Guide to Choose the Right Cat Breeds

There are so many cat breeds. How can you decide which breed is right for you and your family?

The first thing you should consider is whether you will be able to handle having a vocal cat. Some cat breeds can actually be quite noisy. While many cat owners do not have a problem with these vocal breeds, as they realize their cats are just communicating with them, a loud cat can be a problem in an apartment situation. Breeds that are very vocal are the Siamese Cat, the Korat, and the Burmese. The Scottish Fold, Somali, and the American Curl are considered to be very quiet cat breeds.

Next, you will want to think about whether you want a cat who is cuddly or if a more aloof breed is right for you. If you do not have a lot of free time, a cuddly cat who loves attention may be the wrong choice. However, affectionate cats are usually better with children than more reserved breeds. Some of the friendliest cat breeds are the Snowshoe, Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Tonkinese, and the Himalayan Persian. Less sociable breeds are the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Nebelung, and the Russian Shorthair.      

If you are looking for a cat who can amuse himself and will not get into constant mischief, then the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora breeds may be a bad choice. These cats are very inquisitive and energetic. However, for someone who is homebound or has a lot of free time, these cats are a wonderful source of entertainment. In fact, the Rex is downright silly in his attempts to amuse those around him.

Of course, while you are looking at what cat breed to shop for, don't get so caught up in selecting the right temperament that you overlook other important features. One of the most important things to consider when you are looking for the right cat is whether you want a long haired or short haired breed. People who don't have a lot of time to devote to a pet may want to opt for a short haired breed. Although that fuzzy ball of fluff may look adorable right now, grooming adult long haired cats can take up quite a lot of time. If you neglect your cat's coat, it can tangle and matt up at an alarmingly fast rate, right down to his skin. Once this happens, your only option is to have him shaved completely, which can be quite traumatic. Also, your cat will probably have to be sedated before he can be shaved down, which poses a health risk.

Once you consider all of the different features and traits for the cat breeds you are interested in, you will finally be ready to start searching for your new pet. Now, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or if you would prefer to give an abandoned older cat a second chance. If you are looking for a certain breed of kitten, check out your local cat show, since most exhibitors have a few kittens for sale. If an older cat is right for you, give your local humane society or animal rescue a call.

Following are the handy guide to select the perfect cat breeds:

Abyssinian cat breed
If you want a cat breed that is as affectionate and devoted as any dog, then the Abyssinian is the perfect choice for you.

American Bobtail cat breed
If you want to own a cat who is sweet and sociable, but still has an undomesticated streak, then the American Bobtail may just be the perfect breed for you.

American Curl cat breed
If you want to own a cat who has a unique appearance and a quiet, unassuming disposition, then you may want to take a close look at the good natured American Curl.

American Shorthair cat breed
If you want a cat that is an undemanding but enjoyable pet, then the American Shorthair may be the ideal choice for you.

American Wirehair cat breed
If you want a cat with a very unique look, then an American Wirehair may be the perfect breed for you.

Balinese cat breed
If you love the personality and graceful appearance of the Siamese but you prefer longhair breeds, then the Balinese may be the perfect choice for you.

Birman cat breed
If you are looking for a cat that isn't quite as demanding and attention seeking as some of the more affectionate breeds, but also isn't too standoffish, the Birman breed is a good choice.

Bombay cat breed
If you want a cat who looks wild but has the personality of a teddy bear, then a Bombay is the perfect choice for you.

British Shorthair cat breed
If you need an undemanding cat, then the British Shorthair may be the perfect choice for you.

Burmese cat breed
If you have always wanted to own one of the Oriental cat breeds, but think that the Siamese is too loud and active, then the graceful, sweet natured Burmese may be the perfect cat for you and your family.

Chartreux cat breed
If you want a sweet natured and intelligent cat that is on the quiet side, then the Chartreux may be the ideal breed for you.

Colorpoint Shorthair cat breed
If you want a friendly, intelligent cat that won't send your allergies into overdrive, then the lovely Colorpoint Shorthair may be the perfect breed for you.

Cornish Rex cat breed
If you don't mind having a cat that looks like he could be an alien visitor, then the Cornish Rex may be the perfect breed for you. After all, this cat's personality more than makes up for his unusual appearance.

Devon Rex cat breed
If you want a fun loving cat who never seems to grow old, then the Devon Rex may just be the perfect breed for you and your family.

Egyptian Mau cat breed
If you want a cat that looks wild, but is actually a sweet and loving animal, then you may want to consider owning an Egyptian Mau.

European Burmese cat breed
If you want to own more than one cat and have a household with children in it, then you may just want to consider the beautiful European Burmese.

Exotic cat breed
If you are a fan of the Persian cat breed, but don't have a few hours of free time each week to spend grooming your cat's lush coat, you may want to take a close look at the Exotic cat breed.

Havana Brown cat breed
If you want a cat that has a coat with a rich mahogany sheen and a stellar personality, then the active and curious Havana Brown may be the ideal choice for you.

Japanese Bobtail cat breed
If you want a cat breed that is a rare treasure and a wonderful family pet, then the Japanese Bobtail may just be the right choice for you.

Javanese cat breed
If you want a cat with a luxurious, soft coat and a wonderful, sweet nature, then the Javanese may just be the perfect choice for you and your family.

... continue with Choose the Right Cat Breeds - Part 2