Choosing A Kitten: A Guide To Cat Breeds

So you're thinking of getting a new kitten, but aren't sure which breed of cat you should get? With so many breeds out there, it can be a bit confusing to find the cat that's right for you. Luckily, many of the common breeds have distinct characteristics that can help make your decision much easier. Below are several common cat breeds, along with descriptions of each. You should do some additional research and pay careful attention to items such as temperament, fur length, and shedding... these can be very important factors when choosing a new cat. Cats with bad temperaments shouldn't be around young children, and long haired cats or heavy shedders can cause problems for people with allergies. Of course, individual cats will vary slightly from the perception of the breed... use this only as a guideline.

Persian: These cats are considered by many to be direct descendants of the Angoras of old, and are truly beautiful cats. Known in Great Britain as "Longhairs", these cats have distinctive long-haired coats that ruff at the neck and form a tufted "v" between the front legs. The head of the Persian is broad and slightly pug-nosed, with additional tufts of hair projecting from each side of the face. The shade of the cats fur tends to darken as the cat matures, turning gray or brown kittens into dark black cats.

Siamese: A very popular cat, Siamese cats have an exotic look that most owners love. They are considered by many to be the smartest breed of cat, and have an aloof personality. They are short-haired, and have a "mask" of darker hair around their eyes along with dark feet and a tail. The eyes are also deep and rich in color. Despite this majestic look and air of superiority, the Siamese can actually be very affectionate and playful. They also tend to be very vocal cats.

Abyssinian: A breed that is growing in popularity, the short-haired Abyssinian has gained the nickname of "Bunny Cat" from it's brown, reddish-brown, or silver-tipped coat. The cat grows to be long and lanky, and tends to move gracefully in a manner that can best be described as a slink.

Domestic Shorthairs: These cats vary by country, with breeds such as the British Shorthair (of which there are many types) and the American Shorthair. The cats tend to be very intelligent and independent, and are usually quite lively. Depending upon the breed that you choose, the Domestic Shorthairs come in a full range of colors, both in combination and in solids.

Himalayan: The Himalayan has been referred to by many different names, including the Colorpoint Longhair and even Persian. The cat is essentially a cross between Persian cats and Siamese cats, retaining the coat of the Persian and the coloration of the Siamese. While affectionate, Himalayan cats also tend to be notoriously independent.

Maine Coon: These cats actually do come from the state of Maine, but are growing in popularity across the United States. Thought to be another decedent of Angora cats, they are big, intelligent, and very sturdy. The Main Coon's coat is long, and comes in a variety of colors (plus additional tabby varieties.) Some registering bodies recognize as many as 23 different shades, though the cats are rarely registered outside of the United States.