How to choose a cat!

Carrent

More of a chat/moan then a question!

I have always been bought up with moggies and loved each one in its own way, and then 2 years ago I ended up with the most friendly affectionate and fun Persian which made me appreciate pedigrees. Unfortunately I lost him to FIP at 8 months old.

So I am now in the position where I will be able to get a new cat again and have been researching several breeds and have come up with a shortlist, but as personality is so important to me I also think I should maybe just go to the local rescue. However I work full time and will be living in a flat so would be looking for an "indoor" cat which all the local rescues have not been keen on.

Because of this I am now thinking of getting 2 cats so they can keep each other company, one pedigree and one rescue. So I should be covering all bases!

My shortlist for the pedigree are Somali, Persian (doll-faced), Ragdoll, Birman, Siberian and Selkirk Rex. But how do you narrow this down?!!!! Any recommendations for these breeds?

meritaten

Raggies are lovely! but, not all of them are lap-cats! They are, to me, the most beautiful cats on the planet (sorry other breed owners)!
my son has I think 4 at the moment - will ask him to come and advise on this breed - but be prepared for long post!

zzzLazyDaisy

Do add Burmese to your list (research them). Mine was a rescue, and I knew nothing about the breed when he came to me, but he is the most affectionate, loyal, human centred cat I have ever had.

meritaten

oooh yes - Burmese are lovely! neighbour had a Burmese called Humphrey - friendly to everyone, all the local kids loved him!

arbroath_lass

I don't know about breeds but my local CPL often has cats advertised as indoor only.

Carrent

LazyDaisy - you're meant to be making this easier not harder! I just had a quick google and they are beautiful!

arbroath - I haven't been to CPL yet, I will have a look if there is one close to me. Another problem with the rescue indoor only cats is that they often have FIV, while I have no problem with this for a lone cat it would not be fair when I plan to get two.

paddypaws101

I am not sure where abouts in UK you are, but do take a look at the wonderful
http://www.rushdenpersianrescue.co.uk/
where you could obtain BOTH a rescue cat (or two) and a Pedigree! Most of these cats would have always been used to an indoor home so would be ideal for you.

gunsandbanjos

Carrent wrote: »

LazyDaisy - you're meant to be making this easier not harder! I just had a quick google and they are beautiful!

arbroath - I haven't been to CPL yet, I will have a look if there is one close to me. Another problem with the rescue indoor only cats is that they often have FIV, while I have no problem with this for a lone cat it would not be fair when I plan to get two.

I got my girl from CPL, they were not fussed that we intended her as an indoor cat. As long as you're offering a good home they seem happy. She is so friendly and good natured, wouldn't be without her:)

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Think about personality as well - the two cats I have now aren't particularly vocal and like to spend thrir time sleeping in peace, whereas my much missed oldies were both right chatter boxes and wanted to be a part of everything you did all day and night. So I know, for example, that breeds with a tendency to be very vocal and person orientated would be suitable to consider. Especially if they came in dark colours (white fur is a pain when you have mostly black clothes - that and I like darker cats best)

But somebody else would find clingy, constantly miaowing cats annoying, so wouldn't be well suited.

gettingready

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

Think about personality as well - the two cats I have now aren't particularly vocal.

Sending Macius over......that one hardly ever shuts up

UsernameAlreadyExists

Burmilla.
(Burmese/Chinchilla cross - but now a recognised breed) - the long haired "version" is called a Tiffanie.
Best cat I ever owned

but -1 to having a "house" cat ... cats are tigers. All of them, they need to get out and about and kill stuff.

I have a Bengal at the mo, he'd tear the house apart without a cat-flap.