Categories | Cat Breeders | Bridgetown

The cat is one of the most common and popular pets and for good reason.  There are a number of breeds to choose from or you can opt for the humble but much loved moggie.  Cats provide companionship, a playmate, and give you love.  However, cats can also be much more independent than other pets and they like to do things on their terms, which is where the cat lover’s mantra, “You don’t own cats, they don’t own you” comes from.  Being owned by a cat is like nothing else on earth and something that you will treasure.

Types of Cats

When it comes to cats, there are different physical types, such as long haired or short haired cats, small cats, large cats, lean cats, and cobby (stocky build) cats.  You can even find cats that have no tails (the Manx)! There are also distinct behavioural types, from the cheeky and vocal, through to the dog like cats, and the laid back, relaxed cats.

Popular Breeds of Cats

Choosing a breed of cat is a personal decision but there are some breeds that are enduringly popular. These include:

• Persians-- Persian cats are famous for their long coat and their open faces. They are gentle natured, quiet cats that are best suited to living indoors due to their coat.  Persians require significant amounts of grooming to keep their coat looking the best but otherwise, they are an extremely hardy breed.

• Maine Coon-- the Maine Coon is a large, long haired cat. Maine Coons are known for their mousing ability and they are extremely affectionate and intelligent cats. They are well suited to homes with children and they also get along with dogs well.

• Ragdolls-- these are the floppy darlings of the cat world and they are a large breed with a beautiful long haired coat and blue eyes.  Ragdolls are famed for their affectionate qualities and love nothing more than being close to their owners.

• Burmese-- Burmese cats are short haired and have a lovely glossy coat and yellow eyes. They are a vocal cat but they are not as loud as the Siamese.  The Burmese cat has a tendency to really bond with their owners.

• Siamese-- these are a unique looking cat with a distinctive head shape and a long, lean body.  They are very low in maintenance as they have short coats, and they love nothing more than to chat with their owners.

Difference between Purebred and Crossbred Cats

A purebred cat is one that has two pedigree parents of the same breed and that has a lineage that can be traced back through generations.  Purebred cats can be registered with a breed club and you have the advantage of knowing what traits you are likely to get in your new cat behaviourally and also physically. For example, you can expect to know what the coat will look like, how long they will live, what genetic diseases may pose a problem and so forth.

A crossbred cat, on the other hand, is when you have two pedigreed parents but the parents are of a different breed. For example, one parent might be a Ragdoll and the other might be a Birman. In some cases, a crossbred cat has gone on to become a whole new pedigree, such as in the case of the Tonkinese which was created by crossing the Siamese and the Burmese.

A mixed breed cat is more commonly known as the moggie and these are all those cats that have parents that are of unknown breed.  Moggies can be classified as domestic shorthairs, domestic medium hairs and domestic longhairs.  Moggies may be healthier than a purebred animal as they have a wider diversity in their genetic background and they tend to have well rounded personalities. However, you cannot be sure of your pet’s personality until they get a little older.

Choosing a Cat Breeder

Choosing a pet cat is a decision that will be with you for many years so you want to make sure that you use a good breeder.  A good breeder will be only too happy to share their knowledge with you and answer any questions you may have.  Some of the questions that you should ask your breeder before deciding to get your cat or kitten from them include:

• Where do you keep your cats and are males and females housed separately?

• How many litters of kittens do you have each year?

• Are your kittens well socialised, and how do you socialise them?

• Are you able to visit the kittens once they are old enough, and will they provide you pictures of your kitten as it grows?

• Are you able to see the areas in which the cats live?

• What diet does the breed of cat do best on

•  What are the grooming requirements of the cat?

• What are the exercise requirements?

• Are they available to answer questions once you’ve taken the cat home?

• Do they provide a health guarantee?

• Do they give you a starter pack to help your new cat settle in to your home?

• Is the breeder registered with the appropriate cat club?

• How long have they been breeding for?

• Can they provide you with references from happy cat owners?

• Do they desex, microchip and vaccinate their kittens?

The breeder should also ask you questions such as how you plan to house the cat (indoors or outdoors), how much time you can devote to the cat, if you plan to show or breed the cat, and so on.  This will allow them to feel more comfortable that they are allowing their precious animals to go to a good home. Be wary of a breeder who doesn’t seem to care about where their cats will be going.

Benefits of Buying a Cat from a Breeder

If you decide to buy a cat from a breeder, in most cases you will get a health guarantee, ensuring that your cat is free of disease and healthy when they arrive home.  Breeders are also very passionate and knowledgeable about their breeds, and are only too happy to share their knowledge with you. This is great if you have any questions or concerns.  Buying your cat from a registered breeder will also get you all the paperwork that you need to register your new pet with the appropriate club.

How to Choose a Cat

If you are choosing to add a cat to your family, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to make sure that you get the right cat for you.  Firstly, you will need to decide whether you want a purebred cat or a mixed breed or moggie.  If you go the purebred route, try and choose a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle.

You also need to consider things such as how much time you have to spend with the cat, how old your children are if you have any, how much exercise the cat will require, and how much space you have.  These will all influence which type of cat is right for you. To help you make the decision, try and visit the kitten or cat before you purchase it and spend some time with it. This will allow you to get a good idea of their personality – if they are shy or happy to be held, if they are playful or quiet, etc.

Where to buy a cat

There are several avenues available for you if you wish to bring a cat into your home.  As already discussed, an excellent avenue is by using a registered breeder that you are confident with.  You can also choose to obtain your cat from the local pet store, from advertisements in the paper, magazines or at the local shopping centre (by breeders and private sellers alike), or from a friend or family member that has just had kittens.

Another avenue if you like the idea of saving a life is to go to an animal shelter or a breed rescue club.  These places are inundated with adult cats and kittens just waiting for a second chance

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