Find Apartments Where Cats are Allowed
Most apartments and rentals allow cats, but some may have restrictions or may not even allow any pets at all, so please read your lease very carefully and ask, if you are unsure. In most cases, cats are allowed in apartment complexes.
Compared to dogs and some other animals, cats are particularly well-suited to solitary independent lifestyles indoors. Many cats can adapt to their owner’s busy work schedules and can stand to be left alone for long period. However, Cats, to different degrees, may require more or less attention based on temperament. Consider this carefully when deciding to buy or adopt a cat if you already live in an apartment. Conversely, if you are thinking about moving into an apartment complex, take into account the temperament of your existing cat.
Cat Behavior
Your cat should have an easygoing and adaptable disposition. If you live in an apartment complex, you should avoid cats that need to be highly active to be happy, and can’t stand being alone for extended periods of time – 8 hours or more. You don’t want to come home to an apartment of shredded paper and torn up furniture. You should aim to have a cat that is sociable while not be extremely territorial. Generally, apartment complexes require that cats be kept indoors, so interaction with other outside cats is not as much of a problem. However, in smaller apartments, they are more likely to feel their space violated by guests and strangers – versus, say, a cat kept outdoors, or in a larger apartment or house – because they have a relatively smaller space and less room to escape or hide out in. Your cat should also be soft-spoken – neighbors will not appreciate a cat that whines and yowls loudly all day while you are gone from the apartment, and your landlord might demand that you get rid of it or move out.
Breeds to Consider
When considering getting a cat, breed can be an important factor to consider. Though cat temperament is largely personal, some breeds exhibit certain tendencies more than others, making them better choices for apartment life. On the other hand, there are some cat breeds that are quite unsuited to an indoor apartment lifestyle. British Shorthairs, Persians, Russian Blues, Javanese, and Ragdoll cats are all breeds that are well-suited to apartment life. Some cats that are more active, and considered to be less suitable for apartment life, include many shorthair breeds – Aby or Abyssinian Cats, Bengal, Ocicat, Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex & Devon Rex cats, and Sphynx cats. Exotic cat breeds, such as Servals, Caracals, Bobcats, and Jungle Cats, are out of the question for apartment life.
Cat Rescues / Adoptions
If you are considering adopting or rescuing a cat, look for adult cats three years old and up. Adult cats have fully formed personalities and are more independent and stable. Adopting two cats is something else to consider. Two cats, preferably litter mates or adults with similar easygoing personalities, can keep each other occupied while you’re away, and less likely to grow bored or cause destruction in your apartment. Remember, consult your lease or contact your landlord or leasing office to check how many cats you are permitted to have in your apartment.
Cat Environment
There are certain things you can do to improve your cat’s quality of life in your apartment. Give your cat vertical territory, like a tall cat tree or other cat fort or obstacle on a shelf or other high place will give your cat things to climb on and reduce their stress level. Giving them vertical space to interact makes their space feel larger, and is especially important if you plan on living with more than one cat. Cats sometimes need space to get away from each other for a time, and giving them more places to hide out reduces the chances of them fighting and eventually even becoming enemies.
Generally, cats are allowed in most apartment complexes, so long as they stay indoors and don’t become nuisances to your neighbors or landlord. While it is important to consider your cat’s breed, it is more important to take into account your cats personality and temperament, consider possible limitations or requirements that may be specific to the lease, and be realistic about the conditions in which your cat will live (adequate space, toys/entertainment, how long you are gone, etc.). In most cases, cats make very good indoor apartment pets and are wonderful companions.