How Can I Chose My Cat?

Choosing the right cat

The needs of cats vary counting on the breed. as an example, slender breeds, such as the Siamese, area unit typically terribly active and love being a part of a family; stockier breeds, such as nation Shorthair, tend to be a lot of easygoing and like a quieter life. 

One way to realize a pedigree is to contact a well-thought-of stock farmer. Pedigrees will typically be found in rescue shelters, too, however, most cats in such places are non-pedigree.

A particular breed could also be fascinating strictly for its appearance: for instance, the rich brown coat of the national capital (see p. 102) or the thick blue-gray fur of the Chartreux (see p. 115) ar charming to several.

Some cat lovers are was drawn to the traditional aura of the Egyptian Mau (see p. 130) or the obvious wild look of the geographical area (see pp. 142–43). Size, temperament, and coat length also are necessary factors once selecting a breed.


Alternatively, an associate owner could also be proud of a non-pedigree cat, which is able to be easier to search out (more than ninety-five p.c of cats fall into this category) and considerably cheaper to shop for.

 Size and build

Unlike dogs, cat breeds don't vary greatly in size, however, some selection among the breeds will exist. If the cat is to stay inside in an exceedingly flat or little home, strive one in all the smaller breeds.

The tiniest breeds ar the Singapura (see p. 86), lamb Dwarf (see p. 153), and tiddler (see pp. 154–55), all of that have the short stature of the Munchkin (see pp. 150–51). These cats have an associate adult weight of as very little as 5lb (2kg).

Other little breeds tend to own a slender Oriental build and embody the urban center (see pp. 84–85), Havana, and Cornish Rex (see pp. 176–77). At the opposite finish of the size, the heavyweight of breeds is that the Highlander (see p. 158), which might reach an associate adult weight of 25lb (11kg).

Different giant breeds embody the American state Coon(see pp. 214–15), Turkish Van (see pp. 226–27), and Savannah (see pp.146–47). These giant cats would like lots of houses and aren't appropriate as completely indoor pets.

Active or docile

Different breeds have totally different temperaments. Sleek-bodied Oriental cats, like the Siamese (see pp. 104–09), Tonkinese (see p. 90), Burmese (see pp. 87–88), Sphynx (see pp. 168–69), Bombay, and Abyssinian (see pp. 132–33), ar a lot of active, playful, and inquisitive than different cat breeds. 

These breeds are typically thought to be a lot of intelligent and a lot of probably to be told tricks or to be trained to steer on a harness and leash.


Many of those breeds ar buzzing, or “talkative,” too. a lot of easygoing, quieter breeds are typically those with a thickset, or stocky, body form, like the British Shorthair (see pp. 118–28), Persian (see pp. 186–205), and Norwegian Forest Cat (see pp. 222–23). 

The Ragdoll (see p. 216) and urchin (see p. 217) ar notably docile. These are terrific to pet, however, ought to be treated with care, since they will not allow you to apprehend after they are in discomfort.

Long hair or short hair?

Cat breeds are broadly speaking divided into shorthairs and longhairs. Shorthairs, that embody the Siamese, Russian Blue (see pp. 116–17), and also the Bengal, want grooming just the once or double every week. 


Longhairs, particularly the doll-faced Persian with its long, silky fur, ar a bigger commitment, requiring daily grooming to stay their coat free from mats and tangles, that become a health risk if left unattended. alternative well-known longhairs embody the Birman (see pp. 212–13), Ragdoll, and Siberian (see pp. 230–31).

Designer cats

Novelty, or designer, breeds are getting progressively trendy, however area unit expensive—kittens could price up to and over $1,500. These breeds include: cats with uncommon ears, like the Scottish Fold (see pp. 156–57) and Yankee Curl (see pp. 238–39); balding breeds, like the Sphynx and Peterbald (see p. 171), which require to measure in an exceedingly centrally heated range in temperate or cold regions; and cats with kinky or curled fur, like the Yankee wire-haired terrier (see p. 181), LaPerm (see pp. 250–51), and numerous Rexes. 

The short-legged Munchkin is way asked for, also its “spin-off” breeds. These embrace the curled ear Kinkalow (see p. 152), the nappy coated Skookum (see p. 235) and lamb Dwarf, the balding child, and longhaired Napoleon (see p. 236).

Cats with a fine-looking coat that correspond to the pelt of little wild cats (see pp. 8–9) also are progressively widespread. a number of these breeds, like the American state beady (see p. 140), Egyptian Mau, and Sokoke (seep. 139) arise strictly from domestic cats; others, as well as the geographical area, Savannah, and Chausie (see p. 149), were developed from hybrids of the true cat and alternative feline species. Hybrids area unit typically active and will bully alternative cats.

Getting a cat

Whatever breed you select, the primary step is to search out a respectable stockman. to search out a pedigree kitten, begin by contacting a cat club or a breed written record, or visit a cat show wherever the folks showing their cats could recommend a stockman or be breeders themselves. The native vet may additionally be ready to suggest breeders in your space.

The stockman is going to be ready to answer questions about your chosen breed and its desires, and you ought to be ready to meet and observe the kitten and its mother before shopping for it. 

An honest stockman can question a prospective owner concerning provision and care of the kitten and, if all goes well, organize for the new owner to be ready to collect a liberal, wormed, and insusceptible kitten once it's twelve weeks recent. 

Several wonderful pets could also be found in rescue centers or cat shelters, and it's price watching these places, too, particularly once looking for Associate in the Nursing older cat with a longtime temperament. 

These largely non-profit-making organizations sometimes charge Associate in the Nursing adoption fee, that helps cowl food and veterinary prices for the cats that square measure housed there. 

Pedigree cats, particularly a lot of common breeds, generally present itself in rescue centers, however these places square measure ideal for those not notably fascinated by owning a pedigree cat; most of the cats housed square measure random-bred (see pp. 182–83 and pp. 252–53), however all square measure in would like of a caressive home.

This article '' How Can I Chose My Cat? '' was published by Zakaria Hacib