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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Ideal indoor cat for myself and my 4yr old daughter

48 replies

scottishheather86 · 07/08/2024 20:36

I would like to get a family cat, for myself and my just turned four year old daughter. I live in a spacious two bedroom flat, but the cat would need to be an indoor cat. I wanted recommendations of breeds of cats that are more used to living inside and that are affectionate. Also, any tips of choosing the right kitten (how to know if they have a nice temperament)! Many years ago I had a rescue cat as a kitten. She had to be indoors, but hated it and I felt bad for not allowing her outside.

OP posts:
VeryQuaintIrene · 07/08/2024 20:44

It's not about the breed, really, but about the individual temperament of the cat. Go to a shelter and tell them what you need. I bet there will be the perfect moggy out there for you. Kittens are great but you can't always tell how they will be when they grow up. A young adult's temperament will be clearer.

Allergictoironing · 07/08/2024 20:52

Kittens and young children aren't that good a mix. The child will get scratched by the kitten, & the kitten is delicate & can be harmed unintentionally by a small child.

However a youngish adult cat will still be playful, and if you go to a rescue they will have a good idea of the temperament of the cat and would be able to match you to the right one(s) for your circumstances.

You'll also find that many rescues won't even consider rehoming to an indoor only household, so don't be disheartened after a couple of rejections!

You are right in that some breeds are better suited to an indoor only life, so you may want to try breed specialist rescues. Breeds like Persian, oriental short haired and ragdoll are particularly suited to the indoor life.

Sitdownrosa · 07/08/2024 20:54

Some breeds are reported to be better indoors but i had a ragdoll cat and he hated being indoors. Every chance he got he would run for the door. I don't think any cat is really suitable for living in a small flat - they need space.

Penguinsa · 07/08/2024 21:03

Maine Coons are very gentle and friendly though do need someone with them all the time really and can be indoor only - the males especially are big but a lot is fluff. There's some rescue ones here and also have kittens.

https://maine-coon-cat-club.com/kittens/rescue/index.html

Runninghappy · 07/08/2024 21:53

My ragdoll doesn’t try to go out and is supposed to be an indoor cat as they aren’t very savvy. They need a lot of attention though.

Original poster
scottishheather86 · 07/08/2024 23:03

@Sitdownrosa my flat isn't small FYI!

OP posts:
Original poster
scottishheather86 · 07/08/2024 23:04

Thanks for all the really helpful replies! Lots to think about. I will only get a cat if it's the right fit for us and them ☺️

OP posts:
aveenobambino · 07/08/2024 23:20

Rescues have older cats that have to be indoors. And there are pedigree specific rescues too with lots of cats meeting your reqs. I think that's probably a safer bet for you than getting a kitten from a breeder as the temperament is unknown at that age.

Had British shorthairs for years myself. Some are fine indoors, others needed way more freedom. Was hard to predict

Original poster
scottishheather86 · 07/08/2024 23:21

@aveenobambino thank you for your reply! I like British shorthairs and have a friend who has an indoor one

OP posts:
user1471548941 · 07/08/2024 23:31

Rescue who really know the temperament of the individual cat. I was adamant I wanted an indoor cat due to living on a main road. The rescue knew he'd be a great fit for us- we had a small property too. I really pushed them on whether he would be happy indoors only as he was a 4 year old ex stray. They told us as long as he had a good window to sunbathe by he would be happy. They were 100% correct- my big ginger moggy is super chilled and spends his days lolling around in the sunniest patches of the house I could fine and actively runs away from open doors and windows. 3 years now and not shown the slightest sniff of interest at outside. Super loving and playful too- I just tell myself he knows he's on to a good thing.

ToplessWordle · 07/08/2024 23:53

I have a British Shorthair. She likes to go out every day (unless it's very cold or wet). Recently, we were having building work for a few months and she couldn't go outside for the duration. She hated it, and became quite grumpy and scratchy. She's usually very loving and affectionate, approaching me for cuddles, so this was unusual behaviour for her. She can go out again now, and is much happier.

In America, cats tend to be kept indoors due to the risk of them being killed by coyotes, but they have higher incidence of behavioural problems in their indoor cats, and also obesity.

If you do decide to get an indoor cat, try to find an adult rescue as you'll have more idea of whether the cat's temperament is suited to living indoors (and being with children! My cat tolerates my DC but she definitely prefers adults). I would suggest a tall cat tree so the cat can escape from little hands if he needs a break!

Floralnomad · 08/08/2024 00:08

Siamese , virtually guaranteed to be friendly . We had a Ragdoll before and although he was lovely he wasn’t remotely fussed about people 90% of the time . The Siamese are always ready to play or have a cuddle and rush to meet everyone at the door .

AssassinsEyebrow · 08/08/2024 00:13

I agree with pp - definitely go to a rescue, they have loads of cats who need to be indoor cats, or cats who've had such hard lives they never want to leave the safety of the house.

It breaks my heart to think of any of my cats ending up in a rescue, waiting for someone new to love them...So many gentle souls out there waiting for you & your daughter, op.

MumChp · 08/08/2024 00:34

We have indoor persian cats. Brillant in a flat and very child friendly.

dbeuowlxb173939 · 08/08/2024 01:02

Please consider a rescue, the shelter will know their cat's temperaments and know which are suitable for you, and there are so many that need homes!

SapphireSwan · 08/08/2024 04:04

We rescued a sphynx in similar situation. There is a breed rescue based in Dorset that are fantastic.

thisiswheretheseagullfliesaway · 08/08/2024 04:38

This is our rescue he's been here a few days and already had made himself firmly at home he is a real cuddle bug.

We told them our circumstances and the rescue matched us to several cats and kittens who we went to visit. He choose us. He is to be a home boy as he's so tiny.

Ideal indoor cat for myself and my 4yr old daughter
Elektra1 · 08/08/2024 04:44

I got our first cat last year when DD was 4. Our cat is just a moggy. She was very skittish to begin with, but after a month came out of her shell a bit. She's an absolute delight, and although she isn't too keen on being picked up by anyone else, DD can pick her up and carry her around and she just accepts it, like she knows DD is little and she has to be gentle.

I kept her indoors until she was spayed and chipped at 6m. Nowadays, while she's allowed outdoors, she doesn't really go out much.

TerfTalking · 08/08/2024 04:53

I’ve said before on here, I volunteer at CP, we often get cats, ex strays, with FIV so they cannot be rehomed as outdoor cats and must be indoor. IMO ex-strays are the best cats, they are usually so grateful for having a lovely warm home and regular food and attention. We also get older cats who’ve lost their owners through age or ill health and they also make amazing lap cats and can be used to being inside as they have been companions. Please speak to a rescue, they will match you up.

I also do not recommend kittens as indoor cats or with young children. They can scratch or bite, need hours of entertainment and can wreck your furnishings.

sashh · 08/08/2024 05:15

Another vote for a rescue. Kittens are cute but not a good idea with a small child.

I've never had one but ginger toms have a reputation for being quite stroppy.

Are you sure you need an indoor cat, there are some breeds that are happy to be walked on a lead.

CormorantStrikesBack · 08/08/2024 05:18

A Birman. The Birman rescue do currently have a 2yo one for rehoming if you wanted a rescue.

my boy is the most affectionate, cuddle cat ever. Soft as anything.

Original poster
scottishheather86 · 08/08/2024 06:44

Loads of fabulous advice! Thank you.

I have often thought a little cat that used to have an elderly owner would be perfect!

OP posts:
TheCatsAreHungry · 08/08/2024 07:08

Another vote for Maine coons here. I have 3, they are fantastic family pets and very happy to be indoors. The breed is known for its affable nature, and are generally very easy going. Mine have even tolerated the addition of a puppy recently. They do need some grooming due to thick long hair, can be prone to matting. They have wonderful personalities too.
Having said all that, a rescue moggy can be a wonderful companion too. I am a cat person, so may be biased. And possibly influenced by the 9kg Maine Coon currently laying on my bed.

Newuser75 · 08/08/2024 07:37

Siamese cats are amazing. They are so affectionate and funny and I used to know one that would play fetch!

usernother · 08/08/2024 08:05

Don't get a cat just because you want a cat and you can't let it out. It's cruel imo.