Another "what breed for me" thread.

[epona]

Originally Posted by artgecko

Thanks!
Epona- So....due to possible (or likely) loudness, I'll steer clear of the orientals...I don't really care for the extremely typey ones we have here in the US anyway (and I haven't seen anyone's site with more traditional looking cats).

Pleased to be able to help

I do not mind the US type in either Oriental or the Rexes, but you are right they are both far more extreme than the ones we have in the UK. I don't think I would have been able to convince my husband to have one if I'd not been able to show to him that the photos he'd seen on the net were not the way ours here look! We tend to go for a slightly more moderate look in most of the 'extreme' breeds.

 

[goldenkitty45]

Originally Posted by Cattiew

it sound like a Bengal you are looking for although i am not sure whether they will get one with other cats tho. i have heard that Bengals temperament really depends on its line especially this as a new breed, some breeders may breed a a cat with bad temperament but great looks. i think the difference DSH and purebred is for their history. most purebred have a clear history and are loved for generations, therefore naturally they are more willing to be dependent and be indoor cats. although DSH cal also well be a indoor and dependent cat, most of them are kept indoor/outdoor. they have a lot of more survival skills. most of the purebred if left alone on the street, they would soon be dead or very ill whereas most DSH can survive one the streets on its own for years

Some purebreds might not survive, but many purebreds are from the street cats and could survive very well. Maine Coons, American SH, British SH, Scottish Folds, Manx, Ocicats are among those that could survive on the streets. Cornish/Devon rexes originally came as mutations from street/barn cats - so they could survive (but not in really cold places)

 

[siggav]

Originally Posted by Cattiew

it sound like a Bengal you are looking for although i am not sure whether they will get one with other cats tho. i have heard that Bengals temperament really depends on its line especially this as a new breed, some breeders may breed a a cat with bad temperament but great looks.

I would definitely NOT recommend a Bengal to the OP. Bengals are extremely active cats and often are not lapcats (although my girl will snuggle next to me on the couch quite often). The fun never stops with a Bengal in the house, they'll run around, jump on top of doors, race all over the place and can be quite a handful. Now they're wonderful cats to have around if you're prepared to deal with their energy level and mine makes me smile every single day.

But since the OP specifically mentioned that she doesn't want a very high energy cat, Bengals should be crossed off the list.

Having said that Bengals aren't that new a breed anymore, they've been bred for decades now and are actually quite settled and established as a breed. Also Bengals are usually very good with other pets and cats and the breeders have focused on temperament right from the start since because of the part wild heritage they knew that the cats would have to have fantastic tempraments. I.e even the type of bad temprament you can get in 100% domestic cats would be used to brand the entire breed as unsuitable for being kept as pets if that started turning up in the lines.

 

[artgecko]

Thanks again for the great information!
Epona- Ditto, even if they met my needs perfectly, if I couldn't find a less extreme Ori I wouldn't be interested. You *can* find "traditional" siamese, but haven't seen any Oris.

Abymummy- so your Abys can sit still long enough to be cuddled?

My brother/sister-in-law had the sweetest DSH, very affectionate, but she was so hyper that she couldn't stand to be still long enough to be held or petted for more than 5 seconds (which is what I'd like to avoid).

Goldenkitty- I actually had been to that breeder's site (the link you mentioned) before you posted it and I must say that the lavander ticked kitten is beautiful... I think the chocolate and blue silver spotteds are my favorites (for contrasting markings) but all of the Oci colors/patterns are nice. However, if the Oci is more play-oriented than cuddling-oriented, they might not work for me...as I said, I've got two DSH kittens now, one of which seems to fit the Oci personality and I'd like more of a love-bug.

Cattiew/Siggav- Although I find the bengals georgous..especially the marbles and heavily rosetted ones, they are definately NOT for me

From what I understand, you get a bengal to play with (24/7) and not cuddle lol. If they were a little more laid back and cuddly though, they'd definately be high on my list.

Cattiew- I have two DSH and one of them is very loving, somewhat of a burmese temperment, from what I've read (but not AS affectionate all the time), his brother however, is similar to an Oci (playful, less cuddling/lap cat oriented). They have similar features, but completely different colors, markings, and different head shapes... The difference, to me, between DSH/DLH and purebred is that one is more "dependable" in terms of looks, size, temperment, (and hopefully health) than the other. With a DSH kitten you never know what you're getting. I love my two DSH, but this time around, I want to KNOW that I'll be getting a love bug that will follow me around and interact well with others.

And I'm not all that certain that my boys would make it on their own outside, even though they were found as feral kittens...More "luck of the draw" I think, who's territory their in, where they're at, food sources, etc.

Art

 

[artgecko]

I just thought of posting this, and it might help me get a better feel for the breeds you guys have suggested (or suggested against) than just descriptions...

I'm going to list what activities my two DSH kittens, and adult DSH do (while I'm at home) percentage wise, then I'll list what I'd like

Adult DSH Toby(~4yr old w/ enlarged heart)
Sleep/lay around- 80%
Affection (wants to be petted or held..or he's just begging for food)- 10%
Interacts w/ other cats (grooms/plays)- 10%

DSH kitten (8months old) Niles (closer to an Oci personality IMO)
Sleep/lay around-15%
Play/chase/generally get into trouble (with other cats or me at play time)- 60%
Follow me around (curiosity) `15%
Affection/cuddling- 10% (might get in my lap two times a week)

DSH kitten Frasier (the more-burmese temperment IMO)
Sleep/lay around-15%
Play/chase/interact w/ other cats-40% (less high energy play than niles)
Follow me around- 25%
Affection- 20%

Although all three have their good and bad points, I'd like to see the "follow me around" and "affection" percentages increase, and the high energy play (of niles) and the "laying around" (of Toby) decrease.

If you could post the approximate percentages for your breeds (from your experience) that would really help me get a picture of their daily activities that involve (or don't involve) you.

Thanks!
Art

 

[abymummy]

Originally Posted by artgecko

Abymummy- so your Abys can sit still long enough to be cuddled?

My brother/sister-in-law had the sweetest DSH, very affectionate, but she was so hyper that she couldn't stand to be still long enough to be held or petted for more than 5 seconds (which is what I'd like to avoid).

Art

Well, Abys are one human cats. I am their human. All my Abys could be cuddled for hours on end if I could stand it!

I usually sleep with at least 5 of them curled around me...2 now because I had to kick the others out due to Bulan having delivered recently (she delivered in the birthing cupboard in my room). They are great for watching tv together until something on tv sparks their interest...like birds or fish or dogs...

As kittens they are super active, no rest for the wicked but it's easy to amuse them...a rolled up paper ball can keep them occupied. Easy to train, and as I like to say, the Einsteins of felinedom!

 

[artgecko]

Thanks- I'll have to put them on the list too... If I keep going at this rate my list will have doubled lol.

Art

 

[cattiew]

ooo.... i thought Bengal is a lap cat since the only one i saw would sleep on her owner's lap when she is watching TV. but is it not normal? i know they play lot and i have heard some can be quite aggressive towards people. what's Bengal's like mostly? are they good with kids as well? will it be more like a dominant pet in a household?

 

[artgecko]

Slightly O.T., but from what I understand, bengals are VERY high energy (i.e. climbing everything, running non-stop, etc.), they can have strong personalities and want to be the boss, they are not supposed to be agressive towards people (lack of socialization and bad breeding could cause that). They are VERY playful almost all the time and are not known to be "lap cats". The earlier generations (F1-F4) can be even more high energy and require specialized diets and care (i.e. not wanting to potty in a litter box, etc.). At least from what I understand. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Art

 

[hurdyburdy]

I know that you already have a long list (and growing) but bobtails may be worth looking into. I read that American Bobtails are "doglike" but maybe not the look that would appeal to you . I don't know if anyone on this site has a Japanese bobtail. I don't have a purebred but she has some of their personality traits based on what research I've done. A Japanese bobtail seems to fit some of the characteristics that you said you would like but I don't know just how active a purebred would be. Plus you said you like calicos

http://kiddlyn.com/breed.html

 

[artgecko]

Thanks for the suggustions hurdyburdy- I think the american bobtails have too much coat (undercoat) for me, but I'll look into the japanese bobtails

So far this is the revised list (in alphabetical order):
Abyssinian
Burmese (traditional, not contemporary)
Cornish Rex
Egyptian Mau
European Burmese
Tonkinese

I've gone from 6....to a list of 6

The ocicat got the boot, because they might be too active and more interested in play vs. affection. The BSH got booted because I think they will be too quiet and less active/interested in following me around. j

Art

 

[missymotus]

Originally Posted by Cattiew

ooo.... i thought Bengal is a lap cat since the only one i saw would sleep on her owner's lap when she is watching TV

There are always exceptions and each cat does have their own personality. There's a lovely 18lb Bengal stud I see at shows who is as laid back as they come, he gets passed around and just lays there purring. He lays there like a Ragdoll

 

[lillypug]

I am going to second the poster that recommended a Devon Rex to you. I have a Devon and his personality is "textbook." He is the sweetest, most loving little creature. He is playful but not Energizer Bunny crazy. He can definitely hold his own in a conversation also. Devon kittens go through a molt (but are not completely hairless like a sphynx) and their adult coat comes in later on by about 2 years of age. We can hold him and not be covered in hair and his coat feels like crushed velvet. I find their unique look with teh large eyes and ears and wavy coat endearing. He is also a cat that enjoys human company and laps more than anything in the world. My favorite is too see his long Devon tail "wag" when he is happy. He his personality has even won over my hubby who WAS anti-cat before Jack came into our lives. And nothing scares little Jack, not even the vacuum cleaner or blow dryer, LOL. When we have company he runs to the door and follows at our heels when we walk through the house. Devons also come in every color of the rainbow.

I encourage you to look into Devons. You may find what you are looking for

I see you are in Alabama. My little Jack came from a wonderful cattery in North Alabama. If you want her info, feel free to PM me.

 

[kluchetta]

I see that no one has recommended the Havana Brown ( a little rare, but noted for dog-like traits.)

 

[epona]

Originally Posted by kluchetta

I see that no one has recommended the Havana Brown ( a little rare, but noted for dog-like traits.)

Good point - I hadn't thought of that, we don't have them here. To us the Havana is a chocolate Ori, the Havana Brown comes I believe from exports of early UK Havana Ori breeding stock but has been bred to produce a more cobby cat, but I imagine it has a similar dog-like and affectionate personality.

 

[goldenkitty45]

Info on the Havana

http://www.breedlist.com/havana-breeders.html

 

[kai bengals]

Originally Posted by Cattiew

ooo.... i thought Bengal is a lap cat since the only one i saw would sleep on her owner's lap when she is watching TV. but is it not normal? i know they play lot and i have heard some can be quite aggressive towards people. what's Bengal's like mostly? are they good with kids as well? will it be more like a dominant pet in a household?

Maybe you can start a seperate thread asking about the bengal personality. Then the members here that own bengals can chime in with answers and their experiences.

That way this thread doesn't go off topic.

 

[artgecko]

Thanks for the additional info and recs.

I like the looks of the havana, but I haven't heard anything about them being known for being affectionate... But will look into. They are far less oriental in type than those in the UK I believe.

Lilypug- I'll pm you. Although I like the looks of the cornish more, I am definately open to looking at Devons. I have heard that many devons have poor coat, or experience coat problems (which I haven't heard about the cornish).

Art

 

[goldenkitty45]

IMO Cornish hold coats better then Devons, but in both breeds you need to be careful of which breeders you are working with. I researched my rexes very heavily cause I did NOT want coat problems. I know some cornish breeders that I would not buy from (coat and health (heart) problems) but many others have "older" lines which hold coat a lot better.

Cornish or Devon has the same personalities - just depends on if you want a cobby body type or a "greyhound" body type.

If you want a lap cuddler and at nite under the cover cat - go with the rexes