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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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