Choosing Your Cat

So you’ve determined your next spoiled rescue is going to be a cat! Wonderful! Let’s find out which type of cat is right for you. There are not as many options as there are with dogs. Cat breeds can be broken down into two types: the Pedigree Breed and the Common Companion Breed. Lets take a look at each…

Pedigree Breed

The Pedigree Breed can be thought of as the “pure bred” of the cat world. There are currently 45 Pedigree Breeds recognized by The Cat Fancier’s Association. These breeds are very sought after and can be difficult to find in the shelter or rescue system. If you do come across a pedigree breed in the shelters, adopt it quickly as it will not be there for long. As with any pure bred species there tends to be common medical and behavior traits to take into account when you rescue them. For example, a common Pedigree Breed people tend become overwhelmed with is the Abyssinian. These are gorgeous cats and that is why people love them, but they also have strong personalities. I recommend looking at the personality traits listed on The Cat Fancier’s Association website to make sure their personality will fit in with your lifestyle.

Common

Companion

Breed

The Common Companion Breed is the most recognizable breed you will find. They are more commonly referred to as the Domestic Shorthair (DSH), Domestic Mediumhair (DMH), or the Domestic Longhair (DLH). This breed is what fills up the shelters and rescues. They come in all sizes, colors, and hair lengths. Each cat will have their own personality, so I recommend spending some time with them before adopting to get to know them. Many shelters and rescues will have a room where you can go visit and get to know each other.

What Questions Should You Ask?

When looking for your next spoiled rescue cat, ask the following questions:

1) What is their personality? Are they shy and need time to warm up to new people? Do they talk a lot? Are they very active and need a way to expend energy?.

2) Do they get along with other animals? Cats are solitary by nature, so if you already have a cat at home, make sure they like other cats before introducing another one. The same goes for dogs. Some cats do not get along with dogs.

3) What training will they require? This is more of a necessity for the dog breeds but there are some cats that have a lot of energy and might enjoy going on walks if you can train them to wear a harness. If they are not kept busy, they can develop behavioral problems just like dogs.

Do you now have a better idea of the type of cat you’re going to rescue? My goal is to help you, so if you have any questions, please send me a message.