In This Article
In This Article
There are dozens of different types of cat breeds out there. Determining the type that is best for you is an important part of responsible cat ownership.
If you are thinking about adopting a cat or you would like to familiarize yourself with a specific cat breed, here’s some useful information.
The three main cat associations that recognize purebred cats recognize between 43 and 58 different modern breeds. Most fit into one or more general categories, including:
Within those categories are standardized breeds, including:
Certain breeds of cats are more popular than others. This means that a great deal of the population has embraced these breeds and invited them into their homes. These cat breeds are popular for various reasons, from their personalities and unique characteristics to their appearances to their rarity.
The 10 most popular cat breeds, according to The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc., include:
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Determining which type of cat is best for you can be challenging. Breed popularity might be based on personality or color of the coat or other factors, but there’s more to consider than these issues.
Taking a step-by-step decision will help you determine which breed of cat is best for you. If you are thinking of getting a cat and you aren’t sure about things, consider the following:
Are you home a lot, or do you travel or work outside of the house full-time?
Many people consider cats independent, but some breeds are more dependent than others. Also, assess who lives in your home, whether you have other pets, and how much time and money you have to invest in a particular breed.
The last thing you want to do is bring a cat home that needs a lot of attention and not provide your cat with what it needs.
The size of the cat and length of hair are the two most important factors here. But many people like the “look” of certain breeds.
Kittens are great for assimilating in your home with ease, but full-grown cats have plenty of great attributes, too. Not to mention it might be inexpensive or free to adopt a full-grown purebred cat, whereas purebred kittens tend to be expensive.
When considering cat breeds, the most important thing to think about is whether or not a particular breed will fit into your family. There might be a breed you like, but if they are not known for a personality that suits your lifestyle, it will not be a good relationship for you and your pet.
The breed you choose isn’t as important as whether or not you and your family can meet your cat’s needs and bond with the pet.
If you have a breed in mind, invest plenty of time learning about the needs of that breed. If you aren’t sure of a particular breed, consider taking an online test that evaluates your lifestyle and compares it to a variety of different breeds.
If you’re thinking of bringing a cat into your home, it’s important to take your time, prepare your home and family, and make smart decisions about the inclusion process. For example:
If you want a purebred kitten. If you are open to different breeds or adult cats, consider visiting a nearby shelter to see what’s available.
Most breeders allow people to visit a kitten’s mother or parents and the litter of kittens from which they are adopting before the kitten is old enough to go home.
If you are working with a breeder, you should receive information about your kitten’s parents, at a minimum.
Invest in one or more litter boxes (at least one per cat in your home), research high-quality food, choose which one you’ll start your cat on, and make sure there are toy and enrichment activities on and for your new pet.
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