Looking for a feline friend that won’t break the bank? Cats make wonderful companions, bringing joy, comfort, and endless entertainment into our homes. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious house, there’s a perfect cat breed waiting to steal your heart without emptying your wallet. Here’s our roundup of 23 budget-friendly and utterly charming cat breeds for every type of cat enthusiast.
1. American Shorthair
Originally brought to America to hunt mice on ships, American Shorthairs have evolved into one of the most popular family pets. Their muscular bodies and round faces give them an adorable appearance that cat lovers adore.
These cats typically live 15-20 years and maintain a playful spirit throughout their lives. They’re known for their easygoing temperament and adaptability to different living situations.
American Shorthairs don’t require extensive grooming—just weekly brushing keeps their coat in good condition. Their balanced personality makes them suitable for families with children or other pets.
2. Domestic Shorthair
Not technically a breed but rather a mixed-heritage cat, Domestic Shorthairs represent the beautiful mutts of the cat world. They come in virtually every color and pattern combination imaginable, from solid black to calico to tabby.
Found in shelters nationwide, these cats typically cost only an adoption fee. Their diverse genetic background often translates to fewer health problems than purebred cats.
Each Domestic Shorthair has a unique personality, though most are friendly and make excellent companions. Their maintenance needs are minimal—regular feeding, occasional grooming, and lots of love will keep them happy.
3. Russian Blue
Plush silvery-blue coats paired with emerald eyes give them a royal look, but their cost remains reasonable compared to other purebred cats.
Naturally shy around strangers, Russian Blues form deep bonds with their chosen humans. They’re known for their intelligence and can often learn tricks and commands more easily than other cats.
These cats shed minimally, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies. Russian Blues are content in quiet environments and don’t demand constant attention, though they do enjoy interactive playtime with their favorite people.
4. Siamese
Featuring sharp blue eyes and bold color points on sleek frames, they’ve captured hearts globally for centuries.
Famous for being vocal, Siamese cats will carry on conversations with their humans throughout the day. They’re extremely social and form strong attachments to their families.
Despite their exotic appearance, Siamese cats are relatively affordable and widely available. They remain playful and kitten-like well into adulthood. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance in the beauty department.
5. Maine Coon
Maine Coons may look expensive with their majestic appearance, but many are available through rescue organizations at standard adoption fees. These gentle giants are known for their tufted ears, bushy tails, and substantial size—males can weigh up to 18 pounds.
Despite their imposing stature, Maine Coons are famously good-natured and patient with children. They have a playful disposition and often enjoy water, unlike most cats.
Their thick, water-resistant coats require regular brushing to prevent mats. Maine Coons are highly intelligent and can be trained to walk on leashes or perform tricks with positive reinforcement.
6. Ragdoll
They earned their name because they tend to relax completely when held, resembling a child’s ragdoll. Their soft, semi-long fur is silky and requires regular care.
While purebred Ragdolls from breeders can be pricey, many Ragdoll mixes and rescues are available at standard adoption fees. They’re famously affectionate and will follow their humans from room to room like devoted shadows.
Unlike many active breeds, Ragdolls prefer lounging to climbing and jumping. They adapt well to apartment living and get along splendidly with children and other pets, making them ideal family companions.
7. Abyssinian
Their distinctive ticked coat features multiple color bands on each hair, creating a warm, glowing effect. Large ears and almond-shaped eyes give them an alert and intelligent expression.
These active cats love to play and explore their surroundings. They’re not typically lap cats but show affection by staying near their favorite humans and participating in family activities.
Abyssinians require minimal grooming due to their short coats. They’re generally healthy with few breed-specific issues, which helps keep long-term costs down. Their playful nature makes them entertaining companions who provide endless amusement.
8. Bengal
With coats that mimic the beauty of wild cats and bodies built for action, Bengals are the perfect blend of exotic elegance and athletic flair.
While show-quality Bengals can be expensive, pet-quality and Bengal mixes are more affordable options. These energetic cats need plenty of stimulation and vertical space to climb.
Their short, soft coats need minimal grooming and don’t shed excessively. Bengals often enjoy water and some will even join their humans in the shower or bath. Their playful antics and striking appearance make them fascinating companions for active households.
9. Scottish Fold
Folded ears, round faces, and heart-melting eyes—Scottish Folds are gentle charmers with an irresistibly owl-like look.
While Scottish Folds with perfectly folded ears can be expensive, many with partially folded or straight ears (called Scottish Straights) are more affordable. They’re known for being adaptable, good-natured, and moderately active.
Their plush coats come in various colors and patterns, requiring weekly brushing to stay in good condition. Scottish Folds bond closely with their families and enjoy interactive play but aren’t overly demanding of attention.
10. Sphynx
Sphynx cats turn heads with their almost completely hairless bodies, prominent cheekbones, and large ears. Despite their lack of fur, these cats aren’t completely maintenance-free—they need regular baths to remove body oils.
While purebred Sphynx cats can be costly, rescue organizations sometimes have these unique cats available for adoption. They’re extremely affectionate and seek out human warmth, often snuggling under blankets or curling up with their owners.
Sphynx cats have high energy levels and entertaining personalities. They’re particularly suitable for owners with cat allergies, though they’re not completely hypoallergenic. Their warmth-seeking nature makes them excellent cuddle companions.
11. Oriental Shorthair
Like feline fashion models, Oriental Shorthairs stride with long lines, sharp angles, and oversized ears—wrapped in a wardrobe of over 300 colors and patterns.
These cats form strong bonds with their humans and don’t like being left alone for long periods. They’re highly vocal and will express their opinions about everything happening in the household.
Oriental Shorthairs are intelligent and easily trained to perform tricks or walk on leashes. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they’re generally healthy cats. Their playful, interactive nature makes them engaging companions for active families.
12. Burmese
With coats as smooth as satin and eyes that gleam with curiosity, Burmese cats are the full package. Their deep sable coloring and muscular frames make them as striking as they are affectionate.
Often described as “brick wrapped in silk,” these cats are surprisingly heavy when picked up. They maintain a kitten-like playfulness throughout their lives and form strong bonds with their families.
Burmese cats are people-oriented and want to be involved in everything their humans do. Their short coats need minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance pets. They’re generally healthy and can live 16-18 years with proper care.
13. Turkish Van
Looking for a cat with unique style and luxurious fur? Turkish Vans feature eye-catching van coloring and plush, cashmere-soft coats that resist water—beauty and function in one!
Nicknamed “swimming cats,” Turkish Vans often enjoy water, a rare trait among felines. They’re athletic and energetic, requiring plenty of play and exercise to stay happy.
While purebred Turkish Vans are uncommon, cats with similar appearances can be found in shelters. Their coats don’t mat easily, making grooming relatively simple despite their longer fur. These cats are intelligent and can learn tricks and commands with patient training.
14. Cornish Rex
With coats as soft as crushed velvet and a sleek, futuristic look, Cornish Rex cats are truly one of a kind. Their lean build, large ears, and oval heads make them unforgettable.
These cats stay playful well into adulthood and are known for their acrobatic abilities. They can jump remarkably high and love interactive games with their humans.
Cornish Rex cats produce less dander than many breeds, making them a good choice for some allergy sufferers. They seek warmth and will often curl up under blankets or against warm bodies. Their minimal shedding means less cleaning for their owners.
15. Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats charm with their elfin faces, large low-set ears, and wavy coats. Their mischievous expressions match their playful personalities—these cats are known as the “pixies of the cat world.”
Similar to their Cornish cousins but with a different genetic mutation, Devon Rex cats have soft, sometimes sparse fur that sheds minimally. They’re highly social and form strong bonds with their humans and other pets.
Devon Rex cats are moderately active and enjoy playing games but are equally happy curling up on a warm lap. They’re intelligent and can learn tricks easily. Their low-maintenance coats require occasional wiping rather than brushing.
16. Manx
From no tail to a cute little nub, Manx cats come in tail types—but always with a signature roundness in their head, eyes, and rump that sets them apart.
These cats originated on the Isle of Man and have been beloved companions for centuries. They’re known for their strong hunting instincts and dog-like personalities.
Manx cats often follow their humans around the house and can be trained to fetch. Their double coats come in both short and long varieties (the longer version is called a Cymric) and require moderate grooming. They’re generally healthy and make loyal, affectionate family pets.
17. Japanese Bobtail
Famous for their adorable, pom-pom-like tails, Japanese Bobtails are a natural wonder steeped in tradition—featured in centuries of Japanese art and myth.
Active and intelligent, Japanese Bobtails enjoy interactive play and can learn tricks easily. They’re social cats that get along well with children and other pets.
Their silky coats come in various colors and patterns, including the famous tri-colored calico known as “mi-ke” (pronounced mee-kay). Japanese Bobtails are generally healthy with few breed-specific issues. Their moderate activity level makes them suitable for various living situations.
18. Exotic Shorthair
Love the Persian look but not the grooming routine? Exotic Shorthairs are your dream cat! They’ve got the same sweet face and sturdy body—just with a soft, short coat that’s easy to manage.
Their flat faces, round eyes, and chubby cheeks give them an adorably grumpy appearance that cat lovers find irresistible. Unlike their Persian relatives, they only need weekly brushing to keep their coats in good condition.
Exotic Shorthairs have calm, easygoing personalities. They enjoy playtime but are equally content lounging on the sofa. These affectionate cats bond strongly with their families but don’t demand constant attention.
19. Tonkinese
Looking for the perfect blend of beauty and personality? Tonkinese cats deliver with their athletic build and stunning aqua eyes, combining the best of Siamese and Burmese lineages.
These social butterflies thrive on human interaction and don’t like being left alone for long periods. They’re playful, affectionate, and often follow their humans from room to room.
Tonkinese cats come in various point colors with a distinctive mink pattern. Their short coats need minimal grooming—just occasional brushing to remove loose hair. These intelligent cats can learn tricks and commands, making them engaging and interactive companions.
20. Bombay
Like little black panthers, Bombay cats boast copper eyes and sleek coats that shine like leather and feel like silk.
Created by crossing American Shorthairs with Burmese, Bombays combine the easygoing nature of the former with the social personality of the latter. They form strong bonds with their humans and enjoy being involved in household activities.
Bombays are moderately active and enjoy interactive play but also appreciate lounging in sunny spots. Their short coats require minimal grooming—just occasional brushing to distribute skin oils. These striking cats make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
21. Turkish Angora
Known for their silky coats and elegant form, Turkish Angoras are most famous in white with blue eyes—but they’re available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Originating in Turkey, these cats have been treasured companions for centuries. They’re playful, intelligent, and form strong bonds with their humans while maintaining an independent streak.
Despite their luxurious appearance, Turkish Angoras have single coats that don’t mat easily, making grooming less intensive than for other longhaired breeds. They’re active cats that enjoy climbing to high perches to survey their domain. Many Turkish Angoras can be found through rescue organizations at standard adoption fees.
22. Chartreux
With their silvery-blue coats and gleaming copper to gold eyes, Chartreux cats appear to wear a perpetual smile. Their dense, water-resistant fur has a soft, wool-like texture that sets them apart.
These French cats have a rich history dating back centuries. They’re quiet companions who rarely meow but communicate through soft chirps and trills.
Chartreux cats are intelligent problem-solvers and excellent hunters. Despite their muscular bodies, they move with surprising grace and agility. They bond deeply with their families but aren’t typically demanding of attention, making them ideal for busy households.
23. Havana Brown
Havana Browns stand out with their rich mahogany-brown coats and striking green eyes. Their moderate-sized, muscular bodies and distinctive head shape give them an elegant, sophisticated appearance.
These cats are relatively rare but can sometimes be found through breed-specific rescues. They’re known for using their paws to examine objects, almost like hands.
Havana Browns form strong bonds with their humans and enjoy being involved in household activities. They’re moderately active and playful but not hyperactive. Their short, glossy coats require minimal grooming—just occasional brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.