Ranking · 10 breeds
The most independent cat breeds
In short The most independent cats stay calmly at home alone, need no constant attention and suit busy people or those who travel often.
How we rated
The higher the “Independence” score, the higher the ranking.
1
British Shorthair
Need for attention 2.5 ↓
Apartment 5.0
4.0
2
Chartreux Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
3
Russian Blue Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
4
European Shorthair Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
5
Norwegian Forest Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 4.0
3.5
6
Neva Masquerade Cat
Need for attention 3.5 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
7
Siberian Cat
Need for attention 3.5 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
8
Nebelung
Need for attention 4.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
9
Turkish Angora
Need for attention 4.0 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
10
American Wirehair
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.0
British Shorthair
Need for attention 2.5 ↓
Apartment 5.0
4.0
2
Chartreux Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
3
Russian Blue Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
4
European Shorthair Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
5
Norwegian Forest Cat
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 4.0
3.5
6
Neva Masquerade Cat
Need for attention 3.5 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
7
Siberian Cat
Need for attention 3.5 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
8
Nebelung
Need for attention 4.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.5
9
Turkish Angora
Need for attention 4.0 ↓
Apartment 4.5
3.5
10
American Wirehair
Need for attention 3.0 ↓
Apartment 5.0
3.0
How the ranking is built
order: Independence → Need for attention → Apartment → breed · list composition as on the site, order by this rule
FAQ
Which cat breeds are the most independent?
The British Shorthair, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest Cat and many landrace breeds cope well with being alone.
Can an independent cat be left alone for long?
For a working day — yes, given water, food, a clean litter box and toys. But even independent cats need daily contact and attention.
Is an independent cat a cold cat?
No. Independence just means less clinginess: such cats are attached to their owner but calmly tolerate time on their own.