Welcome back furriends! Can you believe this is our 12th blog post?! If you’re new around here, it’s worth catching up now- we post every week about a range of topics from Kitty Café news to expert cat advice! A few weeks ago we made a post on what to expect when you come to visit us, which by the way, you’ll be able to do in LESS THAN A WEEK! But that’s not what we’re talking about today. Today we’ll be talking about the different cat breeds, and what you should consider when choosing a cat.
Firstly, you should know that the most common type of cat in the UK is a British domesticated shorthair cat (not to be confused with the British Shorthair.) This is the most ‘ordinary’ looking type of cat, in the sense that it doesn’t have any distinguishing features like pedigree breeds do, and that these are the cats you are most likely to see in the streets or at shelters. They're often referred to as a 'moggie'. This is because they are so common and not specially bred, which tends to make them better suited to outdoor life due to their lower financial value (making them less desirable to pet thieves) and the fact that they’re less likely to have health conditions caused by breeding. British domesticated shorthair cats are ideal pets if you’re looking for a cat that doesn’t come with a huge price tag and is still adorably charming. Not only is the initial price low, but insurance is much lower too as they’re less susceptible to genetic conditions! And your options for adoption are endless. Plus, they come in a variety of colours, some with unique markings.
Britain’s most popular breed in recent years has been the Bengal cat, and with its exotic appearance and beautiful markings, it’s not hard to see why! Bengals tend to have a very slim build as well as a shiny coat that combines the markings of a tiger and a leopard. They’re a highly affectionate, inquisitive and intelligent breed which makes them a purrfect pet for some people, but they come at quite the cost so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before investing. If you have a young family or other pets, a Bengal may be the way to go, due to their ability to get on well with children and other animals and their even-tempered nature- they’re unlikely to scratch or bite! They also love walking on a lead, which is great if you’re not too comfortable letting your pet roam the streets solo. However, the downsides are that they can get incredibly lonely and they don’t respond the best to using a litter box, so if you’re house-proud or you spend a lot of time away from home, you may want to reconsider this breed.
Similarly, Maine Coons are another very popular breed. Their immense size is unfortunately an indicator of their price tag, but there are many reasons these gentle giants make pawesome pets! We may be biased on this one because of our beloved Heathcliffe, but these cats are truly amazing. They’re highly affectionate, and if you’re looking for cuddles and fusses, they’re the way to go. Another bonus is that they’re never aggressive, unlike a lot of cats that can become irritable if you upset them. This makes Maine Coons another great choice for families with kids. Surprisingly, they hardly shed hair either! You’d have thought that owning such a large cat with such long hair would require a stockpile of lint rollers but, apparently not! However, they are costly and you have to be very careful to find a reputable breeder, as those who charge less may be trying to sell you a cross breed with severe health conditions. You should also be prepared to fork out extra pennies for industrial strength cat climbers as Maine Coons grow to be very heavy!
Siamese cats are just about the most sociable breed you can get! They love to play and interact with their human companions, and some people reckon they’re more comparable to dogs than cats! This makes them more suited to those who spend a lot of time at home, such as elderly or retired owners. Attention and care is essential to this breed, so only consider getting a siamese if you know you’ll be able to provide it. Another factor worth noting is that they’re incredibly active and vocal (in layman’s terms they run around and meow a LOT), so if you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet cat, you may want to give Siamese cats a miss. However, there’s a lot to be said for their intelligence and overall beauty. Their light coloured coat, dark pointed features and stunning blue eyes make them one of the most striking and exotic looking breeds!
If you’re looking for a more subdued, gentle-natured cat, you may be interested in a British shorthair. These are large, thick haired cats with rounded features and, quite often, striking eyes. They tend to be much less playful, especially as adults, and whilst still being occasionally affectionate, they are also happy to be independent and can be left alone for longer periods of time than other breeds. This makes them an ideal choice if you spend a lot of time away from home, or you’re not able to provide constant stimulation, as well as if you have young children who may be scared of energetic cats. However, their coat does require more maintenance due to its density, and they can shed more. They also tend to be somewhat lazy and they LOVE their food, which can make it difficult to keep their weight under control.
Scottish folds can be similar in appearance to British Shorthairs, however they differ in personality as they can be more affectionate and playful as opposed to laid back. They come in a variety of colours (but most commonly grey like our Crinkle) and can be identified by their folded-over ears, hence the name.
Appearance wise, a Ragdoll is a combination of a siamese with its light coloured coat and darker features, and a maine coon in its size and long hair. However, to be clear, they do not originate from these breeds. Their name comes from their tendency to be so limp and relaxed when picked up- like a rag doll. These cats are among the calmest and most affectionate of breeds, making them perfect for those with a family. However, the downside to this is that they don’t do well alone, so again you may want to consider whether or not you can provide the company a ragdoll needs.
And that's all the breeds we have time for this week! If you'd like us to cover any other breeds next time, drop us a comment below and we'll dedicate a post to any we haven't included! In the meantime, catch up on your fill of Kitty Café fun by visiting our social media pages and maybe even book yourself in for a visit to one of our cafés!
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