Choosing a breed is a difficult question for the future owner.
It is difficult for an inexperienced person to understand so many cat breeds. From 40 to 90 breeds are recognized by different felinological clubs.
We have compiled a guide to choosing a cat breed to help future owners. The breeds are divided according to the characteristics, care and lifestyle of the cat owner.
- Difficulty in care
- Does not require special care
- Difficult in content
- For busy people
- With an original appearance
Difficulty in care
Every cat requires grooming, but some breeds require more or less attention. Difficulty in content can both depress and delight - consider your desires and capabilities.
Cats that do not require special care
If you don’t want to spend your evenings combing wool or thinking about your pet’s menu, pay attention to the following breeds:
Abyssinian cat
Short fur and sparse shedding
Bombay cat
Cat for lovers of black clothes
Egyptian Mau
Easy to care and maintain
Cornish Rex
Enough to feed and pet
Oriental cat
Almost no shedding
Siamese cat
Suitable for even the laziest owner
This is an abbreviated list, but the easiest cats to care for are short-haired cats with no quirks in appearance.
Long-haired cats often shed and require careful grooming, while hairless cats get cold and sweat. Pets with short hair are an excellent choice for a busy owner.
Difficult breeds to keep
Are you a passionate cat lover and ready to devote a considerable amount of time to caring for your pet? Then take a closer look at these breeds:
Don Sphynx
In winter it will never leave the battery
Canadian Sphynx
Freezes in the cold, sweats in the heat
Maine Coon
A big cat has more fur
Persian cat
Thick fur sheds heavily
Ragdoll
Lazy and fluffy
Scottish lop-eared
Curled ears need to be cleaned regularly.
Sphinxes are cold cats that want constant warmth and care. The Persian cat is complex due to its record length of fur, which constantly gets tangled into tangles. In addition, Persians have a flat face, which can cause them to get sick often.
It is not easy to care for cats with unusual ears: Scottish Fold or American Curls. Also, all long-haired breeds can be considered difficult-to-care cats.
Manx
Photo Credit: gfacegrace Flickr via Compfight
Another feline native to Maine, but this time from the Isle of Man. This is where the name of the breed comes from. A distinctive feature of this breed is the absence of a tail, or a very short tail, as well as medium-length hair. Manx get along well with people, as they can subtly sense a person’s mood. With all this, Manx are excellent hunters and guards. Like a real watchdog, the Manx can begin to growl threateningly if he suddenly decides that something is a danger to him or your family. If suddenly the need arises to change the family for a cat, the Manx easily adapts to new people and a new environment.
Manxes are very obedient cats, and if you tell him not to scratch the sofa with his claws, he won't do it. However, in this case, it is better for you to offer him a scratching post instead of the sofa as an alternative.
Lifespan: 8-14 years.
Weight and size: height - 18-23 cm, weight - 3-6 kg
Care: brushing once or twice a week, more often during shedding.
The nature
The breed of a cat does not guarantee that the pet will have the desired character traits. However, cases of “undesirable” nature in purebred cats are an exception to the rule.
Sociable and talkative
Communicating with your cat is a pleasant activity that talkative pets will happily share with their owner. If you want to discuss the weather with your cat every day, the following breeds are suitable:
Burmese cat
A purr that's fun to talk to
Don Sphynx
Kitchen Talk Lover
Canadian Sphynx
Warm and smooth myavlik
Oriental cat
Fan of philosophical conversations
Siamese cat
Accompanies every action with his “meow”
Thai cat
Loves to talk even to herself.
Sociable cat breeds love to have philosophical conversations with their owner. Do not choose this breed if you value silence in your home.
Silent cats
Meowing can also irritate a cat's owner. If you prefer not to hear unnecessary sounds, choose from these breeds:
American Shorthair
A cat who is too lazy to meow
Cornish Rex
Able to communicate with the owner without making sounds
Norwegian forest
Northern wisdom and silence
Siberian cat
Doesn't meow while being fed
Turkish Angora
The Snow Queen
Exotic cat
Doesn't waste energy on talking
Silent cats don't bother you, and you'll keep your home calm. Representatives of these breeds will only meow for important reasons.
Active and energetic
It’s interesting to watch active cats: today the pet wanted to explore the closet, and tomorrow he will become an astronaut! These are the cats that love activity:
Abyssinian cat
Astronaut cat with fiery color
Bengal cat
Curious entertainer
Egyptian Mau
Energetic and smart
Kurilian Bobtail
Jumper with a short tail
Ocicat
Comes up with problems and solves them
Turkish van
Lover of games and swimming
Owners of energetic cat breeds will have to constantly come up with something to keep their pet occupied. But it's worth it! They will be happy to solve your puzzles and wait for the next ones.
Lazy cats
There are cats that don't like to run around their owners' shelves. You can eat well and then sleep well! The following breeds are true sloths:
British cat
Loves to eat and sleep
Nibelung
A cat who is interested in lying with his owner
Persian cat
Real cat pillow
Russian blue
Always resting to be ready for the hunt
Siberian cat
Moves only to find a comfortable position
Exotic cat
Lazy cat with a cute face
Lazy cat breeds are a good choice for phlegmatic people. Slothful cats can be so inconspicuous that only a regularly empty bowl hints at the existence of a cat in the house.
Affectionate and kind
People get cats to pet them and love them! Affectionate breeds themselves come to hug and kiss, so they are suitable for loving owners:
Burmese cat
They follow their owner like a tail
Don Sphynx
A cat who will live on your shoulder
Manx
Ball with love for affection
Neva Masquerade
Will be happy to come pet you
Nibelung
Always remain affectionate kittens
Ragdoll
A tame cat with a submissive character.
Such breeds are reluctant to get off their owner: they don’t like to part with their beloved friend! Choose an affectionate cat breed if you are willing to give it enough attention.
Smart cat breeds
It is interesting to communicate with intelligent pets: they understand speech, easily learn commands and become a true friend. Smart cat breeds include:
American Bobtail
Easy to learn commands and rules
American Curl
Trainable and intelligent cat
Munchkin
High intelligence and innovative thinking
Oriental cat
A lively mind and good learning ability
Siamese cat
A cat that acts like a dog
Turkish Angora
They know the wisdom of human life.
Such cats can be trained: they learn to fetch a ball, perform actions, dance and walk on a leash. Cats with high intelligence are the choice of people who do not want to get a dog.
The cleverest
Burmese cat
These long-haired beauties are the result of crossing Siamese and Persian cats. The animals are not very active, but are affectionate and sociable, and love to sit in the arms of their owner. The breed also has a second name – “Sacred Burma”, which reflects the regal, balanced character and calmness of these cats. They do not like fuss and loud noises, and thanks to their developed intelligence, they try to avoid conflict situations. Representatives of this breed do not tolerate cold and drafts well, and are absolutely unsuited to life on the street. Quite often, cats have a desire to mark territory and dominate, so it is better to neuter them to keep them in an apartment.
Balinese cat
These graceful animals are a type of Siamese, but with long, silky hair. Balinese cats are very friendly and sociable, so they do best in large families. They are playful and energetic and get along well with other animals and children. Balinese cats do not tolerate loneliness, they get bored and sad in an empty apartment. Many pets of this breed love to “talk” with their owners, perfectly understanding their intonation. Cats are very smart and with a little patience they can be taught different commands.
Turkish Angora
A very popular breed of domestic cat, known in Europe since the 16th century. Particularly prized are individuals with heterochromia - eyes of different colors, one yellow and one blue. Graceful, long-haired animals are very inquisitive and obedient, and have excellent intelligence. They are easy to train and love to bring various objects to their owners - balls, toys. Angora cats are very sociable, discreet and affectionate, so they can become excellent companions for lonely people. Unfortunately, white Angora cats with one or two blue eyes are often deaf.
According to your lifestyle
The situation in the house and the owner’s life principles are an important aspect when choosing a cat breed. Not all breeds will be comfortable in every family.
For busy people
If the owner is rarely at home, he needs a cat that does not require a lot of communication and care. Such a pet must have a self-sufficient character.
Check out the following cat breeds if you consider yourself a workaholic:
British cat
Biggest sleep and food fanatic
Egyptian Mau
Independent favorite of the pharaohs
Munchkin
Short legs prevent him from misbehaving
Maine Coon
A calm giant with self-esteem
Russian blue
Woman looking out the window
Scottish cat
They do not require unnecessary attention.
Such cats will happily greet their owner from work, but will not bother him if he is not in the mood. These pets do not require complex care and will always find something to do on their own.
For children
If a child asks to buy a kitten, choose from good breeds of cats. The pet must be patient so as not to get angry from pranks. Breeds that will enjoy children's play:
American Curl
Playful lover of pranks
Kurilian Bobtail
Good disposition and doggy character
Manx
Devoted entertainer
Neva Masquerade
Patient and flexible
Norwegian forest
Obedient purring beauty
Turkish van
Suitable for a child if he becomes his owner.
For children, you should not choose wayward cats and pets who prefer a quiet holiday. Incompatibility of interests leads to cat and child trauma.
For single people
People living alone often lack communication. Such a person should choose a cat with an affectionate character. Devoted cats will happily brighten up the evenings with their purring:
Bengal cat
Spotted weasel lover
Burmese cat
Talkative jumper
Devon Rex
Affectionate cats with hooligan paws
Laperm
Sociable cuddler
Thai cat
Curious and funny talker
Japanese Bobtail
Loyal purring friend
These cat breeds become attached to people and love attention. Such cats will create comfort in your home and will bring you extremely positive emotions.
For a private home
A person living in his own home needs a hunter cat. The pet must be able to exterminate rodents and walk in the yard on its own. If your home needs a rat catcher, take a look at the following breeds:
American Shorthair
Pied Piper from Early Settlers' Ships
Kurilian Bobtail
A small lynx with an active disposition
Manx
Experienced Pied Piper Sailor
Russian blue
Imperial Palace Worker
Siberian cat
Hunter from the Siberian taiga
Turkish van
Pied Piper from the Eastern Continent
Natural rat catchers will always stand guard over their master's house. To catch rats, it is better to choose a cat rather than a cat: they show the best hunting qualities.
For a family that already has pets
One pet in the house is never enough - there is enough love for everyone! To ensure smooth communication between your old and new pet, choose from friendly cat breeds:
American Bobtail
A cat with dog friendliness
Bombay cat
Sociable and playful purr
Norwegian forest
Friendliness with northern reserve
Peterbald
Energetic St. Petersburger with a love for get-togethers
Thai cat
Considers everyone his best friend
Japanese Bobtail
Lover of friendly games and jogging
Please note that friendships between rodents, birds, fish and a cat may not happen. Even the most phlegmatic cat remembers instincts.
What should you pay attention to first when choosing a cat?
Experts agree that a calm, friendly character is optimal for cats living in an apartment. It is important to be able to “occupy yourself” with something non-destructive while the owner leaves the apartment. It is advised to choose breeds that are not characterized by increased energy - in a confined space it will manifest itself in the form of various pranks.
The cat demands to be played with
We have done our own research on this topic, so before we make specific recommendations on choosing the right breed, it is necessary to describe some common characteristics of the animals and possible problems associated with them. This is worth doing before bringing a cat into your home. In this way, you can be sure that the chosen cat will fit your lifestyle, and you will “find a common language.”
Agree, taking responsibility for a living being is a serious step and it is best to carefully prepare for it.
Unusual cat breeds
For you, is a cat not only a pet, but also a way of self-expression? Take a closer look at unusual cat breeds. This is where you should choose to suit your taste!
Cats with original appearance
There are people who want to be unique even in choosing a pet. If you want your friends to admire your cat, take a closer look at these breeds:
American Curl
Curly curled ears
Devon Rex
A cat with the appearance of an alien
Cornish Rex
Curly fur and graceful posture
Laperm
Pet with large curls
Munchkin
Cute cat with short legs
Peterbald
An elegant cat with smooth skin.
Cats with an unusual appearance will also delight you with a wonderful character. Some of these breeds are not cheap - but you can overpay for such pleasure!
Resembling wild cats
Some people want to bring something exotic into their normal lives: bring home a real leopard! However, a leopard is a dangerous undertaking. Then choose a domestic cat breed in a wild shell:
Bengal cat
Domestic inquisitive leopard
Bombay cat
Black panther with a homely disposition
Ocicat
A mischievous fidget with the appearance of a wild cat
Savannah
An African animal for your home
With such cats you feel like you are in the jungle: their unusual appearance contributes to this. All breeds, except the Bombay, truly have wild roots.
Living in an apartment with a cat: tips and tricks
Although we've just listed some cat breeds that do well in apartments, it's important to keep your expectations realistic. Cats are living creatures, so you will have to deal with some of the consequences of their life.
His feline majesty wants to play
By adopting a cat, you take responsibility for it, so you must be prepared to care for it. To avoid any reasons for negativity, you should keep an eye on several things:
- the cat litter box must be cleaned regularly, because otherwise the cat may go to an unintended place;
- if you have several cats, each of them should have their own litter box, since these animals are quite clean and picky;
- if the cat's behavior changes and the animal suddenly throws litter out of the tray or goes to the toilet in the middle of the room, it is worth finding out the reasons for such actions, one of which may be a health condition.
If you don’t want unnecessary hassle, avoid using carpeting in your home. Carpets are difficult to clean and the characteristic odor is not easy to remove. In addition, cats love to sharpen their claws on carpets. By the way, it is also worth taking care of the claw sharpener in advance and accustoming the cat to it with the help of positive motivation from childhood.
You will need a few more useful devices to make cohabitation with a cat comfortable for both of you.
Self-cleaning tray
Self-cleaning cat litter box
Such trays are not particularly popular, but they can significantly save your energy. Well, if you are away for a long time, and your pet is picky, such a tray will allow you to avoid unpleasant incidents associated with excrement that is not collected on time.
House-sharpener
There are many different configurations of these devices, but almost all of them allow your pet to play, sharpen his claws and relax. By using such a house, you create a place for the cat to play, where he can expend his energy. In addition, you protect upholstered furniture and wallpaper from cat claws.
Top 10 Popular Cat Breeds
Every year, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) publishes a ranking of the most popular cat breeds in the world. The top is compiled by the number of cats registered in this organization.
Based on the results for the previous year 2022, the list is as follows:
Exotic cat
Plush cat with a charming face
Ragdoll
Fluffy lazy phlegmatic
British cat
Soft plush with thick cheeks
Persian cat
Fluffy honey with a regal article
Maine Coon
Muscular giant with a gentle character
American Shorthair
Intelligent and obedient hunter
Scottish cat
Modest cutie with round eyes
Canadian Sphynx
The first hairless breed
Devon Rex
Alien cat with dog affection
Maine Coon
American cat breed, originally from Maine. You can always recognize cats of this breed by the presence of tufts on their ears. They also usually have a furry collar, like a lion. If you have aquarium fish or hamsters in your house, then the Maine Coon will be a good choice for your family, since cats of this breed do not tend to encroach on the lives of other pets of their owners. However, this cat will not give a chance to mice that suddenly look at the light. Maine Coons have a fairly high intelligence, which makes them easy to train. Males are generally more social than cats.
Maine Coons, like British Shorthair cats, develop rather slowly. They reach adult size only by 3-5 years.
Lifespan: 12-17 years.
Weight and size: height - from 25 to 41 cm, length - up to 120 cm, average weight of a cat - 10-12 kg, cat - 7-8 kg.
Care: due to the high cleanliness of this breed, you will only need to bathe your pet when necessary, but you will need to brush it twice a week. Also, because of the cat's cleanliness, you will have to ensure that your pet's litter box is always clean.
Main selection criteria
When making a choice, start from your capabilities and preferences. To do this, you will need to take into account the size of your living space, your lifestyle and amount of free time, as well as preferences regarding the appearance and behavior of your future pet.
Residence and area
For a small apartment, a medium or small cat with a calm character is suitable. Large representatives with a developed hunting instinct and an awl in the butt will feel uncomfortable in it - they will be more comfortable in a private house with a fenced area.
The character of the future owner and the whole family
Lonely people in need of communication should take a closer look at talkative cats. Such pets become strongly attached to their owners and help with household chores with great enthusiasm.
It is recommended to take into account your activity. If you like frequent walks and trips out of town, then pay attention to playful breeds that quickly get used to wearing a harness.
Don't forget about other family members. If an extrovert who loves noisy parties lives with you, then the future pet should be distinguished not only by its friendliness, but also by its lack of fear of strangers. Otherwise, constant fear from loud sounds and unusual smells will negatively affect his psyche.
Length of stay of the owners of the house
Your work schedule also plays a significant role. If you often stay late at work and go on business trips, take a closer look at animals that tolerate loneliness well. Otherwise, a pet left for a long time may fall into deep depression or create a mess as a sign of revenge for inattention.
Self-sufficient cats who know what to do with themselves are suitable for workaholics. They don't need to communicate 24/7 and won't bother you if you're not in the mood. Despite their independent character, these “mustaches” are also partial to affection and love to sit in your arms.
The solution for cat lovers is to have two or more pets. They won't be bored much together.
Having small children
Not all children know how to handle animals, and some, due to their age, are not yet capable of learning. For this reason, for children under 3 years of age who cannot control their emotions, it is better to choose a patient and friendly “mustache.”
Such a cat will not only tolerate all pranks, but will also support any children's fun. If your child does cross the line, instead of being hit with a clawed paw, he will simply temporarily lose his playmate.
Presence of other pets
Friendly cats get along well not only with children, but also with other pets. Particular caution should be exercised only by owners of birds, rodents and aquarium fish. Make sure your pet has a weak hunting instinct. Otherwise, the fish birds may become prey.
Pet gender
Having decided on the breed, it is logical to move on to choosing the sex. Each has its pros and cons, so analyze which ones are more important to you.
Females are distinguished by greater cleanliness, docileness and friendliness. They only cause problems during estrus and pregnancy. In the first case, you will have sleepless nights due to loud screams and periodic attempts to escape, and in the second, you will have to find owners for newborn kittens. If there are no plans for breeding, everything can be easily solved with the help of sterilization.
Males are more dominant. They rarely accept affection against their will and often show aggression if something does not go according to their plan. They are also characterized by marking their territory, accompanied by a rather pungent and unpleasant odor. As in females, this problem can also be solved surgically. The advantages of males include attachment to the house and rapid toilet training.
Please note that gender differences are very arbitrary. There are always exceptions to the rules, so this point should be considered only as an additional one. Unusually affectionate cats and extremely aggressive cats are far from uncommon, but the nuances regarding puberty are always static.
Requirements for the coat and color of the pet
The difficulty of grooming directly depends on the length and thickness of the coat. Long-haired individuals with a thick undercoat shed very heavily. Without regular brushing, their fur becomes tangled and can lead to dermatitis.
Completely hairless cats are not so easy either. They sweat a lot and are constantly cold. Because of this, they need to be bathed frequently and dressed in warm clothing.
When choosing the type of coat, proceed from the amount of free time and desire to engage in grooming procedures, and when choosing a color, simply be guided by your ideas of beauty.
You may have heard that white colors are less allergenic, but in fact this opinion has not yet been confirmed by felinologists. For this reason, if you have allergies, it is better to take into account more reliable factors.
Boy or girl?
When a family decides to adopt a kitten, among other things, the question arises: is a boy better or a girl?
Advantages of cats (females):
But with the advent of puberty, the owner has a question: what to do with the offspring? There may be problems with this if the animal was not taken for breeding. Pregnancy is preceded by estrus. The cat leaves marks with a specific musky odor, and for a week or more makes loud noises, especially at night, calling for a male. This ends on its own or after mating with a cat.
Attention! Cats do not behave the same with men and women. Thus, they can “flirt” with representatives of the stronger sex - arching their backs, fluffing their tails. With women, females are softer and more affectionate.
Cats like to flirt with their owners
Cats are leaders by nature. They control every step of the inhabitants of the house. Most cats are not affectionate, although sometimes they allow themselves to be picked up and stroked. They become aggressive if a person does something they don't like.
One of the problems that cat owners face is marking their territory. Often, breeders manage to wean their pupils from such behavior. Males smell stronger. But the smell disappears if the animal is properly cared for.
Many problems can be solved by sterilization and castration. But even a castrated male can leave marks. This happens in the following cases:
Cats show aggression if they don't like something.
Is it possible to adopt a cat from a shelter?
People who decided to take such a step believe that it was done correctly. They argue that there are many reasons why a shelter cat will do well in an apartment.
Table 2. Pros and cons of a shelter cat.
As for communication with curators, this is a temporary phenomenon. As soon as volunteers or shelter workers understand that their pupil is in good hands, they stop disturbing the new owner.
Don't be afraid to adopt a cat from a shelter - this has its advantages
Shelters are also found through social networks - usually such organizations have pages. If you couldn’t find an adoption center in your city, you will definitely find one in a neighboring town.
For reference. ADOPTION
(from Latin
adoptio
- adoption), a form of establishing artificial kinship - the inclusion of an individual or several individuals in any related group or family. The motives for adoption could be different: providing a lonely person with a certain status in the system of social connections...
Lifehack. From several institutions, the smallest ones are chosen, with the number of inhabitants up to 50 individuals. The cats there are more well-groomed and better cared for.
