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 Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.
Oriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.
Think you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.
Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.
9 pets available
9About the Snowshoe The Snowshoe was developed in the 1960s in Philadelphia by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthairs, creating a pointed cat with distinctive white "boots" on all four paws. This medium-sized breed weighs 7–12 pounds and combines the Siamese's colorpoint pattern with a more robust, moderately stocky build. Their short, smooth coat comes in seal point and blue point, always featuring white paws, an inverted white "V" on the face, and striking blue eyes.Temperament & PersonalitySnowshoes are vocal, social cats that inherit the Siamese's love of conversation but with a softer, more melodic voice. They are playful and intelligent, often learning to open doors and turn on faucets — many Snowshoes are fascinated by running water. They bond closely with their families and can become distressed if left alone for long periods.ProsStriking, unique appearance — the white boots and facial markings are hard to resistVocal but softer-voiced than the Siamese — communicative without being overwhelmingIntelligent and playful — enjoys puzzle toys, fetch, and learning tricksAffectionate and loyal — bonds deeply with family membersConsProne to separation anxiety — needs companionship throughout the dayMarkings are unpredictable — "show-quality" pattern is notoriously difficult to breed consistentlyCan be sensitive and moody — may sulk if they feel ignoredInherited health concerns from Siamese lines, including dental and heart issuesLove the Siamese look with a twist? Browse Snowshoe cats seeking their perfect families on Puplister today.
62 pets available
66About the Siamese The Siamese is one of the most iconic and ancient cat breeds, originating in the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) and first documented in the Tamra Maew ("The Cat-Book Poems") dating to the 14th century. This sleek, muscular cat weighs 6–14 pounds and is immediately recognizable by its striking colorpoint pattern — a pale cream or fawn body with darker coloring on the face, ears, paws, and tail. The four traditional point colors are seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac, all paired with vivid sapphire-blue almond-shaped eyes.Temperament & PersonalitySiamese cats are among the most vocal and opinionated cats in the world — they will narrate their day in a loud, distinctive raspy voice and expect you to listen. They are fiercely loyal, deeply social, and form intense bonds with their owners, often becoming a one-person cat. Intelligent and active, they need constant stimulation and do best with a companion — whether human, feline, or canine.ProsStrikingly beautiful with mesmerizing blue eyes and elegant linesExceptionally intelligent — can learn tricks, walk on a leash, and solve puzzle toysDeeply bonded and loyal to their chosen personShort, fine coat requires almost no groomingConsExtremely vocal — constant loud meowing is not for everyoneProne to severe separation anxiety and can become destructive when left aloneSusceptible to amyloidosis, asthma, progressive retinal atrophy, and crossed eyesDemanding of attention — may become jealous of other pets or family membersReady for a devoted, chatty companion who will never let you feel alone? Find Siamese cats waiting for their forever families on Puplister.
20 pets available
21About the Russian Blue The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed believed to have originated in the port city of Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in northern Russia, arriving in Europe aboard trade ships in the 1860s. This medium-sized cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is renowned for its dense, plush double coat of uniform blue-gray with silver-tipped guard hairs that give it a luminous shimmer. Its vivid emerald-green eyes, wedge-shaped head, and enigmatic "Mona Lisa smile" complete an unmistakably elegant look.Temperament & PersonalityRussian Blues are gentle, reserved cats that are intensely loyal to their families yet cautious around strangers. They are creatures of habit who thrive on routine — eating at the same time, playing in the same spots, and sleeping in their preferred perch. Once bonded, they are affectionate and playful, often fetching toys and entertaining themselves with quiet grace.ProsProduces lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen — better tolerated by some allergy sufferersDense double coat is low-shedding and virtually maintenance-freeQuiet and well-mannered — rarely destructive or excessively vocalLong-lived breed with few genetic health issues — many reach 15–20 yearsConsShy and reserved with strangers — may hide during gatherings or partiesSensitive to change — can become stressed by moves, new pets, or schedule disruptionsProne to overeating and weight gain if food is left out freelyCan be slow to warm up to new family members or housematesCharmed by those emerald eyes and silver-tipped fur? Find Russian Blue cats ready for their forever homes on Puplister.
1 pet available
17About the Munchkin The Munchkin is the original short-legged cat breed, with its signature look caused by a natural genetic mutation first documented in Louisiana in 1983. Medium-sized at 6–9 pounds, the Munchkin has a proportional body, walnut-shaped eyes, and legs roughly three inches shorter than those of a standard cat. Their coat can be short or long, appearing in every color and pattern — from cinnamon tabby to blue smoke.Temperament & PersonalityMunchkins are confident, outgoing cats that never seem to realize they are vertically challenged. They are known as "magpies" for their habit of collecting and hoarding small, shiny objects under furniture. Sociable and playful, Munchkins get along famously with children, dogs, and other cats — making them excellent family pets.ProsEnergetic and entertaining — loves to play, chase, and collect treasuresFriendly and social with strangers, children, and other animalsSurprisingly fast and agile despite short legsAvailable in a wide range of coat types, colors, and patternsConsControversial breeding ethics — the short-leg gene can cause skeletal issuesProne to lordosis (curvature of the spine) and pectus excavatumCannot jump as high as standard cats, which may require ramps or pet stairsHigher risk of osteoarthritis in the limbs over timeEnchanted by those adorable short legs? Discover Munchkin cats waiting for their forever homes on Puplister.
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.
Dog reverse sneezing can be scary, but it's usually a harmless reflex. Learn what causes it, how to help your dog, and when to seek vet care.
Is your cat sneezing a lot? Learn common causes, from URIs to stress, and when to seek vet care for your cat's sneezing.
Adopting a cat doesn't have to be expensive. With smart budgeting and the right resources, even those on a tight income can provide a loving, healthy home for a feline companion.