Not every cat is cut out for cramped quarters—and some will turn your studio into a war zone.
Millennials love their pets, but not all felines are made for apartment life.
Some will scale your curtains, yowl at 3 a.m., and treat your furniture like a scratching post buffet.
Others? Total dreamboats. Quiet, low-maintenance, cool with binge-watching and compact living.
So how do you know which is which?
Whether you’re swiping through adoption profiles or daydreaming about a feline roommate, this list has you covered.
We’re breaking down 11 breeds that could make your life chaotic—and 9 that are practically designed for your square-foot lifestyle.
Your next best friend might be just a whisker away.
Let’s find the right fit—without the fur-flying drama.
Siamese
Siamese cats are renowned for their striking blue eyes and sleek bodies, but their vocal nature can be overwhelming in an apartment setting. With a penchant for conversation, these cats express their needs and emotions loudly.
Their social and playful behavior demands interaction, which might not suit a busy Millennial lifestyle. However, their intelligence makes them trainable, providing an opportunity for engagement that can be rewarding.
Their short hair requires minimal grooming, but their need for companionship means they dislike being left alone. Consider your lifestyle before welcoming a Siamese into a smaller home.
Bengal
The Bengal cat, with its exotic spotted coat reminiscent of a wild leopard, is a sight to behold. Yet, their high energy levels can pose a challenge in confined spaces.
These adventurous felines require ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay. Their curious nature often leads them into mischief, exploring every nook and cranny of your home.
While their playful antics can be entertaining, they might not be ideal for those with limited time to devote to their needs. A Bengal’s beauty comes with responsibilities that may not align with apartment living.
Russian Blue
With their plush grey coats and piercing green eyes, Russian Blue cats exude an air of elegance and mystery. These cats are known for their independence and gentle demeanor, making them appealing to those who appreciate a low-maintenance pet.
Though they can be reserved, they form strong bonds with their owners. Their quiet nature suits apartment life, but they still appreciate playtime and affection.
Not overly demanding, they adapt well to a routine but thrive in a calm environment. Russian Blues offer the companionship of a cat without the chaos, making them a suitable apartment choice.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are known for their relaxed and affectionate nature, often going limp like a ragdoll when held. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent companions, especially in an apartment setting.
These cats enjoy human interaction and are content to snuggle by your side. With their semi-long hair, regular grooming is needed to maintain their beautiful coats. While they are generally calm, they do enjoy playtime and interactive toys.
Their laid-back attitude and loving disposition make Ragdolls a wonderful choice for those seeking a peaceful pet that thrives in a smaller living space.
Persian
Renowned for their luxurious, fluffy coats and distinctive flat faces, Persian cats radiate elegance. However, their beauty demands regular grooming to prevent matting.
Known for their placid nature, Persians enjoy lounging in comfortable spots, making them ideal for apartments. They form strong bonds with their human companions, offering quiet companionship. Despite their calm demeanor, they can be playfully affectionate.
It’s important to remember that their grooming needs are extensive, requiring a commitment to maintain their stunning appearance. For those who appreciate a regal and serene presence, Persians offer unparalleled companionship.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds, known for their bushy tails and tufted ears. Their imposing size and playful nature require ample space to roam and explore.
While they are gentle giants with friendly dispositions, their energy levels and curiosity can lead to trouble in confined areas. They enjoy interactive play and mental challenges, making them more suited to homes with room for exploration.
Despite their size, they are easygoing and sociable, often getting along well with other pets. Maine Coons bring a lot of joy, but require space to thrive indoors.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds, with their distinctive folded ears and round faces, have a unique appearance that captivates cat lovers. They are known for their gentle and calm demeanor, making them excellent companions for apartment living.
While they enjoy playtime, they are not overly demanding, allowing for a balance between interaction and independence. Their affectionate nature and adaptability make them suitable for various lifestyles, including those of busy Millennials.
However, potential health issues related to their ear folds require attention and care. Scottish Folds offer a loving presence without overwhelming demands, ideal for modern living spaces.
Sphynx
The Sphynx, with its hairless appearance, stands out in the feline world. Despite their lack of fur, these cats are warm to the touch, often seeking heat sources for comfort.
They are known for their playful and outgoing personalities, craving attention and interaction. Their unique grooming needs, such as regular baths to remove skin oils, require consideration.
Sphynx cats thrive on companionship, making them less suited for owners frequently away from home. Their bold and sociable nature makes them delightful pets, but their care demands and need for warmth may challenge apartment dwellers without time to spare.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are admired for their plush coats and round faces, exuding an air of quiet confidence. They are independent yet affectionate, preferring a calm environment to bustling activity.
These cats are known for their adaptability and patience, making them suitable companions for apartment life. While they enjoy attention, they are content with solitude during the day.
Their easygoing nature and minimal grooming needs add to their appeal for busy owners. British Shorthairs appreciate a structured routine and gentle interaction, providing companionship without overwhelming demands. Their dignified presence and low-maintenance lifestyle suit modern living well.
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs, with their sleek bodies and large ears, bring a touch of the exotic to any home. Known for their intelligence and vocal nature, they engage in lively “conversations” with their owners.
These cats form close bonds with their families, often following them around the house. Their energetic and playful nature requires stimulation, making them less suited for those with limited time for interaction.
Despite their active demeanor, they enjoy lounging in sunlit spots. With minimal grooming needs, they are easy to care for, but their social demands may challenge apartment dwellers without ample time to engage.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats, with their thick, water-repellent coats and bushy tails, have a legacy steeped in Viking history. These cats love to climb and explore, requiring ample vertical space for their adventures.
While they are independent and resilient, they form strong bonds with their human companions. Their playful nature and love for exploration make them more suited to homes with space to roam.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their luxurious coats. Their majestic appearance and adventurous spirit appeal to those who appreciate a cat with a storied past and a zest for life.
Burmese
Burmese cats are known for their sleek, shiny coats and captivating personalities. Their playful and affectionate nature endears them to many, making them delightful companions.
They enjoy interactive play and form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the house. While they are active, they are also content to snuggle and relax, making them adaptable to apartment life.
Their minimal grooming needs are a bonus for busy Millennials. Burmese cats bring joy and companionship, requiring attention and interaction that complements an engaging lifestyle, perfect for those who love to play and relax with their pets.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair, with its classic tabby pattern and robust build, is a quintessential feline companion. Known for their adaptability and easygoing nature, these cats fit well into various living situations, including apartments.
They enjoy playtime and interactive toys but are also content to lounge independently. Their affectionate demeanor and minimal grooming needs make them appealing to busy Millennials seeking a low-maintenance pet.
While they are sociable, they do not demand constant attention, offering a balanced relationship. American Shorthairs provide companionship and charm without overwhelming demands, ideal for those wanting a reliable and loving feline friend.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats, with their sleek coats and striking eyes, are a blend of Siamese and Burmese breeds. Their friendly and social nature makes them a hit with families and singles alike.
These cats thrive on interaction and play, often seeking out companionship throughout the day. Their intelligence and curiosity require stimulation, making them less suited for those away from home frequently.
Despite their energetic tendencies, they enjoy snuggling and are quick to form strong bonds. With minimal grooming needs, Tonkinese cats offer lively companionship, perfect for apartment dwellers who can dedicate time to engagement and play.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians, with their ticked, reddish-brown coats and lively personalities, bring energy and enthusiasm to any home. These cats are curious and playful, thriving in interactive environments.
Their love for exploration and activity may challenge apartment dwellers with limited space. However, their affectionate nature and minimal grooming needs make them appealing companions. Abyssinians enjoy high perches and interactive play, requiring mental and physical stimulation.
While they are social, they appreciate moments of independence. Their spirited nature and sleek appearance captivate cat lovers, offering a vibrant and engaging presence that enlivens any living space.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats, with their curly coats and large ears, are known for their playful and mischievous personalities. These intelligent felines love to explore, often finding the highest perch in the room.
Their social nature means they crave interaction and companionship, making them less suited for solitary apartment living. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their unique coats, and they enjoy a stimulating environment filled with toys and activities.
Devon Rex cats bring energy and charm, requiring an owner who can match their zest for life. For those with time to engage, they offer boundless affection and joy.
Birman
Birmans, with their striking blue eyes and distinctive white “socks,” are known for their gentle and affectionate demeanor. These cats are social and enjoy being part of the family, often following their owners around the house.
Their calm nature makes them well-suited for apartment living, as they adapt easily to indoor environments. Regular grooming helps maintain their beautiful semi-long coats.
Birmans appreciate attention and interaction but are also content relaxing in a cozy spot. They bring a sense of tranquility and companionship, making them ideal for those seeking a loving and serene feline friend.
Himalayan
Himalayans, with their fluffy coats and striking blue eyes, merge the beauty of the Persian with the color points of the Siamese. Known for their sweet and calm nature, they are affectionate companions.
Their grooming needs are extensive, requiring regular care to maintain their luxurious appearance. Himalayans are content indoors, making them suitable for apartment living. While they enjoy playtime, they are equally happy to nap in a sunbeam.
These cats form strong bonds with their owners, offering companionship without overwhelming demands. For those who appreciate beauty and tranquility, Himalayans provide a serene and elegant presence.
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats, with their sleek, wavy coats and slender builds, are known for their energetic and playful personalities. These cats thrive on interaction and enjoy lively environments.
Their curiosity and intelligence mean they require stimulation and play, which may challenge apartment dwellers with limited time. Despite their active nature, they are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners.
Regular grooming helps maintain their unique coats. Cornish Rex cats bring joy and energy, perfect for those who can provide an engaging and dynamic living space. Their spirited presence enlivens any home, offering companionship full of life.
Oriental Longhair
Oriental Longhairs, with their silky, flowing coats and elegant postures, bring a touch of sophistication to any home. Known for their intelligence and social nature, they enjoy regular interaction and play.
These cats form strong bonds with their families and dislike being left alone for long periods. Their grooming needs, while not excessive, require regular attention to maintain their beauty.
Oriental Longhairs thrive in environments where they receive ample attention and stimulation. Their graceful appearance and engaging personalities make them suitable for those who appreciate both beauty and companionship in a pet.