If you’re looking for a new kitten to add to your family, you may be feeling a little lost on where to start. What are the different types of cat breeds, and are there any (or hopefully, many) that fit your home, family, and lifestyle? When searching for your new fur baby, there are many items to consider: life expectancy, maintenance, and personality traits being at the top of the list. Home energies that are calm and quiet can be easily disrupted by a kitty that loves to sing their feelings – or put on a full-length meowing production every time they want to be fed. Likewise, homes with lively children and rambunctious pups can be a stressful environment for a more relaxed breed of cat. While all cats are loveable and precious in their own ways, choosing the best type for your family helps you avoid new pet owner obstacles and ensures your fur baby has a paws-itive experience.
To help you find the purrfect cat, our Pine Valley team has put together a list of our top cat breeds – their features and qualities.
“The Mischievous Meower”
Kid-friendly, affectionate, energetic, attention-needing.
Unique appearance – short fur and a broad snout.
Life expectancy: 15 years
Smaller size: 8 to 12lbs
“The Purrfect Cuddler”
Friendly, loyal, attentive, highly intelligent, easy-to-train.
Long-haired, fluffy coats.
Extra-large size: 18 to 30lbs
Life expectancy: 15 years
“The Cat Dog”
Adaptable, adventurous, noisy, energetic, playful.Long-haired, fluffy coats.
Average size: 9 to 14lbs
Life expectancy: 16 years
“The Blue-Eyed Icon”
Intelligent, playful, affectionate, vocal, curious.
Short, multi-colored fur and piercing, blue eyes.
Life expectancy: 12 years
Smaller size: 6 to 14lbs
“The All-American Cat”
Kid and pet-friendly, easygoing, playful.
Low maintenance – Short-haired and multi-colored.
Life expectancy: 20 years
Smaller size: 8 to 12lbs
“The Cuddly Couch Potato”
Calm, laid back, lethargic, snuggly.Soft, fluffy coat, but requires regular grooming and maintenance.
Life expectancy: 17 years
Smaller size: less than 12lbs
“The Pharoah Feline”
Playful, cheerful, goofy, entertaining, snuggly.
Great for allergy-prone pet owners – no fur or pet dander.
Life expectancy: 15 years
Smaller size: 6 to 14lbs
Relaxed, laid-back, loyal, affectionate, snuggly.
Long, multi-colored coats, easy to groom and maintain.
Life expectancy: 15 years
Larger size: 10 to 20lbs
A few important things to consider:
- Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Regardless of the breed, all cats require various levels of grooming and regular vet visits to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
- Personalities can be unpredictable. While the characteristics we listed for each breed are general, they are not universal qualities. Every cat will have its own, unique quirks and personalities. However, knowing the qualities of each breed acts as a great foundation for choosing the best kitten for your family.
- Cat ownership comes with a specific set of responsibilities. If you’re a first-time cat owner or have children in the house, it’s important that everyone at home understands how to care for your new kitty (feeding, litter box cleaning, visiting the vet, etc…)
All in all, cats are exceptional pets. Many are highly intelligent and can easily adapt to their new home environment. If you’re a dog lover and owner, the energetic Bengals or Oriental Shorthairs may be more your speed. If you prefer the calmer, lower maintenance cat, Ragdolls or Persians may match your energy purrfectly.
Once you bring home your new kitty cat, remember to call our office and schedule their first checkup. Our team loves seeing new, fuzzy faces, and we can’t wait to add your fur baby to the Pine Valley family!
