Choosing the Right Purebred Cat for Your Family

There are possibly hundreds of cat breeds world-wide with 40 different recognized pedigreed cat breeds in internationally known Cat Fancier’s Association alone, so when you decide to get a purebred, you have some choices to make. Not all cat breeds are the same, so you need to take into account the activity level and temperament of the breed you are interested in. Choosing a cat to be a companion for your family is a big decision, which requires far more thought than merely selecting a cat that you like the looks of.

When deciding on a cat breed to fit your family, there are a number of things to consider.

Size

While cats don’t vary nearly as much as other animals in size, you do need to consider this factor. For instance, you may prefer something smaller to cuddle with, or maybe you have plenty of space in your home and want a larger cat. The important thing is that you have enough room for the animal. If you already have other pets, then you may wish to consider this when looking at size, as well.

Maintenance

For some people, sitting and brushing out their cat’s long hair is relaxing and enjoyable. For others, it’s an unwelcome chore. Since there are purebred cats with short hair, as well as those with long, you should select one that falls into the maintenance range that you prefer and have time for. Persians are one example of a cat breed that requires quite a bit of grooming while a Tonkineses has a very easy coat to care for.

Some cat breeds tend to need more attention in general, though cats are quite self sufficient. However, like humans, they need companionship, so you’ll want to select a cat that is going to be happy with the level of attention you and your family members can give it. For example, the Persian and Ragdoll breeds are known for being easy going and very tolerant cats, whereas the Siamase breed is known for being somewhat demanding and very active and “chatty” or vocal.

Activity Level

I general, it’s a good idea to look for a cat breed that meshes well with your activity level. If you enjoy watching television and relaxing after work, look for a cat like a British Shorthair or Chartreux. Families with kids who enjoy playing games with the cat should look for a more active breed, such as Abyssinian or Cornish Rex. Keep in mind that there are always exceptions to breed generalities.

Other Pets

If you have other animals in the house, make sure you look for a cat breed that gets along well with other animals. Some cats are better off solo, but others will relish the company of another cat or even a dog. It’s often best to look for fairly young cats in this case, so they can grow up with your other pets.

There are a number of different purebred cat breeds and all of them are wonderful. However, you will find that you have an affinity for some breeds more than others. Look carefully at your needs, as well as the cat’s before making an important decision.

Here’s a list of other places online you can visit to help you discover which pedigreed cat breed is right for your family.

• Animal Planet’s Cat Breed Selector
• Iam Cat Breed Selector
• Pet Net Breed Selector