Best Apartment Cats in Australia (2026): Top Picks Rated
By PawCompass Lifestyle Fit scores, the top picks for apartments are Birman, British Shorthair, Persian.
Scores last reviewed 9 Oct 2026 · How we assess Lifestyle Fit
Top picks
Ranked by PawCompass Lifestyle Fit scores, an editorial assessment.
| Breed | Lifestyle Fit score | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
 Birman | 5★ | Indoor living suits this relaxed companion cat |
 British Shorthair | 5★ | Suits indoor living and small spaces |
 Persian | 5★ | Suits indoor-only living |
Also a good fit
| Breed | Lifestyle Fit score | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
 Domestic Shorthair | 4★ | Many are happy indoors with enrichment |
 Ragdoll | 4★ | Well suited if there is enough enrichment and grooming time |
 Burmese | 4★ | Small enough, but needs company and activity |
 Devon Rex | 4★ | Indoor life works well with climbing and play opportunities |
 Siamese | 4★ | Fine indoors, but neighbours need to tolerate the vocalising |
Rules differ by state and strata or owners corporation. Read our renting with pets guide · NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT
Find a pet that fits your life
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Scores are an editorial assessment by the PawCompass team and cover only the 32 breeds we've reviewed. Use this as a starting point; meeting the animal and talking to breeders or rescues matters more.
An apartment can be a workable home for a cat when its indoor environment offers choice, activity and quiet places to rest. PawCompass rates British Shorthairs, Persians and Birmans 5/5 for apartment fit; several other breeds score 4/5 with particular needs around company, grooming, voice or climbing. A score describes typical fit, not a guarantee about an individual cat.
Make indoor life interesting
Plan different ways for a cat to climb, watch, hide, scratch and play. Rotate toys rather than leaving every option out all the time, and include short interactive play in the household routine. A Devon Rex scores 4/5 for apartments when it has climbing and play opportunities. The Burmese is small enough for an apartment but needs company and activity. These are useful reminders that available floor area is only one part of a cat's environment.
Provide resting spots away from household traffic and give the cat a choice to approach or withdraw. A window perch can add something to observe, provided the window is secure. If you are away for long periods, think about how the cat will receive attention and stimulation; a compact home does not make social needs disappear.
Protect windows and balconies
Check every window and balcony before the cat arrives. Keep balcony doors closed unless the area has a purpose-built, secure enclosure, and do not rely on a flyscreen as a safety barrier. Create a safe indoor viewing spot with a stable perch set back from an opening. Inspect latches and screens regularly, especially after moving furniture or having maintenance work done.
This is practical home safety rather than a breed-specific score. Curiosity, confidence and experience differ between cats, so build the setup around the individual animal and keep exits controlled. Rules vary by state, council and building; check the relevant state guide and building requirements before deciding how your cat will access shared or outdoor areas.
Put scratching and litter in workable places
Offer stable scratching surfaces where the cat naturally spends time, and protect furniture while it learns to use them. A vertical post and a horizontal scratcher provide different options. Keep them steady, accessible and away from places where the cat would be startled. Reward use with play or attention, and avoid punishing normal scratching behaviour.
Place the litter tray somewhere quiet, ventilated and easy to reach at all times. Keep it apart from food and water, and clean it on a regular schedule. In a small apartment, a laundry or bathroom may be convenient, but only if doors stay open and appliances do not frighten the cat. Make sure the cat can leave the tray area without being trapped by people, dogs or other pets.
Match companionship and coat care
Some cats prefer a quieter household; others actively seek company. The Siamese scores 4/5 for apartment fit, with a note that neighbours need to tolerate vocalising. The Ragdoll is well suited if there is enough enrichment and grooming time. Consider how sound travels through your building, how much brushing you can sustain, and whether the cat will have company during your usual day.
The Domestic Shorthair also scores 4/5: many are happy indoors with enrichment. Ask a rescue or breeder about the individual cat's experience indoors, play preferences, comfort with visitors and routine. If you rent, consult our guide to renting with pets and the page for your state before making plans.
Review the setup before adoption
Walk through the apartment as if you were the cat: are there quiet sleeping spots, secure openings, scratch surfaces, play opportunities and an accessible litter area? Think about how these needs will fit around work, visitors and travel. Meet the cat and ask what helps it settle. Use the breed picker to compare lifestyle scores, then read the relevant breed guide and choose for the individual cat in front of you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cat for an apartment in Australia?
PawCompass rates British Shorthairs, Persians and Birmans 5/5 for apartment fit. A cat's indoor environment and daily care still matter regardless of breed.
Can cats be happy living indoors in an apartment?
Indoor life can work when the home provides places to climb, play, scratch, hide and rest. Build a routine of interaction and offer safe views without allowing access to an unsecured balcony or open window.
Where should I put a cat's litter tray in a small apartment?
Choose a quiet, accessible spot away from food and water, and keep the tray easy to reach and clean. In a small home, avoid placing it beside noisy appliances or in a route where people frequently interrupt the cat.