Does breed matter?
Picking a dog should involve careful research about the breed to make a good match for your family, but is it the same deal with cats?
When bringing a dog into your home, it’s common (and highly recommended) to spend plenty of time researching their needs – how much attention do they need, how much exercise, will they get along with children or pets you may already have? But how about cats? Considered lower maintenance than dogs on most fronts, does this translate to them fitting in in any home, regardless of breed?
READ MORE: Are cats better than dogs?
PAW by Blackmores spokesperson Felicia Tam says while cats are often lower maintenance, they are sometimes more unpredictable and less tolerant than dogs generally. “You also need to be sure you are ready for the commitment because they often live for a long time – cats living to 15 years is not that uncommon nowadays,” she says.
Before you look at breeds
Before you even consider which breed will suit you best, give some thought to whether you’d prefer a kitten or a mature cat. Sure kittens are tiny and cute, but a mature cat has benefits of their own. First up, a mature cat will show their personality and quirks straight away, whereas a kitten is a bit of an unknown entity until they mature.
A mature cat has also already been through the ‘kitten’ phase. While some of us enjoy the unbounded energy of a kitten and have the time for the heavy duty supervision required to keep them out of trouble, others may prefer to bring home a cat that has already gotten this out of their system.
Last but not least, if you have a dog that gets along well with cats (perhaps they’ve grown up with one that’s passed away), you can specifically look for a mature cat that has a history of getting along well with other dogs.
Ok, you’ve picked an age group, now to the breeds
There are a number of factors when choosing the right breed for your home. Obviously temperament is a big consideration – some people prefer a breed that will ‘talk’ to them, with a generally feisty and playful nature (think Siamese). Other folk may find these breeds too high maintenance and prefer a lap cat that’s content to entertain themselves all day, and cuddle up on your lap quietly by night.
Secondly, grooming should be a consideration. Some breeds bring a lot of hair into your home, and will require constant grooming to avoid matting – not to mention you’ll need to sweep up after them more often.
Once you’ve narrowed down breeds that suit your temperament and grooming requirements, why not check out an online breed selector to narrow the field, research them online, or check out a few breeder websites for more information – some pedigree kitties come with a huge price tag, or have long waiting lists. Better yet – get in touch with your local vet or check out Pet Rescue and give a rescue cat a new chance at a love-filled life!