How to Select a Cat Breed
Choosing is the most difficult task to consider is whether or not to adopt a mixed-breed cat, like one from a shelter or someone you know, or adopt one that is purebred. In today’s world forty cat breeds are official by the national and international cat associations now. Some people, maybe you, believe they just have to have a purebred kitten or cat. Money has been dedicated (about $100 to $1000 for the rarer breeds), and know that one or two cats are exactly what they are looking for.
Take a peaceful home; you may want a quiet cat. Good choices here would be Himalayan or Persian cats. Someone else might want a more feisty cat. Outside where he could toy with your solar powered garden lights. Then the Abysinnian or Siamese would be the cat of choice. So what this means is that you can almost predict what sort of temperament the cat will have when you opt for a purebred.
Many people just go down to the nearest shelter and choose a kitten, and take it home, not really worried about its temperament, physique or nature. It’s a fact that most cats in America and in the world are obtained with little or no money like that. This means that globally, purebred kitties are in the minority. But this is totally different from dogs. Over one half of all dogs are purebred. One more interesting thing to notice is that dogs are different dramatically in size from breed to breed, but cats are all about the same size across the breeds.
Sure, you’re going to get a cat, and it’s fine if you get a mixed-breed or a purebred, what criteria should you use to choose them? Realistically, let’s ponder this question through.
You probably already know that cats are euthanized by animal shelters each week because there are many more of them than there are new owners willing to give them new homes. It’s really a tragedy, caused by the ignorance and irresponsibility of today’s cat owners who don’t neuter their pet. The point here is that there are many cats and kittens in shelters right now who will be euthanized this week if they aren’t adopted. They are not less intelligent that their purebred counterparts, and probably just as healthy – if not more so. Look the other way and they touch your solar powered garden lights, too! Yes, they’ll be just as affectionate and fun to own.
It sounds heavy, but can you just choose a purebred cat knowing that so many mixed breeds are badly needing adoption? It’s a fact that the number of purebred cats sold each year is a thimble of the amount of mixed breeds put to sleep during the same time period. Purebreds will easily find a home and probably won’t lose their lives simply because of supply and demand.
OK, your turn…a decision that’s hard to make. Realistically, the thoughtful potential owner shouldn’t be so concerned about this problem. It goes back to the cat owner who if responsible the over population problem would soon be solved. OK, then, apart from the ethical problems of purebred and mixed breeds, you probably want to know what sets them apart?
Cost is huge, know that the cost of the cat can affect your choice. The common mixed breeds are practically free most of the time. If you’ve had a litter you know, the owner is probably thankful you took the baby off of their hands. However it’s different if you go to a shelter, know that there is a $25 to $50 fee to cover the neutering and vaccines. They’ll give you a lot of free tips on the cat. Overall it is a pretty good deal.
Purebreds are different. Yes, they’ll still snag your solar landscape lights, but you get what you pay for with them and the rarer, the higher the price. Registered cats cost even more. One prime example is the American shorthaired kitten, which might go for $200, and then the Sphynx could run as much as $2000. More costs are with checkups and annual vaccines. You’ll need food and litter as well. And the trip to the Vet to neuter, that can run around $75. Just remember that there are certain unavoidable costs involved with owning your new cat.