Why do we need cats? What are their benefits and purpose?

Cats are undoubtedly the most popular pets. Their number living in families with people significantly exceeds the number of dogs. Scientific research has shown that furry pets, who are cute and independent, have a positive effect on people's health. So much so that even watching videos of cats online can improve a person’s performance, evoke positive emotions and improve their mood.

The cat pleases the eye with its graceful elegance, it loves the house where it lives and its owners, in addition, here are a few more scientifically proven benefits that you will receive if you get yourself a cat.

Which kitten is better to have in an apartment?

Choosing a kitten for your home is not so easy.
Take into account your preferences and desired character traits. A representative of a passive breed is not suitable for a family with children or for a person who is active by nature. An overly active pet will be difficult to keep in an apartment. Cats shed periodically, and this fact is also taken into account if there are health problems. We recommend paying attention to the following cat breeds:

  1. Domestic cats of the Scottish breed are sensitive to the mood of the owner and do not require much attention. They are ready to play and are joyfully greeted from work, but do not bother if the owner is not in the mood.
  2. A Burmese kitten is suitable for those who are ready to pay attention to their growing pet. The Burmese has an easygoing disposition, he is affectionate and gentle, and does not require much space to keep.
  3. The British Shorthair looks like a plush toy and evokes sympathy and affection. The kitten easily adapts to being kept in an apartment, but does not accept very annoying household members.
  4. The Russian Blue cat impresses with its friendly character and calmness. Does not require excessive attention, we train well.
  5. For older people, a Javanese cat is suitable. She is affectionate, playful and responsive to her master's requests.

Castration and sterilization

The period of puberty depends not only on the gender, but also on the breed of the cat. On average, it occurs at the age of 5-8 months in women, and 6-9 in men. Some breeds (Maine Coons, Bengals, British and Scottish, as well as some others) mature much later: in the period from one to three years.

It is advisable to subject the animal to surgery to remove the gonads before the first signs of maturation. It is recommended to sterilize cats at about six months of age. Males should be neutered at 8-12 months.

Sterilization operations differ in the degree of invasiveness. Most often, the cat's tubes are tied and the ovaries are removed. If this is not done, then she will lose the ability to give birth to offspring, and estrus and all the “jumps” associated with this period will not go away. It is much more humane to remove the ovaries, the organs that synthesize sex hormones. In this case, the cat’s hormonal background will change, and she will not feel an urgent need for a cat.

For males, the most common operation is castration. During this intervention, the testes are removed, where sex hormones are also produced that motivate the cat to “deeds.”

If the owner does not raise his hand to the genitals of his pet, drugs that pacify the animal’s sexual instincts will come to the rescue. However, it should be remembered that such treatment can be harmful to the health of the pet. Today, veterinarians believe that sterilization not only relieves cats from the desire to procreate, and their owners from regular (2-3 times a year) multi-day “concerts,” but also has a beneficial effect on the cat’s health, prolonging its life. After all, in this way the animal gets rid of unnecessary stress. And for a cat, an unrealized instinct, a lack of sexual contact when she feels an insistent need for it, is a serious nervous shock, real torment.

Owners of cats and kittens should not worry that castration or sterilization will cause suffering to the animal. Animals are deprived of morality; all their sexual claims are dictated solely by physiology. If you deprive a female cat of a source of hormones (ovaries and testicles, respectively), they will not experience any dissatisfaction. On the contrary, it will bring peace to the animal and make it happier. After all, he will not have the need to look for a partner and follow the call of nature.

The most unpretentious cats for an apartment

The category of unpretentious pets is usually classified as moderately active, independent, and not requiring special care:

  1. Burmese cats are distinguished by their elegant appearance and easy-going character. They are easy to care for and obedient.
  2. The Ragdoll is obedient and affectionate, allowing itself to be stroked. The cat’s disposition fully reflects the name of the breed (“rag doll” translated into Russian), and is suitable for keeping in a family with children.
  3. Representatives of the American Shorthair breed are endowed with a light character. They get along well with other animals and are in good health.
  4. Burmillas are short-haired, fluffy cats that are very calm and friendly. They get along easily with people and other four-legged household members.
  5. The Cornish Rex just needs to be fed, trained and petted to your heart's content.

Scottish Fold breed

A young breed dating back to the 20th century. A distinctive feature of the breed is the hanging ears, which give the round muzzle of the Scottish Fold even greater roundness. Interestingly, kittens of this breed are initially born with straight ears, which then begin to fold. They reach their final appearance at about 12 weeks. The Scottish Fold is a very hardy breed and adapts well to any conditions. Usually, they choose only one of the family members as their owner, but they also behave very friendly with other family members, be it a person or another pet.

Representatives of the breed are moderately active, intelligent and love games in which they can use their intellectual abilities. But most of all he enjoys communicating with people. He tries to take part in all matters that the family is involved in.

Lifespan: 11-14 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, cat weight - 3-5 kg, cat weight - 2.5-3.5 kg.

Grooming: Grooming depends on the length of the coat. Long-haired representatives of the breed should be brushed more often to avoid the appearance of tangles. Particular attention should be paid to ear cleaning, which should be taught from early childhood. You should also have your pet's ears checked periodically by a veterinarian for parasites and infections. To prevent excess weight gain, you need to follow a diet and not overfeed your pet. You should handle the Scots tail with caution: do not pull it under any circumstances. If you notice that your cat is in pain when moving its tail, it is best to ask your veterinarian to check whether your cat has arthritis. Unfortunately, joint diseases in this breed are genetic.

Calm cat breeds in the apartment

Breeders try to choose a calmer breed of cat for an apartment in order to save themselves from problems.

Take a closer look at these calm cat breeds:

  1. The Neva Masquerade breed attracts with its gentle disposition, goodwill and moderate activity. The cat loves communicating with people and understands them perfectly.
  2. Siberian cat. Representatives of this breed have a calm, friendly character and get used to those who feed them. The pet needs to be combed periodically to prevent tangles from forming in the long fur.
  3. The exotic has a calm disposition and is very trusting of its owner, loves to cuddle and play, but prefers to hide from strangers.
  4. The Singaporean breed is quite rare. Such a cat will get along with everyone and will surprise everyone with mutual understanding.
  5. Persian cats are calm and intelligent. The pet develops a devoted attachment to its owner, for which Persians are known as monogamous people. A cat's fluffy fur requires special care.

Can it cure a person?


Despite their proud and independent nature, cats have powerful healing abilities. It has long been noted that if a cat has a good relationship with all family members, it will sleep next to the one who is in poorer health.

They feel the negative energy of pain and intuitively choose a place near its source. They perfectly treat inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as insomnia, stress, and nervous disorders.

If a cat lives in a house with a child who has a developmental delay, then its energy helps the child begin to make progress, sometimes completely getting rid of the diagnosis. Of course, this does not happen so quickly, sometimes it takes several years, but the beneficial influence of a furry friend is beyond doubt.

Smooth-haired cat breeds for home use

To keep a cat in an apartment with less hair, choose smooth-haired representatives:

  1. The Balinese cat will be liked by its warm color and silky thick coat without undercoat. Balinese are smart, flexible and obedient.
  2. A Bengal cat looks like a small leopard. The pet is active, but meek and obedient. Loves games and walks.
  3. The Devon Rex has fur that resembles astrakhan fur. He loves to spend time lying quietly in his owner's arms and loves being stroked.
  4. The Bombay cat is nicknamed the charming little panther. Behind the predatory appearance lies an easy-going, unobtrusive nature. She is no stranger to games and “conversations” with her owner.
  5. The European Shorthair (Celtic) breed is naturally healthy. At home, the Celt remains independent, but is responsive to the owner's affection.

A cat's purring has a beneficial effect on bones, tendons and muscles

If you love cats, you already know that a cat's purr is one of the most soothing sounds in the world and usually means that your cat is happy and comfortable.

The study found that the frequency of a cat's purr ranges from 25 to 140 Hz. These are exactly the same frequencies that have a therapeutic effect on bone growth, healing of fractures and wounds, reducing swelling, growth and restoration of muscles and tendons, improving joint mobility, and relieving pain. Make your cat happy more often and let her purr for your health!

The smartest cat breed in the house

Many purebred cats have a well-developed understanding with humans.

You will find an almost ideal intellectual cat among the following suggested options:

  1. Siamese cats are inquisitive and smart. The Siamese is sensitive to changes in the owner’s mood, is easy to train, and is able to express a wide range of emotions with sounds and intonation.
  2. The Canadian Sphynx is able to understand the emotional component of human speech. This pet is friendly to all household members and is able to make friends with other cats and dogs. Loves to play and is trainable.
  3. The Turkish Angora is a long-haired white cat. He understands his owner well and becomes very attached to him, amenable to training. The Angora is an excellent companion for a lonely person.
  4. The Oriental cat is endowed with the mental ability to subtly and clearly capture a person’s mood, feel his malaise, and relieve pain with the warmth of his body. Oriental is playful and talkative.
  5. British cat. The British cat is emotionally restrained, calm and well trained. He can be taught to open the door and turn on the light.

How to adopt a cat

Before studying the question of how to properly lift and hold a cat, you need to remember a few simple rules for handling an animal:

  • Avoid putting too much pressure on your pet's body. He will remember your actions and next time he will try to avoid these unpleasant sensations. The cat will begin to associate pain with the person who caused it.
  • Don't keep your pet against its will. The first time you try to leave, let him go. Holding back a struggling animal with all your might will not lead to anything good.
  • The loud meow that a pet makes when you try to pick it up is a signal that you have previously caused inconvenience or pain to it.

The following sequence of actions will tell you how to properly pick up a cat:

Make sure your pet is friendly, not active, and not afraid of you. Slowly and without making sudden movements, approach him. Treat your cat kindly or say something nice to her. Pet the cat and scratch behind its ears. A relaxed animal is a signal that it doesn’t mind being in your hands. You can also understand this by gentle meowing, purring and looking into the eyes. Place one hand under the cat's body just behind the front legs.

With the other, grab it by the hindquarters and carefully lift it up. Hold the cat close to you so that it feels comfortable and safe.

The cleanest cats for indoors

For home keeping, not only the agreeableness of character is important, but also the cleanliness of the pet:

  1. The Russian Blue cat is carefully groomed, its fur is smooth and clean. A pet accustomed to water will not refuse to bathe.
  2. The Cornish Rex is a very low shedding breed. The pet's fur feels like velor to the touch.
  3. Rarely shedding options include the Oriental breed. In addition, the cat does not rush around the apartment.
  4. The Scottish Fold cat has short and very soft fur. Smart, clean and affectionate.
  5. The Scottish Fold looks like a Scot. The coat is short and licks well. You can get used to water procedures.

Why do we need cat houses?

The cat is an extraordinary animal, striking in its activity, playfulness and spontaneity. Those who have these furry pets at home do not need to be told that at times cats can bring not only joy and wonderful emotions, but also quite a lot of trouble. These include torn corners of furniture, ever-breaking dishes that once stood on a high shelf in the kitchen or room and then caught the eye of a cat, peeled wallpaper and curtain rods lying under the window sills that could not withstand the weight of the cat that jumped onto the curtains. It is useless to scold your pet for such pranks. The cat will not understand why you are scolding it.

The most hypoallergenic cats in the apartment

People suffering from allergies should choose a cat with caution.

The following breeds are suitable for allergy sufferers:

  1. The Oriental Shorthair cat practically does not shed, and its excreta contains minimal amounts of the animal allergy-causing protein Fel D1.
  2. Cornish Rex. It also rarely causes problems with portability.
  3. The Javanese breed is bred artificially. The Javanese has a fine, silky coat without undercoat. Due to these qualities, it is classified as a hypoallergenic cat.
  4. The secretions of the Siberian cat are hypoallergenic. The character of the representative of this breed is flexible, the cat is not annoying and does not get underfoot.
  5. The Ocicat has short hair that rarely sheds. Follows simple commands and can be trained to walk on a leash.

Believe it or not

A cat cannot even imagine that every gesture, every movement, every pose has a certain meaning for a person, is either a warning, or, on the contrary, a good omen.

Here are just a few of the many superstitions that have arisen over the long history of cats living next to humans:

  • The new residents are the first to let the cat into the house. If the cat clearly doesn’t like it here, then the person can’t count on a happy life in this home;
  • Do not drive away the cat that came to you on its own, otherwise you will not have luck for 7 long years;
  • Drowning or strangling kittens means that there may be drowned people in the family or people who died a violent death;
  • Feeding a stray cat means calming the souls of deceased relatives;
  • If your luck has turned away from you, you have stopped making money, then pick up and shelter an abandoned kitten;
  • You should not kill adult cats - this threatens you with major and lasting troubles;
  • Only a black cat crosses the road into trouble. White, on the contrary, foreshadows an easy path, and spotted - the fulfillment of desires. So superstitious people should not shy away from every cat!

Previously, a daughter who spent too much time as a wench was a disgrace for the family. In order to finally marry off this old maid, her mother had to distribute seven stray kittens (females) to good neighbors. And if we were talking about an old bachelor, then distribute male kittens.

Popular hairless cat breeds

List of unusual hairless cats:

  1. Petersburg Sphinx. This is a green-eyed or blue-eyed cat with a muscular body, proud posture and a long neck. The body of the Peterbald is covered with a soft, suede-like undercoat and 2 mm of hair.
  2. The Kohana is a cat breed native to Hawaii. A cat's skin resembles a soft, waxy surface and is completely lint-free.
  3. The Don Sphynx is a hairless cat with an almond-shaped, trusting gaze and extravagant ears. He is distinguished by his flexible character.
  4. The Canadian Sphynx is characterized by an abundance of folds on its graceful, hairless body. The cat surprises with its huge eyes, reflecting the blue of the sky, and is distinguished by its friendliness and sociability.
  5. The Bambino is a relatively new breed. Characteristic features are a smooth, hairless body with short legs, large ears and a long narrow tail. The cat's character is good-natured and sociable.

Pros and cons of choosing a cat

Plus:

Lack of offspring.

Minus:

"March" singing. Moreover, March for cats does not always arrive according to the calendar and is accompanied not only by guttural screams, but also by constant and very smelly marking of the territory.

Plus:

A cat can be castrated and stop sexual heat once and for all.

Minus:

Neutered cats steadily gain excess weight and are more prone to urolithiasis.

Plus:

Attachment to home.

Minus:

The cat believes that the house is his personal territory. The people living in the apartment are his personal property. The cat always keeps its owners under control and strives to dominate. And since the house is his default, the cat does whatever he wants in it. If he wants, he chews a blossoming orchid, if he wants, he decorates a leather sofa with his claws.

Plus:

Theoretically, cats are smarter than cats and, according to observations, are faster in toilet training.

Minus:

Cats smell stronger on their own and their urine and feces also have a pronounced amber, and neither castration nor an air freshener can help.

The smallest cat breeds

We present to the attention of lovers of small-sized cats the following dwarf breeds:

  1. Skif-tay-don is a dwarf breed. An adult cat weighs no more than 1.5 kilograms. The pet has beautiful light-colored fur with black accents on its face, ears, paws and the tip of its tail, and its disposition is playful and inquisitive.
  2. The Munchkin is a fidget on short legs, with a build similar to a dachshund. Loves to make hiding places with his favorite toys. A cat of this breed weighs no more than 3.5 kilograms.
  3. Napoleon is a small cat with luxurious thick fur on short legs. Attracts with expressive, captivating eyes. The weight of a cat rarely reaches 4 kg.
  4. The Lamkin is a breed of small cat with a curly and fluffy coat. The name in Russian translation means “lamb”.
  5. Kinkaloo belongs to the weight category of 2-3 kilograms. The cat is active and playful, loves walks with her owner.

You won't suffer from loneliness

Throughout our lives, each of us experiences periods of loneliness and social rejection. They may be associated, for example, with moving to an unfamiliar city or country, or the loss of loved ones and friends. The feeling of loneliness that arises is sometimes so great that you want to give up.

A pet is a creature that forces the owner to organize his life: take care of him, feed him, and clean the litter box on time. But in the end, a person feels How Pets Help Manage Depression that he is needed and continues to live, no matter what.

The fluffiest cats for an apartment

The following furry pets are suitable for keeping in an apartment:

  1. Angora is a graceful cat with a peaceful disposition.
  2. Ragamuffin is the owner of a surprisingly luxurious fur coat that requires special care. The cat needs to be bathed and brushed.
  3. The Persian cat is fluffy and imposing. Requires care.
  4. The Siberian cat is beautiful and proud of its luxurious tail. The fur is moderately fluffy and does not tangle too much.
  5. The fur coat of a Kimra cat is comparable to that of a rabbit to the touch. The cat is not a timid cat and is capable of protecting its owner.

Signs about cats

Many people know that if a cat starts to wash itself, guests will soon come. But a little-known fact is that omens advise placing a little tail hair on the departing person’s shoulder. Then he will come back to you, and more than once. If it means failure. There are several ways to avoid trouble. Wait until someone else passes through the ill-fated place. Spit over your left shoulder and move on. A good option is to grab a button on your clothing and hold it until you pass.

Since ancient times, cats have been the first to be released into new homes, especially black ones. According to some versions of old superstitions, on the first night a black rooster or hen was left in the house, and only then the mustachioed one was allowed in.

If your or someone else's cat is affectionate and craves communication, this will bring you great benefits. The favorites of these animals are always successful. This also applies to those to whom the cat will stretch its paws during its “warm-up”.

In the old days, the weather was predicted by the behavior of the cat in the house. If he sits near the stove (battery, heater), sleeps in a ball or hides his nose, this is a sign of cold weather. Thorough licking of the tail in combination with the “hidden head” pose also leads to cold. And when a cat washes its paw and head at the same time or sleeps with its belly up, it means warming.

It was precisely because of the ability of minke whales to sense the approach of a storm that sailors in the old days always took them on board. Cats not only predicted the weather, but also brought good luck to the team. And the sailors' wives kept black cats, which guaranteed their husbands' return home.

Fishermen also take cats with them. They portend a good catch and protect against underwater evil spirits. They especially prefer tri-colored ones.

If your pet gave birth to black and red offspring, only saffron milk caps are given away. A black kitten is left in the house, it brings good luck and happiness.

Don't give animals away for free, at least take a coin or a treat, otherwise they won't take root.

Do not throw water on cats for fun, especially for children. It is believed that this way you can shorten your life by more than half.

If a black cat sneezes near the bride, she will be happy in marriage. In this case, the unmarried couple will have a good life together. Say "Hello!" to a cat who sneezed - and no problems with teeth. If an animal meows during a wedding, the young people will have a bad life. A cat seen at the altar before the wedding also promises an unhappy marriage.

Pets are not allowed to lie on kitchen counters not only for reasons of hygiene. This foretells death in the family.

It is a very good sign to adopt a street cat instead of buying a purebred cat. Anyone who adopts a stray animal with pure thoughts will always be accompanied by happiness and good luck in money. In the old days, stray cats were taken into the family to improve their affairs. But the cat must be happy with his life with you.

Many people feed stray cats, not even knowing that they are making the fate of their deceased relatives easier. Animals are kind to those who treat them well. If you help abandoned cats, they will thank you with luck.

In the old days, it was believed that black pets attracted lightning and could cause a fire. During a thunderstorm they were driven out the door of the house. Do not carry cats of any color on the horse, otherwise it will begin to dry out. This is not accepted now.

In order for a small child to sleep better, a cat is allowed into the cradle for a while, and after that the child is put to bed. This is done only before putting your son or daughter to bed for the first time. Does the cat want to stay in the cradle? Move it, it means it is in a “bad” place. And if you want a child, feed and pet someone else’s pregnant cat, then there will be many children and the birth will go well.

The most original cats for home

If you want to have a pet with an unusual appearance, check out these options:

  1. The Minskin cat looks like a hobbit. Thick and dense hair covers certain areas of the cat's naked body - the head, ears, paws and tail.
  2. Dwelf looks like an alien from another planet. A small head with large eyes and ears curved inward, a long, squat body, devoid of hair.
  3. Mei-kun is a giant among cat breeds. He is good-natured, endowed with soft fluffy hair and cute tassels on his ears.
  4. The Savannah cat has a leopard coloration. She is large in size, with a good-natured character. Willingly keeps the owner company on a walk.
  5. The Japanese Bobtail is a cat with an unusual, rabbit-like tail. He is active and intelligent, receptive to training.

Difficulties of keeping cats in apartments

Not all representatives of the cat family fit perfectly into the confined space of an apartment due to:

  • sizes;
  • coat structure;
  • temperament and need for movement;
  • cleanliness.

Hybrid breeds


Hybrid breeds bear the striking features of their wild ancestors, possessing a pronounced territorial instinct and hunting passion. Because of this, they tend to engage in violent, active play, hunting from ambush for any moving object, including a vacuum cleaner brush and the owner's feet.

Realizing the desire to actively move, such animals organize high-speed races for balls, artificial mice and feather teasers, overcoming any height and crushing obstacles. In addition, pets do not get along very well in the same territory with other animals, trying to become the “king of the pride.” These are:

  • Bengal;
  • Serengeti;
  • savannah;
  • chausie;
  • caraquet.

Large and energetic hybrids feel more at ease in a large living space, but when kept in an enclosure without constant contact with humans, they quickly run wild. They will be able to splash out their energy while walking outside on a leash and having fun on multi-level “sports equipment” for jumping and climbing.

Long-haired breeds


Long-haired cats are incredibly beautiful, but their owners have to put up with the ubiquitous fine hairs that stick to clothes, get into food and fly in the air.

During the molting period, they shed their luxurious fur coat more intensively, which affects the sanitary condition of the room and requires careful cleaning.

Considering that cats love to climb higher and rest on soft and warm things, you may have to order special covers for upholstered furniture. In addition, long-haired pets require:

  1. Regular combing to avoid the formation of tangles.
  2. Special vitamin and mineral supplements that improve coat quality and stabilize shedding.
  3. Systematic use of malt paste, whose ingredients lubricate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and facilitate the natural removal of hairballs swallowed by the cat when licking. To avoid the formation of compressed wool trichobezoars in the stomach, stalks of sprouted “cat” grass and special dry food are also used.

Representatives. Long-haired cats include:

  • Persians;
  • Maine Coon;
  • Kurilian Bobtail;
  • Norwegian forest;
  • Burmese;
  • Siberians;
  • Somalis;
  • Turkish Angora;
  • Turkish van.

Outbred cats brought from the street


Yard murkas, compared to their purebred counterparts, are much more tenacious and self-sufficient, but at the same time:

  1. It’s hard to wean yourself off the street. It is difficult for an animal whose ancestors were left to their own devices to come to terms with forced seclusion and accept the lifestyle imposed by humans. Despite the warmth, satiety and comfort, pets are eager to go outside, trying to escape through the door and window. During the period of cat weddings, the desire to “wander wherever you please” turns out to be the most acute, which is associated with a large number of escapes and falls from heights, ending tragically. Only such a radical method as castration and sterilization can moderate freedom-loving ardor.
  2. They have an unpredictable character, so that one individual of the “noble breed” can be tame to the point of obsessiveness, while another can be wild and uncommunicative, capable of easily using its claws and teeth.
  3. They are prone to exhibit bad manners behavior, such as stealing food from the table, digging up soil in flower pots, or tearing wallpaper. Often bad habits and indomitable spirit are so strong that no amount of tricks can help rehabilitate them.
  4. They have problems with litter box training. An adult cat, accustomed to relieving itself on the street, may stubbornly ignore the tray, choosing a washstand, bathtub, trash can or basket with laundry prepared for washing as a latrine. Sometimes former ownerless cats shit in an apartment anywhere, or they do it specifically in shoes or bed.

Cat breeds with good character

The excellent character of a four-legged pet is expressed in such qualities as friendliness and obedience.

A list of cats with wonderful personalities is presented below:

  1. The Abyssinian cat is distinguished by its balanced disposition and loyalty. She is always ready to give and receive attention.
  2. Toyger is a medium-sized tabby cat. He has a non-conflict character and gets along easily with his family.
  3. The Bengal cat not only looks attractive. He has a developed intelligence and a friendly disposition.
  4. Sacred Burmese cats are obedient and get along well with children and guests.
  5. Smart and calm Burmese cats are wonderful walking companions and are happy to follow their owner’s commands.

Sphinx

Photo Credit: my destination's beautiful Flickr via Compfight

Despite the fact that the Sphynx breed is quite ancient, modern Sphynxes appeared only in the 20th century. Initially, the breed was not specially bred, and appeared as a result of a natural mutation, but then breeders began to make attempts to repeat the birth of hairless kittens. Since then, the Sphynx breed has become increasingly popular. One thing is obvious: there is no such person who would remain indifferent to him. Anyone who sees the Sphinx begins to feel either incredible sympathy or complete rejection.

Sphynx cats are very active, inquisitive, intelligent and get along well with other pets. The Sphinx's favorite place to stay is the lap of its owner. But he will not impose himself on you if you are not in the mood to communicate with him.

Lifespan: 10 -15 years.

Weight and size: height - 20-25 cm, cat weight - 4-5 kg, cat weight - 3-4 kg.

Care: In terms of care, the Sphynx will require more attention from you than any other breed. It is necessary to bathe your Sphynx every week, otherwise he will start to smell unpleasant and leave greasy marks on the furniture and your clothes. Between baths, you can wipe your Sphynx with wet wipes. In the summer, the Sphynx needs to be protected from sunburn, and in the winter, you will have to wrap it in cat sweaters and overalls. The eyes and ears of sphinxes will also require special attention. They must be wiped once a week with damp cotton pads.

Playful

The most active and irrepressible breeds include:

  • Abyssinian cat: always explores the whole house and climbs the hills, while managing to follow the movements of the owner. If it seems to her that the owner is busy with something more interesting, she will definitely rush to “help” him;
  • Bengal cat: a miniature leopard that matches the habits of its wild ancestors. Bengals love to play and explore new things;
  • Egyptian Mau: has many similarities with the Abyssinian cat, which is not surprising, since both active beauties were favorites of the pharaohs;
  • Turkish Van: playfulness is about him. The cat loves to explore, climb and swim. Van really enjoys interacting with his owner and is devoted to only one owner all his life;
  • Ocicat: a breed that adapts well to human habitation. Cats are great at opening cabinets, bedside tables and doors, and then enthusiastically explore the new space;
  • Kurilian Bobtail: an aboriginal cat, has many canine traits in its character (very smart, devoted to its family, easily learns commands and is somewhat suspicious of strangers).


Bengal cat


Turkish van cat


Ocicat cat


Kurilian bobtail cat

This is interesting! Bobtails are one of the few cats that do not mark their territory. In addition, they love to swim, and therefore, in addition to hunting, they love fishing.

To overpay or not to overpay?

This question is asked by many future owners who decide to choose a purebred cat - why is there such a wide range in prices for kittens of the same breed? Why are some quite nice and clearly not “fence-friendly” purrs given into good hands, while others, exactly the same, are asked for 15-20 thousand rubles?

The answer depends on several factors:

  • Reputation of the nursery selling the kitten. This is the same as why a gray T-shirt from Dior costs 20 times more than a similar one from the Vietnamese market - the company’s image speaks volumes! The nursery provides pedigree documents for the kitten, which provide a pass into the world of “big cat breeding.” Particularly high prices are for kittens of champion parents, winners of exhibitions - the so-called show class kittens. But if you just dream of a cute kitten, then you probably shouldn’t overpay for a “brand.”
  • Compliance with breed standards. For you, perhaps, a cute spot on the back or close, surprised eyes only adds charm to the kitten, but for specialists this is a defect, a deviation from the breed standard. Such a cat will never win an exhibition, so the price for it can be several times lower than that of its “correct” brothers and sisters.
  • Age. The optimal age for selling a kitten is 2-3 months. 4-5 month old kittens are already considered “grown up”, the owners try to give them a home as quickly as possible, and the price drops.
  • Health status. Sometimes a kitten is sick with something that is not visible at first glance, and the owners try at all costs to “kick” it away before the disease progresses. It is sometimes difficult even for a specialist to identify such a pitfall!

But there are often cases when you can get a healthy cat of the chosen breed for ridiculous money - according to an advertisement, at a bird market and in other “frivolous” places: once upon a time there was a cat, kittens were born, and the owners are dreaming of how to quickly adopt them!

If you are not applying for medals and regalia, then why not?

Are they fighting or grinding?

Don't confuse fighting with building a hierarchy. Accept that one of your cats will be alpha. The older member of the pack can growl at the younger one, hit him with his paw, demonstrate his superiority in every possible way, and this is not a conflict, but a form of communication.

Don't get involved in cat fights unless they are threatening. When a kitten appears in the house, the older cat accepts it almost immediately. You may not know this because the alpha will act very strict and distant. The kitten will pester the cat, bother her and eventually receive a well-deserved slap with her paw. In most cases, an older cat will not even use her claws because she needs a reason to use force.

If you see that there is going to be a fight, you can do the following:

  • Stomp or clap loudly - fear changes priorities.
  • Throwing a towel towards the cats is a sudden switch of attention.
  • Throw a blanket over both cats - when a cat suddenly finds itself in the dark, it instinctively presses itself to the floor.
  • Throwing water at cats is a distraction factor.

There is another method that owners do not use due to ignorance. Seeing that cats are going into conflict, freeze, stare at the aggressor and start hissing. Make sounds that are as close as possible to the hissing of your pets, usually a combination of “kh” and low “y” sounds, do not hesitate, growl and even scream like a cat.

What will you achieve? First, you will show who the main “cat” is in this house, and this is important. Secondly, even if the demonstration of your feline importance seems unconvincing to your pets, they will definitely be surprised by the screams

Take advantage of the surprise and stupor to isolate the new cat. This method should not be used on hybrid breeds, since the cat may become confused and attack you.

Features of the cat family

Is it even worth getting a cat, expecting exemplary behavior and obedience from your furry pet? They are very curious and reckless by nature, so you need to be prepared for anything. You should not throw clothes and important things in the wrong place, as this will be great entertainment for the animal. However, this factor depends on the breed, some are very quiet and lazy, others are constantly looking for adventure.

Some objects or places can be very dangerous for a cat. Many people feel an irresistible urge to chew on live wires or drop something on the floor. It is advisable to store glass, fragile or sharp objects in a protected place so that the cat does not get injured by fragments or a needle after the next raid. Also, in search of food, she can jump on a table or a working stove, so you should wean her from such actions in time.

Almost all cat breeds have fur, which often causes discomfort to residents. By accustoming your beloved furry to one sleeping place, you don’t have to worry about things that would otherwise be a cat bed. It is also necessary to periodically clean carpets, upholstered furniture and beds from accumulation of wool.

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Plant different varieties of cat grass in a shallow container

This will not only distract the animal from dangerous indoor plants (the most poisonous of which should be removed altogether), but will also improve the functioning of its digestion. Care should be taken to ensure that the pet is completely safe, since kittens driven by curiosity can penetrate even the smallest holes. You should also take care of good screens/grills for windows and convince your household to close their doors. If there is such an opportunity, you can set up a fenced enclosure on the street, in which the cat could enjoy relative freedom without encountering other animals.

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In general, curiosity combined with boredom is a rather dangerous mixture.

Unstable shelving, exposed wires, various holes, cleaning and medicine products, toilets and washing machines are a very real threat to the life and health of a curious pet. In addition, cats very often strive to chew plant leaves and grass while walking along the street. And if they do not have the opportunity to walk, then it is quite possible that they will begin to absorb parts of domestic plants, among which poisonous plants of varying degrees of toxicity are very often found. Based on this, we can say that the greatest danger to a cat living in the house is the following:

  • hazardous cleaning products or medications;
  • poisonous houseplants;
  • places that pose a potential danger for adult cats and especially kittens.

Since cats living indoors have no experience of orientation and survival in conditions close to natural, when they find themselves outside, they may simply lose orientation in space. Such a cat can get lost for a long time or completely. In addition, finding herself on the street, in an unfamiliar environment, she may be (and most likely will be) subjected to severe stress.

If the cat happens to encounter another animal or an aggressive person, the cat may hide in some corner from which it will not soon get out, or climb a tree from which it cannot get down. If this happens in cold weather, then this situation can lead to serious consequences for the cat’s health (injury, frostbite, etc.) and even death. One of the main problems that owners of cats living in captivity face is that their pet does not have the opportunity to fulfill its natural needs. A cat, regardless of gender and age, is a born hunter and, once in a confined space, can simply fall into apathy or depression.

To overpay or not to overpay?

When purchasing a cat, you may come across different prices, and in different regions they differ significantly, so the question arises, why in some places they give purebred cats for absolutely nothing, and in other places they ask for fabulous money for them? This all depends on several factors:

Each nursery must maintain its own brand. It’s the same as with selling things: branded clothes are much more expensive than similar Chinese products

The nursery will provide you with documents for the kitten, which will indicate its pedigree, and this is very important if you want to reproduce the animal in the future. Of particular value are show-class kittens whose parents took prizes in shows and exhibitions.

If this is not important to you, then you shouldn’t overpay. Compliance with breed standards. Experts will immediately suspect incest in the kitten’s appearance. This is called a defect, a deviation from the breed. Sometimes such defects can occur in a kitten of purebred parents. But still, it is not suitable for exhibitions, unlike its successful brothers and sisters, and therefore its price will be much lower. The age of the kitten also plays a role. It is best to sell it at the age of 2-3 months. Older kittens are considered “grown up” and are cheaper. Sometimes it happens that a kitten is sick, and the owners try to sell it quickly while the disease is not noticeable. In this case, the price may also be low.

There are different cases, for example, at the poultry market, a purebred kitten can be bought for ridiculous prices. Owners sometimes don’t know how to quickly get rid of their offspring. If you are not interested in exhibitions, medals and regalia, then this is also a good option for purchasing a furry miracle. It’s up to you to choose which cat is best to have in your apartment.

They will tell you which cat is best to have in your apartment and select a pet for you, taking into account your interests. But it’s worth talking about your wishes in more detail so that there are no disappointments later.

For example, it is very important to know how long you will be away, since some breeds cannot tolerate being alone, it is also important whether you have enough time to care for the cat, this is important for long-haired breeds, whether you plan to have offspring, etc. Ragdoll has an easy character

A good breeder is also interested in ensuring that his kitten ends up in kind and caring hands. It may take time for you to choose the right option, but if your desires and capabilities coincide, you will gain a reliable friend for life.

Is it worth adopting a purebred cat?

Some people prefer "mutts". These cats did not have noble ancestors in their family or they have mixed roots. And this has its advantages. For example, mestizos have better health than their “blue-blooded” counterparts. This is due to the wider gene pool. Therefore, the risk of genetic diseases is very low.

However, such cats often have an independent character, and their hunting instincts are more pronounced. Adults love to mark territory, and it is not very easy to wean them from this habit.

The “mongrel” has better health

At the same time, purebred cats have predictable habits. They value cleanliness more because breeders select for breeding those individuals that are less prone to marking territory.

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