Choosing a Cat Breed

Whether you need a kid-friendly kitty, a shed-free sweetie or a hypoallergenic baby, we provide the know-how in choosing your forever friend!

Choosing a Cat Breed
Photo by Maksym Diachenko / Unsplash

When you decide to add a new furry friend to your family, it can be a little overwhelming to choose which sweet, fluffy face is the perfect fit. But don’t fret, choosing which cat breed that will fit your family best is easier than it seems!

For Allergy-prone Cat Lovers

Hypoallergenic cats are great for owners or families with a pet allergy, and while there is no breed of cat that is completely hypoallergenic, there are breeds that produce lower amounts of allergy triggering proteins which can help even the sneeziest prospective cat owners!

  • Siberian cats, despite their long luxurious hair, are an excellent option for allergy-prone individuals and are considered a great breed option to keep as a family pet. With the Siberian’s long fur, regular grooming is definitely necessary to keep them happy and healthy!
  • Siamese cats are another great option for those looking for allergy friendly breeds, as their short fur doesn’t shed as much as others. Siamese cats are a loving breed, but can be demanding of their owner’s attention - they aren’t a good fit for owners who are away from home for extended periods of time.
  • Another great choice of cat is the Bengal. Bengal cats shed very little and can be an intelligent and energetic companion for anyone looking for a new furry companion!
  • Russian Blue cats are generally calm and shy around new people but will need occasional grooming to keep them feeling purrrfectly happy!
  • Sphynx cats are an especially unique cat in that they are completely bald or covered in a slight peach fuzz. Make no mistake, though, even hairless cats need regular maintenance. Sphynx cats should be bathed regularly to remove the buildup of oils on their skin, which can otherwise cause skin problems.

For Cat Lovers with Children

If your family has younger children and is ready to grow a little furrier with a cat or kitten, choosing a cat breed that is comfortable playing with your kids is important! These cats are ready to play and join the family:

  • Devon Rex cats with their short, curly fur, are extremely affectionate towards their owners and are a very intelligent breed! They need a lot of love and attention so this breed is definitely a good choice for families who love to snuggle and play at home.
  • Alternatively, their siblings, the Cornish Rex cats, also love to have their family’s attention and enjoy playtime with the kids but both the Devon and Cornish Rex need regular grooming for their soft curly fur.
  • The short-haired Burmese is a cat breed that doesn’t shed a lot or need much grooming in addition to being affectionate, smart, and high-energy so they need lots of playtime and exercise with their new family!

For Dog Lovers

  • The Balinese are a great choice in cat breed for up and coming families looking to add a fur baby to their home! This long haired kitty is not only affectionate and great with kids and families, they are also smart and can be trained to do tricks!
  • Abyssinians, affectionately known as Abys, are a very loyal breed of cat and they normally mix well with children and other pets. The Abys are a curious and playful breed that enjoy exploring their surroundings and like to participate in the activities taking place around them.
  • Himalayan cats are known for their sweet temperament, intelligence and playful personality! They enjoy a good game of fetch and can usually be entertained for hours with a simple scrap of balled-up paper or a cat toy enjoyed with their families.These cats bond well with their families, preferring to spend more time with their family than by themselves.
  • Another breed that is suitable to join a bigger family are the Maine Coon cats.They are one of the largest breeds of domestic cats, and are lovingly referred to as “gentle giants.” Maine Coons’ are people-oriented, relaxed and easy-going with high intelligence, making them excellent companions and an easy breed to train. They’re also known for their dog-like behavior: they follow their owners from room to room, respond when called and enjoy playing fetch!

For Quiet Homes

  • Lastly, the American Shorthair is also frequently considered a low-maintenance cat breed. Known for their easy-going temperament, and short, easy-to-care-for coat, American Shorthairs make excellent pets for families, singles, and seniors alike!
  • For those who would like to rescue a cat, see our general post on adopting ethically:
Adopting a Companion
Depending on what you intend on doing with your new pal, you can either go the rescue or registered breeder route. Please do not support pet shops or commercial mills - the animals live in misery and you are not helping by giving them your money!