Which cat is better to have in an apartment: the calmest, healthiest, active and unpretentious pets

Criterias of choice

When choosing a cat for an apartment, you need to understand the following features of each breed that is interesting to the buyer:

• how quickly the animal gets used to new things;
• noise (the cat should not disturb the neighbors);
• the ability to tolerate loneliness (after all, most owners spend a lot of time at work);
• contact (this is especially important if there are small children or other animals in the house);
• degree of activity (a cat that needs high physical activity will not be comfortable in a closed room);
• fussiness in care (long-haired pets will leave a lot of hair on soft surfaces if they are not combed regularly).

Important! You should choose an animal based on your own character and needs. A passive breed will not suit an active person, nor vice versa.

Ragdoll

Translated from English, the name of this breed means “rag doll” and this perfectly characterizes these cats. The peculiarity of this breed is that they have reduced muscle tone, and because of this they relax to an incredible degree. You may get the impression that what is lying on your lap is not a cat, but its skin. Representatives of this breed also have blue eyes.

Ragdolls are very trusting and good-natured cats, often unable to protect themselves, so it is better not to let this cat walk alone for its safety. Despite their obedience and amazing ability to completely relax and lie where the owner puts him, cats of this breed cannot be called inactive. They love to play and perform various tricks, which they learn quite quickly. Just like Persians, Ragdolls are not too fond of the highest surfaces in the house, preferring to stay close to people. They are very affectionate, and not only to people. They can even make friends with a pet that they would rather consider as food than as a friend.

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

Weight and size: cat height - up to 40-66 cm, cat height - up to 38-58 cm, cat weight - 7-11 kg, cat weight - 6-10 kg.

Grooming: Despite their relatively long hair, Ragdolls do not shed as intensely as one might expect. But, nevertheless, daily brushing is highly desirable for this breed. You can bathe your Ragdoll once a month.

Potential Difficulties

1. Cats go to the toilet . Yes, and “in a big way” too. Of course, cats are much more clean than dogs; they cannot go to the toilet due to carelessness or from excess emotions, but cats also happen to shit in the wrong place. There can be many reasons for this, but in this case the point is different - the area of ​​the apartment is small, and the smell of cat excrement is quite pungent. This can cause problems with neighbors or homeowners. Therefore, it is preferable to choose animals that are already tray-trained.

Cat litter and kitten

If you think that cats are easy to train and their instincts themselves will push them in the right direction, you are mistaken. Our editor is the proud owner of two large mongrel cats, one of whom completely refuses to remember that a trash can is the wrong place for his litter box. And even if it is possible to convince him of this today, it is not a fact that tomorrow the situation with the surprise found in the trash bin will not repeat itself.

2. Cats shed . And this is also a problem. Are you ready for your entire apartment to be strewn with cat hair? It will get everywhere: on clothes, in food, on all surfaces. In a small space, especially during periods of seasonal molting, cat hair turns into a real punishment.

Grooming a long-haired white cat

Moreover, some cats periodically develop dandruff, to which you or your family members may be allergic. So, when choosing an animal, you need to remember about the upcoming “war” with its fur, and if this is a problem for you, it is better to choose smooth-haired breeds or sphinxes in general. On the other hand, with proper care, problems with the coat will practically not arise. In any case, it is worth paying attention to this issue.

3. Cat's temperament or character . In some cases, it can also present very unpleasant surprises. If you live in a relatively small apartment, you should choose a furry friend of a breed that has the following characteristics:

• lack of a pronounced instinct for one’s own territory;
• easy perception of loneliness;
• sociability;
• friendliness towards strangers;
• not too high activity.

The last thing is worth explaining - cats with high activity require a lot of space for their games. They physically need to spend their energy somewhere, so they rush around the apartment like mad, turning over various objects, damaging furniture, knocking you off your feet. Such animals need to be in the fresh air, so keeping them in an apartment will be problematic for you.

Living in an apartment with a cat: tips and tricks

Although we've just listed some cat breeds that do well in apartments, it's important to keep your expectations realistic. Cats are living creatures, so you will have to deal with some of the consequences of their life.

His feline majesty wants to play

By adopting a cat, you take responsibility for it, so you must be prepared to care for it. To avoid any reasons for negativity, you should keep an eye on several things:

• the cat litter box must be cleaned regularly, because otherwise the cat may go to an unintended place;
• if you have several cats, each of them should have their own litter box, since these animals are quite clean and picky;
• if the cat's behavior changes and the animal suddenly throws litter out of the tray or goes to the toilet in the middle of the room, it is worth finding out the reasons for such actions, one of which may be a health condition.

If you don’t want unnecessary hassle, avoid using carpeting in your home. Carpets are difficult to clean and the characteristic odor is not easy to remove. In addition, cats love to sharpen their claws on carpets. By the way, it is also worth taking care of the claw sharpener in advance and accustoming the cat to it with the help of positive motivation from childhood.

You will need a few more useful devices to make cohabitation with a cat comfortable for both of you.

Self-cleaning tray

Self-cleaning cat litter box

Such trays are not particularly popular, but they can significantly save your energy. Well, if you are away for a long time, and your pet is picky, such a tray will allow you to avoid unpleasant incidents associated with excrement that is not collected on time.

House-sharpener

There are many different configurations of these devices, but almost all of them allow your pet to play, sharpen his claws and relax. By using such a house, you create a place for the cat to play, where he can expend his energy. In addition, you protect upholstered furniture and wallpaper from cat claws.

Easiest to care for

When choosing a cat for your home, you should take into account that this or that breed requires different attention. Long-haired beauties are not the best choice for busy owners because they leave a lot of hair on carpets and furniture.

On the other hand, a completely bald Sphynx is also not the easiest option. This breed has a special regulation of body temperature: they are cold in winter and sweat in summer. Therefore, it is quite difficult to provide them with a comfortable existence.

Sphynx cat

The list below includes short-haired cats that do not require lengthy brushing:

• Abyssinian (rarely sheds);
• Bombay (healthy and unassuming breed);
• Egyptian Mau (one of the oldest breeds, it is healthy and does not require special care);
• Cornish Rex (rarely sheds, the coat feels like velor);
• Siamese (combing once a week is enough);
• oriental (practically does not shed).

Bombay cat

Egyptian Mau cat

Cornish Rex cat

Oriental cat

Important! Brushing the coat is not the only grooming requirement. Cleaning the eyes and ears, checking the condition of the teeth and claws - these are the things that are relevant for any cat.

Maine Coon

American cat breed, originally from Maine. You can always recognize cats of this breed by the presence of tufts on their ears. They also usually have a furry collar, like a lion. If you have aquarium fish or hamsters in your house, then the Maine Coon will be a good choice for your family, since cats of this breed do not tend to encroach on the lives of other pets of their owners. However, this cat will not give a chance to mice that suddenly look at the light. Maine Coons have a fairly high intelligence, which makes them easy to train. Males are generally more social than cats.

Maine Coons, like British Shorthair cats, develop rather slowly. They reach adult size only by 3-5 years.

Lifespan: 12-17 years.

Weight and size: height - from 25 to 41 cm, length - up to 120 cm, average weight of a cat - 10-12 kg, cat - 7-8 kg.

Care: due to the high cleanliness of this breed, you will only need to bathe your pet when necessary, but you will need to brush it twice a week. Also, because of the cat's cleanliness, you will have to ensure that your pet's litter box is always clean.

The calmest breeds

The best cat breeds for apartments based on the criterion of balanced character include:

• Scottish Fold: quickly becomes attached to owners, but does not really like strangers;
• British Shorthair: easily gets used to a new home and is ready to contact the family;
• Persian: this breed of cat is suitable for those who like to communicate frequently with their pet. For Persians, the attention of their owners is very important, and they rarely show their dissatisfaction;
• Burmese: affectionate and playful cats, get along well with people of different age categories;
• Russian Blue: the pride of Russian selection. An extremely friendly breed, which nevertheless is able to easily tolerate the long absence of the owner from the house. One of the most common cats in the world;
• ragdoll: a beautiful purebred cat, has a very kind and gentle disposition;
• exotic: a fashionable breed that harmoniously combines loyalty and unobtrusiveness;
• Canadian Sphynx: non-aggressive, quickly becomes attached to the owner, easily finds a common language with other animals. He can be taught tricks and walked in a harness.

Scottish fold cat

Russian blue cat

Exotic cat

Canadian Sphynx

This is interesting! Sphynxes rarely meow, which is important for a city apartment with thin walls.

Pros and cons of breeds

Of course, there are many cats suitable for apartment living. The future owner needs to thoroughly study several breeds that he likes. With a thoughtful and balanced decision, you can achieve the main thing - to receive love and joy from communicating with an animal that best suits a particular family.

The cleverest

Among animals, dogs are considered to be the smartest. The intellectual abilities of cats are often underestimated, considering them incapable of learning. However, among the representatives of the cat family there are many who have developed intelligence.

The best intellectuals among cats:

Turkish Angora

• Turkish Angora – has a developed and flexible mind and good memory, is able to understand and remember commands, is distinguished by courage and the ability to make quick decisions;
• Norwegian Forest is a true intellectual, has good manners and submissive behavior, is not capable of doing dirty tricks and mischief in the apartment in the absence of the owners;
• oriental – has high intelligence and moderate activity, is accustomed to respect and reverent attitude towards one’s person;
• The Siamese is one of the most intelligent and inquisitive breeds, curious, often unpredictable and willful, quite active and does not like locked rooms in the house.

Oriental cat

The most original cats for home

If you want to have a pet with an unusual appearance, check out these options:

1. The Minskin cat looks like a hobbit. Thick and dense hair covers certain areas of the cat's naked body - the head, ears, paws and tail.
2. Dwelf looks like an alien from another planet. A small head with large eyes and ears curved inward, a long, squat body, devoid of hair.
3. Mei-kun is a giant among cat breeds. He is good-natured, endowed with soft fluffy hair and cute tassels on his ears.
4. The Savannah cat has a leopard coloration. She is large in size, with a good-natured character. Willingly keeps the owner company on a walk.
5. The Japanese Bobtail is a cat with an unusual, rabbit-like tail. He is active and intelligent, receptive to training.

Breeds with good health

The healthiest cats are mongrel cats. They sometimes have to survive in harsh street conditions, since they are often deprived of a warm home, tasty food and loving owners. Such animals undergo natural selection - they survive strong, strong and healthy.

A kitten or adult cat taken from the street will have good health and good immunity. Such a pet must be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination in order to receive the necessary vaccinations and cure existing diseases, if any.

If the owners want to take a purebred pet into their home, they should pay attention to such animals as:

Bengal cat

• Bengal cat - has excellent health, a submissive disposition, loves to play and gets along well with children, is undemanding in care, has good genetics - for this reason she rarely gets sick;
• Siamese - a cat with a strict disposition and strong immunity, perfect for living with one owner, does not welcome other animals or large crowds of people nearby;
• Maine Coon - such a pet is more suitable for keeping in a private house, since it catches mice well, but it will also be comfortable and cozy in an apartment;
• Siberian is an ancient breed that calmly tolerates drafts and cold, rarely gets sick, but needs affection and care from the owner.

Siberian cat

The most unpretentious cats for an apartment

The category of unpretentious pets is usually classified as moderately active, independent, and not requiring special care:

1. Burmese cats are distinguished by their elegant appearance and easy-going character. They are easy to care for and obedient.
2. The Ragdoll is obedient and affectionate, allowing itself to be stroked. The cat’s disposition fully reflects the name of the breed (“rag doll” translated into Russian), and is suitable for keeping in a family with children.
3. Representatives of the American Shorthair breed are endowed with a light character. They get along well with other animals and are in good health.
4. Burmillas are short-haired, fluffy cats that are very calm and friendly. They get along easily with people and other four-legged household members.
5. The Cornish Rex just needs to be fed, trained and petted to your heart's content.

Playful

The most active and irrepressible breeds include:

• Abyssinian cat: always explores the whole house and climbs the hills, while managing to follow the movements of the owner. If it seems to her that the owner is busy with something more interesting, she will definitely rush to “help” him;
• Bengal cat: a miniature leopard that matches the habits of its wild ancestors. Bengals love to play and explore new things;
• Egyptian Mau: has many similarities with the Abyssinian cat, which is not surprising, since both active beauties were favorites of the pharaohs;
• Turkish Van: playfulness is about him. The cat loves to explore, climb and swim. Van really enjoys interacting with his owner and is devoted to only one owner all his life;
• Ocicat: a breed that adapts well to human habitation. Cats are great at opening cabinets, bedside tables and doors, and then enthusiastically explore the new space;
• Kurilian Bobtail: an aboriginal cat, has many canine traits in its character (very smart, devoted to its family, easily learns commands and is somewhat suspicious of strangers).

Bengal cat

Turkish van cat

Ocicat cat

Kurilian bobtail cat

This is interesting! Bobtails are one of the few cats that do not mark their territory. In addition, they love to swim, and therefore, in addition to hunting, they love fishing.

For children

Choosing a breed that is suitable for a child is not so easy. On the one hand, the animal must be loyal to games, and on the other hand, be patient and forgive children's pranks.

Cats that equally possess these qualities include:

• Kurilian bobtail (a playful “catdog” who will gladly share the child’s enthusiasm);
• Manx (a very smart and energetic cat, he prefers intellectual games);
• Turkish Van (suitable for an older child who can look after him and become a full-fledged owner for the pet);
• ragdoll (a calmer cat for children that can easily tolerate careless pranks);
• Burmese cat (contact and affectionate Burmese cats will be happy to receive the attention of their little owners).

Manx

This unusual tailless cat is an example of true devotion and love. These cats are very playful and intelligent, so you can often hear comparisons of this breed with dogs.

Some skillful owners manage to teach their Manx some commands. These cats are very sociable and active, so they are suitable for both active adults and children.

What do you need to prepare?

When choosing a pet for an apartment, you need to remember that the cat will live side by side with its owner for many years. It is necessary to choose a four-legged companion taking into account the characteristics of your character and lifestyle, so that living together with an animal is as comfortable as possible for both.

To make your cat feel comfortable in the apartment, you need to organize her personal space - a warm corner. It is advisable to purchase a scratching post, a bed, a ball and other toys so that the pet can entertain itself on its own.

Be sure to purchase:

• toilet tray (with or without filler);
• bowls for food and clean water (not plastic);
• slicker brush (for long-haired breeds and animals with thick undercoat);
• a carrier for visits to the veterinary clinic and travel;
• wet or dry food.

Smooth-haired cat breeds for home use

To keep a cat in an apartment with less hair, choose smooth-haired representatives:

1. The Balinese cat will be liked by its warm color and silky thick coat without undercoat. Balinese are smart, flexible and obedient.
2. A Bengal cat looks like a small leopard. The pet is active, but meek and obedient. Loves games and walks.
3. The Devon Rex has fur that resembles astrakhan fur. He loves to spend time lying quietly in his owner's arms and loves being stroked.
4. The Bombay cat is nicknamed the charming little panther. Behind the predatory appearance lies an easy-going, unobtrusive nature. She is no stranger to games and “conversations” with her owner.
5. The European Shorthair (Celtic) breed is naturally healthy. At home, the Celt remains independent, but is responsive to the owner's affection.

The best breeds for an apartment

Maine Coon

Cats are characterized by their rather large size, have heavy clawed paws, and have lynx-like tufts at the tips of their ears.
The general stern expression of the animal's muzzle gives the impression that the cat has a difficult character with a tendency toward unkindness and savagery. However, in reality, under such an impressive appearance lies a very flexible disposition and kind character, which makes the animals even more attractive. The character of the Maine Coon was formed over many years of breeding work. During the selection process, it was possible to consolidate both the external characteristics of the breed and its psychological characteristics. The behavior of an animal depends not only on the conditions in which it was raised and raised, but also largely on heredity, and therefore aggressive, withdrawn and nervous animals are excluded from the breeding process. It is often said about this breed that these are the most atypical representatives of cats, meaning mainly their behavioral characteristics. Cats are not reserved and not selfish, although they feel absolutely comfortable alone. They also walk on their own without much pleasure, as they prefer pleasant company. The breed is sociable and focused specifically on humans, although cats do not avoid other animals. Maine Coons get along well with children and become attached to them. One of the main distinctive features that clearly distinguishes these pets from other cats is their love of water. Animals love to swim. It often uses its front paws like a dog - raking the ground or leaves. They are not too prone to kitchen theft; they climb onto the dining table solely out of curiosity, in order to sit higher and have a greater view.

Advantages:

• Large beautiful breed with an easy-going character;
• Gets along well with small children and pets;
• Very soft wool;
• You can easily teach any tricks.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive;
• It may start chewing on wires.

Canadian Sphynx

A very kind animal, so docile that it can get along with anyone. The only difficulty in keeping it is the need to protect your pet from cold and drafts. Even in summer, the sphinx must wear special costumes.

Russian blue cat

These cats have amazing beauty - bright blue or green eyes and rich bluish-gray color of short fur. They are very intelligent and delicate in their behavior. Representatives of this breed feel great in an apartment and are not at all inclined to mischief or organize “races along the walls.”

The Russian Blue is an intelligent cat that thrives in an apartment.

Russian Blue cats get along great with other pets and children. But in relation to strangers, they are shy and avoid contact, preferring to hide somewhere. If you do not often invite guests, such cats will become wonderful friends and trouble-free roommates for you.

Selkirk rex

A very unusual pet, the history of the breed began in 1987. These rexes are distinguished by curly hair, even their antennae curl. Selkirks are very friendly and not capricious. But you shouldn’t dry their coat with a hairdryer - a loud sound is extremely stressful for the animal.

A funny cat with curls is a very unusual pet

Norwegian forest

Powerful semi-longhaired cat. The appearance is a mixture of wild and domestic cat. Restrained, calm, loves to hunt, rarely shows a feeling of fear. Despite its appearance, the cat is affectionate and friendly. She does not impose her company, but is devoted to her owner. Loves to explore new corners. When kept in an apartment, the pet can be walked on a harness along the street to satisfy its need to explore the unknown.

Pros:

• calm character;
• weasel;
• good health.

Minuses:

• genetic predisposition to liver cirrhosis;
• complexity of content.

Ragdoll

The name of the breed can be literally translated as “rag doll” - these cats limp funny if you try to pick them up and do not at all resist active “hugs” from humans. The character is quite phlegmatic, but at the same time cats of this breed are smart and strongly attached to their owner. They are also very child friendly and get along well with dogs. Caring for them is quite easy, despite the fluffiness of this breed.

Ragdolls are very large, fluffy and friendly cats.

Ragdoll cats sometimes grow very large - males can weigh up to 9 kg, so despite their calm nature, cohabiting with such an animal can be uncomfortable with a very small living space. But this breed is exclusively domestic - they are not adapted for life on the street due to their trusting and non-aggressive nature.

British cat

The breed is perfect for home keeping, largely due to its good health and calm nature.
The physiology and appearance of animals was formed in conditions of high humidity and a fairly cool climate, so pets have dense, dense and short vegetation, which can reliably protect against cold and moisture. These cats are excellent hunters, they are hardy, strong and unpretentious in food. The head is distinguished by a wide skull and a round shape, the cheeks are developed, with wide cheekbones. The nose is also quite straight, wide and short. The ears are small, slightly rounded, set wide and low. The eyes are round and located at a considerable distance from each other. The body is massive, it has a developed chest, and the muscles are highly developed. The limbs are short but powerful. The tail is thick, the weight of cats can reach about 14 kg, cats are much lighter - a maximum of 9 kg. Wool protects the animal from the cold largely due to the developed undercoat. It does not adhere directly to the skin and feels plush to the touch. Sometimes you can meet a long-haired British dog. A special recessive gene is responsible for this feature, so such kittens cannot appear in short-haired parents. Cats have an independent character and tolerate loneliness well. They usually don’t ask to be held, but they treat their owners with respect and love and rarely show their feelings. They won’t just approach strangers - they will first observe them from the sidelines. The British breed is not aggressive; they use their claws and teeth in the most exceptional cases, so they are absolutely not dangerous for children. Despite the fact that the British are distinguished by their strong natural health, they need special care - it is necessary to choose the right food, it is advisable to do this together with a veterinarian, and regular examination by a specialist is recommended. Coat care is also simple: the animal is brushed twice a week with a slicker brush, bathed a couple of times a year or as needed.

Advantages:

• A very calm and intelligent animal;
• Plush to the touch wool that does not require special care;
• High natural immunity;
• Treats household members with respect and does not harm animals.

Flaws:

• He sits in his arms only at his own request.

Turkish Angora

A snow-white beauty who is not afraid of water and is ready to endure hygiene procedures without any problems. He loves classical music very much, so he is ideal for families of musicians.

Manx

Representatives of this breed come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties. A characteristic feature of these cats is that in some cases they are tailless, although there are Manx cats with a full tail. But despite such anatomical features, cats of this breed are very playful and dexterous. They have small dimensions - the weight of males rarely exceeds 5 kg, females are even smaller.

Isle of Man tailless cat

For living in an apartment, it is preferable to choose short-haired representatives of this breed. Manx cats love to live indoors, so being constantly “within four walls” does not cause them any stress. They are wonderful companions - there is an opinion that nature compensated for the lack of a tail with a special charm.

Abyssinian breed

One of the oldest cat breeds that can be found on sale today.
Their majesty and grace are combined here with a very kind and affectionate character. The animal gets along well with other pets and does not mind playing with small children. An unusual and very beautiful color, distinguished by ticking - the characteristic iridescence of the coat. Cats are a little timid and afraid of sharp and loud sounds. Quite active animals often play around and thereby cause harm to themselves, for example, falling out of a window. Representatives of this breed love to sit at heights, climb shelves and walk through cabinets. They prefer the company of people and do not tolerate prolonged loneliness. It is easy to train a cat to use a litter box and a scratching post, so it will not damage the furniture at all. The rules established at home are respected and are easy to train. The animal is very clean, practically does not shed, and the attitude towards bathing is either neutral or positive. Health is very good, the pet is unpretentious to food and care. The cats are flexible and strong, with a medium body size. The muscles of the paws and back are highly developed, the paws are very long, thanks to them the cat can jump a considerable distance - about six times the length of their body. Males are somewhat larger than cats, but sexual demorphism is not as pronounced as in many other breeds. As a rule, body weight ranges from 3 to 4.5 kg. The cats have a chiseled silhouette, a harmonious physique, they move very gracefully, and in their manner of movement they resemble miniature cougars. The cat's eyes are quite large and have an almond-shaped cut. Their color can vary from amber to green. The cat's neck is long and very elegant. The body is moderately elongated and has harmonious proportions. The paws are strong, long and thin.

Advantages:

• Energetic and active animals;
• Developed intelligence, cunning prevails in character;
• Loyal and devoted pets;
• Affectionate animals;
• Do not require significant care.

Flaws:

• It is advisable to bring him into a large apartment, as he loves to run everywhere and explore everything.

Sacred Burma

A semi-long-haired breed of cat, resembling the Siamese in color. Very smart and intelligent, she quickly learns the rules of behavior in the house.

Very beautiful and noble, sacred Burma, will become the pride of its owner

Burma

The most loyal animal in a cat's body.
It’s not for nothing that they call her a dog in a cat’s body - she dotes on her owners and is ready to literally follow them on their heels. With all this, representatives of this breed are very graceful, which does not fit very well with their impressive mass. Today there are two versions of this breed - American and European - they differ from each other in appearance, but not in habits. The Burmese retains its vigorous activity and playfulness throughout its life. She will not give up chasing a thrown ball even in old age. These animals always subtly sense the mood of the owner, so they will never bother with excessive attention and importunity, or they will do everything possible to cheer up their loved one. This breed does not require special maintenance conditions, so it is suitable even for those people who have decided to have a cat for the first time in their lives. The Burmese gets along very easily with any pets, especially if they do not show excessive hostility towards them. The breed is an excellent option for families with small children. Animals are very lenient with children, so they take part in their games as much as possible. They have high intelligence, making them very easy to train. Although pets are characterized by excellent grace and elegance, they are quite heavy for their size - cats can weigh up to 5.5 kg, lighter cats - about 3.5-4 kg. The breed is short-haired, the American version is stockier than the European representatives. The head is wedge-shaped, the cheekbones are well defined, the chin protrudes forward in line with the nose. The ears are far from each other, slightly tilted forward. The eyes are set wide, large and expressive. The neck is quite long, thin and strong. The tail is not too long, straight.

Advantages:

• Flexible and active character;
• They love their owners very much and are devoted to them;
• Easy to teach various commands;
• Suitable for people who are going to have a cat at home for the first time;
• Good health and unpretentiousness to food and living conditions.

Flaws:

• A very heavy animal for its size.

American Shorthair

When deciding which cats are best to keep in an apartment, many people choose representatives of this breed. These are very good-natured and no less beautiful animals, reminiscent of the British in appearance. Marble color is the main decoration of pets.

Siamese

This breed is very easy to recognize due to its original appearance, contrasting coloring, and expressive turquoise eyes.
Although cats have a rather complex character, however, according to experts, such pets are among the most optimal in apartment conditions. Another distinctive feature is a fairly loud voice, distinguished by unusual intonations; the breed has a craving for verbal communication with its owners. Cats have a strong attachment to their owner and do not tolerate loneliness quite well. However, most representatives are too jealous of other household members and other pets kept in the house. Caring for Siamese cats is very simple: just follow basic recommendations, carefully monitor their diet, and also visit a veterinarian for a preventive examination. The health of pets is generally good, with the exception of several diseases to which this particular breed is prone, the average life expectancy of an animal is about 15 years. Some pets may experience slight squinting. The Siamese cat is slender, with a muscular body with elongated lines, its size and weight are small - a maximum of 6 kg, but such figures are extremely rare. The paws are elegantly shaped, long and thin, the hind legs are longer than the front ones. The tail is long and thin, tapering towards the tip.

Advantages:

• Quite attractive appearance;
• Has excellent health;
• Attached to the owner.

Flaws:

• The owner is very jealous of other household members and pets;
• A vindictive animal.

Persian

These are very beautiful animals with long thick hair. It is very important that such beauties should only be born if the owner has the opportunity to brush the pet regularly.

Popular hairless cat breeds

List of unusual hairless cats:

1. Petersburg Sphinx. This is a green-eyed or blue-eyed cat with a muscular body, proud posture and a long neck. The body of the Peterbald is covered with a soft, suede-like undercoat and 2 mm of hair.
2. The Kohana is a cat breed native to Hawaii. A cat's skin resembles a soft, waxy surface and is completely lint-free.
3. The Don Sphynx is a hairless cat with an almond-shaped, trusting gaze and extravagant ears. He is distinguished by his flexible character.
4. The Canadian Sphynx is characterized by an abundance of folds on its graceful, hairless body. The cat surprises with its huge eyes, reflecting the blue of the sky, and is distinguished by its friendliness and sociability.
5. The Bambino is a relatively new breed. Characteristic features are a smooth, hairless body with short legs, large ears and a long narrow tail. The cat's character is good-natured and sociable.

Is it worth adopting a purebred cat?

Some people prefer "mutts". These cats did not have noble ancestors in their family or they have mixed roots. And this has its advantages. For example, mestizos have better health than their “blue-blooded” counterparts. This is due to the wider gene pool. Therefore, the risk of genetic diseases is very low.

However, such cats often have an independent character, and their hunting instincts are more pronounced. Adults love to mark territory, and it is not very easy to wean them from this habit.

The “mongrel” has better health

At the same time, purebred cats have predictable habits. They value cleanliness more because breeders select for breeding those individuals that are less prone to marking territory.

At what age is it better to adopt a cat?

An adult cat or a cute baby? This seems like a minor issue, but age is an important factor.

Kitty

As a rule, kittens are taken into the house. It is believed that in childhood the animal gets used to the new environment better.

Attention! The kitten must be at least three months old.

A cat feeds its cubs with milk until they are three months old. This is important because the baby acquires primary immunity. It is the mother who takes best care of health and knows what her “child” needs. Communication with the parent is also responsible for socialization. An early break with a nursing female is fraught with the following problems for the offspring:

• mental disorders;
• behavioral disorders;
• weak immunity.

The mother accustoms the cubs to unfamiliar food, instills hygiene skills, shows how to use a tray and sharpen their claws.

Temporary immunity is transmitted to the kitten with milk.

Cats are vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks (booster vaccination). Therefore, after 3 months the body is maximally protected from infections.

Adult

Animals older than a year are reluctant to be taken into an apartment due to prejudice. But veterinarians assure: often these are just myths that have no basis in reality.

Table 1. The most common misconceptions of future cat owners.

MythReality

Adult cats are often more comfortable than kittens

Is it possible to adopt a cat from a shelter?

People who decided to take such a step believe that it was done correctly. They argue that there are many reasons why a shelter cat will do well in an apartment.

Table 2. Pros and cons of a shelter cat.

Advantages and disadvantages

As for communication with curators, this is a temporary phenomenon. As soon as volunteers or shelter workers understand that their pupil is in good hands, they stop disturbing the new owner.

Don't be afraid to adopt a cat from a shelter - this has its advantages

Shelters are also found through social networks - usually such organizations have pages. If you couldn’t find an adoption center in your city, you will definitely find one in a neighboring town.

For reference. ADOPTION

(from Latin
adoptio
- adoption), a form of establishing artificial kinship - the inclusion of an individual or several individuals in any related group or family. The motives for adoption could be different: providing a lonely person with a certain status in the system of social connections...

Lifehack. From several institutions, the smallest ones are chosen, with the number of inhabitants up to 50 individuals. The cats there are more well-groomed and better cared for.

What should you pay attention to first when choosing a cat?

Experts agree that a calm, friendly character is optimal for cats living in an apartment. It is important to be able to “occupy yourself” with something non-destructive while the owner leaves the apartment. It is advised to choose breeds that are not characterized by increased energy - in a confined space it will manifest itself in the form of various pranks.

The cat demands to be played with

We have done our own research on this topic, so before we make specific recommendations on choosing the right breed, it is necessary to describe some common characteristics of the animals and possible problems associated with them. This is worth doing before bringing a cat into your home. In this way, you can be sure that the chosen cat will fit your lifestyle, and you will “find a common language.”

Agree, taking responsibility for a living being is a serious step and it is best to carefully prepare for it.