WHISKAS Guide To Understanding Cat Breeds And How To Care For Them

Find the perfect cat breeds for your home

Welcoming a cat into your home is an exciting decision to make. However, finding the right cat breed can be daunting. With so many cat breeds to choose from, the possibilities are endless! At WHISKAS®, we want to help you find the perfect feline companion – that’s why we’ve put together the purrfect guide to help you choose the right cat breed for your home.

Things to consider when choosing a cat breed

There are several things to consider when choosing a cat. Will your cat have to spend a lot of time on their own? Will they be an indoor cat? Or will they be allowed outdoors? No two cats are the same, and every cat breed has different characteristics.

For example, British Shorthair and Russian Blue cats are independent and highly affectionate, whereas long-haired Chinchilla cats are usually more laid back and placid. While their personalities may differ, these cat breeds are suited to someone seeking an indoor cat.

In contrast, Bengal and Manx cats are boisterous, playful, incredibly outgoing and have a high prey drive, making them more suited to outdoor environments such as outdoor cat enclosures.

If you have other animals in your home, you will also need to consider if the breed you want will get on with your current pets. It’s also important to choose a cat breed whose instincts and behaviours are compatible with your home environment.

Is the cat breed you want compatible with your lifestyle?

You may know the type of cat breed you want. However, they may not be suited to your lifestyle. For example, many families with young children decide to add a cat to their household, not all cat breeds are comfortable around young children, and many can become quite distressed in their company. 

Beyond the breed, other factors to consider.

Choosing the right cat for you requires more than selecting a compatible breed. It’s important to consider if you want to purchase a kitten or instead want to adopt an older cat. 

Kittens require extra care, and whilst you might love to welcome one into your home, they may not work with your lifestyle. If you are unsure if a kitten is the best fit for you,  it may be worth considering adopting an adult cat.

Where to find your feline friend

If you’ve decided to buy a pedigree kitten, the best thing to do is to look up reputable cat breeders. You’ll be able to find cat breeders in your area by talking to other cat owners and vets or by reaching out to different breed clubs.

In Australia, the majority of household cats are rescues and mixed breeds. There are  plenty of cats in need of forever homes, so it’s also worth checking with animal welfare organisations in your area when you begin searching for your feline friend.

Preparing your home for a cat

Once you’ve decided to welcome a cat into your home, you can start preparing your home for your new feline friend. 

There are a few essential items you will need to make your cat feel happy and welcome in their new home. You will need a litter box, a soft plushy bed, as well as food and drink bowls. 

You will also need toys and scratching posts to keep them stimulated and also to meet their instinctive needs. If your cat will be an indoor cat, you will also need to make sure your house is escape-proof.

During the first few days in their new home, your cat may be feeling overwhelmed by all the changes and might be a bit standoffish. It’s important not to force interactions with them. Instead, let them come to you. As you get to know each other better, your cat will trust you more, and your bond with them will grow.

If you intend to let your cat outside, make sure it has settled into your new home first before allowing them outside. It’s also important to see when your cat is allowed outside. 

Cat containment regulations are being rolled out in many Australian jurisdictions, so be sure to check with your local council to find out if there are any cat curfews or restrictions in your area.

To create a space that allows your feline friend to enjoy some outdoor time while staying safe, it’s worth considering building an outdoor cat enclosure.

Feeding your feline friend

Once you’ve found your feline friend,  you need to set them up for a long, happy and healthy life by finding the right cat food. Over time your cat's dietary needs will change, and so will their palate. WHISKAS® has cat food tailored for every stage of your cat's life. Head to our webpage to find the right food for your feline friend.