Which cat is right for me?

Think about whether you want a calm lap cat or a playful bundle of energy, whether the cat will be alone a lot, whether there are children or dogs at home and how much time you want to spend brushing. The quiz turns those answers into a list of breeds.

Apartments suit cats that are happy living indoors full time and are not extremely energetic. Every indoor cat still needs a scratching post, shelves to climb and daily play, and a balcony is safest with a net.

No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Some breeds shed less or produce less of the Fel d 1 allergen, so some people with allergies tolerate them better. Spend time with the specific cat and talk to an allergist before you decide.

A purebred cat makes temperament and size more predictable, but a shelter cat with no pedigree can be a perfect match too, and shelter staff can usually tell you a lot about each cat's personality.