What Breed of Cat Do I Get?
I have a 7 month old lhasa-Apso (dog) and am now considering getting a cat. I’m not in a hurry because i want to make sure i get the right one for me. Keep in mind i’ve never owned a cat, just dogs. I’m experienced at litter training (my dog is litter trained) and am currently reading up on cats and the responsibilities associated with having them. i want a cat-breed that is going to be okay for when i have to go to work (my dog is used to that now), and one that has hypoallergenic coats and preferably furry (but would consider one that isnt furry). I want a lap cat (important!). I thought of a "Ragdoll" and those are pretty and all, but i cant have them because they shed. ***Important that the breed be one that is okay with kids. i dont have kids but i have neices and nephews. also important that the breed is okay with dogs, though i understand that some of the things i’ve listed here arent breed-specific as they depend on the cat itself*
Any ideas would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Thanks a lot for the responses! And yes, i would not purchase a cat… i’ll be adopting! But i wanted to know the specific sort of cat/kitten to look for because (for example,) it wouldnt matter to me how well i get along with one if it is one that sheds a lot.
Looking into the Russian Blue… and the Siamese.thanks!
The key point you made is that you need a hypoallergenic coated cat but also a furry one (so no Sphynx breed.) This narrows the field quite a bit. Russian Blue, Cornish or Devon Rex are really the only breeds considered to cause less allergic reaction. All cats with hair will shed, but brushing a cat daily with a cat brush helps to cut down on shedding. The Russian Blue is short haired and is known to shed very little, and the Rex cats are curly, so the hair that is shed is less noticeable. The Rex breeds are rare and fragile for children.
Russian Blues are medium sized cats, very intelligent and playful, generally friendly and good with other pets and children. This might be a good breed to consider. Here’s some info on the breed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Blue
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/russian.html
And some pictures:
http://images.google.com/images?q=russian+blue&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1
And here is a list of Russian Blues in need of a new home:
http://www.russianblue.org/rbbs/rehome.html
Cats are pretty independent, and most enjoy their alone time during the day while their humans are at work. Your dog, once used to the cat, will probably enjoy having a companion.
There is no guarantee with breeds of cats. Most cats aren’t dependent on their owners, cats are very independent and have their own personalities that differ with each one. You should go to your local shelter and see which one of the cats there jumps out at you, maybe even literally. A plus with going a shelter is one, they are usually already litter trained and two, you are saving an animal that may otherwise not be able to live. Then, of course, get him or her fixed ASAP.
No cats have hypoallergenic coats and unless you buy a Sphynx (which start at about $1,000), all cats shed.
From your comments I don’t think ANY cat would be good for you. Stick with dogs.
why dont you go too the shelter and pick on out theres so many… even full breeds all kinds too… big, little, babys, all sizes and breeds… take your neices and nephews with you make a day of it… too pick out a new kitty im sure you will find the right one good luck…. and your not only getting a new kitty your saving a life so many get put down cause theres so many and the shelters cant keep them all…. its so sad but true … wish you luck ….
siamese are very pretty and talkative.
It doesn’t really matter what breed you get. All that matters is whether or not it is healthy and it’s age. I would recommend getting a 1 to 3 year old cat because kittens are hard to handle. Trust me, I have the scars to prove it. ^^;
It is all together based on how the cat is braught up. Buy it as a kitten so the cat can get used to the dog. As you got the dog first he is the *leader* of the house animal wise. so he wont mind the new furry friend, as long as you give hem HEAPS of attention.
As for shedding it is all really do with the cat .
I don’t know of a specfic breed that would have all that you want. Keep in mind that cats are very different than dogs and each one has a very specific personality. Good luck on your search!
don’t get a ragdoll breed. They are soooo clingly, they depressed if they don’t have enough human attention. I would reccommend this, don’t settle on a particualr breed. Go down to your local shelter and spend time with the kittens there. See if you find one you click with.
Purebred cats are limited to a certain amount of differance in they’re personality’s. The local shelter will have your regular dometic breeds. And those are more likely to have the personality you’re looking for
Good luck!!!!