Cats are among the popular pets but picking the right breed of cat to suit your lifestyle may not be an easy task. While cats are not on par with dogs for clinging to their human companions, some cat breeds do crave the company of their owners more than others. So, you need to analyse your lifestyle and priorities before bringing home a cat.
Think of the pedigree- Do you want a pedigree cat, or one without a solid pedigree will do? This is something you need to think of. Pedigreed cats like Persians, Maine coons, Siamese and Birmans will require more grooming and maintenance than regular cats. Domestic longhair and short-haired cats are usually easier to keep, especially when you spend a lot of time outside the home and there is no other person to look after the creature. They can be compared with mongrel dogs.
Think of your schedules and chores- Before you adopt a cat, think of your job, chores and overall lifestyle. If there is someone at the house at all times and you have a hectic job, you can still adopt a pedigree cat. If you stay on your own and spend a long time outdoors, that may not be a good idea. The same can be said for working couples living hectic lives. However, those who are into WFH jobs can bring home a breed like the Persian cat or the Birmans.
Think of cat breed nature- Not all pedigree cats have similar temperaments. If you bring a Sphynx cat, ensure you can stay at home for long periods. These cats do not want to be left alone. Maine coons hate staying in confined spaces and so do not bring one if you have a small apartment where space crunch is an issue. However, working couples may still adopt Persian cats as this breed can spend some time without human craving company.
Think of the health and grooming needs of the cat- Most pedigree and exotic cats require plenty of grooming, and some breeds need more medical attention than others. Persian cats, for example, need regular brushing so that their long coat remains in shape. They are also prone to developing nose and eye–related infections. Think if you will have enough time and energy to brush your cat after returning home from work. Birmans are also long-haired and need enough grooming.
Think of your house and neighbourhood- Before bringing home, a cat thinks of your house layout, the space around it and the type of neighbours you have. If the cat is able to venture out of the house to eliminate when it is required, it is better. However, it may not be a good idea when you have neighbours who are allergic to cats! If there are plenty of stray dogs in the locality, it may not be a safe option for the cat to venture out in your absence, for sure. If you have an attached garden or backyard place for the cat to roam in, that is a better option.
Summing it up- Overall, it is tough for people living hectic lives to keep exotic cat breeds. However, there are examples of working people who manage to keep one or more exotic cats at home. Opting for domestic cats with lower grooming and maintenance needs is a prudent option for such people.
