Cats make fantastic pets and it’s easy to see why. They are intelligent, affectionate and are even known to reduce stress levels! But with so many different cat breeds to choose from, it is very difficult to choose the one that will suit you and your lifestyle best. Carry on reading to find out which cat breeds make the best domestic pets!
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PERSIAN CAT
Persian kitten. Photo by ilker from FreeImages.
Persians are one of the most beautiful cat breeds. They have long, silky coats and sweet faces. However there is more to them than just looks. These purring machines are happy, laid-back, playful and curious pets. On the down side, many owners report that compared to other breeds these cats are not very smart. Training your Persian cat might not be an easy task!
If you are still planning to get a Persian, keep in mind that you will need to regularly groom and brush your pet. And that beautiful fur? It will be everywhere: on your favourite sofa, all over your rug and yes, on your best work trousers too!
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BRITISH SHORTHAIR
Brirish Shorthair cats are calm and easygoing. Being British, they tend to be shy and reserved at first, but once they get to know you, they are very affectionate. These cats make great pets for families with children or cat-friendly dogs.
They are generally very healthy but are prone to a certain heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. As this potentially fatal disease is inherited, make sure to check a kitten’s family health history before buying one!
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SIAMESE CAT
Siamese cat. Photo by Rick Tolboom from FreeImages.
Dating back to the 14th century, Siamese cats are probably the oldest domestic cats ever. They are best known for their bright blue eyes and thin, elegant bodies.
Siamese enjoy attention so they would love to live with human companions who spend a lot of time at home. These cats should be kept indoors as they are not very “streetwise”. If you are planning to let your pet out, make sure it is supervised. Keep in mind that Siamese cats tend to have more health problems than many other breeds.
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RUSSIAN BLUE
The Russian Blue is a gorgeous cat known for its luxurious silver coat, stunning green eyes and sweet nature. These cats are considered a “hypoallergenic breed” and therefore tend to be popular with people who have allergies. Like the Siamese cats, Russian blues are very intelligent and social. They have very strong hunting instincts so consider getting toys to keep your pet occupied (a feathered fishing pole or a hand-made bow on a string will be your cat’s absolutely favourite). Russian Blue cats do not have many genetic health problems.
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MAINE COON
Maine coon cat. Photo by John Nyberg from FreeImages.
The Maine coon is perhaps the most popular domestic cat. Known for its large size, this breed is one of the most sociable ones. They are very tolerant of children as well as other animals so are often a popular choice for families. However these cats are very active and need a lot of exercise. If you are considering getting a Maine coon, make sure there is enough space for your cat to roam freely. These pets also have an unusual liking of water so don’t be surprised if they decide to play in puddles or water baths!
So…what cat breed is YOUR favourite?
More information
- If you would like to find out more about cat breeds and cat care, please contact our animal club team.
- To learn more about other animals, read our animal blog or book an animal handling session and meet our fascinating lizards, amazing insects and cuddly furry pets.