How To Choose Your Cat’s Breed

Whether you have owned cats previously or are considering adopting your first, you may be surprised to find that there is a wide variety of breeds from which to choose. Some organisations recognize over 70 different breeds of cats! So, how can you decide which breed would be best for you and your family? There are several factors to take into consideration as you make your choice.

Vocal or Not?
One thing to think about is how much cat vocalisation will be acceptable in your household. We all know that cats meow, but some meow louder and more often than others. If you live in an apartment building where frequent and loud cat vocalisations may disturb the neighbours, you may want to avoid the more vocal breeds. Also, consider your temperament and the temperaments of those in your home.

Will loud and frequent meowing be something that is considered delightful and charming, or will it be an annoyance? Some people like the fact that their cat vocalises and may actually carry on a conversation with the cat. If you feel that a vocal cat will fit in well with the lifestyle of you and your family, you may want to look into adopting a Siamese, Korat or Burmese cat. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter cat, consider the Scottish Fold, Somali or the American Curl. Friendly or Standoffish? Cats have a reputation as being independent and distant, but in reality they exhibit a range of social behaviour, just as humans do. Some are distant, some are affectionate and some fall somewhere in-between. You and your family may have a preference for a cat that behaves in a certain manner.

Perhaps no one is home much of the time and therefore people will not be able to spend much time with the cat. In that case, you may want to choose a fairly independent breed. But if people are often around the cat and long to hold, pet and cuddle it, you will want to select a more affectionate breed. Or, perhaps your preference lies somewhere in the middle.

Those looking for an independent cat should consider the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Nebelung and the Russian Shorthair. For a more cuddly, affectionate variety, the Snowshoes, Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Tonkinese and the Himalayan Persian are all breeds that you may like. And for those who want a cat that enjoys cuddling when you are in the mood but that can also entertain itself, you may want to consider the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese and British Angora. For larger cats, we recommend a cat tree for large cats!

Long Fur or Short?
The length of the cat’s fur is an extremely important consideration as well. While longhaired cats are often adorable and appear cuddly, their coats do require some care to keep them looking nice. Without proper grooming, their fur can become matted and tangled. Shorthaired cats do not require the same level of maintenance. So, when selecting your cat’s breed, you may not want to consider cats with longer hair if you do not have the time or inclination to keep up with the grooming. Longhaired breeds include the Turkish Angora, Himalayan and Persian while shorthaired breeds that you may want to consider include the Abyssinian, Burmese and Russian Blue.

Once you have decided on the characteristics that you prefer in your cat, you are ready to embark on your search for the perfect feline companion. Choosing a kitty of a breed that suits your lifestyle will help ensure that your cat becomes a source of joy and comfort in your life and that of your family.