Best Breed???

[CatLover03]

I am looking for a short-haired cat. What type of breed would be the best to get? Also what age do you think I should get a new kitten?

[PayItForward]

Why don't you visit your local cat shelter and see who picks you.

:)

[kath00]

Hello, :)

It is very pleasant to get a kitten because it is cute and full of energy. We can also see it growing up.

Otherwise, there are plenty of adult cats who needs good homes and whose only desire is to be part of your world. They're also cheaper.

If you're getting a cat for the first time, maybe you should take a kitten because it is usually easier to train.

It is cheaper and easier to get a domestic shorthaired cat, which is the "common" cat. Their appearance is more common and their personality is usually well balanced.

You are looking for a purebred cat ?
If yes, there are many personal things to consider before choosing a breed:
- The price
From $100 to $800. It depends on the quality of the cat. By quality we hear "conformity with the established standard"(based on cat's physical appearance). It also depends on the type of breeder, if he is professional or not. An unusual breed like a Munchkin or an Egyptian Mau will be more expensive than something more usual like a Persian or a Siamese. So if you wanna pay less, choose an usual breed and try to find a "non professional but cat-lover" breeder in your region. :D You can also find purebred cats in some shelters. Or try to find a mixed breed.
-Appearance
You have the choice. Curved or folded ears... Blue, green or yellow eyes... Various types of body... Spotted or tabby fur; grey, orange, white, blue, colorpoint, black, brown, or a combination of these colors.... (personally, I prefer colorpointed cats)...
-Personality
Shorthaired cats are usually full of energy, mischievous playful and very affectionate. They need a lot of attention and supervision(particularly the oriental breeds). But every cat is an individual and has different behaviours.


Here's a few links toward shorthaired purebred cats' profiles(on the pictures, some of the cats look weird 'cause they're champion cats :D):
ABYSSIAN (I think they're good cats): http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/abyssinian.html
ORIENTAL: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/oriental.html
BURMESE(cool breed): http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/burmese.html
SIAMESE: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/siamese.html
TONKINESE (they're cute ;) ):http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/tonkinese.html
EGYPTIAN MAU: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/egyptian.html
EXOTIC (shorthaired version of the persian, if you're looking for a more quiet cat): http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/exotic.html
SINGAPURA (very special colours!): http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/singapura.html

[PayItForward]

If you're getting a cat for the first time, maybe you should take a kitten because it is usually easier to train.

With respect, I wish you could train a cat.....

I was a first time cat owner 8 months ago, we decided to adopt George, or rather he decided to adopt us.

We *thought* we wanted a 2 year old cat but we had to have him and he happened to be eight and very very sweet & friendly.

Kittens are cute but need attention every 4 hours. i.e. Not ideal for a working household. Also kittens are easily adopted, by taking on an older animal, you make a difference.

Personally, I feel an adult cat is a better start for a first cat owner. Their personalities are fixed, though at a shelter all cats are a little quieter than they are in a furever home.

With George we had all the good stuff (cuddles) with none of the bad (Litter training, hunting prey).

I would highly recommend a shelter kitty.

Hopeing your perfect cat comes along (and that we get photos of said cat asap)

PS. I personally wouldn't buy though a breeder when so many shelter kitties need homes. (This is my opinion only, no disrespect to those who do prefer breeders.)

[marysmerrycats]

I personally wouldn't buy though a breeder when so many shelter kitties need homes.

thats how I feel also. there are just so many lovable , wonderful cats out there waiting for someone to adopt them!
as far a kitten vs. cat... its just whatever you choose when you go to the shelter... I have gone and just fell in love with a kitten, and other times the same has happend with an adult cat... like payitforward said, there are advantages to both.

[*ABYCAT* Alice]

My favorite breed is absolutely the Abyssinian! They are the best companion and a very alert and “helpful” cat that wants to be near you whatever you do.
My Aby Costello is the sweetest cat on Earth!
http://www.abycat.com/cost2.jpg

Welcome to visit our website http://www.abycat.com

[marysmerrycats]

your aby cat is beautiful! my Louise has part abbysinnian I think, her eyes look similar to that. if not abbysinnian, she has some other cat breed in her that Emma doesn't... Emma is more tabby.

[BastetsMum]

Aby's can be trained! I have trained Bastet to sit, stay, fetch, to only scratch on her pole and not on anything else, use a litter box. It takes practise and patience.

She started her training when she was a year old because in her kitten phase she was too hyperactive to do so.

I absolutely adore Aby's but check out your local shelter first :)

[carole]

Yes do go check out your local animal shelter first, they are full of gorgeous cats and kittens, i would like to own a pure-breed oneday, but i dont think i ever will because my heart is already taken by the shelter kitties, who desperately need loving homes, but its your choice, abbys seem to be a favourite on here though with a lot of people.

[IttyBittyKitty]

Once you decide which breeds you like, check out the shelters! There will probably be a cat that matches a breed that you would like to have! Also try the newspapers, often purebreds are given away or sold for very cheap prices when their owners have to give them up. Purebred cats and dogs are abandoned and mistreated as much as domestic breeds are.

With that said, I've got the following on my shelter shopping list:

1) A purebred Meezer to play with Pixel
2) A purebred or half bred Coonie
3) A purebred Aby!
4) A Himalayan and Meezer cross (Lorraine has one and it is GORGEOUS)
5) A long haired fur kid of any description!

Ahhhh....I can't wait til I can have more cats

[mesiecat]

Please visit your local shelter, June is adopt a shelter animal month. There are many kittens and older cats just waiting for a good home, and you would be saving a life. If you don't want to go that route, check with your neighbors, and look at community bulleting boards to see who has kittens to be given away. Also please check out siamese.org. Siamese and siamese mix are great short-haired cats. Let us know what you decide.http://http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid64/p39bfd766a04f1a58074257876b766e61/fbfea518.jpg

[CatLover03]

Thanks for all the helpful hints. You made it easier for me to choose. When I get one, I'll let you know.