Are you a cat lover who can’t stand the thought of living yet another day without an adorable feline? Listen, I know exactly how that feels.
This guide should explain the factors you should consider when answering your question, “Which cat breed is right for me?” and get a charming cat for yourself.
A Cat Breed Selector Guide: Key Factors to Consider Before Adoption
As a prospective cat owner, realizing the implications of deciding the ideal four-legged friend for your home is very important. It’s not as simple as picking a cat you think looks good. There’s a myriad of other factors that I’d argue are way more imperative than a cat’s looks.
In this section, I’ve pointed out these factors and explained them as succinctly as possible.
Their Level of Independence
One of the most crucial factors is how willing they are to take orders. Cats come from many generations of wild felines who used to fend for themselves through belligerence and assertion. An example is the Russian Blue.
If you’re particularly drawn to a single breed that’s known to never be at people’s beck and call, you’re in for a challenge. Instead, you should get a docile cat that’s subservient to you but can hold their own in your absence.
Remember, it’s all about the balance!
Sociability
The next factor is how sociable and friendly they are. Most cat breeds love to stay indoors and laze around with unapologetic fervor. But it’s your call.
Try to compare your personality with the breeds and determine the perfect match for you. If you don’t attend parties and are content staying at home most of the time, pick a Siberian Forest Cat or a Birman.
On the flip side, if you enjoy ample amounts of social interaction, go for an Abyssinian or a Siamese.
Grooming Needs
Next, it’s crucial to consider how diligently you can tend to their grooming needs. Like humans, every individual cat or cat breed looks different. Some have long coats, while others are short-haired.
Obviously, the longer the cat coat, the higher the shedding and grooming needs. If you’re a busybody who often struggles to commit to things, get a low maintenance cat like any Shorthair breed.
On the other hand, if you plan on incorporating an all-hands-on-deck approach to caring for your feline friend and are able to balance your responsibilities effectively, go for a Himalayan.
Temperament
A cat’s temperament is another factor you should consider when picking the right breed for your home.
If you think you’d have a penchant for engaging in playtime sessions, go ahead and get yourself a hyperactive breed like a Cornish Rex or a Bombay.
However, if you prefer your home to be quiet and tranquil, go for a silent, laid-back and gentle breed like the Selkirk Rex.
But remember, the more energetic they are, the more crucial exercise and mental stimulation will be.
Intelligence Levels
Intelligence is one of the two factors you should keep in mind when deciding how easily a cat can be trained. If training is one of the things you want to do, make sure to get a perceptive cat who can pick things up quickly.
The Abyssinian and Balinese breeds lead the population of ingenious breeds in the feline world.
Are They Purebred or Pedigree?
To ensure that your cat lives a happy and fulfilling life, it’s essential to consider their heritage. However there are many problems that might arise in this regard. This gives rise to the existence of pure-bred and pedigree cats.
Pedigree cats are those cats whose family trees have been documented. Purebreds, on the contrary, are those that descended from a single cat breed but may have an unknown lineage. This means their family trees haven’t been documented.
Picking a pedigree or a purebred is of immense significance. Ideally, you should pick a cat that falls under both categories as they’re the paradigm of a family feline.
This will help you track down any allergies, deficiencies, or health issues they may have, thus enabling a healthier life for them.
List of Fantastic Felines to Help You Choose The Right Cat Breed
Choosing from such a vast array of cat breeds can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This section features some breeds that are generally perfect for family life and short descriptions for each of them.
1- Persian
Widely regarded as one of the most famous breeds in the feline world, Persians are a brilliant choice of pet. They’re known for their fluffy coats and otherworldly intelligence that makes them highly trainable and loving pets.
Don’t mistake their perpetually grumpy facial expressions for belligerence, though. They’re quite affectionate and have a knack for living with kids and other animals, too.
2- British Shorthair
A medium-sized cat with a short coat, the shorthair is a beautiful looking breed. It’s charming, appearance coupled with it’s grace make it a standard bearer in the feline world.
3- Exotic Shorthair
This breed’s temperament is awfully similar to a regular Persian’s.
However, one thing that makes it different from the Persian and almost every other breed is its unique appearance. They have scrunched-up faces, which is the primary reason why most people think they’re unsociable and irascible even though they aren’t.
4- Maine Coon
These cats are on the larger side of the spectrum of domestic felines. Their blend of playfulness, affection, and intelligence makes them great companions for families.
5- Scottish Fold
Known for their rounded eyes and folded ears, the Scottish Fold is a breed whose name usually comes up in conversations about brilliant domestic breeds.
They’re outgoing and highly sociable, making them the life of any party they attend.
6- Siamese Cat
If you happen to be energetic and hyperactive, go ahead and adopt a Siamese for yourself.
A bicolor slender breed, these cats are pretty active, making them a suitable pet for a person who loves to go for jogs and runs.
7- American Shorthair
The British Shorthair, the American has minimal grooming needs due to it’s short coat. Additionally, it’s ability to keep your home free from insects can be a game changer for you especially if your house is prone to pest infestations.
I Hope You’re Ready to Find The Perfect Cat Breed For Yourself!
So, that’s about all the info I can offer to help find you a cat that best suits your living environment. Whether it’s playful and talkative, or quiet and intelligent, you should ensure that your cat receives all the love, care, and affection you can possibly give it.
Pick a reputed breeder who’s bred cats ethically and is prepared to provide you with any details about your new pet. Some of them might be evasive and non-compliant. Stay away from them at all costs. Confer with vets and pet experts to learn new info you can use to nurture your cat in the best manner possible. Ultimately, adopting a cat or a dog is all about housing a new member of your family who matches your lifestyle and personality. Soon enough, you’ll realize how much more fun your life has become with the emergence of your new pet.
