Tips for Choosing a Cat Breed
Will Kitty Suit Your Lifestyle?

Choosing a cat breed is fun and exciting, but you need to make an informed decision about bringing a new 'family member' into your home.

We realize that having a pet is important to you that's why we have put this checklist together to ensure that you understand the implications and commitment required.

There is more to consider than just the type of cat and a cat name. Consider the type of cat breed, your home environment, your financial status, your personal situation and how having a new kitten will impact your life.

Give some thought as to which of the following CAT BREEDS would suit you best

There are over 70 different cat breeds to choose from and you need to decide which cat will best suit your environment and lifestyle. That way both you, and more importantly, your new kitten will be content.

• A foreign breed
• A longhair cat breed
• A shorthair cat Breed
• A 'hairless' breed
• A moggie, without the pedigree

Our all cat breeds list is an easy reference guide to all the domestic cat breeds from around the world. Let us make the task of choosing a cat breed a pleasurable one.

CAT TEMPERAMENT is also important when choosing a cat breed

• A lively, energetic or even boisterous cat
• A lazy, docile and independent lap-cat
• A dog-friendly or cat-friendly cat
• A cat that demands a lot of attention
• A playful cat that adores children or a placid cat for the elderly

There are so many different cat breeds, each with its own unique personality traits 'designed' to suit your lifestyle and personality

Did you know that cat behavior is easier to understand than most people think?

Choosing the right cat for the RIGHT HOME is critical

• Some cats adjust well to apartment-living, but you do need to provide them with an adventure zone to alleviate boredom
• Other cats need space and prefer to be outdoors. In this case, you need a safe, enclosed, escape-proof garden or cat run

Your PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES needs to be taken into account

If you are considering getting a cat, you need a stable environment. If you are in any of these situations, then postpone choosing a cat breed or adopting a kitten until later:

• Moving home
• Getting a divorce
• Pregnant or have newborn baby
• Away from home for extended periods of time

Cats, like humans, need attention, company and stability. They generally do not adjust well to a move or a change of environment. The above situations can cause stress to your cat. It's important to provide a calm and stable environment in order to avoid cat behavioral problems.

Your FINANCIAL SITUATION is certainly a major consideration. Having a cat (or any pet) can be costly

• The initial cost of the cat needs to be considered, pedigreed cats can be very expensive
• Cat food is costly, especially if you intend feeding your cat a well balanced, high quality food
• Cats prefer ceramic or glass food and water bowls. Sturdy, non-chip bowls are pricey
• Cat Beds
• Cat Scratching poles - you will need a couple
• Cat Toys and other cat accessories
• Cat Litter and Cat Litter Box
• Cat Insurance and Pet Meds. Choose a health plan that offers good cover
• Consider the cost of neutering - spaying females and castrating male cats
• Your kitten will need to be vaccinated and Cat Vaccinations and annual boosters are a needed expense
• The cost of a boarding cattery or cat sitter when you take your annual vacation

Do you have the commitment and luxury of TIME to take good care of your cat?

Much time is spent on caring for your cat, consider this when choosing a cat breed.

• Time to feed your cat
• Time to wash their food bowls and bedding
• Time to clear and clean cat litter boxes each day
• Time to exercise and play with your cat
• Time to take your cat to the vet for their annual check-up
• Time for cat care and cat grooming and lavishing them with the attention they so often demand

  • longhaired and hairless cats are high maintenance cats that require daily grooming
  • shorthaired cats are low maintenance cats, but they do require grooming once a week

• Time - lots of it - your cat may live for 20 years

Consider WHERE TO FIND your perfect pal

• A cat breeder
• An animal shelter
• A stray
• A friend or neighbor
• A pet shop

There are pros and cons to each of the above. Before choosing a cat breed you need to do thorough research. Irrespective of where you find your pet cat, ensure that your kitten is examined by a veterinarian and given a clean-bill-of-health. If possible ask to see the parent cats and establish as much as you can about the history of the cat. Cat breeders should, where possible be your first port of call for pedigree cats, but beware of kitten mills, backyard breeders and internet scams.

This cat information is not intended to discourage you from finding your perfect companion. Cats make wonderful pets, but it's important to understand that they are reliant on the their humans.

As potential pet owners we become emotional and irrational when we see an adorable little kitten begging us to take it home. Do think twice before taking the plunge. There are a plethora of unwanted pets our there - animal shelters are testimony to this. A Christmas or Birthday gift which brought huge delight on the day is soon rejected and dumped when the 'cuteness' wears off.

Ask yourself - Am I ready for the commitment? If you feel that you're up to it - and there are millions of cat lovers and owners out there just like you - then join the world of Cat-Breeds-Junction. We will assist you in choosing a cat breed as we take you on a journey to discover the wonderful world of cats.

Related Pages:

How long do cats live? - the average life span of domestic cats

Cat Breeders - an extensive list of breeders from around the world

Interesting Websites:

Take a tour of MyCatSite.com, the fun and friendly place all about cats

Owning a pet is special, you may want to consider man’s best friend, one of our canine friends. About Small Dog Breeds is dedicated to dogs under 12 lbs (6kgs) or less.