Choosing a cat to become a new member of your family can be an exciting time. Sometimes, the decision will be easy as simply falling in love with a cute little kitten. However, if you’re looking for a specific breed, it may involve time and research before you decide on the best cat for your family, and it should be done with careful thought and consideration. Some cats may look beautiful, but they don’t have the temperament to fit in with young children. Others may have lots of energy, which may be a problem if you live in an apartment.

We’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular breeds of cats to help make your decision a little easier.

Siamese cats

Known for having bucket-loads of personality, the Siamese is not just a bundle of fun, but absolutely gorgeous too. Short sleek hair, blue eyes, and the characteristic dark ‘points’ on their ears, tail and feet give them an exotic look, and they also have the kind of temperament that makes them excellent companions for humans. They’re affectionate, vocal and full of energy, although their loud yowling may become irritating, and they do need a lot of attention.

Furthermore, as they’re not too keen on other pets, a Siamese may not be a good choice if you’ve already got other furry friends in the house.

For further information check out our cat breed pages www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breeds/siamese-cat/

Maine Coon cats

Big, beautiful and extremely striking, the Maine Coon is a very popular choice for families with children and other pets. They’re extremely affectionate and, while they’re not the kind of cat that loves to sit on your knee, they love to interact with humans. They not only meow, but they also ‘chirp’! They’re great hunters and many of them have extra toes. However, because of their long hair they do require lots of brushing and bathing or their coats will become greasy. Therefore, they’re probably not a good choice if you don’t have the time to do this.

For more information on this beautiful breed check out www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breeds/maine-coon-cat/

Persian cats

If cats could be divas, the Persian would reign supreme. Persians are regal, beautiful and very, very fluffy. Short and round with a large head, they require extensive grooming so aren’t a good choice if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort to keep them looking beautiful.

As they prefer quiet homes, they won’t react well to small children or other pets.

For more information on this popular breed check out our cat breed guide http://www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breeds/persian-cat/

Ragdoll cats

Big, fluffy and very affectionate, the Ragdoll absolutely adores being cuddled. They’re extremely docile, so while they’re very good with children, they don’t do very well if they’re put outside. They can’t hunt and they won’t defend themselves if attacked. However, they only require moderate grooming, don’t shed much hair, and can be easily trained.

To find out more about this gorgeous kitty check out our cat breed guide http://www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breeds/ragdoll-cat/

Hairless cats

Hairless cats include breeds such as the Sphinx, the Peterbald, and the very rare Kohana. If you don’t mind their strange appearance, they can make excellent pets. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that hairless cats don’t need any grooming. While it is true that they don’t need brushing, since they don’t have fur to absorb their skin’s natural oils they may need to be bathed several times a week to prevent a greasy build-up on their skin. However, hairless cats are extremely affectionate and may be an excellent choice if you don’t mind spending time bathing your cat.

Somali and Balinese cats

If you’re looking for a fun and mischievous cat, the Somali could be the answer. These beautiful fox-like cats absolutely adore human companionship, and will entertain you for hours. Balinese cats have a similar temperament, and love to interact with humans. In fact, they love to be with you all the time, so if a constant cat companion is your aim then the Balinese could be the perfect choice.

Siberian cat

Often hailed as a hypoallergenic cat, the Siberian is healthy, hearty, good with children and other animals, and looks absolutely lovely too. The hypoallergenic reference is due to the reduced production of the Fel d1 protein that is secreted by cats – this is the only protein proven to be solely produced by cats and not by other mammals. It is thought that this is the protein which triggers the majority of cat allergies in people, and so the lower production of Fel d1 by Siberian cats results in less likelihood of an allergic reaction being triggered.

To find out more about this ancient breed check out our cat guide http://www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breeds/siberian-cat/

Bengal

A cross between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard cat, the Bengal is sleek, well-muscled, playful, intelligent and has an extremely striking look. If you want a cat that’s a little out of the ordinary, this is the cat for you. However, they do require a large amount of attention, so you will have a very unhappy cat if you don’t spend much time at home.

For more info about this fabulous breed check out our cat breed guide:

Domestic cats

Often known as moggies or tabby cats due to the colouration of their coats, the domestic cat isn’t a specific breed, but an amalgamation of several breeds. Therefore, it’s impossible to say what their temperament will be like, how much grooming they’ll need, or how they’ll fit into a particular family unit. However, they usually make excellent pets, and are usually available either free or for a nominal fee from your local animal shelter.

Considerations when choosing a cat

As you can see, cats come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, so while you may be seduced by the good looks of the Persian or you may crave the affection a Ragdoll will bring into your life, there are other factors to take into consideration. Be prepared to do a bit of research before you make your final choice, and the payoff will be a cat that will enrich your life and that of your family for years.

For further information about a wide range of cat breeds check out our cat breed centre http://www.petsecure.com.au/cat-breed-centre/