What Cat Should I Get? Find The Best Cat For You

What Cat Should I get? Choosing the best cat for you can be daunting, you have to take into consideration many aspects like:

The cat’s personality.
Life expectancy.

The size and appearance.
The average monthly costs ( food, insurance, toys).

And even what type of person you are, maybe you want a cuddly cat for your kids, an independent cat that is easy to take care of, or maybe a hypoallergenic cat!

But, don’t worry, I have done the work for you and assembled a cheat list with the best breeds and types of cats for you!

Key Takeaways:

The American shorthair is one of the best cats for beginners, dogs, and kids because it is friendly, very adaptable, loves to play, and is VERY sturdy.

The Russian blue cat is ideal for those people who are allergic, especially because its fur falls very little, it also adapts to any space and is very friendly, so you can take care of it in your apartment.
The Ragdoll cat is also an excellent alternative to be in an apartment, especially because it is affectionate with children and adults so it also emotionally supports those who need it, and although it can measure almost one meter, it adapts to the space where it is.

Disclaimers

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Should I Get A Cat From A Breeder Or Shelter?

Everything will depend on what you think is most convenient for you. It is very common for this question to arise when choosing a first time.

However, each person is free to decide where they want to acquire their pet, so they are valid alternatives since both options are rewarding and have the same purpose, to provide love, protection, and happiness to the cat.

Some tips when adopting a cat from a shelter are:

Ask the cat medical history and age so you know if there is any special treatment your cat will need.

Learn about the cat personality, if it prefers to be alone or if it can socialize with other cats or dogs.

For more tips about adopting a cat from a shelter check out this article: How to Adopt a Cat | Adopting a Cat From a Shelter

Best Cat Breeds For First-Time Owners

There are many cat breeds with its own physical and behavioral characteristics. But if you are a beginner when it comes to cat care, domestic cats are an excellent option.

If this is the first time that you are going to have a cat as a pet, consider the following aspects:

Choose a cat breed that is calm and easy to socialize, so you will earn their trust faster, and can adapt easily to your home.
When choosing the cat, verify that the breed has few hereditary diseases. Especially, because if it is a breed in which cats become ill or have a disability, they should be cared for by experts in cat care.

Grooming has to be simple, so opt for a cat with short hair or a medium-long coat.

Once you take into account the aforementioned aspects, then you can choose between some of these breeds:

American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are friendly, sturdy, and laid-back cats.

They are an excellent cat for you if you need a cat that is strong and independent, but that is also playful and gets along with other pets.

This also makes American shorthairs a great cat breed for people who are ill or have a health condition and need a loyal cat companion by their side

Main characteristics

Life expectancy:15 to 20 years
Average cost: Between $500 and $1500, depending on the breeder and the pedigree.
Body height: Height of 8”-10” (20-25 cm) and body length of 12”-15” (30-38 cm).

Common diseases: Are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: Their eyes are large and wide.

Personality

it is very agile.
Get along very well with other pets.
Usually gets along with both children and adults.

Is calm and independent.
His temperament is adaptable.
They like to play.

The voice is very soft.
They like to hunt if left outdoors, this makes them a good cat for farms or hunting mice

Plus, they have an easy-care coat, ideal for busy cat owners, so it is an ideal option for you if you are thinking of having your first pet cat.

Maine Coon

This is one of the breeds of cats preferred by many people. This is because these animals have a good character, are sociable, and adapt easily to their environment. It is precise because of these characteristics that they are ideal for people who are going to have a cat as a pet for the first time.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years.

Average cost: Between $400-$1500 depending on the age.
Body height: Overall height of 10”-16″ (25-40 cm) and body length of 19”-32” (48-81 cm). Weighs between 10-25 lb (4.5-11.3 kg).
Common diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Physical aspects: His body is muscular and his chest is broad. Their legs are large and with tufts of hair.

Personality

His, cooing and meowing are very common during the day, he likes to attract attention.

Socializes very well with other animals.
Get along well with children and adults.
Easily adapts to indoor life.

He is a good hunter, so he likes to bring objects.
He is fascinated by water.
Because it is large, it requires space to function properly, so it is best if you live in large houses or apartments.

It is generally more comfortable if they have another cat as a companion.

Although their hair is semi-long, caring for it is simple, as only the top layer is made up of this hair size. So you only have to brush his coat once a week.

The Ragdoll Cat

This breed of cat is characterized by being very gentle and playful, so it is ideal if you are considering having a cat as a pet.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: Live from 11 to 15 years.
Average cost: Between $800 to $2000.

Body height: It can even weigh 10 kilos and measure almost a meter.
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: It tends to grow a lot, so it is best if they are in a very spacious place. Its coat is easy to care for since by brushing it constantly it relaxes. It is born completely white and after a week the colors appear on its coat. Its body is lighter and the face, legs, and tail are darker in color.

Personality

He is very pleasant and likes to browse.
Is loving.

Prefers to be accompanied, does not like loneliness. So it is very dependent.
Relates very well with children and adults. They are ideal for living with children because they give them the care they need.
He likes to be caressed at every moment.

Emits few and very soft vocalizations.
He likes water.
It is docile, so it does not perceive danger.

Easily fond of anyone.

As you will realize, this breed of cat is ideal for family living, as it prefers company and sharing. As well as it is an excellent company for the elderly or those with delicate health.

British Shorthair Cat

Also known as the BKH cat, it is an ideal breed for beginners because this cat is very gentle, not so big, and with a short coat.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy:14 to 20 years.
Average cost :Between $800 to $2,500.

Body height: Overall height of 12”-14” (30-46 cm) and body length of 22”-25” (56-64 cm).
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: Their hair is similar to that of a stuffed animal because it is plush. Their coat is short and easy to care for. Its head is round with a short nose, round ears, and large eyes.

Personality

Among its main characteristics, it stands out:

His character is calm and balanced.

It adapts to any space.
Gets along very well with adults and children.
It interacts very well with other animals.

As you will see, if you are thinking of having a cat as a pet for the first time, this breed is ideal because it is not complicated, since they are very calm cats that adapt to any space.

Best Cat Breeds For Kids

Many of the little ones in the house are characterized by asking for a pet and cats are no exception.

Having children have a pet helps them to have greater responsibility, to respect, and to express their feelings.

So if you plan to have a cat that gets along with your children, consider the following cat breeds:

Persian

Also known as “the sofa tiger”, for sleeping a lot. Although it is characterized by having a long soft and silky coat, which must be very careful, it is a very calm and affectionate cat. So it is an ideal option to live with children.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 12 to 17 years.
Average cost: Between $500 to $5,000.
Body height: It can grow to be between 40 and 50 centimeters long and 30 centimeters high. Usually weighs between 3 and 7 kilos.

Common diseases: Haircoat disorders, dental disease, overgrown nails, and eye discharge are the most common conditions diagnosed.
Physical aspects: His face is flattened and his nose is flattened.

Personality

Spends much of the day sleeping.
Because of its calm, it helps children who are more active to relax.
Likes to have company, ideal for the family and calm games.

Although he is very calm, he knows how to defend himself if attacked.
Is loving.
Has no hunting instinct.

Turkish Angora

This breed of cat is characterized by being very intelligent, playful and curious. Ideal to be with children.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years.

Average cost: Between $900 to $3000.
Body height: It can weigh up to 5 kilograms.
Common diseases: Are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.

Physical aspects: It is considered an elegant cat. His hair is long and silky. It does not have an undercoat, so its care is easier. It has long legs. His eyes are slanted upward.

Personality

They are very smart.

They like to be caressed and mentally stimulated.
They love to play, especially those games that require mental agility, such as looking for something specific.
They relate very well with the family.

Manx Cat

This breed is characterized because many of them do not have a tail. But they love to be pampered and live very well with other animals.

It is a very calm and friendly breed, ideal for living with children.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 8 to 14 years.
Average cost: between $400 to $600.
Body height: It weighs between 3 to 5 kilograms. Its size is medium.
Common diseases: Manx syndrome or Manxness is a condition that results when the tailless gene shortens the spine too much.
Physical aspects: Its head is round and its ears are shaped like an arc when viewed from behind. The hind limbs are longer than the front ones. Some do not have a tail, but when you caress it in that area you will not notice the difference. The hair is short but double-layered, so the coat is thick. So it must be combed daily.

Personality

He is calm and likes to have company, especially from his owners.
Although he is calm, he likes to run and play.
They like water.

As you will see, it is an ideal breed for your children to have, especially since they are very familiar cats.

Burmese Cat

Affectionate and playful, it is also an ideal cat breed for children, as they love to play and have fun.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years.
Average cost: Between $600 and $3.000
Body height: It is medium size. They weigh between 3.5 to 6 kilograms.
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: Her hair is long. Its bone structure is strong. The legs are wide and rounded. His head is shaped like a rounded triangle. The coat is medium long and silky. It is only dark on the face, ears, legs, and tail, while the rest of the body is light in color.

Personality

Loves to play.
He is extremely gentle.
Likes to please their owners. So it tends to chase them.
Get along well with other animals.

Without a doubt, this breed of cat is ideal for your family, especially if you like to be around a faithful pussy companion.

In addition to the cats described above, those already described above are also ideal for children:

Maine Coon.
The Ragdoll Cat.
American with short hair.

Best Cat Breeds For Allergies

For those who are allergic but want to have a cat, some breeds are acceptable for them.

So if you are allergic but love cats, consider the following breeds:

Bengal Cat

Known for being one of the most exotic cat breeds, especially for its spotty coat, it also stands out for being hypoallergenic. He is also very outgoing.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: Between 12 to 16 years
Average cost: $500 to $5,000
Body height: Overall height of 8”-10″ (20-25 cm) and body length of 14”-18” (36-46 cm).
Common diseases: Heart Disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is common in older Bengals. Progressive retinal atrophy. Cataracts.Joint Problems.
Physical aspects: Sheds less hair, one of its great characteristics that makes it hypoallergenic.

Personality

He loves water, even playing in it.

Keep in mind that if you are allergic, but you still choose to have a hypoallergenic cat, it is best to always keep your house clean, bathe and brush the cat regularly and if you have carpets, clean them frequently.

Russian Blue Cat

Known for being a very cute breed of cat, which is due to the silvery blue fur and green eyes. But they are also hypoallergenic.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years.
Average cost: $400 and $1100.
Body height: height of 8″-10″ (20-25 cm) and body length of 15″-18″ (38-46 cm)
Common diseases: Weight-related problems. Progressive retinal atrophy. Polycystic kidney disease. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Physical aspects: They do not produce a lot of Fel d1 protein, so they are more suitable for allergy sufferers. Their fur is thick and dense. Shed very little hair.

Personality

It is characterized by being intelligent and friendly.
They relate very well with their owners so they usually follow them wherever they go.

Siberian Cat

You will surely be surprised that this breed of cat is in this classification because it has a long coat. However, they are hypoallergenic cats, especially since they produce less Fel d1 protein than other cat breeds.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 8 to 10 years.
Average cost: between $1,200 and $4,000 .
Body height It is sturdy. Its size is medium. Height of 9”-11″ (23-28 cm) and body length of 15”-18” (38-46 cm).
Common diseases: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is a thickening of the heart muscle that could lead to heart failure.
Physical aspects: Its coat is long and thick, so it resists extreme climates. So you have to brush them frequently, especially in spring and autumn. Eyes are almost round.

Personality

He likes to play.
Is loving.
He is cheerful and interacts very well with other pets.
It is independent and intelligent.
It is very agile, so it can make big jumps.

Cornish Rex

Its main characteristics include shedding very little hair, which is why they are ideal as a pet for people who suffer from allergies.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years.
Average cost:between $75 to $1300.
Body height It is heavy, but very warm when stroking. Its size is medium. The long, thin legs.
Common diseases: Bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: His hair is very soft. Also, it is the only breed that has an undercoat of hair. However, you must bathe him frequently, to prevent oil from accumulating on his skin. The head is small, shaped similar to that of an egg. The ears are big.

Personality

He’s an energetic personality, so he loves to play.
They are usually affectionate with their owners, and they like to have their attention.
He is always alert but likes to be petted, so he handles himself easily.
He is very agile, so he takes big jumps and likes to climb, especially in closets.

So if you are allergic, you already know that you can also have your cat as a pet, especially if you choose to have any of these breeds already described.

Best Cat Breeds For Dogs

It is very common for cats or dogs to be kept as pets, but some choose to have both animals.

However, you must bear in mind that any breed of both dog and cat can live together since everything will depend on how they get used to being together from a young age.

So if you are thinking of having both, consider the cat breeds that get along best with dogs.

Tonkinese

It is characterized by being a very peculiar breed since it arises from the cross between the Siamese and the Burmese. It is also a very sociable and affectionate cat, especially with other animals, such as dogs.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy : 10 to15 years
Average cost : $500 to $1,200.
Body height: It is medium size. Height of 8”-10″ (20-25 cm) and body length of 12”-15” (30-38 cm).
Common diseases: Dental problem.Amyloidosis.Feline asthma. Hyperthyroidism. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cystitis. Crossed eyes.
Physical aspects: Its head fits into a triangle and has rounded contours, with rounded ears at the tip. The eyes are medium in size. Its coat is shiny and short, so it is very soft.

Personality

He is very intelligent and lively.
He loves to socialize, so he enjoys company, especially his owners.
He has a very balanced character, so he is very friendly and they get along well with dogs.
Because he has a lot of energy, he loves to exercise and be entertained, so he loves interactive play, a very peculiar characteristic also in some dogs.
When he is satisfied, he loves to relax.
Although he is independent, he likes the company.

You must consider that although he gets along very well with the dogs, at the beginning you have to relate them both little by little until they feel good about each other with his company.

Bombay

Known for being very cute and intelligent, this breed of cat also loves to play and socialize, so it gets along very well with dogs.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 9 to15 years.
Average cost : Between $600 – $1000.
Body height: It is medium size. It can weigh up to 5 kilograms.
Common diseases: Are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: His hair is short, black, and shiny. The eyes are large, while the ears are small and rounded. Its head is broad and round and the nose is short. It resembles a small home panther.

Personality

He is very charming and affectionate.
It adapts very well to other pets, such as dogs.
He lives very well with the family.
He loves to play, especially with his owners.
It prefers to be in company, so it is ideal for the family.

Ocicat

When you see this breed of cat, it is often classified more like a wild cat than a domestic cat, but in reality, it is very affectionate and sociable, so it gets along well with dogs.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: They can live up to 15 to 17 years if properly cared for.
Average cost: $800 to $1500
Body height: Its appearance is very athletic, due to its medium to large size. With strong legs. It can weigh between 5 to 7 kg. Although the females are lighter.
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: Its head is wedge-shaped, with medium ears.
The coat is short and shiny with a fine texture. Although it can appear in various colors, white is only allowed on the face and throat.

Personality

He is gentle and affectionate, ideal for family life. They develop a very close bond with their owners.
He loves to play.
He does not like loneliness, so he prefers to have other pets as a frequent company, such as dogs or even other cats.

The aforementioned cat breeds also coexist very well with dogs:

Maine Coon.
Siberian cat.
American Shorthair.
The Ragdoll Cat.

If dogs and cats can live together, you just have to know how to select the appropriate breeds of both animals and you will see that they will adapt very easily to being in the same environment.

Best Cat Breeds For Apartments

If you are one of the people who live in an apartment and wants to have a cat, you should know that there are breeds of cats that adapt to these spaces, so keep the following in mind so that you can make the best choice:

British Shorthair

This breed of cats adapts very well to apartments, as well as to their owners’ schedules. He also loves to have company.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 14 to 20 years.
Average cost: Between $800 and $2,500
Body height: Its size is medium to large. Height of 12”-14” (30-46 cm) and body length of 22”-25” (56-64 cm).
Common diseases: Hyperthyroidism. Arthritis. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
Physical aspects: The coat is thick, short, and very tender.

Personality

He is very cheerful and affectionate.
Known for being very calm and quiet.
It is very faithful, so it loves to be with its owners.
Has a moderate activity level.
He is not jumpy or nervous, rather he is calm in the face of any eventuality.
He does not like to be carried.

Precisely because they are so quiet, they do not cause damage to their environment, so they are ideal for apartment living.

Javanese

He is known to have various meows, which indicate his mood and energy. They also adapt to the routine very easily, ideal for living together in an apartment.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 8 to 12 years.
Average cost: Between $1,500 to $2,500 .
Body height: He is medium in size, with a muscular body and long legs. It can weigh up to 6 kilograms if it is an adult.
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: His hair is straight.

Personality

They are affectionate.
Good companions especially for the elderly.
He is very sociable and likes to attract attention.
Although they like to jump and explore, they adapt very well to apartments.

Shelter Cats

If you want to have a cat in your apartment, you can also choose to adopt one from a shelter. Many of these animals tend to be calm and adapt to a space such as an apartment.

So when you adopt them, make sure they are adults and also ask the shelter about the characteristics of the cat’s breed and the care required, especially if you are going to keep it more in the apartment than outdoors.

Other breeds of cats that adapt to apartments and that have already been mentioned are:

The Ragdoll Cat.
Persian.
Russian blue.

Having a cat in an apartment is possible, just select a quiet one that adapts easily to the space you offer.

Best Cat Breeds For Cuddling And Emotional Support

Having a cat for emotional support is very good, especially when affection is required or is going through a difficult time. So among the breeds of cats that exist and that provide that support, are:

Siamese

Although they are known as one of the loudest breeds, they are charming and very expressive. One of their main characteristics is that they are not the same because they have different personalities, but they stand out for being close to their owners, so they are an excellent company, especially in emotional moments.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years.
Average cost: Around $250 to $1000.
Body height: They weigh between 4 to 5 kilograms.
Common diseases: Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.
Physical aspects: The face, ears, legs, and tails are dark and the back is light. At birth, they are white

Personality

They train easily, are sweet, and love to play.
They are very affectionate and sociable.
He loves company, so he is very good for people who require affection.

Sphynx

Also known as “Egyptian”, they stand out for their scarcity of fur, but they are also a great company for those people who require company.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: They can live up to 14 years.
Average cost: Between $1,500-$6,000.
Body height: It weighs approximately up to 5 kilograms. It is medium size.
Common diseases: Skin Problems. Body Temperature Regulation Issues. Ear Infections.Periodontal Disease. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Hereditary Myopathy.
Physical aspects: His body is smooth and muscular.

Personality

It is a very friendly and affectionate cat.
It has a lot of energy, so it requires constant human affection.
Although his appearance is serious and regal, he likes to have fun and entertain those around him, so he brings a lot of joy.
It is a loyal breed, so it likes to chase its owners.

Scottish Fold Cat

This breed of cats is also characterized by being an excellent company, especially because they are very sweet and friendly.

Main characteristics

Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years.
Average cost: Between $200 to $2,000.
Body height: Height of 8”-10″ (20-25 cm) and body length of 14″-16” (36-41 cm).
Common diseases: Osteochondrodysplasia. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Cardiomyopathy.
Physical aspects: His ears are folded forward and his cheekbones protrude.

Personality

It is very faithful.
It adapts easily to the environment where it is.
It is very familiar.
He is very quiet and purrs very softly.
With their great personality, they cheer up even the one who is in a bad mood.
He does not like noise or fights.
You have a lot of patience.

Other breeds of cats that were already mentioned above and that are also good companions are:

The Ragdoll Cat.
Maine Coon.
Bengal.
Persian.

Now that you know the main breeds of cats that they can have according to your lifestyle, choose the alternative that best suits you and keep in mind that you should always take care of them, attend to them, give them a lot of love and attention so that both of you like him to be happy living together.