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Finding the Right Type of CatHow to Find a Cat That Best Fits Your Personality and LifestyleOnce you know you want a new cat in your home, there are many important details to consider when determining which cat is right for your family.
It is important to consider age as a factor when selecting a cat. A kitten can be easier to train, and spends its entire life with the owner. A kitten is also more easily adapted to situations, but requires a larger amount of time for training. An adult cat is typically litter box and behavior trained. However, adult cats are mentally mature, and may not be as easy to adapt to every situation. Hair TypeAlmost as important as the cat is the type of fur they have. There are three basic types of fur in cats: Shorthair, Semi-Longhair, and Longhair. Shorthairs have the shortest coat length, and require the least amount of grooming. Many shorthair cats are also hypoallergenic, or allergy friendly. For those that like a longer coat but don’t like daily grooming, semi-longhairs are the best option. Lastly, there is the longhair coat. Often longhair cats require daily grooming to avoid tangles and mats in the fur as well as excessive shedding, but have long, silky coats that are attractive for showcasing. Pedigree or Non-PedigreeA pedigree cat is valuable for its trademarks in appearance and personality, according a specific breed’s standards. Buyers can easily choose a cat according to the traits that best fit their lifestyle. Research on individual breeds, like that found on the Cat Fancier’s Association Website, is also readily available to prepare the buyer in what to expect from each breed of cat. In contrast, non-pedigree cats are often a blend of several breeds, and not as easy to pinpoint. However, it is still easy to gain information on the cats personality based on the facility where the cat is purchased, and they often come in a wider color variety. Breeder or ShelterIt is also important to consider where to buy the cat from. Breeders often focus on one or two breeds of cat, and are a great resource for getting information on the health and condition of the cats. Most cats from breeders also usually have all their shots already. However, the cats tend to be more expensive from breeders. Shelter cats are less expensive, and a pedigree can be found in shelters. However, a shelter cat does not come with a health guarantee, and may need a checkup. It is also usually required that a shelter cat be spayed or neutered, if they have not been already. Futher ReadingFor more help on choosing the cat that’s right for you, see How to Choose a Cat.
The copyright of the article Finding the Right Type of Cat in Cats is owned by Mary Peach. Permission to republish Finding the Right Type of Cat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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