What Is the Best Breed of Cat to Own? — Top 12 Breeds for Singapore 2026

Key Takeaways

Discover the best cat breeds to own in Singapore, from British Shorthairs to Ragdolls. Expert guide covering temperament, cost, HDB suitability, and where to buy.

The best breed of cat to own depends on your lifestyle, living space, and experience level. For most Singapore families living in HDB flats or condos, the British Shorthair is widely considered the best overall cat breed to own — it's calm, low-maintenance, quiet, and adapts well to indoor apartment life. The Ragdoll is the best breed for families with children, while the Bengal is ideal for active owners who want a playful, energetic companion.

Below is our expert ranking of the 12 best cat breeds to own in Singapore, based on 15+ years of breeding experience at Designer Cats (AVS License AS25A00005).

Top 12 Best Cat Breeds to Own in Singapore

▸1. British Shorthair — Best Overall Cat to Own

The British Shorthair consistently ranks as the best breed of cat to own, especially in Singapore. Here's why:

Temperament: Calm, independent, and affectionate without being clingy

Noise Level: Very quiet — ideal for HDB and condo living

Grooming: Low maintenance, weekly brushing is sufficient

Health: Robust breed with few genetic issues when responsibly bred

Lifespan: 12–20 years

Price in Singapore: $5,900–$8,900 SGD

British Shorthairs come in stunning colours including blue, lilac, golden shaded (ny11, ny12, ny25), silver shaded, and cream. They are the perfect apartment cat for Singapore's indoor-only lifestyle.

👉 View British Shorthair Kittens for Sale

▸2. Ragdoll — Best Cat for Families with Children

Ragdolls are nicknamed "puppy cats" because they follow you around and love being held. They are the friendliest large cat breed and perfect for families.

Temperament: Extremely docile, gentle, loves being picked up

Size: Large breed (5–9 kg)

Grooming: Semi-long coat needs 2–3x weekly brushing

Best For: Families with children, multi-pet households

Price in Singapore: $6,000–$9,700 SGD

👉 View Ragdoll Kittens for Sale

▸3. Bengal — Best Cat for Active Owners

Bengals are the most striking and athletic cat breed. Their wild appearance with stunning rosette patterns makes them head-turners.

Temperament: Playful, energetic, intelligent, needs stimulation

Activity Level: Very high — needs interactive toys and climbing spaces

Coat: Short, silky, almost no shedding

Best For: Active individuals, experienced cat owners

Price in Singapore: $6,000–$8,000 SGD

👉 View Bengal Kittens for Sale

▸4. Maine Coon — Best Large Cat Breed to Own

Maine Coons are gentle giants known for their dog-like personality and impressive size. They're one of the most popular breeds worldwide.

Temperament: Friendly, social, gets along with everyone

Size: Extra large (6–11 kg)

Grooming: Long coat requires regular grooming

Best For: Spacious homes, families wanting a large companion

👉 View Maine Coon Kittens for Sale

▸5. Scottish Fold — Best Cat for Apartment Living

Scottish Folds are instantly recognisable by their folded ears and round faces. They're quiet, adaptable, and perfect for small apartments.

Temperament: Sweet, gentle, adaptable

Noise Level: Very quiet

Best For: Small apartments, single owners, seniors

Price in Singapore: $6,000–$6,900 SGD

👉 View Scottish Fold Kittens for Sale

▸6. Russian Blue — Best Hypoallergenic Cat

Russian Blues produce less Fel d 1 allergen than most breeds, making them a top choice for allergy sufferers.

Temperament: Loyal, reserved with strangers, bonds deeply with owner

Hypoallergenic: Lower allergen production

Best For: Allergy sufferers, quiet households

Price in Singapore: $6,000–$7,400 SGD

👉 View Russian Blue Kittens for Sale

▸7. Persian — Best Lap Cat

Persians are the ultimate lap cats — calm, quiet, and content to relax on the sofa all day.

Temperament: Extremely calm, gentle, loves routine

Grooming: High maintenance — daily brushing required

Best For: Retirees, low-activity households

Price in Singapore: $7,000–$9,000 SGD

👉 View Persian Kittens for Sale

▸8. Sphynx — Best Cat for Unique Personality

Sphynx cats are hairless, warm, and incredibly social. They demand attention and love being the centre of your world.

Temperament: Extroverted, clownish, extremely affectionate

Grooming: No brushing, but needs weekly baths

Best For: Owners wanting a dog-like cat experience

Price in Singapore: $3,000–$5,000 SGD

👉 View Sphynx Kittens for Sale

▸9. Abyssinian — Best Cat for Explorers

Abyssinians are adventurous, curious, and love climbing. They're one of the oldest known cat breeds.

Temperament: Curious, active, loves heights

Activity Level: High

Best For: Cat-proofed homes with vertical space

Price in Singapore: $6,500–$7,000 SGD

👉 View Abyssinian Kittens for Sale

▸10. Devon Rex — Best Cat for Allergy-Friendly Homes

Devon Rex cats have curly, low-shedding coats and pixie-like faces. They're playful and mischievous.

Temperament: Playful, social, loves warmth

Shedding: Very low

Best For: Allergy-conscious homes, active families

Price in Singapore: $6,000–$7,900 SGD

👉 View Devon Rex Kittens for Sale

▸11. Selkirk Rex — Best Teddy-Bear Cat

Selkirk Rex cats are known for their plush, curly coats and round teddy-bear appearance. They're patient, easygoing, and incredibly affectionate.

Temperament: Easygoing, patient, loving

Grooming: Moderate — curly coat benefits from occasional brushing

Best For: Families, multi-pet households, first-time owners

Price in Singapore: $7,500–$8,900 SGD

👉 View Selkirk Rex Kittens for Sale

▸12. Savannah — Best Exotic Cat to Own

Savannah cats are tall, elegant, and athletic with striking spotted coats reminiscent of their serval ancestors. They're intelligent, loyal, and form deep bonds with their owners.

Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, active, dog-like

Activity Level: Very high — needs space and stimulation

Best For: Experienced owners, spacious homes

Price in Singapore: $7,600–$9,800 SGD

👉 View Savannah Kittens for Sale

Best Cat Breeds by Singapore Home Type

Which cat is best for your house depends as much on the home as the breed:

HDB flat (3-room to 5-room): British Shorthair, Scottish Fold or Russian Blue. Quiet, low-energy, and comfortable in a compact indoor territory. All approved breeds must be licensed with AVS, and HDB allows up to two cats per flat.

Condominium: Ragdoll, Persian or Devon Rex. Indoor-only cats that will not attempt balconies — mesh every window and balcony rail regardless of breed.

Landed house: Maine Coon, Bengal or Abyssinian. These breeds use vertical and horizontal space and cope well with stairs, multiple rooms and enrichment zones.

To make any house cat-friendly: mesh all windows, provide one litter tray per cat plus one spare, add at least one tall scratching post per room the cat uses, and keep lilies, cords and cooked bones out of reach.

How to Choose the Best Cat Breed for You

When deciding which cat breed is best to own, consider these factors:

Where to Buy the Best Cat Breeds in Singapore

At Designer Cats, we raise and rehome all 12 breeds listed above — part of the 15 different breeds in our imported kittens cattery in Telok Kurau. As an AVS licensed cattery (AS25A00005) with TICA registration, over 15 years of experience and an educational cattery experience where every kitten is raised in a home environment on our in-house raw and fresh-cooked diet, our "Purr-fect Companion Package" includes:

✨ Personalised kitten matching based on your lifestyle

✅ Full veterinary health check, vaccinations, FELV/FIV test, Microchip

🧼 Deworming & flea prevention

📜 Certified pedigree documentation

💻 Cat Licence

🚽 Litter & scratch training started

❤️ Well-socialised, gentle, and confident kittens

🎓 Responsible pet ownership guidance

☎️ Lifetime after-sales support

🎁 Complimentary 1-on-1 Kitten Confidence Session

📍 Visit us at Vibes@Eastcoast, 308 Telok Kurau Road #01-28, Singapore

📞 Call 9619 1577 or WhatsApp 9619 1577

👉 Browse All Available Kittens

Frequently Asked Questions

▸What is the best breed of cat to own as a first-time owner?

The British Shorthair is the best cat breed for first-time owners. They're calm, independent, low-maintenance, and adapt well to apartment living in Singapore.

▸What is the best cat breed for HDB flats?

British Shorthair and Scottish Fold are the best breeds for HDB. They're quiet, low-energy, and content in smaller spaces. Both breeds meet HDB cat licensing requirements.

▸Which cat is best for a house?

For most Singapore houses the British Shorthair is the best all-round house cat — calm, indoor-content and low-maintenance. Choose a Ragdoll or Persian for a condo, and a Maine Coon, Bengal or Abyssinian for a landed home with more space.

▸How many cats can I keep in my house in Singapore?

HDB allows up to two cats per flat under the AVS cat licensing framework. Private property owners may keep more, but every cat must be individually licensed and microchipped.

▸Can cats live happily indoors only?

Yes. Indoor-only is the safest choice in Singapore and is recommended by AVS. Provide vertical space, daily interactive play, window perches and puzzle feeders, and an indoor cat will typically live several years longer than an outdoor one.

▸What is the most expensive cat breed in Singapore?

Savannah, Ragdoll, and Persian are among the most expensive breeds in Singapore, ranging from $7,600 to $9,800 SGD for Savannahs, $6,000 to $9,700 SGD for Ragdolls, and $7,000 to $9,000 SGD for Persians, depending on pedigree and colour quality.

▸Which cat breed lives the longest?

Russian Blue and British Shorthair cats can live 15–20 years with proper care, making them excellent long-term companions.

Continue Your Learning

Explore these related guides for more helpful information:

Breeds Mentioned in This Article

Learn more about these cat breeds featured in this guide:

Related Guides You'll Love

Continue reading:

Enjoyed this article?

Share it with fellow cat lovers!

Continue in the Choosing a Cat guide

This article is one chapter of a larger Singapore guide. The hub links every related chapter in reading order.

Friendliest and calmest cat breeds in SingaporeWhich breeds are most sociable, quiet and easy to live with.

How much does a kitten cost in Singapore?Purchase price plus the monthly maintenance owners underestimate.

Where can I buy a kitten in Singapore?Licensed catteries, adoption and what to verify before paying.

Before you buy a kittenHealth records, pedigree papers and cattery due diligence.

Cat licensing in SingaporeThe current licensing rules every owner must follow.

Finding your kitten matchMatching personality, not just looks, to your household.

References & Authoritative Sources

Our editorial team reviews authoritative veterinary and registry sources for every guide. Reviewed by our consulting veterinarian.

Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), Singapore — Pet licensing & welfare standards

WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines — Global feline vaccination protocol

AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines — Veterinary care across life stages

Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) — Breed standards & registry

The International Cat Association (TICA) — Breed standards & registry

FIFe — Fédération Internationale Féline — International breed standards

Share this article

Breeds in This Article

Bengal

View breed info

Maine Coon

Ragdoll

British Shorthair

Looking for a Kitten?

Browse our available kittens and find your perfect companion!

More from the GuideBook

6 min read0

4 min read0

3 min read0

AVS-licensed Singapore cattery since 2011 (AS25A00005) — an imported kittens cattery specialising in 15 different breeds in Telok Kurau, an educational cattery experience families across Singapore have trusted for more than a decade. Ethically raised TICA-registered pedigree kittens for sale from UK, AUS, EU & US champion bloodlines, with a lifetime health guarantee for hereditary genetic conditions and island-wide hand-delivery.

🍳 Every pedigree kitten is raised in a home environment, health-checked, vaccinated and microchipped, and fed our in-house raw & cooked gourmet diet, manufactured by our affiliated company Raw Gourmet Singapore and available to continue at home.

Kittens for Sale

Kittens for Sale Singapore

Bengal Kittens for Sale

British Shorthair for Sale

Ragdoll Kittens Singapore

Scottish Fold for Sale

Maine Coon Singapore

Russian Blue Kittens

Persian Cats for Sale

Munchkin Kittens

Abyssinian Cats

Devon Rex Singapore

Sphynx Kittens

Savannah Cats

Siberian Kittens

Selkirk Rex Kittens

Oriental Shorthair

Cat Shop

About Best Cattery

Why Choose Us

Pedigree & Health Standards

Kitten Handover Pack

Adopted Kittens Archive

Family Stories

Visit Our Cattery

Pet Relocation Services

FAQ - Cat Shop

Contact Cat Shop

Cat Care Blog

Cat Food & Products

Cat Products Singapore

Subscribe & Save

Raw Cat Food Singapore

Cooked Cat Food Singapore

Loyalty Rewards

Become a DC Member

Shipping & Returns

Cat Guides

All Cat Breeds Library

Choosing a Cat Breed

New Kitten Care Guide

Cat Health Guide

Cat Nutrition Guide

Cat Behaviour Guide

Contact Us

Vibes@Eastcoast

Vibes@Eastcoast, 308 Telok Kurau Road #01-28

Singapore 423858

9619 1577

contact@designercats.comcontact@designerbengalsingapore.com

Open daily by appointment

Daily, 12pm–8pm, by appointment

Last updated: 1 October 2026