How to choose a Cat Breed

Choosing a Cat Breed

Laid Back

If you are looking for a cat that prefers gazing out the window over chasing a laser pointer, a cat with a more relaxed vibe might be right for you.  Calm felines that don’t mind being left alone all day include the American Shorthair, American Wirehair, British Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persians Ragamuffin, Ragdoll, and Russian Blue.

Good with Children and Pets

Not all cats enjoy being handled by kids.  Additionally, many cats are prone to go into hiding when a dog – no matter how friendly – comes near.  Fortunately, many different cat breeds don’t mind children or other animals including the American Bobtail, American Curl, American Shorthair, Burmese, Maine Coon, Manx, and Persian.

Playful

Would you prefer a cat that interacts with you and is playful?  If so, Bengal, Burmese, Devon Rex, Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Oriental, Savannah, Siamese, Sphynx, and Toyger cats all enjoy play time.

Quiet Cat Breeds

While a well-timed purr or mew can be music to a cat owner’s ears, cats that are overly vocal can become a nuisance.  If you are looking for a cat that rarely makes a sound, consider breeds such as the Abyssian, American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Pixiebob, Ragamuffin, Ragdoll, Scottish Fold, Siberian, Singapura, and Somali.

Doesn’t Shed

Most of the time you can tell a cat owner when you see one due to the presence of cat hair on his or her clothes.  However, not all breeds have heavy grooming requirements or are heavy shedders.  These cats include the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, American Wirehair, Bombay, Burmese, Havana Brown, Korat, Oriental, Siamese, and Sphynx.

Requires Grooming

On the other hand, for some cat owners grooming is an important part of the cat / cat owner bonding experience.  If you are looking for a cat that requires daily grooming and sheds heavily, consider a Persian or a Himalayan breed.

Behaves Like a Dog

Finally, if you are looking for a cat that has more dog-like tendencies (i.e. playful, affectionate, dependent, can learn a few tricks), you are in luck!  Cats that behave like dogs include the American Curl, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Manx, Sphynx, Bombay, American Bobtail, and Birman.