Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/12/2008

Question
Hi
I am starting to think of getting a cat. I am 27yr old, live alone in an
apartment in central london with no access to a garden. I am therefore
looking for a cat that is not active, one that would be happy spending its life
in an apartment and can withstand long hours of being alone (I sometimes
work long hours). it should be intelligent and affectionate (recognizes its
name). physically, it should have short hair and easy to maintain. i think one
that looks like (for examples only) the domestic cat, british shorthair, russian
blue or such would do. can you pls let me know what you think? thanks

Answer
Salim,

First of all, if you are going to be gone that much and the cat is going to be alone for long periods of time then I would get 2 cats so they can be company for each other, playmates, and snuggle mates. It's not fair to the cat if you don't.

Here are some personalities of different breeds:

The following cat breeds are considered active, meaning they are rambunctious and outgoing, love to run around the house or fenced yard, and never miss a chance to hunt: American Bobtail, American Shorthair, American Wirehair, Bengal, Bombay, British Shorthair, Chartreux, Himalayan, La Perm, Manx, Munchkin, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Singapura, Selkirk Rex, and Snowshoe.

This dynamic category also includes playful cats that are naturally lively and will play with children or invent their own games: Turkish Angora, shorthaired American Curl, shorthaired Japanese Bobtail, Bombay, Burmese, Siberian, Exotic Shorthair, Ocicat, Chinchilla Persian, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Scottish Fold. Independent cats also fit in this category. These Cats set their schedule as they please, but once their nap is over, they never slow down: California Spangled, Siberian, Cymric, and European Shorthair.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are dependent, possessive Cats that are extremely attached and deeply devoted to their owner: Abyssinian, Turkish Angora, Russian Blue Havana Brown, Korat, Manx, Russian Black, Ojos Azules, Oriental Shorthair, Chinchilla Persian, Selkirk Rex, Somali, Sphynx, and Tonkinese.

Other Cats will expand their entourage to include the entire household, both humans and other animals: Balinese, Burmese, Cymric, Maine Coon, Scottish Fold, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Snowshoe. These highly sociable. Cats often express themselves vocally, calling their owners simply to start a conversation.
The most talkative Felines are the Balinese, Burmilla, Oriental Longhair, Oriental Shorthair, Siamese, and Norwegian Forest Cat.

Still other Cats prefer to keep to themselves and plunge into deep meditation, which only makes them more mysterious: Abyssinian, longhaired American Curl, Egyptian Mau, and Somali.

Some Cats despise conflict, preferring to live in peace, away free from any disturbances: Birman, longhaired Japanese Bobtail, Russian Black, and Persian.

The temperament of a cat can vary depending on the breed and socialization. Cats with "oriental" body types tend to be thinner and more active, while cats that have a "cobby" body type tend to be heavier and less active.

Statistics show Only three percent of all cats are 'purebred'. The rest are common domestic shorthairs/longhairs (mostly shorthairs).

I hope this helps.
Tabbi