they are until you see it. They're also loud - wild cat loud. Not by default (they'll pure and quietly chunter on just like any other) but should something get on their nerves, you'll know about it. As will everyone in your street.
They're also sharp, so certainly not a breed for kids. Their paws are something to behold; i've honestly never seen anything like them! Oversized, webbed, black pads and with massive, massive claws.
My moggie is in the middle of a campaign of dominance against the Bengal, and he just lies down and takes it. Not even in the slightest bit bothered (he'll sit and paw at toys whilst Jonesy (the moggie) pins him down) Likely secure in the knowledge that, should he need to, those claws would end any debate on the spot.
But they're also bright, loving, obedient and stunning to look at. They really are dogs in cats clothing. But better looking.
Mine's sitting on my shoulders right now, licking my head. Errrrrrr he licks his ar*e with that tongue. He's off now.
I did my research before buying the Bengal, but you cant appreciate how athletic they are until you see it. They're also loud - wild cat loud. Not by default (they'll pure and quietly chunter on just like any other) but should something get on their nerves, you'll know about it. As will everyone in your street.
They're also sharp, so certainly not a breed for kids. Their paws are something to behold; i've honestly never seen anything like them! Oversized, webbed, black pads and with massive, massive claws.
My moggie is in the middle of a campaign of dominance against the Bengal, and he just lies down and takes it. Not even in the slightest bit bothered (he'll sit and paw at toys whilst Jonesy (the moggie) pins him down) Likely secure in the knowledge that, should he need to, those claws would end any debate on the spot.
But they're also bright, loving, obedient and stunning to look at. They really are dogs in cats clothing. But better looking.
Mine's sitting on my shoulders right now, licking my head. Errrrrrr he licks his ar*e with that tongue. He's off now.
otolith said:
It's unfortunate that some of the breeds which would most benefit from being able to go outside are most likely to have owners terrified that they are going to get nicked.
It's a concern, but what frightens me the most are the idiots who think a quiet road with houses on either side is a good place to test their drag racing skills! It's for that reason that I havent let mine (well, the oldest moggie) out yet. Probably me being overly protective, as there's loads of cats in the street (the woman over the road has eight!) but still...
Another vote for Persian. Not the cleverest cats in the world but definitely good for indoors.
If you go for a "Chinchilla" they are still Persian but look a bit less like they've been hit in the face with a spade
We had two Persian Chinchilla "Silver shaded", beautiful cats, basically the same as the white one in the James Bond film. One died quite young though, pedigree animals tend to be more prone to genetic disease. Hair was also a bit of a problem - it gets everywhere. Wonderful cats though, very affectionate, full of character, definitely recommend them.
If you go for a "Chinchilla" they are still Persian but look a bit less like they've been hit in the face with a spade
We had two Persian Chinchilla "Silver shaded", beautiful cats, basically the same as the white one in the James Bond film. One died quite young though, pedigree animals tend to be more prone to genetic disease. Hair was also a bit of a problem - it gets everywhere. Wonderful cats though, very affectionate, full of character, definitely recommend them.
eybic said:
I love the look of Persians but the long hair would get a bit tiring I think, I'm looking for a low maintenance moggy.
When we had two, it was too much. White cat hair plus dark suit for work don't mix. With just one it's ok. He doesn't need much brushing - maybe once a month if that, and the occassional trim at the rear to stop litter tray "issues". We might just be lucky though. The other one needed more maintenance.
If I remember, Persian short hairs do exist.
They are the ideal indoor cat though - even if we open the door to the garden, ours will sniff the air and stay inside!
otolith said:
It's unfortunate that some of the breeds which would most benefit from being able to go outside are most likely to have owners terrified that they are going to get nicked.
Nicked, run over, attacked, poisoned, trapped, shot, you name it (there's a thread in here about someone who's poor cat was shot and almost killed by some idiot with an air gun recently).My parents have had nine or ten cats over the years, all were allowed out, apart from two all either met sticky ends or just vanished.
eybic said:
I love the look of Persians but the long hair would get a bit tiring I think, I'm looking for a low maintenance moggy.
I'd suggest a Short haired exotic then.a PH'er on here posted pictures of his (via Facebook), stunning cat
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Miss-Havisham/19...
8bit said:
otolith said:
It's unfortunate that some of the breeds which would most benefit from being able to go outside are most likely to have owners terrified that they are going to get nicked.
Nicked, run over, attacked, poisoned, trapped, shot, you name it (there's a thread in here about someone who's poor cat was shot and almost killed by some idiot with an air gun recently).My parents have had nine or ten cats over the years, all were allowed out, apart from two all either met sticky ends or just vanished.
otolith said:
Yes, but those concerns apply equally to common or garden moggies and pedigree Bengals. Concerns of theft do not.
Maybe this is a local thing (doubt it though) but I've heard of cats being stolen for use in training dogs to fight. I can't imagine people doing that would be terribly fussy about breed.Forum | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff