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All cats have common traits, but some breeds have specific
qualities that make them more suitable for certain owners. If you
are thinking about getting a pet cat, but do not know what breed
to zero in on, here are a few tips to help you decide better.
Do you want an active cat?
The common myth that all cats are laid is absolutely not true. If
you are a high-energy persona and want a pet cat that will match
your energy, then there are a few breeds you can consider. Active
cats are also more vocal than normal cats, so you need to factor
that into the equation before you make your choice. Some of the
most common high-energy breeds include the Japanese Bobtail, the
Abyssinian, the Sphynx, and the Balinese.
Does the cat like water?
It is true that cats are not a big fan of water. However, there
are a few breeds that do not mind water. Whether they are drawn
to it naturally or just want to take a dip, there are certain cat
breeds that debunk the baseless myth that all cats hate water.
These include the American Shorthair, the Turkish Van, the
Bengal, the Maine Coon, and the American Bobtail.
Do you want your cat to fit in with your
schedule?
Cats are not clingy and most of them prefer solitude over
constant companionship. If you want an aloof breed that will not
get anxious while you are at work, there are many different
breeds you can choose from. This is something that you especially
want to consider as you cannot bring a cat into your life and
then ignore him. Some of the breeds that do not mind staying away
from the owner for long periods include the Siamese, the British
Shorthair, the American Shorthair, and the Russian Blue.
Do you want a long-haired cat?
Long-haired cat breeds are majestic, but they also require a lot
of grooming. You will have to find a good groomer and make sure
that your brush the coat regularly. Bear in mind that long-haired
breeds cannot stay outdoors during the warmer months with all
that fur. Picture wearing a jacket in the middle of July.
What about exotic cats?
Exotic cats are highly beautiful, but you need to consider the
added responsibility before you bring one into your home. Unlike
domesticated cats, these breeds are highly intelligent and
extremely active. So don't get an exotic breed if you do not know
what to expect. For instance, Bengals do not like being left
alone as they have a demanding personalities. If you are having
trouble deciding on the breed, ask an experienced local breeder
for more pointers.
Exotic Cat Breeds to Choose From
The Cat Fanciersโ Association currently recognizes 41 pedigreed
cat breeds, and among those, you will find a variety of
temperaments and appearances. Some of the most interesting breeds
to admire are those that originated in foreign lands or those
that have strikingly unusual features. These exotic cats are not
only beautiful, but they also make great pets. Below are some
unique breeds to consider.
While the exact origin of the Abyssinian remains a topic of
discussion among breeders, these cats mostly likely came from
England by way of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia.
Despite the Abyssinianโs somewhat wild appearance, the breed is
very intelligent and people-oriented.
Perhaps one of the most exotic-looking cat breeds, the spotted
Egyptian Mau is smart, friendly, and affectionate. However, they
like things on their terms and feel most comfortable with their
people.
This adorable, teddy bear-like cat is the result of crossbreeding
the Persian with
various shorthaired breeds. This produced a cat that looks nearly
identical to the Persian with the exception of the Persianโs
long, high-maintenance coat. These peaceful and loving cats are
very popular and make excellent pets.
The Ocicat (pictured above) truly resembles a wild animal.
Well-muscled and spotted, this breed may look ferocious but in
fact, has a very amiable temperament. These cats become
absolutely devoted to their owners.
Oriental cats represent a diverse group of felines that have
their foundation in the Siamese breed. These cats can be found in
over 600 color, pattern, and coat length combinations. Curious
and intelligent, they thrive on human interaction and love
to play.
This ancient breed takes its name from their country of origin --
these cats were supposedly passengers on desert caravans from
Persia and Iran. Today, the Persian is the most popular purebred
cat, with a long and luxurious coat, signature pansy-like face,
and extremely sweet disposition.
Siamese cats have captured the hearts of cat lovers since they
were first exported from Thailand in the late 1800s. Their exotic
appearance is highlighted by deep slanted eyes and large
triangular ears. An affectionate, intelligent, and communicative
cat, the Siamese makes a great companion pet.
These cats originated on the streets of Singapore, and retain an
exotic Asian appearance. This breed is usually smaller than other
shorthaired cats, and their confident and curious personalities
mean that they like to be involved in the lives of their owners.
The Somali has a wonderfully exotic appearance with a muscular
body and a full plume tail. These cats have the brains to match
their beautiful looks; they are alert, playful, and actively
engaged in whatever they do.
Thereโs no cat quite like the Sphynx. This lovable and energetic
breed is usually completely hairless, or else has a fine layer of
peach fuzz type hair. This unusual physical attribute means that
Sphynx cats are often tolerable to allergy sufferers.
The Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds You Can Choose As A Pet
Pet allergy is a common phenomenon and can happen to everyone. It
usually happens due to fur, dander, or fleas from the petโs body.
But many dreams of owning a pet dog or cat someday. And if youโre
someone who has a similar problem and yet cannot resist staring
at furry kitties from YouTube videos in the hopes of one day
cuddling them, then youโre in luck. Because something called
hypoallergenic cats do exist who donโt cause as much allergy as
other breeds. Weโll leave the science to the pundits and focus on
the more important part โ what breeds can you choose from. Here
is a list of the ones that are available to you.
-
Bengal cat The coats
of Bengal cats are smooth and contain less fur. So, they donโt
groom themselves much and therefore their salivas are
relatively free of allergen or contain less allergen. Moreover,
due to the lack of thick fur, they donโt shed as much as cats
of other breeds.
-
Russian Blue cat This
cat breed produces fewer amounts of glycoprotein Fel d1, the
substance which produces allergies in people. These cats do not
necessarily contain less fur on their body.
-
Devon Rex Devon Rexes
have very little fur to start with and they shed even less fur
compared to other cats. Moreover, they have a smooth fur coat
which allows people with cat allergies to pet them easily.
-
Oriental short hair
The name itself suggests that these felines have short hairs on
their body. They come in various patterns and colors than other
cats, but the short-hair characteristic remains constant for
all.
-
Siberian cats With
long fuzzy hairs, Siberian cats may be the only exception
amongst the entire lot, but they too are hypoallergenic due to
less production of the Fel d1 in their body. These cats are
very popular and allergic individuals can choose them if they
like long hair.
-
Sphynx cat The Sphynx
cat completely lacks hair on its body and therefore their
grooming sessions are completely harmless. They are quite
popular and are also supposed to bring good luck!
Conclusion
While the list is a big one, allergic individuals must keep in
mind that short hair, hairless and low production of Fel d1
glycoprotein are the things they need to look out for. It is also
a good idea to take the cat to the vet if the allergy persists.
More on Cat Breeds
Where Do Different Cat Breeds
Come From? - Infographic
Hypoallergenic Cats for People
with Allergies
Easiest Cats to Care For
