A good way to first approach selecting a cat is to consider the behavioral characteristics that are the most important to you. Some people might like a cat that is very affectionate, perhaps almost clingy, and that can be counted upon to welcome visitors, and even sit in their laps. Others might prefer a bit more of a wild streak. Almost everyone wants a cat that is reliable in using the litter box and that does not take up the nasty habit of urine marking in the house. By selecting a purebred kitten, you have some idea of the behavior to expect when the kitten matures. With the DSH or DLH there is much less predictability with regard to future behavior. Chapter 6 contains graphs that rank breeds on each of the following twelve characteristics:
Aggression toward family Fearfulness of strangers
Aggression toward other cats Litter box use
Activity level Urine marking in the home
Vocalization Furniture scratching
Playfulness Predation on songbirds
Let’s say you are especially interested in a high level of affection, a low tendency for aggression toward people, and good litter box use. You could go through the graphs on these three characteristics in Chapter 6 and select, say, the eight breeds with the most favorable rankings in all three lists. Then you could look closely at the breed profiles presented in Chapter 7 to further narrow the list of strong contenders.
Very important is the sex of the kitten, which is discussed in Chapter 3. Gaining an understanding of the differences between sexes alone can make this book well worth reading. Because such a high proportion of cats in our homes are neutered or spayed, the gender differences we discuss are all based on neutered males and spayed females. While there are definite differences between neutered cats and those left intact, especially with regard to males, the age at which a cat is neutered or spayed makes no difference in its behavior.
The breed information in this book is based on the rankings assigned by eighty male and female feline veterinary practitioners. These authorities are members of the American Association of Feline Practitioners who see a variety of breeds and breed types daily and listen to their clients boast or complain about their cats’ behaviors. The methodology used to determine these rankings is explained in Chapter 6.
It is essential to emphasize that the information contained in the breed profiles does not represent our own opinions; in fact, we are waiting until this book is published to choose our first cat. That said, we believe that no breed is inherently any better than another, but rather that there is a niche for each particular breed. Ultimately, what makes the ideal cat for you depends upon who you are.
Aggression toward family Fearfulness of strangers
Aggression toward other cats Litter box use
Activity level Urine marking in the home
Vocalization Furniture scratching
Playfulness Predation on songbirds
Let’s say you are especially interested in a high level of affection, a low tendency for aggression toward people, and good litter box use. You could go through the graphs on these three characteristics in Chapter 6 and select, say, the eight breeds with the most favorable rankings in all three lists. Then you could look closely at the breed profiles presented in Chapter 7 to further narrow the list of strong contenders.
Very important is the sex of the kitten, which is discussed in Chapter 3. Gaining an understanding of the differences between sexes alone can make this book well worth reading. Because such a high proportion of cats in our homes are neutered or spayed, the gender differences we discuss are all based on neutered males and spayed females. While there are definite differences between neutered cats and those left intact, especially with regard to males, the age at which a cat is neutered or spayed makes no difference in its behavior.
The breed information in this book is based on the rankings assigned by eighty male and female feline veterinary practitioners. These authorities are members of the American Association of Feline Practitioners who see a variety of breeds and breed types daily and listen to their clients boast or complain about their cats’ behaviors. The methodology used to determine these rankings is explained in Chapter 6.
It is essential to emphasize that the information contained in the breed profiles does not represent our own opinions; in fact, we are waiting until this book is published to choose our first cat. That said, we believe that no breed is inherently any better than another, but rather that there is a niche for each particular breed. Ultimately, what makes the ideal cat for you depends upon who you are.