Here, our San Diego vets list some of their favorite cat breeds, including some key factors you should consider about each, to help you bring home the best feline companion for you.
Finding The Best Breed of Cat For You
The best breed of cat for you will depend on a handful of factors including the personality, physical attributes, and other characteristics you find most desirable in a feline companion, as well as your own lifestyle requirements. Like people, all cats are unique for example, while some kitties are chatty attention seekers, others are quiet and lazy.
It's also important to know if you are able to meet all of your cat's needs because each cat breed has its own dietary requirements and health concerns. Before deciding on your furry friend, do your research and ask your veterinarian and breeder about your new cat's unique requirements.
Below our veterinary team at College Animal Hospital has shared a few breed suggestions, to help you find the perfect feline companion for your home.
Siamese
Siamese cats can be recognized by their short, soft coat that is light-colored on the body and darker on the face, paws, ears, and tail. Siamese cats are strikingly beautiful, playful, and known for following their owners around the house 'chatting'. This is not the right breed for anyone who spends a great deal of time out of the house. Siamese cats possess several dog-like qualities including a love of play and a need for companionship. However, Siamese cats are one of the cat breeds most prone to asthma (an airway condition) as well as a genetic eye problem called Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) which can lead to blindness.
When it comes to feeding this beautiful and intelligent cat, we recommend feeding them a diet that is meat protein-based and full of healthy fats instead of a plant-based diet.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are large, long-bodied, and strikingly beautiful, with long, silky coats. They also tend to make loving indoor pets. When it comes to their personality, these cats are sweet, caring, and always up for cuddles. They often welcome their people at the door when they arrive home, and can learn tricks easily with a little positive reinforcement (treats). In terms of their health, they are relatively healthy cats but can be prone to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease).
When it comes to your ragdoll's dinner time, make sure a real animal protein is the first ingredient listed on their food because like Siamese cats they have a limited ability to digest plant-based foods.
British Shorthair
Bred to keep rodents from invading their masters’ farm and house, this breed plays well by itself and is a good choice for single people if they are given lots of exercise and interaction with their owner. This powerful, medium-to-large breed is known for being round and thick. Our vets recommend grooming your British Shorthair daily because these cats tend to grow thick, dense coats in the winter that are shed when the weather gets warmer. British shorthairs are also known to be one of the healthiest cat breeds, however, they can be susceptible to hereditary conditions such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a type of heart disease, and Hemophilia B which is a bleeding disorder.
To help your British short hair stay in optimal health, we recommend feeding them high-quality meat-based wet food.
Himalayan
Also known as “Himmies”, these gentle and calm cats have large, deep blue eyes and long, full, dense coats that require regular grooming. This breed often exhibits kitten-like bursts of energy. You are as likely to find see these lovely cats snoozing in a sliver of sunlight, as you are to see them sprinting through the living room, on to their next adventure. These cats make great companions, provided their owners are attentive to nutrition (a high-quality food that lists real meats as the first ingredient) and give them enough exercise and interaction. However, when it comes to their health, Himalayans can be prone to several health conditions such as breathing difficulties, dental malocclusions, and eye problems such as cherry eye.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are known for being enthusiastic mousers who are also playful, sensitive, and expressive. This breed is recognized for its unusual folded ears and striking orange-yellow colored eyes. These cats tend to be good with children, and love attention, companionship, and time around people. If you’re out of the house for long periods, this may not be the best cat breed for you. In terms of dietary recommendations, it's best to feed them a combination of wet and dry foods that contain lots of meat-based protein and minimal carbs.
It's also important to note, that most Scottish folds experience chronic pain and stiffness in their joints because of a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia. It makes the ear cartilage visibly fold and causes invisible issues such as bone and cartilage problems throughout their body, most often in the hock and elbow joints. This makes it important to monitor your Scottish fold for lack of energy and decreased movement, as well as to bring them to the vet regularly for wellness examinations.
The Moggy
Moggy is a general term for a mixed breed cat. These cats are a mixed bag of personalities depending on their roots, but typically they are content and happy creatures with few health issues. You just might find the best cat for you at your local animal shelter, or cat rescue! We recommend asking your vet about your moggy's dietary needs and health requirements.