Cat Breed Sections
Owning a cat is a fun and fulfilling experience, especially when you’ve found the right breed for your home. Cat breeds and their respective traits vary greatly, and it’s important to consider that not every cat will fit into every environment. Do you have allergies? Are there small children in the house? Multiple pets? In the following articles we’ll look at these and other common qualifiers for selecting a new cat, and explore the breeds that will make for a perfect pet.
Hypoallergenic Cats for People with Allergies
Those who suffer from cat allergies often think that their condition excludes them from ever owning a feline friend, but this isn’t necessarily true. Many allergy sufferers live happily and comfortably with low allergen - or “hypoallergenic” - cats. While no breed is completely allergen free, hypoallergenic cats tend to produce fewer allergens than other cats. Cats with short coats or minimal shedding can also be tolerable for allergy sufferers, however you should always test your allergic reaction to a cat before bringing them home.
Cat Breeds Who Get Along with Other Pets
Sometimes it’s hard to stop at just one pet, and if you find yourself wanting to add a new cat to your furry family, you’ll want to make sure that the breed will get along with all of their animal housemates. Luckily, many cats love the companionship of other pets and get lots of enjoyment out of shared playtimes. For multi-pet homes, you should look for a breed that is social, easygoing, and non-territorial.
Cat Breeds for Families with Kids
Cats can bring a great deal of joy to homes with small children. Most children adore pets, and want nothing more than to give their pal a squeeze, pick them up in their arms, or enjoy a silly game. With this in the mind, the breed you bring home should be playful, gentle, and patient.
The Friendliest Cat Breeds
It would be difficult to find a cat who doesn’t like a good ear rub, but what about a personable cat who will offer lots of affection, greet you at the door, and lovingly follow you from room to room? Some cat breeds make better companion pets than others, and if you want a cat who will be by your side you’ll need to a find a cat who wants that too. The friendliest cats are “people cats” who thrive on human interaction and form close bonds with their owners.
The Most Self-Sufficient Cat Breeds
Cats have a reputation for being independent when in reality many breeds require a great deal of attention, interaction, and care. If you have a busy lifestyle or are short on free time, breeds like that will likely be unhappy in your home. In these situations a self-sufficient cat can make a great pet, and you’ll want to look for a breed that is perfectly happy to be left alone and that's low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. You may also want to consider an older cat who needs less attention than a brand new kitten.
Friendly Cat Breeds
Cat Breed Sections
Pets can be great sources of unconditional love and companionship. However when it comes to cats, some breeds are known for their aloof or independent dispositions. These cats can make excellent low-maintenance pets for people with busy lives, but for the owner who wants a loyal friend who will seek out affection and interaction, you’ll want a benevolent breed that enjoys the company of people.
While the Abyssinian is not necessarily a lap cat, this breed is extremely intelligent and loyal, and becomes deeply involved in family life.
One of the most interactive and people-oriented breeds, the American Bobtail with its wildcat-like appearance forms close bonds with humans and even enjoys walking on a leash.
These attentive and curious cats with their distinctive curled ears are often described as “dog-like” for their habit of following their owners around and their playful personalities that last into adulthood.
The American Shorthair is an ideal family breed known for its longevity, good health, and kind temperament.
The gentle blue-eyed Birman is an ideal companion breed that thrives on attention and is easy to hold.
The panther-like Bombay is an inquisitive, affectionate, and outgoing breed that enjoys many of the same activities as dogs, including leashed walks and games of fetch.
This confident breed is the ultimate human companion, regularly following their owners around and seeking out cuddling sessions.
The Colorpoint Shorthair, with a body and head type identical to the Siamese, is a talkative breed that absolutely demands the attention of its owners.
This playful large-eared breed prefers to be around its owner at all times, whether perched on a shoulder while you read or at your feet while you watch TV.
European Burmese
This affectionate, medium-sized cat loves to snuggle and participate in everything you do.
Known for their adorable round faces, Exotic cats are sweet, loyal companions who enjoy attention but do not demand it.
The Japanese Bobtail is a playful and extremely friendly breed that wants to be the center of family life.
The silver-tipped blue Korat is a serious cuddler who becomes deeply attached to human companions.
LaPerm
This affectionate and active breed seeks human contact and is happy to play the role of lap cat.
Known as the “Gentle Giant,” this large longhair breed is widely sought after for its friendly and loving personality.
These unique tailless cats are often described as “dog-like” for their loyalty and love of active play.
An intelligent and curious breed, the Oriental craves attention and interaction and is not happy when ignored.
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a sweet and cuddly breed that is often sought after as a companion pet.
This large, gentle breed is known for its affectionate nature and distinct interest in humans.
One of the most recognizable cat breeds, the Siamese is a classic “people” cat who seeks interaction and communicates through a unique voice.
The friendly and outgoing Siberian is an adaptable breed that will play when you want to play and sit calmly when you want quiet companionship.
The Somali is a perfect companion breed that offers everything a pet owner could want -- playfulness, attentiveness, and at the end of the day, affection.
The confident and loving Tonkinese is a popular companion breed for its desire to be engaged in every activity -- these cats don’t like to be ignored or left alone.
The exceptionally soft Turkish Angora is considered one of the most affectionate and extroverted of all the cat breeds.
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