Purebred Cats

Goldleaves · 10-01-2008, 10:09 PM

Anyone know a few good links to study different types of purebred cats? My husband agreed to letting me get a purebred after the baby is born in Dec. So I wanted to start researching now the right type for me. Short hair is a must but want a snuggler type too. I just don't know where to start looking!

arabiancowgirl · 10-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Well I don't know too much about cats, but I have heard the British Short Hair is a good breed

I personally LOVE the exotic cats.

Crookedblaze · 10-02-2008, 01:07 AM

If you arn't against rescuing, the purebred cat rescue network is a GREAT way to save a kitty and get a purebred. We've gotten a cat from one of their affiliates and had a great experience.

http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/

Growing up my mom always had Snowshoe Siamese cats, they were always the most loving and cuddly kitties. They are also stunning, their colorations are great.

The tan and white one was our snowshoe, Trixie.

Thoroughbred Lady · 10-02-2008, 03:36 AM

I have always had Siamese they are really affectionate, at least mine have always been. If it's hair you are worried about my short haired cats shed as much as my long haired cats(sometimes more)

. Never seems to make much difference.

I have also had a Somali and a Birman, who where both real loves too.

AllUpHill · 10-02-2008, 03:45 AM

You should hit the CFA website. http://www.cfainc.org/

The page also has links to cat shows you can attend. It gives you the opportunity to see these different breeds in person and meet breeders.

Having bred cats - if at all possible, you want to meet a breeder and see how they keep their cats. I knew one breeder who kept her show cats in her home but her breeders were in the garage in 3x3 wire cages stacked 3 high. The smell made me nauseous. It was horrible and she blamed her kids for not cleaning that day. You dont get that level of ammonia overnight.

She had been inspected by the state and passed....not sure how that worked but those cats did not have a good life.

joustinggirl · 10-02-2008, 04:13 AM

Try to get a vet reference and go see their breeders. We had a client that went to a cat show and got a "deal" and 3 kittens in Feb. They all had Febart(the problem that causes Cat Scratch Fever in humans) Feline Herpes and heart issues. The one with the heart issues is no longer with us.

Upper Respiratory diseases run amok in catteries. Not saying all cat breeders are crap, but in my experience a buyer needs to be very careful and smart.

blueberry · 10-02-2008, 05:23 AM

I have always thought Scottish Folds were just darling looking. I will never have one, though, as we are well supplied with barn cats

AllUpHill · 10-02-2008, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joustinggirl

Try to get a vet reference and go see their breeders. We had a client that went to a cat show and got a "deal" and 3 kittens in Feb. They all had Febart(the problem that causes Cat Scratch Fever in humans) Feline Herpes and heart issues. The one with the heart issues is no longer with us.

Upper Respiratory diseases run amok in catteries. Not saying all cat breeders are crap, but in my experience a buyer needs to be very careful and smart.

Joustingirl is right
Upper Respiratory and Fungal infections 2 big problems. The breeder I referenced above said "Fungus is no big deal, just give them a round of griseofulvin." It is a big deal, and the drug can cause liver issues and the spores from the fungus will have spread by the time you begin treatment.

I am surprised the kitten woman got in and didnt get reported and run out by the other breeders. Which leads me to my next tip - dont touch kitties at cat shows without the owners permission. There were some very shady people 20 yrs ago (sure there still are) and people dont want anyone poking in at their little darlings. One Bombay breeder lost a cat because someone wiped antifreeze on the bars of the cage at the cat show and her cat licked it off. How could you want to win that bad?

Goldleaves · 10-02-2008, 08:43 AM

Thanks guys I will see if I can find a show and go to it. I will also call my vet. Its funny I grew up showing dogs (Collies) and could find anyone a good honest dog breeder in a heart beat. As for cats I was clueless!

Our outdoor kitty is part Siamese and she can talk! She also would rather spend the day rubbing on your legs then doing anything else.

I just always wanted a purebred for some reason and now that I have the chance I plan on chasing it.

It is just has to be short hair due to husband's request

He doesn't want a foo foo kitty *eyeroll

kshnooks · 10-02-2008, 09:16 AM

I love love LOVE my bengals...they are affectionate, talkative and just plain crazy (but in a good way) ! They are also a beautiful breed to boot...

They don't necessarily want to spend the whole day on your lap, but they will sit on it when the mood strikes them. They love to play, love the water, and for awhile one of mine even liked to play fetch. They are extremely social, so oftentimes they will follow me around the house talking. They also like to be in the same room as you.

The only issue I read about was HCM in this breed, there didn't appear to be any other inbred issues as of yet. I probably went to see about 4-5 breeders in my area before selecting a kitten. I made sure that I got a genetic health gurantee and that the breeder wasn't just churning out litter after litter. Most thoughtful breeders seem to really care about the animals, and not the money.

ETA:they are shorthairs, infact they have a very different coat from normal short hairs. Its more pelt like, is very dense and lays very close to the skin. They also don't shed as much as a normal kitty...

Shepdog · 10-03-2008, 05:32 PM

I was going to say... anyone who sells three kittens as a 'deal' at a cat show to perhaps what isn't a screened home, isn't really someone I've ever dealt with in all my years of showing.

Just like any other pet you need to be careful in your search for a good breeder. Ask questions. See the cattery, their cats, see how they are raised and how they're handled. Ask for a vet reference, talk to their vet.

CFA is one organization (and the one I personally have shown in for the last 20 years plus.) They tend to be far slower to accept breeds into the show ring.

There is also:

http://www.acfacat.com/

http://www.tica.org/

Is there a breed you're specifically interested in?

ofirarab · 10-03-2008, 07:27 PM

Make sure you do a little research and find out if the breed you decide on has any genetically inherited diseases (and that the kitty you choose doesn't have one) and also what medical conditions they might be pre-disposed to as they age. Over the years we've owned a variety of different breeds of cats, most rescues, and learned a lot.

All the breeds suggested here are wonderful but I have two personal favorites...the Russian Blue is a short-haired grey cat (looks blue-tinged) and is so affectionate, loving, and is good with kids too. Ours, Barnabas, curled up to my belly the entire time I was pregnant with my daughter and the night before she was born, he snuggled up to me, put his ear up to my belly, as if he were listening. Now he is her buddy and he will meow loudly if she is upset or needs anything. He is very protective of her. The whole time I was pregnant my husband joked that Barnabas was really the dad and the baby was going to come out with grey pointy ears and whiskers

My other favorite is the Maine Coon. We have one and he is a character! These are big cats, a bit hairy, but they have a fascinating history. They are adapted for living in the cold and eating rodents...they have big snowshoe type feet, a long fuzzy tail to wrap around themselves to keep warm, and huge fangs. Mine loves to nip me and my hubby on the kneecaps (he's a tall cat).

I have no idea how to post pics on here but I love my kitties. We have eight now and they're neat

Good luck with your search for a new kitty, and with your new baby!

Bandit · 10-03-2008, 09:11 PM

Another vote for the bengal! LOL - but they will keep you on your toes. I tell any new buyers that they need to childproof their home like they have a toddler that can climb walls. Bengals are smart and will get into places other cats don't even dream of going. Not necissarily the best pick to get right after having a baby, unless you have boundless energy to keep up.

I commend you for researching breeds before hand. Don't pick a breed just because of looks (can't tell you how many times I have to tell people that a bengal is not what they are looking for even though its pretty it didnt' meet the other requirements they described as desiring), yet realize that each cat is an individual and personalities will vary even within the same breed. I currently have a girl - Serendipity - who is a total cuddle bug at all times, where my boy only wants to cuddle when he decides.

A reputable breeder will talk with you about their cattery and cats, their health warranty with decent coverage, and a general contract. Don't be scared to ask for references or talk with the vet who works with the cats. While some breeders do their own vaccines - that isn't necissarily a bad thing - they should still have a working relationship with a vet for other issues and kitten check-ups. The kittens should have seen a vet at least once before going to their new home so that the vet could preform a general check for heart murmurs, juvinile chateracts (sp?), fecal exam, etc.

kehlyrsmom · 10-03-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kshnooks

I love love LOVE my bengals...they are affectionate, talkative and just plain crazy (but in a good way) ! They are also a beautiful breed to boot...

They don't necessarily want to spend the whole day on your lap, but they will sit on it when the mood strikes them. They love to play, love the water, and for awhile one of mine even liked to play fetch. They are extremely social, so oftentimes they will follow me around the house talking. They also like to be in the same room as you.

The only issue I read about was HCM in this breed, there didn't appear to be any other inbred issues as of yet. I probably went to see about 4-5 breeders in my area before selecting a kitten. I made sure that I got a genetic health gurantee and that the breeder wasn't just churning out litter after litter. Most thoughtful breeders seem to really care about the animals, and not the money.

ETA:they are shorthairs, infact they have a very different coat from normal short hairs. Its more pelt like, is very dense and lays very close to the skin. They also don't shed as much as a normal kitty...

Ditto...I have one two and he is a great cat. He is friendly and does enjoy being in the room with you he will also greet vistors and vist with them for a bit. I

Sparklesgerl · 10-04-2008, 12:09 AM

I personally love siamese (I have one), although the bengal sounds like a cool kitty too!

AllUpHill · 10-04-2008, 06:49 AM

I had Persians and Himalayans. As you can see from my avatar I love those little smushed faces

. If I got another purebred I think it would be an Exotic Shorthair so I could have the smush without so much coat care. I like the Bombays and similar breeeds though too...That deep chocolate brown is stunning.

csimmons · 10-05-2008, 08:54 PM

I would like you to think twice before buying a purebred cat. I love siamese cats as well, but when my last old girl died I decided to get only rescues. I've stuck with the color-point theme, though. I think my vet has me on speed dial. I've had to tell her, no more cats. I'm up to 4 now. Anyway, all these cats are mixed breed rescues. The flame point kitten came from a lady that had him locked in a crate in her basement. He is the sweetest, most well adjusted baby ever! Go figure. Animals can really let go of bad situations. The other 2 are siblings. They were born in someones back yard from a feral short haired tabby. Luckily the people were able to get all the kittens before Mom moved them. I would have liked to have seen what Dad looked like. The other kittens were all short haired tabbys.
All these cats are probably more cuddily than my purebreds were. And they are at the very least equally as good looking. There are TONS of cats just like these that need homes. I would just like you to think about rescue unless you want to show.

hawk · 10-05-2008, 09:08 PM

My Fav is the MaineCoon

gosh how I love those strong head bopping kitties. They love to be petted A LOT and are very very affectioned. I almost fell on my butt while crouched down to pet one of them cause they are strong, gotta say, it was pretty darn funny

. I think if I had the chance to get one, I would. They are awesome kitties.

Though, they are long haired cat - so I dont think you would consider getting one based on your criteria...but if you have a change of mind, who doesnt?, then go look at a few.

Maybe looking on www.petfinder.com, you can search them in your area -

Steph · 10-06-2008, 07:40 PM

Hawk is right on about Maine Coons!

I have a pure bred Maine Coon, and she's everything and more you'd want in a cat. Gorgeous, loving, patient. Lazy and weighs 22 pounds. But with so much hair, I have to shave her once a year.

BUT I only have her because of a divorce that would have put her in a shelter.

Now for my Personal Soapbox:

Buying purebred animals deprives a cat or dog in a shelter a loving home.

I have rescued, adopted and found my cats and dogs. And, I have loved and been loved in return by each.

I would never promote breeding because of these stats by the Humane Society of the US:

35% OF ALL SHELTER ANIMALS ARE PUREBRED and will die because someone wanted a "pure bred" from a breeder.

Google Maine Coon Rescue instead.

Please?

Bandit · 10-06-2008, 07:50 PM

35% of all shelter animals are purebred? Where do you get these stats?

Of course I can't tell you how many times I went to ID a cat for the bengal rescue and see what *might* be a bengal mix but looks more like a plain old tabby, but it is still labeled "bengal" because someone mistaken a broken mackeral tabby pattern for spots. Our how any long-haired cat is labeled "main coon" or "persian" or how any solid grey cat is a "Russian blue". Rarely are they really these breeds.

I'm not going to deny that purebreds don't end up in rescue - or heck the bengal rescue wouldn't be in need of fosters - but I think that percent is high for true purebreds.

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10-01-2008, 10:09 PM
Goldleaves Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: IL Posts: 160	Purebred Cats Anyone know a few good links to study different types of purebred cats? My husband agreed to letting me get a purebred after the baby is born in Dec. So I wanted to start researching now the right type for me. Short hair is a must but want a snuggler type too. I just don't know where to start looking!

10-01-2008, 11:58 PM
arabiancowgirl Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,071	Well I don't know too much about cats, but I have heard the British Short Hair is a good breed I personally LOVE the exotic cats.

10-02-2008, 01:07 AM
Crookedblaze Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,309	If you arn't against rescuing, the purebred cat rescue network is a GREAT way to save a kitty and get a purebred. We've gotten a cat from one of their affiliates and had a great experience. http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/ Growing up my mom always had Snowshoe Siamese cats, they were always the most loving and cuddly kitties. They are also stunning, their colorations are great. The tan and white one was our snowshoe, Trixie. __________________ Proud owner of Rocket Four things greater than all things are...Women and Horses and Power and War -Rudyard Kipling

10-02-2008, 03:36 AM
Thoroughbred Lady Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 494	I have always had Siamese they are really affectionate, at least mine have always been. If it's hair you are worried about my short haired cats shed as much as my long haired cats(sometimes more). Never seems to make much difference. I have also had a Somali and a Birman, who where both real loves too. __________________ The World Looks Better From The Back Of A Horse.

10-02-2008, 03:45 AM
AllUpHill Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: US Posts: 693	You should hit the CFA website. http://www.cfainc.org/ The page also has links to cat shows you can attend. It gives you the opportunity to see these different breeds in person and meet breeders. Having bred cats - if at all possible, you want to meet a breeder and see how they keep their cats. I knew one breeder who kept her show cats in her home but her breeders were in the garage in 3x3 wire cages stacked 3 high. The smell made me nauseous. It was horrible and she blamed her kids for not cleaning that day. You dont get that level of ammonia overnight. She had been inspected by the state and passed....not sure how that worked but those cats did not have a good life.

10-02-2008, 04:13 AM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,811	Try to get a vet reference and go see their breeders. We had a client that went to a cat show and got a "deal" and 3 kittens in Feb. They all had Febart(the problem that causes Cat Scratch Fever in humans) Feline Herpes and heart issues. The one with the heart issues is no longer with us. Upper Respiratory diseases run amok in catteries. Not saying all cat breeders are crap, but in my experience a buyer needs to be very careful and smart. __________________ Pink Tiger says 'Grrrrrr'

10-02-2008, 05:23 AM
blueberry Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: great lakes area Posts: 923	I have always thought Scottish Folds were just darling looking. I will never have one, though, as we are well supplied with barn cats __________________ Proud horse mom to: Genie the beauty queenie (4yo QH) Tess the best (6yo QH) "To err is human, to forgive is equine"

10-02-2008, 08:43 AM
Goldleaves Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: IL Posts: 160	Thanks guys I will see if I can find a show and go to it. I will also call my vet. Its funny I grew up showing dogs (Collies) and could find anyone a good honest dog breeder in a heart beat. As for cats I was clueless! Our outdoor kitty is part Siamese and she can talk! She also would rather spend the day rubbing on your legs then doing anything else. I just always wanted a purebred for some reason and now that I have the chance I plan on chasing it. It is just has to be short hair due to husband's request He doesn't want a foo foo kitty *eyeroll

10-02-2008, 09:16 AM
kshnooks Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,458	I love love LOVE my bengals...they are affectionate, talkative and just plain crazy (but in a good way) ! They are also a beautiful breed to boot... They don't necessarily want to spend the whole day on your lap, but they will sit on it when the mood strikes them. They love to play, love the water, and for awhile one of mine even liked to play fetch. They are extremely social, so oftentimes they will follow me around the house talking. They also like to be in the same room as you. The only issue I read about was HCM in this breed, there didn't appear to be any other inbred issues as of yet. I probably went to see about 4-5 breeders in my area before selecting a kitten. I made sure that I got a genetic health gurantee and that the breeder wasn't just churning out litter after litter. Most thoughtful breeders seem to really care about the animals, and not the money. ETA:they are shorthairs, infact they have a very different coat from normal short hairs. Its more pelt like, is very dense and lays very close to the skin. They also don't shed as much as a normal kitty... Last edited by kshnooks : 10-02-2008 at 09:20 AM.

10-03-2008, 05:32 PM
Shepdog Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the doghouse... no, literally. Posts: 724	I was going to say... anyone who sells three kittens as a 'deal' at a cat show to perhaps what isn't a screened home, isn't really someone I've ever dealt with in all my years of showing. Just like any other pet you need to be careful in your search for a good breeder. Ask questions. See the cattery, their cats, see how they are raised and how they're handled. Ask for a vet reference, talk to their vet. CFA is one organization (and the one I personally have shown in for the last 20 years plus.) They tend to be far slower to accept breeds into the show ring. There is also: http://www.acfacat.com/ http://www.tica.org/ Is there a breed you're specifically interested in? __________________ Cardigan Complex Last edited by Shepdog : 10-03-2008 at 05:34 PM.

10-03-2008, 07:27 PM
ofirarab Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 30	Make sure you do a little research and find out if the breed you decide on has any genetically inherited diseases (and that the kitty you choose doesn't have one) and also what medical conditions they might be pre-disposed to as they age. Over the years we've owned a variety of different breeds of cats, most rescues, and learned a lot. All the breeds suggested here are wonderful but I have two personal favorites...the Russian Blue is a short-haired grey cat (looks blue-tinged) and is so affectionate, loving, and is good with kids too. Ours, Barnabas, curled up to my belly the entire time I was pregnant with my daughter and the night before she was born, he snuggled up to me, put his ear up to my belly, as if he were listening. Now he is her buddy and he will meow loudly if she is upset or needs anything. He is very protective of her. The whole time I was pregnant my husband joked that Barnabas was really the dad and the baby was going to come out with grey pointy ears and whiskers My other favorite is the Maine Coon. We have one and he is a character! These are big cats, a bit hairy, but they have a fascinating history. They are adapted for living in the cold and eating rodents...they have big snowshoe type feet, a long fuzzy tail to wrap around themselves to keep warm, and huge fangs. Mine loves to nip me and my hubby on the kneecaps (he's a tall cat). I have no idea how to post pics on here but I love my kitties. We have eight now and they're neat Good luck with your search for a new kitty, and with your new baby! __________________ Lisa Morales Proud to be owned by: LHA Pandemonium, 2003 bay Arabian stallion EK Vermilion, 1992 grey Arabian mare Last edited by ofirarab : 10-03-2008 at 07:33 PM.

10-03-2008, 09:11 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: KY Posts: 1,980	Another vote for the bengal! LOL - but they will keep you on your toes. I tell any new buyers that they need to childproof their home like they have a toddler that can climb walls. Bengals are smart and will get into places other cats don't even dream of going. Not necissarily the best pick to get right after having a baby, unless you have boundless energy to keep up. I commend you for researching breeds before hand. Don't pick a breed just because of looks (can't tell you how many times I have to tell people that a bengal is not what they are looking for even though its pretty it didnt' meet the other requirements they described as desiring), yet realize that each cat is an individual and personalities will vary even within the same breed. I currently have a girl - Serendipity - who is a total cuddle bug at all times, where my boy only wants to cuddle when he decides. A reputable breeder will talk with you about their cattery and cats, their health warranty with decent coverage, and a general contract. Don't be scared to ask for references or talk with the vet who works with the cats. While some breeders do their own vaccines - that isn't necissarily a bad thing - they should still have a working relationship with a vet for other issues and kitten check-ups. The kittens should have seen a vet at least once before going to their new home so that the vet could preform a general check for heart murmurs, juvinile chateracts (sp?), fecal exam, etc. __________________

10-04-2008, 12:09 AM
Sparklesgerl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 457	I personally love siamese (I have one), although the bengal sounds like a cool kitty too! __________________ Life begins outside your comfort zone. Author unknown Linz

10-04-2008, 06:49 AM
AllUpHill Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: US Posts: 693	I had Persians and Himalayans. As you can see from my avatar I love those little smushed faces . If I got another purebred I think it would be an Exotic Shorthair so I could have the smush without so much coat care. I like the Bombays and similar breeeds though too...That deep chocolate brown is stunning.

10-05-2008, 08:54 PM
csimmons Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: delaware Posts: 835	I would like you to think twice before buying a purebred cat. I love siamese cats as well, but when my last old girl died I decided to get only rescues. I've stuck with the color-point theme, though. I think my vet has me on speed dial. I've had to tell her, no more cats. I'm up to 4 now. Anyway, all these cats are mixed breed rescues. The flame point kitten came from a lady that had him locked in a crate in her basement. He is the sweetest, most well adjusted baby ever! Go figure. Animals can really let go of bad situations. The other 2 are siblings. They were born in someones back yard from a feral short haired tabby. Luckily the people were able to get all the kittens before Mom moved them. I would have liked to have seen what Dad looked like. The other kittens were all short haired tabbys. All these cats are probably more cuddily than my purebreds were. And they are at the very least equally as good looking. There are TONS of cats just like these that need homes. I would just like you to think about rescue unless you want to show.

10-05-2008, 09:08 PM
hawk Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 597	My Fav is the MaineCoon gosh how I love those strong head bopping kitties. They love to be petted A LOT and are very very affectioned. I almost fell on my butt while crouched down to pet one of them cause they are strong, gotta say, it was pretty darn funny . I think if I had the chance to get one, I would. They are awesome kitties. Though, they are long haired cat - so I dont think you would consider getting one based on your criteria...but if you have a change of mind, who doesnt?, then go look at a few. Maybe looking on www.petfinder.com, you can search them in your area -

10-06-2008, 07:40 PM
Steph Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Potrero, California Posts: 181	Hawk is right on about Maine Coons! I have a pure bred Maine Coon, and she's everything and more you'd want in a cat. Gorgeous, loving, patient. Lazy and weighs 22 pounds. But with so much hair, I have to shave her once a year. BUT I only have her because of a divorce that would have put her in a shelter. Now for my Personal Soapbox: Buying purebred animals deprives a cat or dog in a shelter a loving home. I have rescued, adopted and found my cats and dogs. And, I have loved and been loved in return by each. I would never promote breeding because of these stats by the Humane Society of the US: 35% OF ALL SHELTER ANIMALS ARE PUREBRED and will die because someone wanted a "pure bred" from a breeder. Google Maine Coon Rescue instead. Please? __________________ Timmy's Mom A sigh from your horse is better than one from your lover Last edited by Steph : 10-06-2008 at 07:47 PM.

10-06-2008, 07:50 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: KY Posts: 1,980	35% of all shelter animals are purebred? Where do you get these stats? Of course I can't tell you how many times I went to ID a cat for the bengal rescue and see what might be a bengal mix but looks more like a plain old tabby, but it is still labeled "bengal" because someone mistaken a broken mackeral tabby pattern for spots. Our how any long-haired cat is labeled "main coon" or "persian" or how any solid grey cat is a "Russian blue". Rarely are they really these breeds. I'm not going to deny that purebreds don't end up in rescue - or heck the bengal rescue wouldn't be in need of fosters - but I think that percent is high for true purebreds. __________________