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Question

good day,

please help me to choose a right breed of a cat for my lifestyle. I have very little time that i spend at home since im working 8 hours a day and there is no one else in the house. So i need a cat that would be fine and well-behaved if left alone in the house, i need a calm one, but at the same time i want a cat that would have a dog-like friendly, affectionate and loyal character. For a cat not to have much of anxiety what is the proper age (months) of a kitten i should be taking?
shall i be getting a couple of kittens at the same time so that they'll be playing and entertaining each other?

Submitted: 91 days and 8 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $11
Status: CLOSED
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Posted by Jessesmom 91 days and 7 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX,

If you're not home many hours during the day, due to work, it might be a good idea to adopt two siblings from the same litter, since they're already familiar with each other; you'll be keeping a family together and they will have companionship when you're not at home. If you can swing this financially, it would be a good idea, but keep in mind that kittens will grow into adult cats and will cost double for food, litter, veterinary care, etc.

I would not recommend adopting very young kittens, as they will require training and supervision from you, which you might not be able to give, if you're working. Kittens who have already been spayed/neutered and are 6 months or older, should be a good age for your circumstances. Kittens are naturally curious and energetic and might get into trouble if you don't 'cat-proof' your home, removing all breakables and access to high shelves, etc., bundling and covering all electrical and cable wires (nothing dangling), removing any potentially toxic substances and putting child-locks on all cabinets and doors, if your kittens can open them. Keep the toilet lid down at all times.

A breed of cat that is known to be most dog-like, is the Maine Coon. This is a very large breed of cat. Another good breed is the Birman, which will adapt to your schedule easily and is long-haired but easy to groom. Below, you will find additional information re: different cat breeds and their personalities/grooming requirements, but keep in mind that there is no guarantee how the personality of the kitty or kitties you choose, will turn out, once you get them home.

From: http://cat-breeds.suite101.com/article.cfm/choosing_the_right_cat_breed

    * Persian - Persians are very calm and laid back kittens, with the Himalayans (color points) being a bit more vocal. They require lots of grooming!
    * Maine Coon - The Maine Coon is one of the largest of pet cats, and they are said to have a very dog-like personality and are known for games of fetch.
    * Exotic - The Exotic has the personality of a Persian without all the grooming requirements.
    * Siamese - The easily recognizable Siamese is a very intelligent, loyal, and vocal kitty.
    * Abyssinian - Abyssinians love everyone they meet and are a very active and playful breed.
    * Ragdoll - Ragdolls gained their popularity for going limp in your arms when you pick them up. They are so docile that it is dangerous to let them outdoors unattended. They are another very large breed!
    * Birman - Birmans are said to adjust to their family’s routine as they are easily adaptable. They have long hair but are also very easy to groom.
    * Oriental - The Oriental is very people-oriented, not as chatty as the Siamese but has the same great looks.
    * American Shorthair - The American Shorthair is one of the best breeds around children. The most popular purebred American Shorthair is silver with black tabby striping.
    * Tonkinese - The Tonkinese can be a strong-willed kitty, but they have such a fun personality that it makes up for it if you have the patience to train them properly. They are very loving, and grooming is practically carefree.
==============================================================
Adopting one or two mixed breed kittens from a rescue organization or shelter, will save lives and you can ask the shelter volunteers about their personalities.

I wish you much good luck and hope you find just the right cat!

Cher

91 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

what do you think of a Scottish fold? i really like the appearance of the breed!

if ill be getting 2 kittens, what should be their genders so that they dont fight when they grow up?

Accepted Answer

Hello again, and thanks for your reply and your patience.

I like the appearance of the Scottish fold, as well! Here is some information re: their personalities, common habits and health problems:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Fold
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Fold#Social

If you adopt neutered/spayed kittens, the gender shouldn't matter. Personally, I have found in my experience, that my males have been more affectionate and vocal, and my females were quieter and more mellow. However, one thing to keep in mind, is that males, due to their anatomy, can be more prone to develop a urethral obstruction (blockage, preventing them from urinating, which is a medical emergency), but I don't think that would prevent me from adopting a male.

Cher

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Expert: Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback: 99.7 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/21/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience

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