Picking the right Feline Friend for you
Deciding to get a new cat is a very exciting time; however, choosing what type of cat can be a complicated matter, so hopefully Animal Friends can make your decision easier to help you choose your new feline friend.
Hair Length
Deciding whether you choose a cat with long or short hair will be based on the amount of grooming you want to do. Generally, the longer the hair, the more grooming is required.
Shorthaired cats don’t require as much grooming, as their coats don’t become matted as much as their longhaired friends. Although no matter how long your cats coat, they all require grooming. Not only to prevent knotting or check for cuts, but as a vital part of bonding with your animal friend.
Choosing a breed
With so many cat breeds available at present, there is certainly the cat for you. Pedigree cats are popular as you can generally predict the size and appearance so that you can choose the breed which will fit into your lifestyle. Pedigree cats can be fairly costly, and also run a higher risk of health problems such as allergies.
There are 7 basic categories of pedigree domestic cats: Persians, British, Semi-Longhair, Burmese, Oriential, Siamese and Foreign.
Mixed breeds or moggies are incredibly popular; almost 90% of cats in the UK are moggies. They are easily available and do not cost a lot to buy, but the main reason why they are so popular is due to their good health and long life span. Generally, these cats are known as either 'domestic shorthairs' or 'domestic longhairs'.
Normally, moggies will be fairly low maintenance as they tend to look after themselves. They are fairly independent cats and tend to enjoy looking after themselves.
Temperament
The temperament of a cat is rather predictable if they are pedigrees, however, each cat will have its own personality and character.
Your feline friend can range from a couch potato, who loves nothing more than to sleep all day, only waking up for hugs and, not forgetting, feed time.
On the other end of the spectrum, some cats can be active and inquisitive. They may love to play in the garden all day, catching mice and chasing birds. Like humans, the cat’s temperament will vary greatly depending on his upbringing and experience through his life. Kitten or Adult Cat? There is no denying, kittens are adorable, however, they require a great deal of work, and can be destructive during the first few months. Some people prefer to have a kitten, so that they can bond with one another from the early stages of the cat’s life.
Alternatively, taking on an adult cat may be the right choice for you, as you get to meet your cat when he already has his personality formed.
Rescued cat or Kitten?
There are many lovely cats of all ages who are sitting in rescue centre’s waiting for somebody to take them on in a loving home. With so many moggies being bred, rescue centres are full to the brim with unwanted cats.
Giving a loving home to a rescue cat is incredibly satisfying and will give you and your new feline friend a great bond.
Cats are extremely adaptable animals and even adult cats will easily settle into new homes very quickly regardless of their background and what they have been through.
All cats are like humans. They need attention, company and stability. It is important to provide your cat with a calm and stable environment to give your cat the best possible care.
Regardless of what type, age, or breed your new cat is, it is a huge responsibility to take on a new animal friend.
Unconditional love and affection will be there to repay you, however, before committing to a new cat, you must be aware of on-going cost such as feed, vaccinations, worming and visits to the vets.
Any type of cat can become ill, or have an accident, so it is important that you also consider the on-going cost for cat insurance so that you can give your new feline friend the best possible care should he require a visit to the vet.
