Low-maintenance cats are pets that even first-time pet owners can successfully raise.
Some would think all cats are considered low maintenance. But after raising 5 different breeds of these furballs, I know thatās not the case. Many cat breeds require a lot of attention and grooming, while others are very easy to care for.
If your kids want to get a cat, it will be much easier for all of you if you choose a cat that’s known for being low maintenance.
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Benefits Of Owning A Low-Maintenance Indoor Cat Breed
Minimal Responsibility
As long as you feed them, low-maintenance cat breeds wonāt need much from your end. No need to add afternoon walks and hour-long grooming sessions to your to-do list. After all, brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep these pets’ coats healthy, and they donāt need regular exercise, apart from roaming the house.
Easy Transition
Whenever we get a new puppy, we help it slowly get used to its new home. No overwhelming space, noise, or crowd, especially for the first few days.
But do you know what the transition period is like when you adopt a low maintenance cat?
You bring your pet home, prepare its essentials, and let it roam freely. Cats are known for being able to adjust to new environments with ease. So, you wonāt need to tippy-toe at home, even with a new pet around.
Small-space Friendly
A low maintenance cat can live perfectly fine in small apartments or bedrooms. Itās not likely to disturb the neighbors by audibly running around or surprise you with a ripped sofa when you come home.
7 Best Low Maintenance Cat Breeds
Even if you donāt have plenty of time to spend with your new cat, these breeds will happily live alongside you and your family.
European Shorthair
If you want to get a domestic cat with moderate energy levels, you can’t go wrong with choosing a European Shorthair. As their name suggests, these cats have short coats that donāt require regular grooming.
European Shorthairs come in various colors and patterns. So, be prepared to be up for a surprise when looking for a cat that’s part of this popular cat breed.
Burmese
Burmese cats tend to be playful and affectionate, making them ideal indoor cats for the entire family to bond with. Due to its short and hypoallergenic coat, a Burmese cat is an ideal pet choice if youāre looking for a cat who can keep looking its best with little grooming.
Russian Blue
Russian Blue cats have short coats that donāt shed much, so their coat is easy to maintain. With their easygoing and independent nature, they enjoy alone time much like introverts do. Therefore, these cats wonāt mind your absence even if youāre away most of the day.
Abyssinians
Abyssinians are one of the oldest known cat breeds and are friendly and sociable pets. These cats have dense coats. However, since their shedding is only seasonal, keeping their short coat healthy wonāt take much more effort than brushing them once or twice a week.
Maine Coon
I always imagine this chill cat as a dog trapped in a kittenās body. They can weigh over 10 pounds in adulthood and love outdoor walks on a leash, much like puppies do.
Luckily though, despite looking like giants compared to other breeds, Maine Coons are still pretty low maintenance. Their long, thick coats are silky in nature, so they donāt mat easily and only need minimal care to maintain their lushness.
Scottish Fold
Besides having uniquely folded ears, these cats are loved for their calm and adaptable nature. Scottish Folds are not the type to leap between shelves, making them some of the safest furry friends to have around your children.
Got no time to groom? No problem. Scottish Folds may look high-maintenance due to their thick coats, but really, theyāre a low maintenance breed that doesn’t need daily brushing.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats donāt have visible coats and only have undercoats with a soft leather-like texture. That means no unpleasant moments of randomly tasting fur when you wake up.
Despite having no fur, this breed still requires cleaning to keep them healthy. A Sphynx cat needs a bath about once a week, as itās prone to skin diseases.
Bonus: Special Mentions
Apart from the 7 breeds mentioned above, you can also raise the following cat breeds without worrying about spending too much time as a fur parent: British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Birman, and American Shorthair cats.
Best Tips For Raising These Cats
Ready to adopt a low-maintenance kitten? Keep these tips in mind when raising your new beloved pet.
Donāt Totally Forget To Groom Your Cat
A low maintenance breed doesn’t equal a no-maintenance breed. Even cats that barely shed still need at least one weekly brushing session. You must be prepared to set aside at least 15 minutes of the week to take care of your petās hygiene and health.
Always Keep Litter Boxes Clean
Cats wonāt litter in random places unless you donāt pick up after their litter boxes. Scoop litter boxes at least once daily, or grab yourself a self-cleaning model if youāre too busy to add this to your to-do list.
Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Spaying/neutering your cat is one of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted behaviors like urine marking or excessive howling. If you really want a cat that wonāt be a headache, especially on busy days, donāt skip this procedure.
Common Misconceptions
Cats are some of the most popular pets, but unfortunately, theyāre still often misunderstood by many. To make sure youāre giving your soon-to-be furry friend the best care it can get, take note of these common cat myths:
Myth 1: Low maintenance cats can be left alone for days.
Although cats arenāt as clingy as most dogs are, leaving them alone for over a day with only an automatic feeder is not recommended. Cats thrive on stability and routines, and prolonged isolation may lead to loneliness or unexpected disruptive behaviors in even the most low maintenance breeds.
Myth 2: Cats hate water.
Sure, felines donāt require regular baths like dogs do; however, that doesnāt mean they hate water. While cats generally donāt like getting submerged, they adore playing with running water from the faucet or shower. So, feel free to let your cats enjoy water occasionally.
Myth 3: You can’t train a cat.
Cats are capable of doing basic commands like sit, stand, or down. Although they canāt do extravagant tricks like a Labrador dog may do, you can train them to behave and avoid unwanted behaviors.
Factors To Consider Before Adopting A Cat
Some factors you should definitely consider before adopting a feline are whether you:
- Are ready for the long-term responsibility
- Have enough space in your home for a new pet
- Have enough money to cover the expenses of raising a cat
- Can set-aside time for vet visits and weekly grooming sessions
- And your entire family has no objections to adding a new companion
Low-maintenance cats still require attention, care, and financial support like any other pet. So, make sure you consider the factors mentioned above before proceeding to adopt a kitten.
FAQs
Ragdoll is the most clingy cat breed. Theyāre the textbook definition of lap cats, wanting to sit on your lap and sleep beside you whenever possible.Ā
Yes. A solo kitten in the house can be perfectly happy, as cats are naturally solitary animals.Ā
No. Cats raised indoors are just as happy as outdoor cats. In fact, veterinary professionals recommend raising these pets indoors for safety purposes, so keeping them at home is perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
A low-maintenance cat is an excellent addition to any home that wants extra company without many extra responsibilities. Itāll be there if you need cuddles, but it wonāt be too clingy to get in the way of your work and other activities.
However, remember that a cat still requires love and affection from you and your family. Always ensure everyone is on board before adding a furry friend to your home. After all, adopting a cat is still, on average, a decade-long responsibility.