Which breed indoor cat please?

[PickleBranst]

Morning, our lovely cat died six months ago, aged 16. He was a moggy but very happy house cat, we got him aged 8.

I've been on numerous charity/rescue centre adoption lists for months but just not getting anywhere. Some insist on a garden (fair enough) but we have quite a big house and there's usually someone at home (I work from a home office everyday). We don't want an outdoor cat due to nearby roads.

So now looking to buy an indoor cat/kitten from a breeder. We like - ragdolls, burmese, old style siamese or British shorthair so far.

A bit worried the burmese/siamese may get upset on the occasional weekend we're away (maybe once every three months) or occasional day out (maybe once a fortnight). Love their nature and cuddles though!

BSH seems great but a bit aloof? Ragdoll is beautiful but ideally prefer not too much grooming.

Any thoughts from the experts please? Dc and I adore cats, so it would be very pampered.

We have two Burmese. We also didn't qualify for rescue cats (small child and busy road) and wanted indoor cats after having seen so many neighbours' cats flattened (including a kitten who shouldn't have been allowed to wander so young but that's another story grrrrrr).

We did a lot of research and wanted a cuddly breed that were homebodies and social. We originally wanted just one but ended up with siblings - and so glad we did. They have company when we are out (though I WFH) and can be left overnight with pop ups. They adore each other but play fight too.

They are wonderful and amazing. Low maintenance and we call them catdogs as they follow you about and fetch toys!! They have lots of room and lots of beds/towers and toys. And are living their best lives.

So, as you can guess - it's Burms all the way for us!

Siberians. But be prepared to play and engage with them allb day long!!

Our Ragdolls don't require a lot of grooming at all. They'll get the odd matt around their necks which are easy to remove. We hardly ever brush them. We have one that is typical Ragdoll - floppy, affectionate, laidback. The other is more aloof, but still a wonderful personality. They are half brothers. I'm glad we went with these!

I have a sphynx indoor cat, he's cheeky and fur free. Just have to be prepared to be constantly cuddled by them and for then to live under your duvet.

Burmese here also. 2 boys William & Harry. Amazing cats and so affectionate. 100% house cats and very happy.

I've always had moggies, but after my last lad got killed on the road I decided to have house cats only, and acquired a Ragdoll. She's absolutely insane, but delightful, affectionate and all other good things. She's actually doesn't need much grooming at all - her fur is very silky so no mats, unlike my sister's Maine Coone who needs daily brushing.

We have a Tonkinese and she is lovely, so sociable, cuddly and happy indoors. Vocal but not too much. We can leave her overnight and she’s fine when we’re out all day. Tonkinese are part Burmese and Siamese.

I have 2 indoor Ragdolls and they are amazing. Don’t take any grooming really - I brush them sometimes to try to reduce the amount of shedding in Spring but otherwise only if I want to really. I’ve had moggies before but these are just so special

I have a pair of savannah cats and they are the love of my life! They are clever and affectionate and I wish I could have more!

Persian!! They are absolutely amazing cats. Long or short haired models are available!

have looked into getting a rescue with health issues?

fiv+, blind, or similar which means they cannot go outside. Often older so you know their personality and that they’ll cope indoors.

I would just be wary because some cats do want to go outside, and if you get one they can make your life hell cooped up inside. I had a savannah as per pp for a while and he nearly drove us mad and destroyed the house until we relented- we actually got some sleep and he was much happier with a cat flap.

Most rescue shelters have older FIV+ cats who are very difficult to rehome as they are not allowed outdoors, so I can't understand why you are having trouble finding one.

@Ohnonotmeagain and @whaddayawannado I have applied for several FIV/cat flu cats in the past few months, I'm on waiting lists but I just get told someone else has adopted the cat already, they'll call me if it doesn't work out etc. I've been surprised as well tbh.

Thanks for all the replies. I love the sound of all of these breeds! I loved a Persian I had in the past but she used to hate being brushed and also needed her trousers cleaning after the litter tray...so thinking more on a shorthair.

I'm super surprised at that! The lady at the RSPCA told me she cried when she read my email asking to adopt my boy- he'd been there 6 months and no interest due to being 10 and FIV+!

And he's super cuddly and loving. He got over not being allowed outside after about 6 months!

female ragdoll would be my choice, males are more needy from my experience. Females still have the loving, loyal ragdoll temperament, with a hint more independence than the boys. They don't need regular grooming either. Can have sensitive tummy's so think about your budget for food. My females only eat royal canin and blink wet food which isn't cheap, cheaper gives them the runs and vomiting, which has been my experience with all of them I've had many throughout the years.

My son has Siamese and I think once you’ve had them you are hooked . We had a lovely Ragdoll in the past but the Siamese are much friendlier and more interactive . Ours have a catio and lots of indoor entertainment- climbing shelves , walkways and floor to ceiling poles . WRT leaving them for a weekend , I’d say get 2 , they then at least entertain each other .

Ragdoll is the ideal indoor cat and very affectionate
This is my 12 year old

There are a lot of breed specific rescues who are also bursting at the seams. If you look up Strawberry persian pedigree rescue on FB they have a lot of exotic shorthand types looking for a home. Similar to persians but lower maintenance.

I have a British shorthair (blue). She's the most regal cat I've ever met. Super smart, affectionate but not overly clingy, beautiful to look at, happy at home and during the summer loves lounging in the garden but goes no further.

She's 14 now and still the queen of the house.

@Ihatemondays1962 I had two from them. They are tricky to contact and have some very strict rules. But once adopted they leave you alone.

Try Cats Protection - they are happy to rehome cats as indoor cats if they have always lived indoors previously, so never got used to going out, not just the ones with health issues (though they have those too).

Not sure where you are based but I can see a few “can be indoor” cats near me on their site.

Awful rescue.

I have two BSH. I don't think they were socialised well before they came to us (despite the breeder's claim that her kittens were bomb proof). They took a long time to warm to us (years) and one is still extremely timid. They are very beautiful though, and friendly on their terms. They are not lapcats.

I'd be very wary of getting a kitten with the idea that it will never be allowed out. You have no idea what their adult personality will be like and many cats will become miserable if they're forced to live indoors.

@GrowingSideways I'm not sure about them. I saw where Dotty was and it wasn't great. But they have saved a lot of cats.