Cat breeds for the home: Swiss recommendations
Indoor cat breeds are particularly popular in Switzerland because many people in cities such as Zurich, Basel, Bern or Lausanne live in compact apartments and still want to provide an animal-friendly home. This guide brings together Swiss recommendations, explains which breeds are considered as indoor cats, how to design a cat-friendly interior and what to look out for in terms of costs, legislation and health. The focus is on family-friendly and calm breeds that are suitable for everyday life and adapt to a life without outdoor access, without sacrificing species-appropriate activity.
- Proven cat breeds for the home: British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Sacred Birman, Chartreux, Exotic Shorthair, Russian Blue; for more active households also Siamese/Thai or Abyssinian.
- Indoor cat needs structure: several raised lying areas, scratching possibilities, hiding places, daily playtime, window or balcony protection.
- Costs in Switzerland: approx. CHF 80-150 per month (hobby keeping) plus reserves for vet; purchase from an animal shelter is often cheaper than from a breeder.
- Law & animal welfare: According to the TSchV, occupation, retreats and care are mandatory; commercial keeping requires a permit from the canton depending on the scope.
- For families and rural businesses: choose well-socialized, people-oriented breeds; ensure that children have a gentle temperament.
Which cat breeds are suitable for the home?
Not every cat is the same - and even less every breed. Balanced, people-oriented cats with a moderate level of activity are particularly suitable for living in an apartment. Important: "Cat breeds for the apartment" does not mean "little activity". Quiet breeds also need daily play, climbing and scratching opportunities as well as social interaction.
Calm classics with a cuddle factor
- British Shorthair (BKH): Calm, robust, family-friendly. Excellent as an indoor cat, loves elevated places and gentle play.
- Ragdoll: Very people-oriented, social, often relaxed with children. Needs regular activity despite being calm.
- Sacred Burmese: Friendly, communicative, adaptable; good choice for households with free time for interaction.
- Chartreux (Carthusian): Calm, loyal, relatively low maintenance (shorthair), suitable for structured daily routines.
- Exotic Shorthair: The gentle shorthair counterpart to the Persian cat, with less grooming requirements than longhair.
- Russian Blue: Reserved, clean, usually calm; suitable for quiet households that offer reliability.
More active indoor cats - if a lot of interaction is possible
- Siamese/Thai: Intelligent, talkative, playful. Needs mental exercise and prefers partners.
- Abyssinian: Curious, loves to climb, people-oriented; ideal with plenty of climbing and playing opportunities.
- Maine Coon: Large, gentle, social. Possible in a sufficiently structured home with plenty of vertical space; note space requirements.
How do you plan a cat-friendly home?
Whether in a city apartment or a ground-floor apartment in the country, an indoor cat needs a structured living space with zones for resting, climbing, playing, eating and going to the toilet. This reduces stress and allows the cat to display typical behaviors. The following building blocks have proven their worth.
Space, vertical surface and territorial rounds
- Several high scratching and climbing elements, e.g. ceiling-high scratching post plus wall shelves.
- Create a circular route: Arrange furniture and bridges in such a way that a circular territory round is possible.
- Provide window seats with sturdy boards; make windows tilt-proof (danger of "tilt window trap").
Litter trays, food and water - the practical layout
As a guide: number of cats + 1 litter tray, spread over different rooms. Place food and water bowls separately. Many indoor cats drink better from drinking fountains (clean hygienically).
Climate & safety
- Room temperature approx. 18-24 °C, humidity approx. 40-60 % (guide values) - ventilate well, without draughts.
- Secure balcony with netting (observe local authority and landlord rules); choose non-toxic plants.
- Check toys for robustness and small parts that can be swallowed.
- Fewer conflicts between cats thanks to alternative routes.
- More exercise thanks to climbing routes - prevents obesity.
- Less furniture scratching thanks to attractive scratching opportunities.
- Underchallenge in active breeds - solution: clicker training, intelligence games.
- Long periods alone - solution: partner animal, fixed play times, food puzzles.
- Stress caused by noise - solution: retreat rooms, soundproofing, regulated routine.
Costs, care and health in Switzerland
The running costs depend on feed quality, number of animals, health status and equipment. The following information is for guidance only and may vary depending on the canton, provider and individual requirements.
Acquisition: Animal shelters often charge a nominal fee (approx. CHF 150-300). Reputable breeders may charge around CHF 1,200-2,500, depending on the breed and pedigree. Health checks, vaccinations, castration and microchipping (depending on the canton/recommendation) should be planned for.
Allergies: Are there "hypoallergenic" cats?
"Hypoallergenic" is relative: many reactions affect the Fel d 1 protein in the saliva/hair coat. Some people report fewer symptoms with Siberian cats or Russian Blues, but there are no guarantees. Before adopting, it is advisable to have a longer trial contact with the specific cat.
Health care in everyday life
- Regular brushing (more often for longhairs), claw care, dental prophylaxis using chew sticks or dental care gel.
- Annual health checks; vaccinations as recommended by the vet and lifestyle.
- Weight control by means of weighing and body condition score; activity to prevent underchallenge.
Hobby vs. commercial keeping: What applies in Switzerland?
According to the Swiss Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV), minimum requirements for space, occupation, care and social contact must be met - regardless of whether the animals are kept privately or commercially. A cantonal permit may be required for larger herds or breeding/brokering; the municipality is often the first point of contact for specific requirements.
Hobby keeping (few animals, private)
- Goal: species-appropriate occupation, retreats, daily social contact.
- Neutering recommended to prevent marking and unwanted offspring.
- Microchipping/registration recommended; facilitates return in the event of escape (regulated differently depending on the canton).
Commercial keeping (breeding/farming)
- Depending on scope, authorization required from the canton; requirements for specialist knowledge and infrastructure.
- Quarantine and hygiene concepts, documented health care, socialization of young animals.
- Transparent contracts, buyer information on housing, breed characteristics and follow-up costs.
Checklist: How to find suitable cat breeds for your home
- 1 Clarify the living situation: Number of rooms, vertical space, noise level, security options (windows/balcony).
- 2 Analyze daily routine: How much active playtime is realistic? Single or pair housing?
- 3 Consider family profile: Child age, allergies, other pets; prefer gentle, patient breeds.
- 4 Plan your budget: running costs, reserves, one-off purchase, insurance if necessary.
- 5 Check reputable origin: Animal shelter or responsible breeding, health certificates, level of socialization.
Two practical examples from Switzerland
City apartment in Zurich (3-room, balcony): A quiet couple of British Shorthairs with a secure balcony, ceiling-high scratching post and two litter trays. Daily playtime in the evening. Result: relaxed cohabitation, little furniture scratching, stable routines.
Farmhouse in the canton of Bern (separate areas): Ragdoll as indoor cat in the family area; farmyard cats separately in the utility area. Clear separation prevents stress, indoor cat gets lots of social contact and vertical climbing paths.
What equipment is best for indoor cats?
Equipment determines the quality of life in indoor cat housing. The following elements prove to be a good basis - regardless of the cat breed chosen for the apartment.
- 2-3 scratching areas (different materials and heights).
- At least two raised lying areas per cat, plus caves/hiding places.
- Interactive toys, food puzzles, clicker training for mental exercise.
- Safe window seats and, if necessary, a secure balcony.
- Separate zones: Rest, play, food, toilet not directly next to each other.
Adoption, law & registration: What to consider?
Careful matching helps when adopting: temperament, history and living environment must match. Neutering is strongly recommended for indoor cats. Registration by microchip is widespread in Switzerland and facilitates return; obligations and recommendations may vary from canton to canton. The Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV) defines minimum standards for keeping and caring for cats; the municipality provides information on local requirements, e.g. on balcony safety or structural changes.
- TSchV: Occupation, retreat, care and species-appropriate housing are mandatory.
- Canton/municipality: Responsible for permits in a commercial context and structural aspects.
- Medicine: Regular checks, vaccinations according to risk, parasite prophylaxis as required.
Conclusion: Choosing the best cat breeds for your home wisely
When choosing cat breeds for the home, you should pay less attention to the "breed label" and more attention to temperament, social behavior and activity level. Calm, people-oriented breeds such as British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Sacred Birman, Chartreux, Exotic Shorthair or Russian Blue are often a good fit - provided the apartment offers climbing paths, safe window seats and daily activity. In Switzerland, clear TSchV regulations and advice from vets, animal shelters and cantonal authorities make it easier to make a responsible decision. Recommendation: Lively indoor cats (e.g. Siamese/Thai) are also suitable for households with a lot of interaction - ideally as a harmonious pair.