What cat is right for me?

[Bastet27]

:) Hi people! I'm wondering what cat would be right for me. I'm sure there are lots of people out there that know lots of cat breeds. :D well, I am a very active person, with my old cats I gave them lots of attention. I'm looking for a cat that needs plenty of attention, loves to sit in laps, likes to cuddle, long hair or shorthair are both fine, but I would much rather prefer shorthair. :) :D I have heard that some cats love to play with water...if there is a certain breed I would like that one. I would like an an active cat. any color is fine, but gray and white, orange or brown is excellent. No black and white or gray with dark gray stripes! I had two :D adorable:D cats that were those colors and I couldn't think of replacing them. They died a few years ago:( :( :( I miss them! Thanks for your help everyone. :rolleyes: Thank You! Bye
cats or kittens, just the same, make other pets look pretty lame!

[Karen]

Maine Coons are notorious for liking to play with water ... why not stop by your nearest shelter and see who tugs at your heart?

[BastetsMum]

My recommendation is go to a shelter first.

However, here are the breeds that like or have a fascination with water:

Turkish Vans, maine coons, abysinnians, tuxies (well the ones I have met anyway) all have a fascination with water.

Though most of these cats bar the maine coons and tuxies are independent and are not prone to being lap cats but are highly affectionate and hyperactive.

Make sure you thouroughly check the breeder out and the types of genetic illnesses that purebreds can get before you go and purchase. If you can get an older *retired* cat from a breeder. They make marvelous pets!

[Bastet27]

Thanks for your help! I'll be sure to check out those breeds. :D I checked out some pictures and I really like the abyssinians. I think I might get one of those. Do you know if they are active and like to sit in laps?:D

[Barbara]

Abyssinians are active. And active. And active (look at thread "Abyssinians are the best" under Cat Breeds).
My Filou never sits on the lap but very often on my shoulders. They are very affectionate and love people.
E.g. Filou loves to wake me up in the night by giving headbumpies and purring like a Harley. He can do that 20 minutes until I decide it won't help to continue to sleep.
Abyssinians balance on top of doors, steal money (at least Maya and Bodhi did:D ) and get into trouble several times per day.
I could not imagine how my life was without one (I have one and a half).

[BastetsMum]

Ok if you want a lap cat DON'T go for an ABY!

Bastet <- my aby - is hyper!

A lap is only a place for her to warm her butt in winter.

They are highly independent creatures who are extremely fast learners!

Bastet can now open the fridge and has new attention seeking behaviour in rubbing her nose against the bottom of the door!

She can also open doors if something is hanging on them ....

Need I go on! :)

[neko1]

Abyssinians Abyssinians Abyssinians!!!!!!!!!

They are the best!!!! I love my Tama chan to death!!!!!! He is my shadow- wherever I go, ho goes with me. And when I sit down, he is always right there on my lap, purring away. He loves running around the house and playing with my other cats. He also loves car rides and will sit in my lap. He's a wonderful puss and I can't live without him.

I love you Tama and I love all Abys!!!! :)

[neko1]

Here's some pics of Tama: he's a blue aby:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/peaf2af99c9bed732e00bbbdebb6ff413/fd0f67ef.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid45/pa1def4bdddab1bac6a618f99762e1ade/fcd4ea2b.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid50/pfe5a9c01e91c29e4985e54b87a895d7f/fcaadf77.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid39/pe069e4d123a930bebbc2d283c42a8fe9/fd05e6ee.jpg

[smokey the elder]

Here are recommendations in order of my personal preference.

1. Visit local shelters and/or their web sites. Actually look at the cats. Quite often, if you keep an open mind, a particular cat will speak to you in its own way. I have seen this happen so many times in my rescue group.

2. Contact specific breed rescues. Yes, people DO spend over a K on a kitten, then the first time it messes outside the litter box or picks a chair, they give it up, usually on some bogus pretext.

3. Contact a breeder (get references and history from vets, etc.) about a retired stud or queen. Sometimes those might not be socialized well, so watch out.

4. (In my opinion) As a last resort, see a breeder about a kitten. Many breeders have mandatory spay/neuter contracts, unless you plan on showing the cat in a show class where it must be intact to compete.

STAY AWAY from petstores selling kittens!

Good luck, and welcome to Pet Talk, the most addictive pet site on the Internet.

[Soledad]

Tama is beautiful! Did you know his name is Maori for "leader"?

[BastetsMum]

If you go to the public section of www.photogra.com and underneath cats - go to - Bastet DesertSands - you will see my gorgeous little girl..

I wouldn't give her up for the WORLD!

www.photogra.com

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'd also like to suggest Aby's. My cat Sunny is half aby and half tabby but I think he acts more like an aby. He's very active, likes to play in the water, loves to talk to me, is very affectionate towards me, and he's a lap cat when he wants to be. Here are a few pictures of him.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid44/p4204800340a752037e4ff7f868adffb2/fce12157.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid27/pf9b1a2948501ad8173628c6d3d767851/fd735bde.jpg

He's also quite a character too.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid24/p6b09b5a8920249d1b5c1fce521ec6f06/fd94062e.jpg

[Barbara]

I love the second pic of acrobat Sunny:)

[L. Wayne]

Bastet, Concerning cat personalities; generally I have found that even from the same litters of kittens that some are affectionate and some are not. Much of it depends on the personality of the cat. If you go to an animal shelter and seek out a kitty there are several things to watch for when choosing an affectionate furkid. (1). go by each cage and check for any cat that wants to come home with you. This is easily done because they will often begin to grab at you and meow as you walk by their cage. Beware of any furkid that stays or attempts to hide in their cage, regardless of how much you may want them. (2) Pick up the cat from the cage, and see how it reacts to your cuddling. Check for purring and cuddling or sometimes they will actually wrap thier paws around your neck. (3) Caress their paws. This is very important because if a prospective family member constantly withdraws or resists its paws from being caressed, the cat will probably not be very affectionate. (4) Walk by the other cages while holding your prospective pet and check for its reactions to the others. If it growls and hisses, it may be an affectionate kitty, but will have difficulty in adapting to other furkids in the house. This indicates that it would be best as a one-cat household. The ideal reaction will be one of inerest, but will not react to the other's protests at being confronted with another unknown cat. This is the method that I use when choosing my furkids of which I now have 11 and none of them fight each other, and all of my adoptees are lap kitties. Personally, I would always look for 2 furkids to take home because of the companionship that develops between them. Also, if you can take in 1 furkid, then taking in 2 would not be that much of a problem. When you have 2 furkids then they are not so dependent on you for play time and other attention needs.

As far as breeds go, I suggest that you look into adopting a Russian Blue. I currently have 2 of them and one is an adoptee. They are very loyal, affectionate very playful and curious, and make good lap kitties. They need not be pure-breds, as long as there is enough Russian Blue mix in them that they have the physical and personality traits of that breed of cat. The more pure the breed, the more silver-tipped fur they have. and their ears are set at about a 120-degree angle on the top of their head. Although neither of mine are pure breds, they both have emerald green eyes, which is another trait for Russian Blues.

Now, if you want a cat that plays in the water, this behavior is usually up to each individual cat, regardless of the type of coat color or breed. I have had cats in the past that liked to play in the water, and none of the others in the same litter liked to do that.

The problem with adopting a furkid from an animal shelter is that it is difficult to judge how they will react until after you get them home. They will adapt themselves to being confined to a small cage but their true character will come out until they are let loose in the house. This is particulaly true when dealing with male kitties. When I adopted Otis (a flame-point Siamese from a shelter, although he passed about 80% of the4-point examination, after I got him home, he immediately began to take on the dominant male role, of which there was none to fill that position He will attack any cat that hisses at him, but otherwise if they accept him and his self-appointed role, then there is no trouble from him.

The day that I saw Puma in the shelter (a Russian Blue mix), she immediately began to cry out and paw at me especially when I walked by her cage. When I picked her up, she actually wraped her front legs around my neck, and began to purr. She gave out a protest when I placed her back in her cage, in order to talk to the keeper to take her home. Since I have brough her home, she is one of the most affectionate kitties I have ever had. It is not uncommon for her to give me head bumpies, and kitty kisses. Also, if she is cold at night, she will come up to my head and begin to paw at the covers. Then I will let her in under the covers, and she will immediately go to sleep with her head against my chest. The only thing that I have to watch with her is when she becomes confused and scared, she has lashed out at me in the past, when trying to pick her up, but this behavior was only witnessed when she first came home with me.

When I adopted Chris (Christmas cat) -a swirl-orange tabby with white underneath -he passed 100% of the 4-point exam. But after I got him home he bagan to play with the cat toys and made himself at home almost immediately, although he was not that demonstrative at the shelter. Since I have had him, he as made his way into my heart as being one of my favorite furkids. He follows me around, regardless of what I am doing, and is nearly always by my side. He is usually sleeping next to the keyboard, like he is this morning, whenever I am gabbing on the 'net. Every night he sleeps on my bed.

I hope this helps in your decision making.


.........wayne:)

[rosethecopycat]

Hi,

Welcome.

I'm here to represent Siamese cats!

I like the idea of abys and Russian Blues, or Siamese. But with any of these active breeds, they needs lots of attention, so it might be wise to get a pair. Two is not really any more care than one and the benefits are great. They keep eachother company and out of trouble when you are gone. They play chase and wrestle, it's so fun to watch (and I've got a mixed temperament pair-one Siamese and onw Tux)

If you've heard that Siamese are mean, it's not true. That is a gross generalization. There are sweet and means cats of every shape, size, gender, and breed.

Please do adopt from a shelter.

These poor kids need a chance.

Here's a couple links:

Siameserescue.org

and

petfinder.com

Keep us updated.

Good luck.

[batgirl1980]

Honestly, I agree with everyone here.. go to a shelter first, and give them a chance.... check out the personalities.

My Mozart LOVES to play with water.. the washing machine is his latest addiction it seems lol If i'm doing laundry he's helping me load, if i'm not, he meows until i do if its about that time lol, and he was from a shelter.

Bach my other kitty, does not want anything to do with water, tho because of mozart he is getting more curious about it.

Eliza, drinks out of the sink if you let her.. nuff said :D

so DEFINETELY, try the shelters first. There are so many wonderful kitties there, I'd take em all home if i could!

[SANDY FROST]

Bengal cats are very active,love attention,love water, not fussy about food.
But Beware they are very smart cats and get into everything. We have childproof locks on cabinet doors,.:)
Sandy Frost

[BastetsMum]

I KNOW that feeling Sandy Frost!

....

[neko1]

Me too! Abys are the same way.

[2kitties]

If you are set on a purebred cat, please try the breed rescues first. Then you get to rescue a wonderful animal, plus get the pet you want.

I have Heinz 57 kitties, but my friend has a Bengal which fits all your descriptions. However, their colors aren't as varied as I think you want. ... that I know of. I've only seen them tabby style.

Maine Coons are wonderful. Sort of known as "the cat for dog people!"

Good luck and I hope you find a kitty that completes your home just right.

[Bastet27]

Thanx for your help:) I took a look at some Bengal pics and really liked them. I might get one of those....:p :rolleyes: :D :) :cool:

[Bastet27]

HELP! I can't decide! Should I get an abyssinian or a bengal????:confused: What do you think?

[BastetsMum]

If you want a purebred I would have to say ....

GO ABY GO


Like lots of people have said before get a retired mature abysinnian - they are just as fun as the kittens! Make sure though that aby is socialised or you will be a little disappointed with the temperament of the breed if you decide to get another cat or 10!

:D

[SANDY FROST]

GET A BENGAL. I HAVE THREE
OF THEM.
SANDY FROST:D

[neko1]

Aby all the way!!! :D

[moosmom]

I've been around both abbys and bengals. I've found that abbys are very affectionate, loving cats who crave attention. I agree that you SHOULD look into the purebred rescue. A pre-owned cat is the way to go. Put the money back into rescue. You'll be doing society a huge favor and contributing to a very worthy cause, not line the pockets of Breeders. They make enough money (no offense intended).

How about one of each??? :D

[L. Wayne]

Bastet 27, what kind of cat are you looking for, that is, what type of personality or character do you want? Abys are good for those with a lot of patience, because they normally don't mature until they are about 2 years old. In the mean time, they can get into practically everything in your house. I am not familiar with Bengals, so cannot comment on them. I have a part-Aby, and he is a character, especially when he was younger, namely Fawn. Even today he is precocious, and constantly starts arguments with my other furkids. In short, Fawn is an agitator;) Remembering when he was younger, at night there was constant noise and rattling in the house because of his curious nature , because he was always getting into things. I didn't mind his curiosity, but all the time, at night? :D

.......wayne

[catland]

Regarding the siamese breed, I'd like to mention my favorite quote from "the book of the cat" (From what people are saying, this sounds like it could also apply to abbys and oriental shorthairs - which are just siamese without the colorpoint markings.)

"This is not the cat to have if you want a peaceful life":D

[Soledad]

I think my Boo must have Abby/Siamese in him. He's a REAL trouble maker.:p

[Bastet27]

Okay, I've made my decision. I'm going for an aby! Well, thats what I think, anyways. I might get a different kind, but an aby is what I'm looking for. I have a forest in my backyard with coyotes and raccoons. I'm wondering....Do you guys think it is cruel to have an inside only cat?:confused:

[SANDY FROST]

Having an indoor isn the right thing to do. My 3 Bengals have been inside all their lives and are happy and healthy.
Sandy Frost:D :) ;) :cool:

[neko1]

Indoor only is the way to go!!! There are way too many dangers outside for kitties and plus if your getting a purebred, it might get stolen.

My cats are purfectly happy living only indoors:)

[krazyaboutkatz]

My cats are also only indoor cats and are very happy too. I'm so glad that you've decided to get an aby. Since aby's need a lot of attention you may want to get two of them. Good luck and please keep us updated. :)

[BastetsMum]

Indoor is definately the way to go!

Not only is it dangerous for a kitty to be outside but:

You are doing your bit by protecting the birds and other small animals from predation in your yard.

You won't have to worry where kitty is at 2am in the morning.

Dead things on carpet don't look good especially when you have to dispose of them.

Kitties don't smell (really they don't compared to other animals) if you keep everything relating to kitty relatively clean.

Kitties keep *monsters* away that hide under beds, rugs and behind doors :D

Kitties are great feet warmers in winter. Also can be used a pillows, cushions and face washers. Watch out for sharp pointy things though :D

Definate entertainment value - don't worry about what happens to Ally McBeal because you will be too busy entertaining kitty. Television is a thing of the past in my house.

You will learn to share. Willingly or unwillingly. Forget trying to teach your kitty manners - it just simply won't happen.

I am sure other people can add to this list!

Also get used to the terms "headbumpies", "smooging", "pie crust holes", "the bowling pin", "the sumo", "the gargoyle", "the half gargoyle", "feral" and last but not least -

the

assysinian :D

[L. Wayne]

When you mentioned coyotes, definitely keep your kitties inside. When I lived in Central Calif. on a ranch, we lost many furkids to coyote raids. A cat is no match for a hunting party of coyotes. Even now, since I live close to the Virdigris River in southeastern Kansas, I still hear coyotes howling from the river bottoms at night. My furkids are scared of them, and rightly so. I believe one of the main reasons cats like to go outside, even if they are primarily inside furkids, is to nibble on grass or some other green plants. Perhaps it would be proper to keep a box of lawn grass growin in the house all year, so they can eat some now and then.:)

........wayne

[Bastet27]

Ok, my cat will be an indoor cat only. One problem...I have some pet fish!!! Will my cat eat them while I'm asleep?:confused:

I will soon post some pictures of my past kitties:D :p :cool: :D :) ;)

[SANDY FROST]

baset 27
Can't you put a screen over your fish to pertect
from your future cat. Indoors is the right thing to do. Can't you have a room for the fish where the cat cannot go. I have a downstairs room
next to the garage where the cats are not allowed. It's my reptile room.
Sandy Frost:eek: :) :cool: :rolleyes:

[BastetsMum]

Bastet enjoys looking at my fish. I have a lid and a light on the top and only feed them when I know she isn't around. The fish don't seem to care so don't worry about stress. The only time I was concerned was when one fish jumped out and immediately got *eaten* by Bastet but that is a rare occurance.

[L. Wayne]

Bastet27, any kind of screen will do, however, it would be best to attempt to purchase one from a pet shop, one that will fit over the top of your aquarium. Otherwise, you can make one from any kind of screen, cut to fit over the top, to keep your new furkid from attempting to eat the fish. A top need not be made of screen but can be a regular solid tank top with a light in it.

The other night on Animal Planet, they had a home video of a kitten getting carried away, looking at the fish in a home aquarium. The kitten went head first into the water, but then immediately jumped out.:D Needless to say the people did not have a top on their aquarium.

..........wayne

[Bastet27]

ok, then I will buy a cover for my fish tank. How do you stop your cat from scratching the furniture? I have tried putting a scratching post in front of the chair that they particularily like but sometimes they don't use it. Do you know any ways?

Thanx for all your help!:) :D

[moosmom]

Any shelter cat is the way to go :D Give a homeless cat a good furrrever home. There are SO many unwanted, abandoned cats out there. Please don't line the pockets of breeders.

[L. Wayne]

To stop a furkid from scratching up your furniture (1) have a designated scratching post for them. (2) Even with my 11 furkids, I still have problems with a few of them scratching my couch. So far I have covered the entire couch with a bed spread, including the sides. Also, if you spray cologne or some other smelly stuff on it, this will usually deter them. Whenever I hear that familair tearing sound, usually, I will attempt to spray the offenders with water, as they understand that I am not pleased with that behavior. However, they are like a bunch of children, and they have to be remineded now and then.:) I have been told that if you place a little catnip on their scratching post, then theywill prefer that to your furniture.

.........wayne

[BastetsMum]

Diluted vinegar in a water pistol works wonders for not having kitties scratch things they are not supposed to!

In fact I have Bastet well trained all I have to do now is point my *loaded finger* at her and she heads for the hills!

[Bastet27]

I don't know....It's a leather chair, is it ok to spray stuff on it? I don't know if it would harm it...would it work the same? :confused: :) :D :p :cool:

[BastetsMum]

I am not sure about leather chairs but isnt' there some kind of leather conditioner you can rub on it that has a smell that may deter your kitty?

[NoahsMommy]

Beware, cats LOVE leather. But...they can be easily trained to keep away from it. A water bottle works really well...and you don't get the couch, you get the cat. If you are really worried, try soft paws: http://www.softpaws.com/