Can You Adopt a Cat If You Live Alone?
Adopting a cat when you live alone is entirely possible and rewarding. Learn how to choose the right cat, prepare your home, and navigate the adoption.
The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic.
American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades.
Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.
Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.
1 pet available
15About the Toyger The Toyger — "toy tiger" — was developed beginning in 1993 by Judy Sugden in the United States, who selectively bred domestic shorthair tabbies to create a cat that resembles a miniature tiger. Weighing 7–15 pounds, this medium-to-large muscular cat features a long, low-slung body, small rounded ears, and a striking coat of bold, vertically aligned dark stripes (called "branching") on a vivid orange-tan background with a white-lightened belly — the goal being as close to a tiger's pattern as possible.Temperament & PersonalityDespite their wild appearance, Toygers are easygoing, friendly cats that enjoy human company and adapt well to indoor living. They are intelligent and trainable, readily learning to walk on a leash, play fetch, and perform tricks. Social and relaxed, they do well with children and other pets, showing none of the intensity of actual wild-hybrid breeds.ProsSpectacular tiger-like appearance with no wild cat bloodlinesLaid-back and friendly — easier to manage than most exotic-looking breedsIntelligent and trainable — enjoys learning tricks and leash walkingShort coat requires minimal groomingConsVery rare and expensive — limited availability through breedersBreed is still in development — the gene pool remains smallMay inherit heart murmurs from some breeding linesHigh price tag and rarity make adoption opportunities uncommonWant a living room tiger without the wild side? Keep an eye on Puplister for Toyger cats and kittens seeking loving homes.
7 pets available
13About the Scottish Fold The Scottish Fold traces its origins to a single barn cat named Susie, found in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961 — the first documented cat with the breed's signature forward-folding ears caused by a natural cartilage mutation. This medium-sized cat weighs 6–13 pounds, has a round head, large round eyes, and a stocky, well-padded body. Scottish Folds come in both longhair and shorthair varieties, in virtually every color and pattern including tabby, solid, bicolor, and calico.Temperament & PersonalityScottish Folds are sweet, easygoing cats known for their quirky habit of sitting in odd positions — including the "Buddha sit" with legs stretched out and paws resting on their belly. They are moderately active and enjoy interactive play without being hyperactive. Gentle with children and amiable with other pets, they adapt well to most living situations.ProsDistinctive, owl-like appearance with those signature folded earsCalm and adaptable — thrives in apartments, houses, and busy households alikeGood-natured and gentle with children and other animalsModerate energy level — playful but not demandingConsThe fold gene causes osteochondrodysplasia — painful cartilage and bone abnormalities in many catsMust never be bred fold-to-fold due to severe skeletal issues in offspringProne to arthritis, especially in the tail, ankles, and kneesEar fold makes them more susceptible to ear infections and wax buildupDrawn to those adorable folded ears and laid-back personality? Find Scottish Fold cats waiting for adoption on Puplister.
6 pets available
26About the Ragdoll The Ragdoll was developed in the 1960s in Riverside, California, by breeder Ann Baker, who selected for docile, floppy cats that go limp when held — hence the name. One of the largest domestic cat breeds, Ragdolls weigh 10–20 pounds (males often exceeding 15 pounds) and have striking blue eyes, a semi-long silky coat, and a colorpoint pattern with a lighter body and darker extremities. They come in six main colors — seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream — with four patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and lynx.Temperament & PersonalityRagdolls are famously gentle, relaxed cats that often follow their owners from room to room like loyal dogs. They tend to greet you at the door and flop at your feet, earning their reputation as "floor cats" and "puppy cats." Exceptionally tolerant and patient, they are among the best breeds for families with children and get along beautifully with dogs and other cats.ProsExtremely gentle and tolerant — ideal for households with young childrenSilky coat lacks a dense undercoat, reducing matting and shedding compared to other longhairsCalm, laid-back energy level — content with moderate play and lots of cuddlingDog-like devotion — follows owners, greets guests, and can learn simple tricksConsGenetic predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — DNA testing recommendedTrusting and non-aggressive to a fault — must be kept strictly indoorsLarge size means higher food costs and need for oversized litter boxesCan develop bladder stones and urinary tract issuesIf a big, blue-eyed lap cat sounds like your dream companion, search for Ragdoll cats available for adoption on Puplister.
5 pets available
7About the Persian The Persian is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds in the world, with roots tracing back to 17th-century Persia (modern Iran) and Turkey. This medium-to-large cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is instantly identifiable by its flat, pansy-like face, enormous round eyes, small ears, and luxuriously long, thick coat that can reach six inches in length. Persians come in over 80 color variations grouped into seven divisions, including solid, silver, golden, shaded, smoke, tabby, particolor, and pointed (Himalayan).Temperament & PersonalityPersians are the quintessential lap cat — calm, sweet-tempered, and content to lounge on the nearest soft surface. They prefer serene environments and predictable routines, rarely displaying the high-energy antics of more active breeds. Gentle and patient with children, they coexist peacefully with respectful kids and laid-back dogs.ProsExtremely calm and gentle — ideal for quiet, relaxed householdsBeautiful, plush coat available in a vast range of colors and patternsLow activity level — content with minimal exercise and indoor livingSweet, undemanding temperament — rarely vocal or pushyConsRequires daily grooming to prevent severe matting and hairballsBrachycephalic face causes chronic breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental crowdingProne to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and ringwormEye discharge requires daily cleaning to prevent staining and infectionLonging for a serene, regal companion? Discover Persian cats seeking forever homes on Puplister and welcome quiet elegance into your life.
Adopting a cat when you live alone is entirely possible and rewarding. Learn how to choose the right cat, prepare your home, and navigate the adoption.
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