Choosing a cat is not easy with over 100 different breeds of domestic cats all bred with different characteristics you need to do some homework before you make your choice. Although it is easy to just look in the local paper and see kittens for sale, here are some tips to help you before you buy a cat. The main differences in breeds are the body shape and size, the length of coat and the colour of the eyes and coat. Also a big factor when choosing a breed is its nature, some breeds such as Bengal’s are very boisterous and playful whereas as a Maine Coon although being a very large breed are known to be quiet, gentle and quite relaxed. Before you make a decision we suggest that you contact local breeders, vets, search the internet and maybe go to a cat show to find out as much about the breeds of cats you can to help you make the right choice as some cats can live up to 20 years of age. Types of questions you should ask when choosing a breed of cat.
• How big can that breed of cat grow?
• What is the average lifespan for that breed of cat?
• Is that breed of cat known to be energetic and boisterous?
• Is that breed of cat prone to any illnesses or diseases?
• Does the breed require much grooming?
• Is the breed sociable with people and other animals?
• Can the breed be trained easily if you are short of time?
• Will the cat be able to go outside or be strictly a house cat?
Once you have chosen the breed of cat you would like or been to a local reputable breeder and found out about the kitten’s/cat’s parents you then need to ask yourself some serious questions.
• Can you afford to buy the cat/kitten (including its
accessories )?
• Will your lifestyle allow you enough time to spend with your new arrival?
• Can you commit yourself to a pet that can live to over 20 years of age?
• Can you afford to keep your cat? I.e. Vet Bills,
Food,
Cat Litter etc.
• Is your house/flat suitable to have a cat in it?
• Do you have young children or other animals that may cause stress to the cat?
• Would you prefer to buy a kitten or get a rescue cat?
• Why is that kitten/cat for sale?
If you have answered all of these questions and many more and you are confident that you can give the kitten/cat a good home for the rest of its life then its time to find a breeder. Although it is easy to find cheap kittens for sale in the local paper or on signs at the side of the road sometimes this isn’t the cheapest option. Many breeds of cats sold like this come from cross breeding so if you do buy a kitten/cat from these places check the parent’s background thoroughly and make at least two visits before making a purchase. Good places to look for breeders is either your local pet shop like
The Giant Pet Store in Norwich who will have a list of reputable breeders in the area or on a website like
www.catbreeder.co.uk who have a national list of all registered breeders.
Once you have found the breeder and they have kittens for sale go and visit them. Remember don’t rush into buying the kitten there and then. Kittens are very cute and adorable which can make you make a decision without asking any questions. Always try and see both parents of the kittens especially the mother with them, ask the important questions above and insist on seeing the paperwork if they are pedigree registered. We suggest you make at least two visits before buying your kitten.