Long-haired vs. Short-haired

While long-haired cats, such as Himalayans or Maine Coons, are beautiful to look at and luxurious to pet, their coats require a lot of upkeep. If you have neither the time for daily brushing nor the budget for the occasional trip to the groomer, it would probably be best to opt for a short-haired cat. But before you dismiss long-haired breeds, take note that daily brushing can be an enjoyable bonding activity between you and your kitty.

Cat Breed Personalities

Once you've identified what sort of cat personality you're looking for, it's time to research cat breeds. There's plenty of cat breed information online as well as at your local shelter to get you started. Keep in mind that there are significantly fewer purebred cat breeds than there are dog breeds, and there are also fewer personality differences between each breed. That said, cat breeds do have certain traits that can help you make your decision. For example, Bengals and other exotic breeds, such as Abyssinians, are known to be highly energetic and active, whereas Persians tend to be more easy-going and relaxed. Likewise, American Shorthairs don't tend to meow a lot, while Siamese have a reputation for being extremely vocal.

Once you've narrowed down your selection, it's a good idea to talk to people who have experience with the breeds you're interested in. If you don't know anyone personally, you can search online for forums and social media groups centred around certain breeds. It's also a good idea to discuss the breed with your veterinarian, who can advise you on any genetic predispositions toward health issues that sometimes result from overbreeding.

Breeder vs. Shelter

Many purebred cats can be found in shelters–including kittens, if that's what you've got your heart set on. Check with your local shelter to see what cats they have available. If you're planning to get your new kitty from a breeder, be diligent to carefully research potential breeders and look for one who is reputable. Your vet might also be able to point you in the direction of a good breeder.

Purebred vs. Mixed Breed

Your local pet shelters are certain to have a wide variety of mixed-breed cats available to adopt. Mixed-breed cats, also known as domestic cats or "moggies", include many varieties that people tend to think of as specific cat breeds, including tuxedos, calicoes and tabby cats, all of which get their classification from their coat patterns rather than their parentage. If you don't have your heart set on a particular breed, a mixed-breed cat might have just the personality and temperament you're looking for. While mixed-breeds can be harder to predict, it's not difficult to learn what to expect from a mixed-breed cat simply by talking to the shelter workers who have spent time getting to know them. An adoption counsellor should be able to help you select a cat that possesses the traits you're looking for. Most shelters will also allow you to visit the cat you're interested in and get to know them before deciding whether to adopt. Another advantage of mixed-breed cats is that they tend to be hardier than purebreds thanks to their diverse gene pool.

Following these guidelines won't guarantee a complete lack of surprises. Cats are, after all, masters at keeping us on our toes, which is part of their charm. But if you go into the adoption process armed with the knowledge of what to look for in a cat, you're far more likely to end up with a happy feline companion and a happy home.