Cat breeds for children, photos and names: which pet is better to choose for a baby?

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“Mom, let’s buy a kitten!” — it is with this phrase that many families begin their acquaintance with furry purrs. However, not all parents think it’s a good idea to have a cat for their child. But are mustachioed and striped animals as dangerous for children as they are imagined to be?

2 How to properly raise a cat and a child
2.1 How to choose a cat for a child
2.1.1 The best and worst cat breeds for children
2.1.2 Photo gallery: cat breeds for children

The best breeds for children

It is advisable that parents do not give their child a long-awaited pet, but choose it together.

Important! There are a number of breeds that breeders have been working on for a long time, selecting and purposefully developing qualities that are important for life in a family, in an apartment - a guarantee that the character of a cat is easy to predict, it quickly adapts to the home and over the years becomes an excellent companion for a child.

What qualities are valued in an animal destined to become a friend and grow up with a baby?

Patience	Children can accidentally hurt the cat. Many cat breeds take this calmly, realizing that a human cub is not an aggressive enemy.
Low level of territoriality	At the genetic level, cats strive to protect their territory, but a cat in the house must understand that people, even small ones, are above it in the hierarchy.
Activity level	Of course, playful breeds are suitable for children and are fun to play with. A passive animal that sleeps most of the time will not suit children. The cat should enjoy interacting with humans.
Lack of defensive-aggressive reaction	When frightened, a cat may scratch or bite. This is a normal reaction. But animals that specifically lie in wait for a person and attack from around the corner are not suitable for children. Vicious and aggressive cat breeds are very rare, but it is still worth excluding them from the list.
Stress resistance	Yes, children are noisy, so the animal must have a high level of stress tolerance. A timid or nervous pet will not get along in a family with children.

It is worth considering in detail those breeds on which breeders have worked well.

TOP 10 affectionate cat breeds

The main components of a cat's character are proper upbringing and heredity.
When purchasing a tame and affectionate cat, pay attention to the pet's behavior. A cat’s ability to behave in society indicates its level of trust in humans.

To determine the friendly intentions and pliability of a pet, future owners need to take into account:

the way it interacts with other quadrupeds;
level of stress resistance and behavior outside the comfort zone;
individual character traits;
attitude towards the owner and other family members.

Inexperienced breeders believe that cats are unsocial, cruel and uncaring. This opinion is wrong, since these animals love to play and spend time with their owners.

Shorthair exotic

Shorthaired Exotic
The representatives of the Shorthaired Exotic breed have drooping eyelids, a snub nose, a flattened muzzle and wide-set eyes. Due to its cute expression, it is preferred by parents of small children who love animals.

Exotics are patient and quiet pets with a calm temperament. They are cheerful, distinguished by activity, intelligence and lack of aggressiveness. They get along well with other pets in the house and with children.

Note! The shorthaired exotic is a devoted animal; loneliness and lack of attention depress the pet, which is why it suffers greatly.

Abyssinian cat

The Abyssinian cat is considered a source of endless energy. The animals have red fur, green eyes, and a playful temperament that does not allow them to sit still for a second.

Be sure to read:

Males and cats with a flattened face: the best breeds, features of care and maintenance, characteristics, description Abyssinian cat

Distinctive features of the breed include:

responsiveness;
mind;
changeable character.

Because of the latter, cats often feign indifference, but then, forgetting about boredom, they ask to be held by their owner. They respond well to meeting other four-legged animals or people.

Persian

The Persian cat is rightfully considered one of the most sociable and sweetest creatures. This is the oldest breed in the world, with its own distinctive characteristics and unique temperament.

Important! Although the adult Persian often appears melancholic, he loves to play and cuddle with his owner.

The most noticeable feature of the animal is its calmness and lack of aggressiveness. The coat of Persian kittens can be cream, gray, red, lilac or blue. Coat length – 25 cm.

Russian blue

The Russian Blue cat is distinguished by a dense undercoat, long silver-blue hair, round eyes and a characteristic angular profile. The pet's body weight reaches up to 5 kg, and its dense double coat resembles the thick fur of a British cat.

Russian blue cat

A cat can get along not only in a family with a baby or teenager, but also with one owner in old age. The Russian Blue is sensitive to the owner's words, intonation and gestures.

If you handle it carelessly, the pet will not let out its sharp claws until the last moment (unless it is a cocky dog).

Burmese or temple cat (sacred burma)

The sacred Burma is the owner of an affectionate and kind character. In order for kittens to fully develop at an early age, you should buy various devices for playing with them in pet stores.

As the Burmese cat gets older, its activity will be reduced to a minimum and it will become a lover of quieter activities.

Note! A sure sign of the nobility of a temple cat lies in restraint, independence and good manners.

Despite the fact that the pet becomes attached to its owner, it is tolerant of long-term separation. Representatives of this breed are unobtrusive - if the owner is in a bad mood, the animal will feel it without meowing or demanding affection.

Be sure to read:

Differences between a Siamese cat and a Thai cat

Sphinx

The four-legged animals of the Sphynx breed are distinguished by a complete absence of hair. Cats love water treatments, which cannot be said about their relatives.

Sphinx

Between the toes of the cat's unusual paws there are membranes with which the animals easily take food and put it in their mouths.

Curious pets always prefer to be in the company of other animals and household members. The cat has a wonderful character, so it can be safely adopted by parents of small children.

In the future, the pet will become a good nanny for the child and even help in raising him.

Neva Masquerade

Despite the harsh appearance of Neva masquerade cats, they are patient and kind animals.

Pets love affection, one gets the impression that they are proud of all their advantages. When guests enter the house, the animal immediately asks to be held, demanding attention.

The Neva cat gets along well in families with children.

Even if a child hugs a cat, periodically tugging its tail, it will behave calmly and not show aggression. In relation to other animals, the Neva Masquerade is friendly, and its only drawback is stubbornness.

Scottish lop-eared

The Scottish Fold cat is a phlegmatic cat who is often visited by a feeling of melancholy.

Scottish fold cat

Kittens are selective and cautious towards their future owner, and throughout their lives they are devoted to one person. Their minimal activity and restraint indicate the innate intelligence of animals.

Since Scottish Folds are chronic panickers, the presence of strangers in the house will not provoke intense interest or even basic polite joy in cats.

Another distinctive feature of the Scottish Fold cat is that it ignores its owner's lap.

Note! Despite the fact that representatives of this breed are independent and proud, prolonged separation from the owner has a negative effect on the pet.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats have an easygoing disposition and a balanced character; they are distinguished by their sociability and lack of selfish habits.

Be sure to read:

Cat with tassels on ears: breed, what is their feature, characteristics and description, care and maintenance

Pets prefer to be with their family, play with children, or lie next to their owner and purr loudly.

Cats rarely release their claws, which are carefully monitored, so when brushing their fur, you don’t have to be afraid that your pet will show aggression. The weight of an adult male reaches 8.5 kg, cats weigh from 4 to 5.5 kg.

Important! The Maine Coon gets along well with dogs, but it is not recommended to have them in the same apartment with rodents and parrots. This fact is associated with the inability of cats to control their hunting instinct.

Which cat is best for a child?

Each cat breed has its own characteristics, which it is better to know about in advance, and its own character. If there is a child in the family, it is of course better to choose a cat among non-aggressive, friendly, playful breeds. Before purchasing, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed and prepare for possible difficulties.

If you have decided on a breed, pay close attention to the breeders . Unfortunately, there are now more and more people who are trying to make money from breeding without caring about the health of the animals. A low cost may indicate that the animal was raised in poor conditions and fed cheap food, without veterinary control, or the kittens were the result of inbreeding. Such cats can have a number of serious defects and diseases.

It is important for parents to remember: no matter what animal they get, they must carefully monitor the health of their pet. Firstly, we are responsible for those we have tamed, and secondly, our smaller brothers themselves can become carriers of some diseases dangerous to humans if basic prevention rules are not followed.

Be sure to visit a veterinarian for a preventive examination and vaccination at least 1-2 times a year. At least 2 times a year, you should drive away worms with special means: even if the cat sits in the apartment forever, you yourself can bring helminth eggs or dangerous viruses from the street on your shoes. When going outdoors, don’t forget to treat your fur against fleas and ticks.

It is also better to immediately discuss with your doctor the method and timing of sterilization of the animal : this will protect the cat from a number of diseases and improve its disposition. Teach your child to always maintain hygiene and wash their hands after contact with an animal. A healthy cat can become a true friend to you and your children and a full member of the family for many years.

About the benefits of a cat for a child

For children, a pet is their best friend, with whom they learn lessons of love and care. If there is only one baby in the family, a cat can become an important companion in his child’s life, with whom he can not only play, but also share his feelings. Many children recover faster if they know that their beloved cat is missing them.

Some studies suggest that exposing babies to cats significantly reduces the risk of children developing allergies or asthma later in life.

Why are cats the best pets for children?

They teach you to be polite and neat. Watch a baby who meets a small kitten. Despite his age, he understands that this is a fragile living creature and he needs to be treated carefully and affectionately.

Children are careful and gentle with small animals

They teach responsibility. Assigning responsibilities for feeding and cleaning up after a pet to children instills in them a sense of duty and gives them an understanding that their actions are important and necessary for the well-being of a friend. With the right attitude from parents, children will feel proud of their work and motivated to do household chores.
They are soothing, and their purring can be therapeutic and help your baby fall asleep.

The range of a cat's purr has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system, stabilizes blood pressure

British Shorthair

When thinking about what breed a cat should be - a friend and playmate for children, many felinologists (cat specialists) give a clear answer: British.

This breed includes long-haired and short-haired animals, but a pet with a plush coat and short hair is more suitable for children. According to legend, the famous Cheshire Cat was a British Shorthair.

Britons are companion cats. Play? Yes. Sleeping in an embrace with the owner? Yes too. This breed is not phlegmatic, but has a balanced, calm temperament. It is very difficult to anger a Briton; aggression is not characteristic of him.

The advantage of this breed is self-sufficiency. Animals are not annoying and do not require constant attention. They have excellent intelligence, and over the years they develop their own opinions on various matters.

This is an ideal option for keeping in an apartment: the British are clean, and for maintenance it is enough to comb their fur coat once a week.

Such cats have good health and strong immunity.

Another plus is that the British live for 15-20 years.

What does an apartment cat need?

Future owners of these animals need to remember that when choosing a cat, they are choosing a friend with whom they will live for 10-15 years. For this reason, choosing a breed should not be done in haste, under the influence of a momentary mood, or, even worse, under the influence of fashion for a particular breed. First, you should slowly think through your likes, capabilities, availability of free time and funds, as well as lifestyle, and based on this, make assumptions about which breed will suit such an owner best.

When everything is decided with the breed, there is also no need to rush to run to the breeder. First you need to arrange the house in such a way that the cat has everything he needs immediately upon arrival at the house. That is, the house should have:

tray;
filler for it;
bowls for food and water (preferably several ceramic ones);
bed and/or house;
scratching post (required!);
toys and, preferably, a climbing frame;
carrying;
vitamins;
feed supply (if preference is given to ready-made feed);
comb-brush;
nail clipper for cutting nails.

It is also worth preparing a cat’s first aid kit in advance, since this item is often neglected when preparing for the kitten’s arrival at home, and after that the first aid kit is completely forgotten. If the owner has chosen a breed such as the Exotic Shorthair, he should immediately prepare for the fact that he may have special needs in terms of eye care. The same can be said about all breeds with short and snub noses. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare your pet’s eye care products in advance.

In general, before bringing a kitten home, you should carefully study all the information regarding the care of representatives of this breed and its health. And only after this can you move on to the next stage - choosing a good breeder from whom the kitten will be purchased.

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You (or maybe your child?) are slowly but inevitably dreaming of having a kitten.

.
Are you ready to shelter a “nobleman” without a family coat of arms, as long as he becomes your true friend
?
Or maybe you want a handsome purebred
to win prizes at cat shows? Playful and active or calm? Long-haired or short-haired? This article on the site will help you!

Be sure to involve your child in the choice, do not give a personal gift - a pet

Also pay attention to the character, temperament of your baby, whether he has diseases (for example, an allergy to wool), the size of the apartment, income (some breeds of cats require certain and obligatory expenses). All worries will still fall on you, think about it - do you need this? Or is it easier to refuse your child? If your answer to the first question is yes, then move on to our rating of kitten breeds for your children!

The oldest cat breed in the world, the Persian is a loyal, gentle, non-obsessive, and affectionate pet with a balanced character, who loves to sit in arms and cuddle. The owners note a certain patronizing and condescending attitude on the part of the pet. Not suitable for noisy hours, for children and adults with allergies; they constantly need to take care of the coat, comb out tangles, while at the same time receiving a portion of communication.

Scottish Shorthair

Thanks to a gene mutation, humanity received a new breed that quickly gained popularity, and for many people the question of which cat is best to get for a child has only one answer.

Scottish Folds are real cuties with an excellent character, ideally adapted to the modern person.

Kittens are playful and tame from birth. Children love that Scots are easy to train and you can play ball with them and watch TV. They know how to stand on their hind legs - this is a normal manifestation of interest on their part. Tired of children's noise, the cat simply hides - aggression is not typical for her.

Very socialized animals, they have a calm character, do not require constant attention, and respect the human right to solitude.

It is believed that the Scots choose their owner, and simply love the rest of the family members.

It is convenient to keep such a cat in an apartment: it does not make loud sounds, is very clean, quickly understands the rules of behavior and follows them. Care is simple: just brush the animal regularly, wash the eyes and clean the ears.

Due to a gene mutation, cats do not have very strong joints, and owners need to remember this.

Precautionary measures

Important! If there are doubts about the health of the kitten, then it is better to refuse to buy such an animal.

It is worth carefully monitoring your cat’s behavior on the street so that it does not have contact with yard cats. If they are not looked after, they become a breeding ground for bacteria and helminths, which can easily be transmitted to a healthy pet through contact.

The veterinarian also makes a significant contribution to preventing the child from becoming infected. It is necessary to undergo all mandatory examinations and give the cat vaccinations, which are recommended by the doctor. Then both the cat and all family members will be healthy.

Hygiene rules help protect your child from infections

Tips for choosing

If you want to have a cat in your apartment, then you need to think about the most suitable breed, especially if there is a child in the house. Among the most favorable exotic cats recommended for a home where children live are:

In order to choose a good cat that will be friends and play with the child, will not offend him in any way, and will get along with the rest of the household, you need to take a responsible approach to the selection of the breed and the upbringing of the kitten. When purchasing a small furry friend, it is best to take with you an experienced veterinarian or cat specialist who will immediately identify congenital abnormalities or abnormal behavior of the animal. If this is not possible, then after purchasing it is worth taking the kitten to the veterinary clinic and having a full examination done in order to safely allow the pet to see the child.

For a successful purchase, you need to have clear ideas about the breed you are interested in, its external characteristics and character traits, so as not to become a victim of a deceiver who sells an incomprehensible cross between cats for a lot of money. Both children and adults should choose a pet.

If you are going to get a cat at home, you need to purchase all the necessary equipment - a tray, a container for food and drink, a place to rest, a scratching post. And most importantly, read the literature on raising cats and teach the basics to your child. Only in this case will the purchase of a cat be successful and the whole family will have a mischievous friend.

To find out which cat breed is best for a child, see below.

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.

Javanese cat tolerates loneliness without owners during the day

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.

Important! If you want a cat to perfectly suit your lifestyle, then it is better to take an animal from breeders. 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 telling about your wishes in more detail so that there are no disappointments later.

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 loneliness, 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.

Outbred

It is unknown what character traits a cat adopted from the street or from a shelter has. She may turn out to be a playful fidget, a calm aristocrat, or a feisty one.

However, most often, street kittens quickly become attached to a person and accept the rules of behavior in the apartment.

Such cats are not very sociable - this is fixed at the genetic level. But the former homeless animal is self-sufficient, not annoying and unobtrusive. At the same time, an even, warm relationship is built with children, but the kitten is unlikely to allow itself to be commanded.

After adopting an animal from the street, owners need to do a full veterinary examination.

Canadian Sphynx

Canadians are just one of the breeds of so-called hairless cats. There are also Don Sphynxes and Peterbalds.

The statement that sphinxes cannot be a source of allergies is incorrect, because... The allergic reaction is caused by saliva, not fur.

The appearance of sphinxes is peculiar, and many people do not like it, therefore, when deciding what breed of cat to get, you need to be sure that the child will not be scared and will like the “bald” one. One of the features of the Sphinx is its hot, silky skin, very pleasant to the touch.

Sphinxes have high intelligence, but a lot depends on proper upbringing. You can’t shout or scold a cat, just explain to it - the sphinx quickly learns the rules of behavior in the apartment. These animals are not vindictive, patient and usually choose one owner, perceiving other people as friends.

Sphynx cats do not tolerate loneliness well: they like to sit on your hands or knees, but do not impose their company, they are not averse to playing and jumping - a height of more than a meter is not the limit for them.

Caring for a cat without hair is simple: you need to regularly wipe it and wipe its eyes.

A distinctive feature of sphinxes is increased heat transfer, which is why the animals get very cold and require special clothing.

What selection criteria should you focus on?

The choice of sex of a four-legged pet is influenced by many factors. One of the most important criteria is the type of home in which the owner lives. We must not forget about those who live next to him. The presence of small children and other pets must be taken into account. An important factor will be how the new pet tolerates loneliness and long separation from a loved one.

In an apartment or private house

When thinking about whether it is better to have a cat in an apartment or a country house, you can read forums or chat with experienced owners. Most often, in a city apartment it is recommended to have cats. Females are cleaner than males, do not leave odorous marks, and do not scatter litter. In addition, keeping a girl in a confined space will not result in an unplanned pregnancy, because the owner can control her social circle.

Cats love to spend time on the couch and on a person's lap. They don't need the open spaces of the street to feel happy. But the female, unlike the males, is much more effective in ridding the country house of annoying rodents. Cats quickly lose interest in monotonous hunting and find other activities - mainly guarding the territory and clashes with neighboring cats.

Boys prefer the opportunity to go outside the home. They want to run, jump, climb trees. Males need to feel like masters, so they mark their territory. Finding such marks in an apartment is not very pleasant. A private house will be the optimal habitat for boys.

Affectionateness

The furry pet is very sensitive to the attitude of family members. If someone doesn’t like him or offends him, the two-legged animal avoids him.

Girls are more prone to reciprocal affection and tenderness from the owner. Kitties become more attached to a person and better adapt to his character. Cats are more independent in this regard. They are more interested in climbing a tree or curtain than purring in the arms of their owner.

Intelligence and ease of education

The behavior of mustaches directly depends on their upbringing

It is important to instill in children the norms of behavior in the family from early childhood. Representatives of any gender and breed respond well to the persistent demands of the owner

However, females are more flexible in this regard. They will fulfill a person’s demands, so as not to offend him, to please him.

Males, on the contrary, will prefer to run away, hide, rather than obey. It is more difficult to train them to use the cat litter box and not to throw litter around. After a walk outside, males will immediately jump onto the sofa, and the girl will patiently allow her to wipe her paws.

Independent representatives of the cat family that do not like to obey humans and are difficult to train include the British, Russian Blue, and Scottish Fold breeds. But sphinxes, bobtails, and orientals are ready to do anything for the sake of their owner, so they can be trained without any problems - regardless of their gender.

Are there small children in the family?

Females are much more obedient and affectionate than males. They are less likely to scratch and bite

In a family with a small child, this is very important. The male is accustomed to dominating and defending his position no matter what, so he is capable of harming the baby

You must understand that no animal likes to have its tail pulled, constantly pressed and squeezed. It is necessary to explain to the child that this is not a toy, but a living creature with its own character. Sooner or later, both girls and boys can react equally aggressively to persistent caresses and disrespectful attitudes.

Are there other animals in the family?

Because of their inherent mentality, girls share their territory with other pets much more easily. And the tendency to dominate, characteristic of boys, forces them to show their superiority over the rest of the inhabitants. It is especially difficult for two cats to get along in one place. They constantly fight for leadership, arrange showdowns, and mark their territory.

Even castrated males are unlikely to make friends - most likely, their conflicts will subside, but a strong friendship will not work out. If there is an adult cat in the house, it is not advisable to take a second adult male - it is better to take a female or a very small kitten.

Cats get along with other animals depending on their character, and gender does not have that much influence on this. Even a brutal cat can become an affectionate nanny for a horde of puppies, ferrets and even chicks - if his disposition is completely peaceful.

Ragdoll

Ragdoll is a blue-eyed miracle.

This breed was registered in the 1960s. Breeders claim that this is one of the cutest and most gentle cats. They follow their owner like dogs. And they are not irritated even by the pestering of small children - they never use claws or teeth in games. However, when getting a ragdoll, you need to be prepared for the fact that their luxurious coat will require regular care.

Siberian

It acquired its current appearance in Russia. It also came to Western Europe in the 80s of the 20th century. In 1998, the International Cat Federation recognized Siberian cats as a separate breed.

Children love them and can play and tinker with them for hours. At the same time, the cat never becomes aggressive and is especially attentive to small children.

Thus, the Siberian cat is a true family cat that gets along well with everyone. However, she usually has a loved one who loves her especially. Despite all the affection, the Siberian cat, like all representatives of natural breeds, is an excellent hunter with a great impulse to move.

The Siberian cat has semi-long, silky hair that comes in different colors and a fluffy tail. The body is quite large and muscular. Females weigh on average 4.5 kg, males 6 kg. The eyes are slightly slanted and come in a variety of colors, especially bright blue. Caring for a Siberian cat is similar to caring for a domestic cat. The Siberian cat needs a lot of exercise and affection.

Abyssinian

It is believed that this is what the cats of the ancient Egyptians looked like, images of which are found in the tombs of the pharaohs. The breed appeared in Europe in the 19th century.

These are intelligent and active animals. They cannot stand boredom and always find something to do, being present wherever something is happening. If the owner communicates little with the animal and does not play, the Abyssinian begins to play pranks.

They love to communicate with children, treating them condescendingly, but it is important for children to understand: the Abyssinian, unlike other cats, can and wants to determine the rules of the game himself. It is better not to allow children under 3-4 years of age to approach these cats.

The apartment is a bit cramped for cats; they need a spacious play area to play.

Of course, as a long-bred breed, Abyssinian cats quickly understand what a person requires of them, but the traits of independence in them are still strong.

Cats of this breed quickly contract a fatal disease - leukemia, but the animal can be protected by a simple vaccination. The oral cavity requires attention. Once every 2 weeks you need to wipe your ears.

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian's roots are in Southeast Asia, and they are one of the most bred cat breeds in the world. It came to Europe in the 19th century and was registered in Germany in 1933. Like many other cat breeds, the Abyssinian's survival was threatened during and after the two world wars.

No matter how many animals live in a farm that provides entertainment, the Abyssinian is very human-oriented. The Abyssinian cat looks at people with curiosity, and especially at children. A smart kitten carefully records every action. Cats love children very much, and boredom and excessive rest are out of the question.

The Abyssinian is slender and finely built, with long legs. Reaches a shoulder height of 40 and a length of 60 cm. Cats weigh from 2.5 to 4 kg, males - from 3.5 to 5 kg. The coat is short and has no pattern in purebred Abyssinians.

The short coat of the Abyssinian does not require special care. It should be brushed from time to time; cats shed in the spring. She needs a lot of attention, movement and variety.

Siamese

Siamese are called dogs in cats' skin. This breed has an interesting feature - its voice: Siamese are able to change the pitch and tone of sound due to the structure of the vocal cords. They need physical contact, so they are sociable and playful.

This is a good friend for children, because the Siamese cat can be trained, it loves active movements and bustle. If a Siamese takes a child under his wing, he will protect and love him until the end of his days.

The Siamese have no equal in their ability to achieve their goals, even the most mischievous ones. They love to jump and move around on top, so a play area with high platforms should be made for them in the apartment.

It is believed that Siamese cats are vindictive and take revenge for insults, but this is a myth, because excellent long-term memory is characteristic of all cats: they are able to remember throughout their lives what impressed them.

A short-haired Siamese only needs to be brushed occasionally; it can be taught to swim from childhood - these cats love to swim in warm water.

Long-haired varieties of Siamese are the Balinese and Burmese cats.

Hypoallergenic pets

If you want to have a cat at home, but are afraid of the body's response in the form of an allergy to the animal, consider information about breeds that produce fewer allergens.

Devon rex

The unique appearance of this breed is mesmerizing. Huge ears, big eyes and a short muzzle make her look like an elf. The fur is very short and dense with a wavy effect. Thanks to this, the cat sheds less and makes it easier to care for its fur.

Cornish Rex

They are well suited for allergy sufferers because of their very short coat, which is not even wool in its usual form, but downy hairs.

Sphinx

This breed has no hair at all, so it will not fly away and spread allergens. However, the skin needs constant care. Regular baths are required to remove sticky oils from the skin.

Siberian

Despite the fact that the breed is not short-haired, its body produces low levels of allergens. A great option for those who like furry animals.

Siamese

This cat does not produce fewer allergic enzymes, but has the advantage of shedding very little. Having less cat hair in the house can actually help you avoid experiencing allergy symptoms. And if you regularly bathe your pet in the bath, life with him will be truly comfortable.

Which breeds are better not to choose?

If a pet is needed in the house as a playmate for a child, special attention should be paid to the interaction of the animal with people.

What breed of cats are not chosen for children:

Ragdoll. Genetically fixed incredibly calm temperament. It is very difficult to make such a cat play and run. She is not aggressive, but overly melancholy.
Persian. These cats are irritable and dislike noise and children's activity. If you force your dog to play, he may bite.
American Curl. Friendly and playful, but this breed is not suitable for children - Curls do not like cuddles and children's hugs.
Himalayan. Not suitable due to its long, beautiful coat, which requires considerable effort to tidy up.
Turkish Angora. Prefers the company of adults, communicating with them through sounds.

All long-haired breeds for children are not an ideal option, because during play the hair will be in the child’s mouth, and the injured animal will begin to show aggression.

Important! Children do not need representatives of recently bred breeds with loose character traits.

Are cats dangerous for children?

Cats can be good friends, but don't forget that they are predatory animals and it is important to ensure safety when interacting with them.

Cats can be unpredictable; they can scare, bite, or scratch a child. It is important that games with your pet are supervised. Teach your offspring how to behave properly with an animal. But don’t expect him to strictly carry out your order; children do not realize the danger.

Children themselves can provoke an animal into aggressive behavior.

Do not leave a small sleeping baby alone with your pet. It can become an accidental cause of suffocation if it lies near the baby's face or on the chest, thereby interfering with breathing. Don't let your pet make the crib a place to play or sleep.

Cats can become carriers of infections, especially if they walk outside. Various parasites, worms, fleas, ticks, ringworm, conjunctivitis, toxoplasmosis and other diseases are transmitted from cats to humans. Do not allow your child to interact with other people's street animals.

Any cat disease requires prompt treatment because many of them are contagious.

Follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands after handling your pet. Don't let your cat go outside. Do not skip visits to the veterinarian for routine vaccinations of your animal. Wash your cat in the bathroom at least once a month. Keep his bowl, litter tray and toys clean.

The calmest and kindest cats

Many people prefer to have purebred cats. Among the huge variety of breeds, how can you choose the one that is best suited for living in the same apartment with your child?

There is a rating of representatives of the cat family, as if specially created for families with children. It includes Ragdoll, Devon Rex, Munchkin, Oriental, Scottish Fold, Siberian, Russian Blue, Burmese and hairless cats.

Ragdoll - a “rag doll” for a baby

This is the undisputed leader in the list of the best cats for children. The Ragdoll takes an honorable third place among the largest domestic representatives of this family. Only the Savannah and the Maine Coon are larger. Due to their low muscle tone, these cats have the unique ability to literally go limp in a hug. It is thanks to this feature that they got their name - from English it translates as “rag doll”.

Pros and cons of breeds

Breed	Attitude towards people	Attitude towards animals	Easy to care for	Energy	Passivity
Burmese	+	+	—	—	+
Ragdoll	+	+	—	—	+
British Shorthair	+	+	+	—	+
Manx	+	+	+	+	—
Abyssinian	+	+	+	+	—
Burmese shorthair	+	+	+	+	—
American Shorthair	+	+	+	+	—
Siamese	+	—	+	+	—
Persian	+	+	—	—	+
Maine Coon	+	+	—	+	—
Egyptian Mau	+	+	+	+	—
Turkish van	+	+	+	+	—
Kurilian Bobtail	+	+	+/- (there are representatives with different hair lengths)	+	—

Of course, there are many cats suitable for apartment living. The future owner needs to thoroughly study several breeds that he likes. With a thoughtful and balanced decision, you can achieve the main thing - to receive love and joy from communicating with an animal that best suits a particular family.

General tips and tricks

Having decided which cat is best to get for a child, you need to carefully consider the issue of choosing a specific kitten.

How to choose:

Age. If it is difficult to determine the age of a street kitten, then you need to buy an animal from a nursery that is 8-14 weeks old. At this age, the kitten begins to be accustomed to adult food, it is sufficiently socialized, it is easy to accustom it to the toilet and the rules in the apartment.
Health. You need to look under the tail: the anus should be dry and clean. Health criteria: eyes and ears without discharge, clean shiny fur, belly is round, but not tight or sunken.
Behavior. A healthy kitten should be playful, curious, and active. A cat that is too cocky or too quiet means problems with upbringing in the future.

You need to pick up the kitten you like and look at its reaction. Lack of aggression, calmness and a share of healthy curiosity is right.

If the kitten is interested in its future owners, it is possible that it was for them that it was born.

How to choose the right kitten and why should you choose cubs?

Cats are very special creatures. As you know, dogs get used to their owner, and cats get used to the house in which they live. It is best if the kitten is brought into the apartment at the age of 3-4 months and lives there all its life. He will consider this area his territory and will not make any attempt to get outside.

An adult cat will react to moving in the most negative way. At a minimum, he will begin to mark a new territory (and this will cause a lot of trouble for the owners), and at maximum, he may refuse to eat, begin to show aggressiveness and completely forget the way to the tray. In order to avoid such difficulties, it is best to buy a pet when it is small, and then the question of which cat is best to have in an apartment will not be so pressing.

And in order to choose the most worthy kitten in the litter, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Place of purchase of the animal.

The best option is to purchase a kitten from a specialized nursery. In such a place, purebred animals are bred and each kitten that appears is initially under the supervision of a veterinarian. From birth, he undergoes inspection, culling and has an appropriate passport confirming his pedigree. Of course, buying a bundle of joy in such a place is inexpensive, but the buyer is guaranteed to receive a quality product. Moreover, the owners of the cattery will always suggest the best cat breeds for an apartment and teach you how to properly care for a new family member. But it is best to refuse to purchase a cat from strangers or through an advertisement. It is easy to run into an animal with an unstable psyche or a congenital genetic disease.

• Pet's age.

If the future family member is less than 3 months old, then there is no need to rush into purchasing it. The kitten has not yet gone through “cat school”, the mother cat has not taught him all the wisdom, and he vitally needs mother’s milk. In addition, it is at the age of three months that the animal receives its first vaccination, and a passport is issued for it.

• Ease of movement and pleasant appearance.

Abyssinian cat – photo from the site www.catsofaustralia.com

It is well known that cats are very clean and tidy creatures. If the kitten's fur is in poor condition, it is wrinkled, does not shine and is not well-groomed, then the animal is clearly sick and is unable to care for itself. In addition, the kitten should not be too thin and not too fat. Any deviation from the norm is a reason for culling the animal. Also, the fluffy one should be playful and move easily. Kittens at the age of 3-4 months are very playful and active, and show commendable curiosity. If the baby is passive and constantly sleeps, then it should not be purchased. The future pet must be beautiful and active. In addition, this indicator should be taken into account especially when answering the question of what breed of cat to choose for a child.

• Ears, eyes and tail!

Ears, eyes and tail - these are the kitten's documents! The condition of these parts of an animal's body can tell a lot about its health. What breed of cat is best for a child? The one who is healthy and gets along well with children! If the animal’s ears and eyes are clean, without discharge or unpleasant odor, then the animal, at a minimum, does not have birth defects. Under the kitten’s tail is dry and clean - a guarantee of the absence of problems with the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract.

• A good appetite.

When you go to choose a future family member, you should take some cat treats with you. If the kitten happily accepts food from your hand, then there will be no problems with feeding at home. And if he refuses, then something is clearly wrong with the animal.

Which breed of cat to choose depends only on you, but a kitten of any breed must fully meet the above requirements.

Useful properties of cats

A furry pet is not only a responsibility and a chore, as future owners think, but also a huge benefit for the child. There are a huge number of beneficial factors from cats, these include:

A four-legged pet can teach a child responsibility not only for himself, but also for people close to him;
Babies who grow up next to cats rarely get sick, and, as a rule, are less prone to allergic reactions;
At a certain age, a child simply needs a four-legged friend, because furry pets are natural antidepressants;
Pets that are with the baby not only during the day, but also at night, can have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state during sleep.

What does an apartment cat need?

tray;
filler for it;
bowls for food and water (preferably several ceramic ones);
bed and/or house;
scratching post (required!);
toys and, preferably, a climbing frame;
carrying;
vitamins;
feed supply (if preference is given to ready-made feed);
comb-brush;
nail clipper for cutting nails.

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