the ideal cat

goldenkitty45 · Jan 10, 2006

The only cats I can think of that may fit your "description" are american sh or british sh. Or look for an older (several years old) shelter cat - many are laid back neutered males that would fit your description.

But as far as I know there are NO cats that won't jump or climb

At least none that have all 4 legs/feet

yosemite · Jan 10, 2006

Not every kitten will be true to breed characteristics and will tend to have its own individual temperament.

Are you sure you wouldn't be happier with a stuffed animal?

I seriously doubt if you will ever find the perfect combination you are trying for.

I will say, however, that no matter what kitty you get, you will probably fall in love with it and won't care if it's not perfect.

kitytize · Jan 10, 2006

I dont see anything wrong trying to find a cat breed that would best fit your lifestyle. I recommend the Exotic. I own a Persian and I love his laid back personality. But I would not recommend a Persian to you because of the long thick fur that mats, but the exotic is the shorthair persian. My Persian very rarely jumps up on the table or counter.

hissy · Jan 10, 2006

I don't know kity I am looking at your signature and it looks like one cat is on a dining room table and the other on another table.

I have had hundreds of cats in my lifetime. All kinds, all shapes, all colors, even breed specific. I believe that because they are so independent and lovable (for the most part) is why I enjoy having them around. I don't expect mine to adhere to certain rules of catdom. They are who they are and I celebrate their uniqueness every day. I am going to miss my latest rescues when they leave. But I know, that the next batch will be here one day and they too will bring with them a special sort of characteristic that will fit well in this house.

eilcon · Jan 10, 2006

I always get a little worried when people have too many expectations of their cat, dog, or any pet. I can understand being partial to a certain color or breed, but if someone has too many expectations about their cat's looks, behavior and personality, I'm concerned that it will only lead to disappointment or even resentment toward the pet, through no fault of its own. Years ago when I went looking for my first cat, I was expecting to adopt a beautiful calico or uniquely marked tabby. I expected the kitten to immediately fall in love with me, sit on my lap, behave perfectly and cheerfully greet friends and family who visited. Instead, I ended up with a tiny, solid black creature, who hid from me when I was home and destroyed my house while I was at work. That was almost 13 years ago and Katie is still with me. She taught me not to have expectations of my cats, to accept and love them as they are and I wouldn't have it any other way.

hissy · Jan 10, 2006

Great post Eileen!

lillyncali · Jan 10, 2006

The only way to train a cat is like someone else mentioned: make them think it's their idea or my favorite method: love. I have perfectly trained mine to jump on my lap when I pat it because they know what's comin': luvin's!!! As far as jumping on things, I have two dogs, and three cats so I'm outnumbered ... basically I pay the bills so they can live here. It's their house - not mine. So if my cats want on the counters - have at it!! But my mom is a little different from me. She doesn't like the cats on kitchen counters, etc. So she tried double edged tape. Cats don't like sticky feet. So using the double edged tape for a while will do it!!

opilot · Jan 11, 2006

Okay. What ever you do, please do yourself a favor and SKIP the kitten?
Kittens are way to energetic and troublesome for what you are looking for.

My advice? Get your self a RETIRED showcat. Definitely good bet. Generally very affectionate, like handling and can handle people.

I'd recommend the Manx cat breed. (I'm partial now!) - "the dog lover's cat" ie, Manx are alot like dogs. Some fetch, they come when called (mostly) are medium active/energetic. Only bad point with Manx is they DO like to be up high - get a cat tree for them and they'll probably be quite happy!!

purrpaws · Jan 11, 2006

Sorry for the hijack, but I've never heard the term "moggy" I guess from the posts here that a "moggy" is a mutt-cat? A non-purebreed? What's an "exotic"?

rosehawke · Jan 11, 2006

Originally Posted by PurrPaws

Sorry for the hijack, but I've never heard the term "moggy" I guess from the posts here that a "moggy" is a mutt-cat? A non-purebreed? What's an "exotic"?

You are correct, a moggy is a mixed breed. It started out as more of a British term, but with the internet a lot of cat lovers of other nationalities as well have picked it up.

An Exotic is basically a short-haired Persian: CFA Breed Profile

staciej · Jan 11, 2006

eilcon said:
Years ago when I went looking for my first cat, I was expecting to adopt a beautiful calico or uniquely marked tabby. I expected the kitten to immediately fall in love with me, sit on my lap, behave perfectly and cheerfully greet friends and family who visited. Instead, I ended up with a tiny, solid black creature, who hid from me when I was home and destroyed my house while I was at work.

Sounds like my story,

. I figured I'd find a tan & black cat with interesting markings, etc. What I did find was two eyes, a black paw and a whiny little meow trying to get my attension. I brought Devin home, and silently hoped that his constant meowing would go away, did everything I could to not encourage it until I realized that my cat meows. A lot. I'll talk to myself and he'll join in, meowing and jumping, front paws on whatever part of me he can reach at the time. As soon as I get home, he greets me and then we chat for a bit. I wouldnt have it any other way! And to think, I never thought a cat could hold a conversation. Devin holds up his share of conversations, except when he's being pet or eating. He's very polite.

Click to expand...

vanillasugar · Jan 11, 2006

Sounds like you're describing my Nya! She meets every single one of your qualifications, only she's longhaired. But she doesn't really shed so that makes up for it! lol She's honestly the perfect cat (not to brag or anything), and I found her on the STREET! I lucked out on that one

She's a moggy, and I've yet to meet ANY cat that's quite as wonderful as her

My suggestion for you would be to go to the shelter and look at all the adult cats. Spend time with them and talk to the shelter staff. (Smaller rescues will usually be able to give you more infomation on an animal than a city shelter). Good luck

kitytize · Jan 12, 2006

Hissy my persian is the pic in the right hand bottom and he is on the floor. The only one on a table is the one in the upper left corner. I do allow my cats on the table and counters I am just saying my persian rarely gets on the counter and table unless I feed on those surfaces. Just because this person is looking for particular qualities does not mean she is not willing to accept a cat she chooses that does not turn out as she expected. I did exactly what she did when I looked for a dog. Did my dog have all the qualities I had hoped no. Do I still love my dog yes. Do I regret getting my dog no. I recommend going to a cat show and talking with breeders there.

purrpaws · Jan 12, 2006

Originally Posted by RoseHawke

You are correct, a moggy is a mixed breed. It started out as more of a British term, but with the internet a lot of cat lovers of other nationalities as well have picked it up.

An Exotic is basically a short-haired Persian: CFA Breed Profile

Wow, the exotics are very handsome!

My 2 babies are moggies.

purrpaws · Jan 12, 2006

Originally Posted by RoseHawke

You are correct, a moggy is a mixed breed. It started out as more of a British term, but with the internet a lot of cat lovers of other nationalities as well have picked it up.

An Exotic is basically a short-haired Persian: CFA Breed Profile

Wow, the exotics are very handsome!

My 2 babies are moggies.

I've always called them mutt-cats because I didn't know the proper term

lillyncali · Jan 12, 2006

Originally Posted by RoseHawke

You are correct, a moggy is a mixed breed. It started out as more of a British term, but with the internet a lot of cat lovers of other nationalities as well have picked it up.

An Exotic is basically a short-haired Persian: CFA Breed Profile

Love that link! Seeing all the beatiful pictures!

zak&rocky · Jan 12, 2006

Well, I love my 4 plain old domestic short hairs. Zakk came to me through a co-worker- he was abandoned and jumped right into our arms when we got him. Rocky was a kitten at the shelter that had a bad eye that no one wanted. We could tell he was playful, cute and friendly. Suzie and Cookie were living outside my co-workers house by themselves underneath some steps. They were sad to leave the TV and inground swimming pool, but like the heat here. That being said, I think that some of the breeds of cats are very interesting and wouldn't rule out owning one... However there are so many kitties that need homes.
The breeds that intrigue me the most are ragdolls/ragamuffins, japanese bobtail, egyptian mau, british short hairs, scottish fold, siberians and bengals. I know that I probably wouldn't like a siamese.. I used to cat sit a bunch of them and they drove me crazy!

hissy · Jan 12, 2006

Looks like the op has left the building. He isn't responding to this thread anymore. Thanks to all of you for the "try" it was appreciated. I love the response, the ideal cat is the one that chooses you!

KitEKats4Eva! · Jan 12, 2006

In case you come back to this thread

a persian would be a good choice for you, however a better choice would be a British shorthair. They are stocky, quiet, lovely natures, come in all sorts of colours and apparently, specifically, are not very good at jumping. My girlfriend lives in a set of units that has a strata title. The strata managers would not allow her a cat unless she got one that `would not roam' - yes, idiots.

She looked into things and got a British Shorthair. Monty is the MOST beautiful boy, he is blue coloured with big orange eyes, and he doesn't jump. He can't even get up on the lounge without help. She had high fences installed so that he can go out the back as he pleases but can't get out. He is quiet and mellow, a bit shy but VERY loving towards her, he doesn't get into too much mischief and has the sweetest, most gentle, delightful nature. She managed to find a breed that fit the silly requirements of her strata and also got the loveliest most beautiful kitty into the bargain!!

Having said that, while you can look for desirable traits in the cat you want (much as dog owners do when looking for the `right' dog) you must understand that cats are highly individual animals and you may not get anything you're looking for. You have stated clearly that you will be prepared to accept, love and nurture whatever kitty you get even if it doesn't meet your list of criteria. Good luck, and well done to you for being thoughtful enough of your new baby to do all the research and try to find one that will be happy in your home with your lifestyle.

shambelle · Jan 12, 2006

Originally Posted by hissy

Looks like the op has left the building. He isn't responding to this thread anymore. Thanks to all of you for the "try" it was appreciated. I love the response, the ideal cat is the one that chooses you!

thanks... I was thinking about my cats when I wrote it... they chose us, and were not at all what we expected or were looking for!

the ideal cat

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