Want to own a cat but too busy with your family and work? You can make this happen given the right cat breed that is low-maintenance, self-sufficient, and independent. While there are cats that are clingy and crave constant attention, some cat breeds like the Maine Coon can be left alone for some time and they are okay with minimal interaction.
What is the best cat breed for busy family?
If you are a busy family with kids who are mostly in school or at sports or music practice and you and your partner have careers, it usually leaves a very small chance to have pets. However, it is possible and it can be done. All it takes is the right cat breed that is independent and will fit in with your busy lifestyle.
Here are the best cat breeds for a busy family:
1. British Shorthair
Origin: Great Britain
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
Length: 22 to 25 inches excluding tail
Weight: seven to 17 pounds
This cat breed is charming, sweet, and playful. They enjoy having quality time with their humans but equally content if they are left alone at home. British Shorthair cats are low-maintenance, tend to be low-profile and undemanding. They are easy to groom and kid and pet-friendly, too. Instead of the normal meowing, they make cute squeaky sounds that make them more adorable.
2. Maine Coon
Origin: Maine, USA
Lifespan: nine to 15 years
Length: 30 to 40 inches
Weight: nine to 18 pounds
This cat breed is semi-longhaired and considered the largest of all breeds. Maine Coon cats are also called gentle giants since they are gentle-mannered and affectionate. They are relaxed, laid-back, calm, easygoing, people-oriented, easily trained, and smart. They are not overly demanding to their humans and they make good family members as they get along well with kids and other pets.
3. Siberian
Origin: Russia
Lifespan: 11 to 18 years
Length: 17 to 25 inches
Weight: eight to 17 pounds
Siberian cats are a perfect breed for a busy family since they do well on their own, are extremely loyal and playful. This breed is smart, loves water, and adept at problem-solving. They are calm and have the potential to be therapy cats. While these cats may be laid-back they also tend to be active, thus, they do well with a climbing tower or cat tree to keep them entertained at home.
4. Singapura
Origin: Singapore
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Length: small
Weight: four to seven pounds
This cat breed may be small but they are adorable. They are loyal, low-maintenance, and content to be on their own most of the time. They have sweet expressions and are very fond of climbing and leaping from high places. They are also gentle, tend to be playful, and have tiny, little voices.
5. Brazilian Shorthair
Origin: Brazil
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
Length: medium to large
Weight: 10 to 22 pounds
This cat breed is ideal for a busy family because they can keep themselves entertained for hours especially if they have interactive toys around and places that they can climb and perch. These cats are smart, affectionate, and do not require much effort when it comes to grooming as they have short and glossy coats. They are also confident, inquisitive, and can be taught basic tricks like fetch.
6. American Wirehair
Origin: United States
Lifespan: 14 to 18 years
Length: medium to large
Weight: eight to 15 pounds
If your family is always on the go, this cat breed is a good fit for you. They are quiet, even-tempered, and very intelligent. They are happy and content at keeping themselves entertained if they are left alone at home. This cat breed loves to take naps in a sunny spot inside the house, is resilient, does not demand much attention, and loves to play interactive and puzzle toys.
7. Ragdoll
Origin: Riverside, California, USA
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
Length: 17 to 21 inches excluding tail
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
This cat breed is gentle, laid-back, and loves to be around kids and other pets. They are relaxed, quiet, and do not require much grooming. These cats easily get along with everyone, tend to be docile but they also love to play. They are easily taught to do tricks and like using a scratching post to avoid inappropriate scratching inside the home.
8. Norwegian Forest Cat
Origin: Norway
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Length: 12 to 18 inches
Weight: 15 to 22 pounds
This cat breed adores having quality time with their humans but also independent and content to be on their own. These quiet cats get along well with kids and other pets. They are also inquisitive, gentle, friendly, and tend to be outgoing at times. They have luxurious coats that needs to be groomed with a de-matting comb at least twice a week to prevent mats.
9. Persian
Origin: Persia/ Iran
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Weight: seven to 12 pounds
This cat breed is docile, quiet, and sweet, especially to their favored humans. They are affectionate but may tend to discriminate as they only reserve their attention to family members and few people they feel they can trust. These cats are sedate and prefer a serene home that is why they are okay with being left alone for hours while everyone is away. They rarely climb or jump on high areas like the kitchen counter but they are content just lounging in their favorite chair or bed.
10. Russian Blue
Origin: Russia
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Length: 10 inches
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
This cat breed is sweet-tempered, quiet, and loyal to her humans. They are affectionate, tend to be sociable but also enjoy alone time in a private and quiet nook. These cats do not mind if they are left alone at home for most of the day. They are also highly intelligent and have a strong hunting instinct which makes a feathered fishing pole toy their all-time favorite plaything.
Final thoughts
It is possible to have a cat even if you and your family are always on the go. You just have to search for the right cat breed that will fit with your busy lifestyle and independent enough to be left at home for a certain period. Opt for breeds like the Brazilian Shorthair, Maine Coon, or Singapura that are quiet, low maintenance, and able to entertain themselves while you are away.