Choosing a new pet is not an easy task. Whoever told you otherwise is lying.
In fact, the hardest part about getting a new pet is choosing it. And this is
true, whether you are getting a dog or a cat.
Pet cats are always so delightful to keep. But like people, not all cats are
the same. There are several different cat breeds in the world and not all of
them may suit you. That is why it is important that you exercise great care and
discrimination when choosing cat breeds that are right for you. But how? You
might find yourself asking. Especially with so many cat breeds around. They all
look so adorable; if you were allowed and if you could afford it, you'd take
them all!
Pedigree Cat Breeds
If you like to frequent cat shows or window shop at at the local pet store,
then you have probably seen your fair share of cat breeds. Himalayan, ragdoll,
Persian, Russian blue, manx, Maine coon – hey, maybe you’ve seen it all! – and
now, you are quietly telling yourself that you have already chosen the cat
breeds that are close to your heart.
But hold on for one moment. You need to know something very important about "purebred" cats. First, all breeds of cats have, at one time or another,
developed genetic defects that increased the likelihood of them contracting
certain genetic disorders and diseases.
Cat breeders with years of experience in cat genetics have tried to develop
healthy breeding stocks in order to stop the transmission of any more defective
genes. Unfortunately, not all cat breeders are very concerned about their cats'
genetic background. That's why there are still many cat breeds out there that
carry the defective gene inherent in their breeds.
So what does this mean for cat lovers like you? Well, just be careful when
choosing cat breeds and from which breeder you've decided to get it from. We
always recommend getting your new cat from a breeder instead of your regular,
run-of-the-mill pet store. With a breeder, it is easier for you to find out more
about the cat's background, its pedigree, and history.
Check Out The Cats Personality
After checking out your cat's pedigree, the next important consideration is
its personality. Often, a cat's temperament is reflected by its particular
breed. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, you have to observe the
cat yourself in order to determine its type of personality.
Bring along some cat toys with you when you go to a cat breeder's kennel to
check out the new litter. How the cat reacts to the toy will help you see how
playful a pet it's going to be. It will also help you find out how the cat
reacts to strangers, whether it is naturally friendly or wary to the point of
shy.
You can also try playing with the cat yourself. If it is a kitten, you can
ask the cat breeder to take it away from its mother and the rest of its litter
mates. This way, you can play with the kitten while evaluating its interest
level.
Maintenance Of Certain Cat Breeds
Last on the list of basic concerns in choosing cat breeds is the level of
maintenance you'll be dealing with. Long-haired cats obviously are more
high-maintenance than its short-haired counterparts. You'll need to at least
bath them once a week and brush their long manes frequently. If you have a lot
of time in your hands, then you'll have no problem. However, if you are busy
with work, then you'll be better off with a short-haired, low-maintenance
cat.
