I have picked 18 small cat breeds that are perfect for apartment living.
#1 Bambino
The Bambino cat is a new breed that crosses the short-legged Munchkin with the hairless Sphynx.
The Bambino origins date back to 2005. It is considered an experimental breed, and Bambino cats are rare and difficult to purchase.
#2 Toybob
The Toybob is a small cat with a muscular body that originated in Russia in 1983.
It is among the smallest of all cat breeds.
The Toybob is basically the feline equivalent of a Chihuahua.
The breed is a wonderful pet for families with Kids and senior citizens. In 2019, the CFA accepted Toybobs for registration.
In 2024, CFA granted the breed Championship Status.
#3 Singapura
The Singapura cat breed originates from the city of Singapore. It is the smallest domestic cat breed at 4 to 8 pounds on average.
Singapuras are considered a “living national monument” in Singapore.
In 1981, TICA granted the breed championship status.
You should know that these cats don’t like loud noises.
#4 Siamese
The Siamese is one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds. When you pick this cat up in your arms, the Siamese feels considerably heavier than it appears.
They are distinctively recognizable by their color-point patterns and blue eyes. The color of the fur on the tail, ears, and feet is different from that of the body.
Siameses assume that they are accepted in all aspects of your family life.
#5 Munchkin
The Munchkin is a rare breed with short legs, which are due to a spontaneous genetic mutation.
Munchins move very differently to standard legged cats.
#6 LaPerm
The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat with an athletic build, and it originated in the early 1980s from a spontaneous mutation among farm cats.
LaPerms can be taught to do tricks.
#7 Cornish Rex
The breed originated in Cornwall, Great Britain, and has a distinct appearance with a short coat.
It has a muscular body that is warm to the touch. Most Cornish Rexes love meeting new people and are curious about strangers.
#8 Kinkalow
The Kinkalow is a mix between the Munchkin and American Curl cat breeds.
They are known for being highly playful and courageous.
These domestic felines inherited the American Curl’s curled ears and the Muchkin’s short legs.
In 2008, the Kinkalow was recognized as experimental by the International Cat Association.
#9 Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a very short-haired breed that came about through a spontaneous genetic mutation.
The breed is best known for its oversized ears and elfin appearance.
They are not known for being independent.
#10 Sphynx
Sphynx cats are hairless due to a genetic mutation.
These cats are one of the more dog-like breeds of cats.
Sphynx are one of the most affectionate breeds of cats. Sphynxes are loving companions who bond with their chosen person. It could be you!
These felines have very oily skin that requires regular bathing.
#11 Korat
The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds, and it was mentioned in The Cat-Book Poems.
The breed has front paws that are shorter than the back paws.
They are highly skilled at communicating with their humans.
Fun fact: In 2007, a cat from this breed was a mascot for the Southeast Asian Games.
#12 Dwelf
The Dwelf was developed in the US from a cross of a Munchkin and Sphynx.
The breed is hairless or has a fine fuzz texture.
#13 Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail is a cat breed traced to Japan. It has an unusual bobtail resembling the tail of a rabbit.
According to legends, Buddhist monks originally owned the Japanese Bobtail.
These cats have a very friendly and sociable nature and are surprisingly natural hunters.
#14 Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a heavily muscled cat with a very balanced temperament.
Its most striking feature is its wide-set eyes.
Their coats can come in different colors, including silver.
The Mau is hard to get. About 200 kittens are registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy each year.
#15 Minuet
The Minuet cat is renowned for its short legs. It is a hybrid mix of Munchkin and Persian cat breeds.
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Its short legs are a result of the dwarfism-mutation derived from the Munchkin.
They are known for their affectionate and friendly nature.
#16 Oriental Shorthair
The breed is a member of the Siamese Breed Group, which includes the Balinese, Siamese, and the Oriental Longhair.
In 1977, it was accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
They learn best with positive reinforcement training and form strong attachments with their owners.
#17 Burmese
Burmeses are people-oriented and tolerant cats that excel at games that allow them to engage directly with family members.
Their fine coat lies close to the body with a satin-like finish.
#18 Chartreux
The Chartreux is a rare breed of cat from France with a coat that is thick and dense.
They are extremely supple and agile felines.