Choosing a Cat

Cats come in a selection of shapes and styles - long haired, short haired, striped or pointed. They all have a special appeal either because they are independent and aloof or because they are cuddly and sociable.

Care points for cats include consideration for exercise - access to the outside, need for company and fees such as vets bills, insurance premiums and cattery charges. Whilst the food bills for a cat may be less than a dog, the cost of cat litter (if used) needs to be considered.

Moggies and Pedigree cats: There are approximately 40 different breeds of cat with about 500 varieties. The breeds come in four groups: Longhair, Short hair, Siamese, Foreign shorthair.

Each breed has its own general characteristics such as the placid, sociable Persian or the noisy, busy Siamese. Moggies come in all shapes, colours and coat types. Sometimes they are more resistant to diseases thus having a slightly longer life expectancy.

Making That Choice

Long hair or short hair? A commitment to daily grooming is needed from the owners of a long haired cat to prevent matting of its coat and the development of fur balls. Short haired cats can still get fur balls and shed hair so they will also need some grooming.

Male or female?

Male cats (toms) are generally larger than their female partners and there is usually a marked difference in behaviour between the toms and female cats (queens).

Fighting is a frequent behaviour seen in tom cats as they fight over territory and queens. This often results in war wounds and infections. Many toms are castrated for this reason. Castration is also part of responsible pet ownership as un-neutered roaming toms will sire many litters of kitten, many which become strays.

Un-neutered queens will come into season regularly and give birth to several litters a year if allowed to do so. Again, this often results in many unwanted kittens. You should have her spayed unless she is of show standard and you wish to breed from her.