Breeds

Well I figured as I am new here I might ask the experts over here and see if you can help me narrow down my search.

I am looking for a kitty.....
and I do want a purebred kitty with predictable traits.... knowing that every kitty is different...
but I dont know alot about cat breeds...
I know that I am going to research a bit more Havana Browns and Selkirk Rex's as I think they are personality wise what I am looking at....

I have no idea what to ask breeders....

My house is me and hubby, five retrievers (I show and breed Ch. Retrievers) who have all been brought up with kitties and thats it..... I need a cat who can deal well with chaos... who is affectionate and not shy at all.... who can smack a dog if necessary..... who is low key and just an easy going kinda guy....

I know in dogs there is a sex difference at least in my breed with boys being lower key than the girls.... is this true of kitties as well???? I really do think I would prefer a pet quality neutered male.....

I would appreciate any and all input....
thanks
S

I'd say bengals! yep bengals, can you tell they're my favorite? or maine coons

ask a breeder questions like, how do they care for their kitties? how often do they breed their queens? etc. etc. think of what your puppy owners have asked you. I would like to introduce you to gayef! She's a lovely person who breeds traditional siamese.

Originally Posted by Shalva

Well I figured as I am new here I might ask the experts over here and see if you can help me narrow down my search.

I am looking for a kitty.....
and I do want a purebred kitty with predictable traits.... knowing that every kitty is different...
but I dont know alot about cat breeds...
I know that I am going to research a bit more Havana Browns and Selkirk Rex's as I think they are personality wise what I am looking at....

I have no idea what to ask breeders....

My house is me and hubby, five retrievers (I show and breed Ch. Retrievers) who have all been brought up with kitties and thats it..... I need a cat who can deal well with chaos... who is affectionate and not shy at all.... who can smack a dog if necessary..... who is low key and just an easy going kinda guy....

I know in dogs there is a sex difference at least in my breed with boys being lower key than the girls.... is this true of kitties as well???? I really do think I would prefer a pet quality neutered male.....

I would appreciate any and all input....
thanks
S

Click to expand...

I would really suggest visiting your local library and checking out books on cat breeds. You should familiarize yourself with the breeds so you do not end up buying a cat that doesn't fit into your lifestyle. Once you figure out which breed to purchase...the breeders here can assist you in what to look for as far as a responsible breeder.

Katie

Given your "requirements" I think I'd look into American SH, British SH, Maine Coons or the Selkirk Rex's. I don't think the Havanas would be a good mix - plus they are not very common and you might have a hard time finding one. Havanas are more "oriental" type and not a rough/tumble type of cat.

BTW what kind of retrievers?

A neutered male would be ideal - I think the males are more laid back and affectionate overall.

She has flat-coated and golden retrievers.

(I know this person and am happy she came here )

thanks I appreciate your help, I have looked at the books, the problem with books is that they don't have the cats.... I mean if I read what they write about my breed (flat coated retrievers) generally I just am wondering what dog they are talking about because they don't really describe the breed very well and of course everyone loves their own breed. I just don't find the books to be very accurate .....

I didn't realize the Havanas were more oriental in type.... what I had read implied that they were pretty outgoing but I guess you can be outgoing and still not be rough and tumble....

I really wanted to get the thoughts of people who knew the cats and met the cats... I am planning to go to a show that they have here in aprilish so I will attend that.... I am not read yfor a new kitty today and I have lots of questions that need to be answered like kitten vs. adult.... considering the dogs..... how to introduce to my current kitty Maureen who is also 14 .... how to introduce to the dogs....
so I figured by summer when I am home is the time to introduce a baby to the house.....

I appreciate your insights and hope to get more info from you all.... it is important to me to do this right... and I can't see how cats would be any different from dogs with regard to breeders..... etc.
thanks
S
http://www.milbroseretrievers.com

well, I know that kittens can be VERY hyper!! they will play bite meowmy's toes at night! A young cat maybe 1 or 2 years old will still be playful but not so hyper

There are several articles here on kitty introduction, let me find them.

written by our very own Hissy! http://www.thecatsite.com/Cats/Cat_B...cing_Cats.html
http://www.thecatsite.com/Cats/Cat_B...s_to_Dogs.html

I would go along with the Bengal's as well, except for one thing. The poster said she wanted a low key cat. Bengal's are ANYTHING but low key. I have both Bengal's and Siamese, and I personally think Siamese are lower key than Bengal's although they're not really low key, either. Maybe a Maine Coon.

As you know, all cats are different. Maine Coon boy Narsil is extremely laid-back and low key, but rather than smacking a dog who needed it would probably give it a glare and walk off in a certain manner. Maine Coon boy Mithril is hyper, hyper, hyper. Goes full speed and then collapses. A bit skittish in that he'll startle long before Narsil would, but once a source of the noise or whatever is identified, takes it in stride. His solution for an untenable situation is a quick dash under the bed, although he may come back out 30 seconds later. These boys are littermates. Melichus (RB) was a laid back cat, also a bit skittish as a youngster, although he settled down as he got older and not a whole lot bothered him. When "little sister" Kellie (Pekingese) came on the scene, he would mostly ignore her bouncing attempts to get him to play, although if she got too annoying he had the cute technique of just taking a massive paw and laying it on her head and squashing her down, his version of "That's enough!" Melichus was also a cuddle kitty, and neither of these two are, although they're young yet, (10 months) and Melichus wasn't that much of a cuddle-bug when he was young either.

One nice thing about adopting an older, neutered and/or retired cat is that their personality is pretty well set and you know what you're getting (never could get DH to agree to an older cat.) With kittens it's still pretty much up in the air, although you can get something of an idea.

I'd go with a cat that can get along with a cockatoo!

I'd visit your local shelter and see what they have up on offer. Since there will be already desexed cats there, you can see their personalitys and stuff.

That's why I suggested the American or British SH - both are low keyed - laid back personalities. Some describe the British as "doorstops" they are so low keyed. And both breed would stand up to the dogs.

Maine coons would be fine unless she's looking for shorthair cats.

The suggestion of shelter cats is a good one, but she did want a pet purebred.

LOL well I guess my suggestion was just like the Bengals being suggested. She was after a low key cat. My first place would just be the shelter to check out.

Persians have a reputation for being laid back - but probably only about 60% of Persians I know are. I just don't think you can put a blanket statement on a breed.

I'd suggest a British Shorthair as well. IMO I don't like the look of the American SH - too foreign.

Good luck finding the perfect kitty for you.

Hi guys thanks so much for your input, I am partial to the BSH and the Selkirk Rex..... I would go to the shelter but I really do want more predictable traits.... I will probably head to the shelter anyway but I will also contact a couple of breeders as well.....

I am looking for a cat like my Jim,
outgoing, friendly, easy going,
Jim used to drive to the dump with us on weekends looking out the window... he wore this stupid baseball hat and he pretty much went along with whatever we did.... he was an indoor cat but would sit on the patio with me in the summer....
I just want a pal.....

Maureen is wonderful she is part persian.... and she wants to lay on your lap, but don't touch her, she doesn't want to be held, she won't be seen when the dogs are around no matter that they don't bother her.... she is standoffish and shy and while I love her to death I really want a friend.....

I dont know how better to describe that.....
S

A ragdoll would be your friend. Try looking at some ragdoll rescues?

See Persians do have a reputation for being laidback - but your one doesn't fit under that blanket. She's shy.

I wish you the best!!!!!!

I can picture the british sh or rex with a baseball cap on

hey shalva any updates?

You definitely DON'T want a Russian Blue. They are shy, quiet and although affectionate with their owners and people they know well, will often hide from strangers. I don't think they would do very well with dogs, as they tend to be a tad high strung as well.

I could definitely see a Bengal fitting in, or perhaps an Abyssinian as they are both high energy cats.