Choosing a breed is a difficult question for the future owner.
It is difficult for an inexperienced person to understand so many cat breeds. From 40 to 90 breeds are recognized by different felinological clubs.
We have compiled a guide to choosing a cat breed to help future owners. The breeds are divided according to the characteristics, care and lifestyle of the cat owner.
- Difficulty in care
- Does not require special care
- Difficult in content
- For busy people
- With an original appearance
British Shorthair
Many professional breeders, when asked by beginners: “Which breed is the best cat breed?”, recommend trying to get yourself a British cat. These are unpretentious and completely independent animals.
Yes, they love their owner very much and become very attached to him, but if he is absent for a long time, they do not panic and do not start screaming and ruining things. You can safely leave a Briton for at least a week, you just need to take care of feeding. So this is one of the most independent, and at the same time the best cat breeds.
Which breed is distinguished by intelligence, intelligence and aristocratic behavior? Again, the British. An animal will never allow itself aggression towards a person, unless, of course, he clearly provokes it. This breed cannot be called too affectionate, but this is offset by their charm.
They love children, but do not welcome familiarity, demanding a calm attitude. As soon as you fall under the British charm, the question: “What breed of cats should I choose for my apartment?” will disappear by itself.
American shorthair cat
Animals of this breed are distinguished by their independent disposition. However, they are sociable and easy to get along with. Pets love to spend time with their owner, but not in their arms. They will rub and sit next to you, but they will end up on your knees only after much persuasion.
If you are in doubt about what breed of cat to choose for your apartment, then you can safely consider the American Shorthair. They do not miss their owner much when he disappears at work or goes on long business trips. The cat will not bother the neighbors with its screams or damage the furniture due to your absence.
This is a playful and active breed that loves to chase balls, ribbons and other toys around the apartment. So if you decide to get an American Shorthair cat, then take care of rattles and other entertainment accessories.
This is a completely suitable breed of cat for an apartment where small children live. Pets will find a common language with the child in terms of playing, but nevertheless they do not allow themselves to be squeezed. It is also worth noting that American Shorthair cats retain their hunting instinct and, as an alternative to store-bought food, can catch mice.
Which kitten should you not choose if there is a child in the house?
When considering how to choose a cat, you need to familiarize yourself with the breeds that are unacceptable for keeping in an apartment where there is a small child. These are Siamese cats with a quarrelsome disposition.
If there is a newborn in the house, then the choice of cat should be approached intelligently
In addition, keeping American Curls, British and Scottish Folds with children is unacceptable - the child may accidentally injure the animal. You should not have munchkins - these cats with short legs are very sensitive to accidental falls. We need to choose a breed with stronger bones.
Note! It is not recommended to have an unneutered cat of any breed.
Ragdoll
If you can’t decide what breed of cat to have in your apartment, then be sure to take a closer look at the Ragdoll. These are the most affectionate pets. They happily climb into their owner's arms, completely relaxing.
Ragdolls love scratching, leisurely play, and any display of affection. They are extremely balanced and sociable. However, one of the calmest cat breeds for apartments cannot be called annoying. The melodious and very quiet meow relaxes, and the hands themselves reach out to take the pet onto your lap.
Ragdolls are more loyal to their owner than life itself and remain in the role of kittens for almost 4 years. One of the best cat breeds for an apartment requires special attention to the feeding part. They won’t eat anyway, so you’ll have to take care of a balanced, as well as expensive, diet.
The breed treats children very well. But due to a cat's low pain threshold, a child may accidentally harm the animal. And even in this case, the ragdoll will not resist, but will take everything for granted.
Scottish lop-eared
The “Scots”, just like the “British”, have a specific character. They are independent and aristocratic. The breed will act more as a partner than as a regular pet. Scots are a calm breed of apartment cat. But she needs her own place where she can be alone.
Pets are quite playful and cannot live without fun and other activities. Therefore, the Scots get along very well with children and will always support the playful spirit. But they are stingy with affection. Yes, they can run around the rooms like crazy and knock down furniture, but they won’t sleep with the children.
If you need a smart, unpretentious pet that is sensitive to the owner’s mood, then the answer to the question: “What breed of cat is best for an apartment?” quite obvious. The Scots love people and are ready to communicate with them, but it is better not to count on excessive affection.
What to look for when choosing cats
Before getting a pet, you need to determine how much attention you can give it. If you work late and can't spend much time at home, choose an animal that can easily tolerate loneliness. When choosing a breed, take into account how active its representatives are.
Decide whether you need a pet to participate in exhibitions, for breeding, or just for fun. In the first two cases, study the kitten’s pedigree with particular passion.
If you take an animal from a nursery, pay attention to the conditions of detention, its state of health, ears and claws. The baby should not have discharge from the eyes and nose, he should be willing to make contact and be active.
Burmese cat
This is a quiet and extremely calm breed. A pet can sit somewhere for hours and watch its possessions or admire nature through the window. Attractive colors and long hair make the cat a kind of decoration for the apartment.
If the owner wants, the pet will sit in his arms with great pleasure and will quietly purr about something of his own, accepting affection. The cat is not known for cowardice and is mostly curious. She will warmly treat visiting guests and gets along well with other family members - children and other animals.
She treats the child like a mother: she can play with him and surround him with care, protecting him and protecting him from dangers. A cat never puts out its claws to be aggressive. It’s easier for her to distance herself and hide from unwanted communication if she doesn’t like something.
As for care, this is a breed with long hair and the problems associated with this nuance. So be prepared to scratch it and vacuum the apartment periodically. It is also worth noting that Burmese cats do not know how to land normally, so it is better not to let them onto the mezzanine (force them with something) and keep the windows covered.
Living in an apartment with a cat: tips and tricks
When you have a cat in your apartment, it is important to understand that it is not a living toy, but becomes a member of the family. Therefore, the animal should be treated with respect. Only in this case can you hope to achieve harmony in your relationship with your pet.
It is necessary to create all the conditions for the kitten: it must have its own place, bowls, tray, and its own toys. It is important that the pet has the opportunity to retire and relax if desired. High-quality food, hygiene procedures, preventive visits to the veterinary clinic and vaccination - these are the basic rules that will help your cat remain vigorous and healthy for many years.
Balinese cat
This is one of the best cat breeds for an apartment. Pets are distinguished by their sociability and intelligence. Moreover, the latter manifests itself very clearly. They can learn to open the refrigerator, some drawers and perform other “tricks”. But, as a rule, they are harmless.
The breed does not like chaos and prefers to live in frequency. So there will be no toilet paper or napkins scattered throughout the apartment. They need to touch, smell and study everything, but they are not used to breaking and creating chaos.
Cats become attached to their owner and do not leave him a single step, demanding attention and affection. This breed gets along well with children, especially when it comes to play. So there will be twice as many pranks. It is also worth noting that pets are very sociable. They meow and purr for almost any reason, but such a manifestation cannot be called unpleasant, because the cat’s voice is quiet and melodic.
The breed is very dependent on its owner and gets bored in his absence. Your pet can tolerate your day (or night) work, but long business trips are very stressful for him.
How to choose a kitten for your home
When buying an animal, you should think about the following. Do you want to buy him to become a pet or to participate in exhibitions with him, breed his offspring and make money from it? The answer will tell you which kitten you should choose based on price.
Show quality cats are expensive. Is it necessary to pay so much money for a kitten if your plans do not include the desire to become winners of all kinds of cat shows?
All purebred animals are divided into commercial classes:
- A pet is an animal with all the characteristics of the breed. It has club registration and pedigree, but some differences in the exterior do not give it the opportunity to participate in exhibitions. All shortcomings are not defects or deformities, since the animal is absolutely healthy, and a non-specialist will not even notice the deviation. The price ranges from 250 to 300 dollars. This is the best option if you just want a purebred pet.
- Breed – animals that are suitable for breeding. They cost at least 500 dollars, it all depends on the color, season, and place of residence. With these cats, everything corresponds to the standard.
- Show - the best animals of exhibition level. This is the elite of the breed and a promising kitten can cost about $1,000. Such cats participate in exhibitions, receive titles, and breeders are very proud of them.
Oriental shorthair cat
This is also one of the best cat breeds for apartments. The animal has a playful character and becomes attached to its owner. Moreover, such a relationship can hardly be called love, it is more of an addiction. The breed is trusting and quickly gets used to its owner. If he is gone for a long time, he experiences real torment. So for travelers and those who spend the night at home occasionally, this option is not suitable.
The cat perfectly understands the mood of its owner and tries in every possible way to help him relieve stress or join in the games if he is in a good mood. The pet is very sociable, so it is also not suitable for those who like to be in complete silence.
The breed is active throughout the day, but in the evening it gets tired and needs affection and hugs. Therefore, the cat will become a wonderful friend for those who work according to the classic schedule - from 8 to 17. The main thing is not to forget to leave her more toys for the day.
The most beautiful cat breeds in the world
Cats with an unusual, bright color, original face and smooth or fluffy fur can be called beautiful. At least 2 breeds meet these selection criteria. This rating category is dedicated to them, where the advantages and disadvantages of the animals in question are described in detail.
Scottish lop-eared
This variety originated in 1961 in Scotland and got its name because of its floppy ears. An adult pet weighs about 4-6 kg and lives for 14-16 years with proper care. It is characterized by a height at the withers of about 30 cm and a short, smooth coat of smoky, red, gray or white color.
The Scottish Fold is the most loyal to other cats and gets along with them without problems even in a small area. She is good-natured and quickly becomes attached to family members, but she chooses one person as her owner and pet. The animal is not indifferent to games and, despite its sociability, prefers not to impose its personality.
Advantages:
- Rarely raises his voice;
- Doesn't scream loudly;
- Accuracy and cleanliness;
- Equilibrium;
- Doesn't damage furniture.
Flaws:
- High cost of kittens.
The Scottish Fold is not burdensome for its owners and can easily tolerate short separations from its owner.
Bengal
The history of the Bengal cat begins in the middle of the 20th century. The animal is distinguished by its gracefulness and bright leopard color. Only it is smaller in size than its older brothers. Height at the withers reaches 25-32 cm with a weight of 5-6 kg. The life of a pet is quite long - 12-15 years, but for this the owner must not forget about regular vaccinations and give him premium food.
The most beautiful cat breed in the world and one of the cleanest. The animal will not go into a dirty tray, so you will have to clean it regularly. She is amenable to training and training, which can begin as early as 3 months after birth. This is a very smart pet, quickly grasping and following the commands of its owners.
Advantages:
- Good health;
- Cats love to mark territory;
- Powerful paws;
- Friendliness;
- Loves water.
Flaws:
- Very playful, so you can’t do without a special complex.
As reviews show, Bengals get along well with other animals, except rodents, which they happily hunt.
Javanese
Unlike the two previous breeds, the Javanese is not so strongly attached to its owner in terms of the latter's absence. No, he will sit on your knees, purr, ask for affection and keep you company in bed, but if you are gone for a long time, the pet will not experience severe mental anguish.
The cat feels equally good both with children and in a large company of guests. She does not hide in the corners, but tries to communicate with everyone, looking for those who will support her games. The breed loves walks in the fresh air and is passive towards dogs barking at it.
Javanese is good for everyone, but needs a balanced diet and regular visits to the veterinarian, because it is susceptible to various diseases. If you get vaccinations on time and feed your cat good food, then there will be no problems.
Persians
Representatives of this breed are loved by many cat lovers, which is not surprising, because their rich fur and snub-nosed muzzle can only cause tenderness.
There are only two varieties of Persians. The first has a relatively long nose and is considered a classic option. The second one has an almost concave muzzle and a very small nose. The latter are prone to various respiratory problems and require a lot of attention from veterinarians.
The breed's character is phlegmatic. A Persian behaving nervously is an anomaly, the reason for which, as a rule, lies in living in extremely extreme conditions.
It is a sin for representatives of this breed to complain about a lack of intelligence, but caring for them is everyday and quite painstaking work.
Siberian cat
Despite its wild “forest” appearance, this is one of the most good-natured and benevolent breeds. The cat loves to play and can remain active until the evening. In addition, representatives of the Siberian breed are distinguished by their intelligence. Your pet will be smart enough to rummage through your drawers of clothes or inspect your refrigerator, but he won’t cause chaos, because he loves cleanliness and is simply curious.
The Siberian cat has a sense of self-esteem, so you should not expect unquestioning affection from her. She does not face obvious boredom. So you can work with her day and night and safely go on business trips. She'll get over it. The breed treats young children well and does not show aggression, but tries to educate them.
The cat is unpretentious in care and is not prone to diseases common for this class. The situation with nutrition is similar. He can eat something that fell from the table, or any specific food.
What gender is the little pet?
The first point, which is predetermining for many people, is the gender of the kitten. Females and males differ from each other from early childhood not only in external sexual characteristics. As a rule, the individual behavioral characteristics of pets largely depend on gender. They say that cats are more inclined to loyal friendship with their owner than naughty cats, which, in turn, are famous for their capricious and changeable disposition. Perhaps this is just a stereotype. How an animal will behave at home largely depends on the upbringing it received from the first months of life.
Before choosing a kitten from the litter, you can independently determine whether it is a boy or a girl. In one-month-old babies, external sexual characteristics are not clearly expressed, so the characteristic feature by which one can navigate is the distance between the anus and the urinary tract. In cats it is insignificant; in small cats it reaches 2 cm.
Abyssinian cat
This breed is the most sociable and will follow you no matter what you do. The cat loves guests and prefers to be in the very center of events, actively helping in every way possible. Abyssinians are extremely friendly; it takes a lot of effort to evoke even a hint of aggression in them.
In addition, the breed is characterized by increased curiosity. The pet cannot sit in one place for a long time. He is constantly looking for something, checking and studying every corner of the apartment for at least something. Abyssinians happily welcome guests, catch insects and “help” their owner with household chores. Only in the evening does the pet get tired and, with a sense of accomplishment, settle down on your lap or find a place in the bed.
Toyger
This is both an active and passive breed. That is, pets are not averse to playing, running and participating in every possible way in the energetic life of the owner, but if necessary, they “hibernate”, turning into the very affection and calmness.
Toygers especially love children, because they always have time for active games and aimlessly running around the apartment. They easily make contact with everyone who is not averse to supporting their mood. Cats retain their energy until old age, so petting and quiet gatherings must be alternated with active pastime.
At what age is it better to buy a cat?
The ideal age for kittens to be weaned from their mother and moved to different homes is considered to be 2-3 months. There are enough advantages of this particular age:
- Firstly, kittens can feed themselves.
- Secondly, they have become quite independent, able to take care of their “cat” hygiene.
- Thirdly, kittens are mobile, active and willing to learn.
It is also important to know how to choose a healthy kitten. Of course, no one is immune from further problems with the pet’s health (viral diseases, infections and other ailments), but you can determine that the baby is currently completely healthy by the following signs:
- the kitten has a wonderful appetite;
- the entire set of baby snow-white teeth is present;
- the coat is shiny and silky;
- the kitten’s ears should not have any discharge (otherwise it is most likely a sign of ear mites);
- there are no wounds on his body;
- There are no fleas on the kitten's neck and chin.
A weakened kitten that is clearly not gaining weight, looks lethargic, and is most likely infected with worms. You should definitely not self-medicate; it is better to immediately go with your new family member for a preventive examination. Perhaps the veterinarian will be able to objectively assess the kitten’s condition and prescribe the necessary vaccinations.
Bengal cat
This is a socially active breed that cannot live without affection, hugs and sitting on laps. If you are willing to devote a lot of time to your pet, then he will repay you with amazing emotional devotion that will last a lifetime.
One of the main characteristics of Bengalis is their love of water. They can play with the flow from the tap with great enthusiasm, and some pets are even accustomed to taking a bath with their owner. If you are not at home, they will rush around the apartment, open cabinets, drawers and have fun in every possible way. But they won’t create much chaos, because they are accustomed to order and frequency.
Maine Coon
Despite the impressive size of representatives of this breed and a rather stern appearance, Maine Coons are distinguished by a friendly disposition. He treats almost everyone well: animals, children, guests and other representatives of flora and fauna.
The cat itself will not impose affection and will not tolerate overt familiarity. The character of Maine Coons can be described in one word - “sanguine”. Cats need an active lifestyle. Some people even compare this breed to dogs.
Maine Coons love to walk, chase a ball around the yard, and are not averse to taking a swim on occasion. But if you need affection, then the cat senses it and will gladly lie down on your lap or keep company in the bed. Representatives of this breed purr in a special way, lulling their owner to sleep with their “voice.”
It is also worth noting that Maine Coons are large animals and need more space than other cats. So for a one-room apartment, this will not be the best option. Maine Coons need at least a couple of rooms with a kitchen where they can walk and frolic.
Difficulty of choice
The main difficulty that a cat owner will have to face is the huge number of breeds. The main division is into longhaired, semi-longhaired, shorthaired and hairless. The first ones are magnificent, but require careful care of the fur coat, otherwise they will quickly lose their decorative effect. However, pets with short hair also need combing, especially breeds with a thick undercoat (exotics, British).
The Maine Coon, despite its large size, is a wonderful cat for an apartment
Bald requires skin care - it must be regularly lubricated with oil or rich cream, otherwise there is a risk of drying out. Such breeds require careful care, so you can only get them if the future owner has enough time.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing:
- Dimensions. Large cats will not be comfortable in a small apartment.
- Temperament. Active, dynamic animals need space, so they are not suitable for keeping at home; a private house with a fenced area is better for them.
- Personal preferences. If the owner does not like the cat, they will not be able to achieve harmony.
Russian blue cat
This is a very playful, but at the same time sociable (with the owner) breed. The cat will chase around the apartment everything that is poorly screwed on. But despite the increased activity, the pet cannot be called sloppy. He will never deliberately throw a vase off the table or spin rolls of toilet paper around the apartment.
The cat has a hard time getting used to its new owner, but if you treat it with respect, it will be devoted to you for the rest of its life. The pet is not particularly friendly towards guests, so after strangers appear, it prefers to sit out somewhere in a secluded place. But when it comes to individual communication, she will happily lie down on your lap or in bed in search of affection.
