When considering a cat as a pet, picking the right cat breed for you is very important. There are many breeds to choose from, with many purebreds available from shelters or rescue groups. Cat breeds vary in appearance and temperament, so researching breed choices will help you find the appropriate pet for your family.
Factors to consider in picking the right cat breed for you are:
- Whether you prefer a cat that has long or short hair
- Preferences of having a cat that tends to be noisy or one that is normally quiet
- Whether your idea of the perfect pet is a cat that loves to be cuddled a lot or one that tends to lean more on the playful side
- Whether or not you are looking for a rambunctious cat or one that has more of a calm demeanor
Selecting a Long or Short-Haired Cat
This choice should be based on the amount of time you have to spend on your cat’s grooming needs. The best fit for a person that has very little extra time would be a short-haired cat, since grooming needs of these breeds are minimal. Many people adore the fluff and beauty found in a long-haired cat, but grooming them will require a large portion of your time.
The breed you choose will often determine the type of personality that you can expect. Below are some characteristics different cat breeds are likely to display.
Well-mannered breeds that do not require a lot of interaction
- British Angora
- Siamese
- Balinese
- Rex
- Sphynx
These cat breeds are frequently found to be quite inquisitive and usually have no problem at all in keeping themselves entertained and amused. They are often fantastic companions for people that spend a great deal of their time at home.
When a quiet cat is what you’re after the breeds below are ideal choices
- American Curl
- Scottish Fold
- Somali
When a vocal cat is the type you want the following breeds should be ideal
- Burmese
- Siamese
- Korat
A friendly cat that craves as much attention that they can possibly get is often a good choice for an elderly person and for families that have children. Some of the breeds of cats that fall under this category would include the following:
- Himalayan Persian
- Maine Coon
- Tonkinese
- Snowshoe
- Ragdoll
- Abyssinian
Some of the breeds that are not nearly as sociable as those listed above would include the following:
- Norwegian Forest
- Nebelung
- Russian Shorthair
Picking the right cat breed for you will help you and your feline friend have a long and happy life together.