Given that adopting a cat is a significant commitment
- they live for an average of 15 years - it makes sense to learn more
about cat breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular purebreds are
the Siamese and the Persian, although both of these have
characteristics that may make them unsuitable choices for some people.
Fortunately, there are a large number of other breeds to choose from,
many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds
actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, as they have a
low-allergy coat and are generally well tolerated.
Although not
as popular as they once were, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and
for good reason. They are extremely beautiful and intelligent, although
modern breeding practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards
an overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very vocal, however, which
can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little bit
determined in putting their views across. This is not a cat for the
owner who doesn't have a lot of time to spend with their pet, as
Siamese are very people-oriented. They love attention, and they love
interacting with their owners. They will follow them from room to room,
and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.
Unlike
Siamese, Persian cats are very even-tempered. They get along well with
other dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat households.
They also tolerate children well. The biggest drawback - and also their
most striking feature - is their amazing coat. A Persian's coat needs
daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats need to be sedated to have
their coats clipped, so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to
be a priority for Persian owners.
The Siberian cat, or croshca,
is another long haired feline. It requires less grooming than the
Persian, and needs to be brushed only two or three times a week instead
of daily. Their coat is different too. Surviving in the deep cold of a
Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil coat.
Siberian cats are very playful, and affectionate. Like the Siamese,
they grow very attached to their owners, so this is something to keep
in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian is one possibility for
those with cat allergies, as their coats are believed to be
hypoallergenic.
Devon rex cats are another option for those
allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, slightly crinkly coat
that sheds very little. The coat itself is also hypoallergenic. Be
warned however - devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They
are also very fond of food, and have been known to be quite resourceful
in finding it even when hidden away. The devon rex is very
affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that will follow you
around and 'help' with chores.
Feline breeds all have their own
distinctive characteristics. This is something to keep in mind as you
learn about cat breeds before you buy. Do you have children or other
pets? How much time do you want to spend with a cat, and does your work
schedule allow it? Getting two cats together (if you don't already have
one) is never a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. But
some cats still demand more of their humans than others do, though they
often give at least as much back.
