When choosing a cat, you should consider a number of aspects. Among them is the choice between a thoroughbred cat and a mestizo.
A cat’s behavior depends on its genetic traits and the experience it has gained during socialization. For kittens, this period does not last long, until about eight weeks after birth, but the cat’s behavior is finally formed during the first six months of its life.
Pedigree cat
Purebred cats make up only a small proportion of the cat population. The term “pedigree” usually means information about the cat’s parents and origin. The pedigree is issued by one of the main bodies of registration of cat breeds as a guarantee of the genealogy and conformity of the cat to certain characteristic features of its breed
Should I get a purebred cat?
There is no single correct answer to this question, because the future owner of the animal needs to proceed from personal preferences. Some people prefer to adopt a cat from a shelter while doing a good deed.
Sometimes you can also find a purebred cat in a shelter, as many kennel clubs have programs to rescue cats of a certain breed that have become homeless.
Periodically, breeders also look for homes for their cats that are no longer producing offspring, although they mostly keep them even after castration.
Whether you choose a pedigreed or pedigreed cat will most likely depend on where you get the cat from. Purebred animals, in the vast majority, are taken from breeding specialists, while cats without a pedigree can be taken elsewhere. Most often, they are taken from friends, neighbors or shelters
Why choose a purebred cat?
The breed is bred by selective crossing with the aim of fixing special physical characteristics, such as the length of the coat, the shape of the head, ears or tail. Breeding also affects the temperament and behavior of the animal. That is why each breed usually has its own distinct character traits. It is much more difficult to guess the temperament of a kitten taken from a shelter or a rescue, but owners of so-called “street” cats will tell you that this is precisely their charm. Most lovers of purebred cats choose their pets not only for their beauty, but also for their character.
For example, ragdolls are known as calm and quiet cats that easily get used to a new home; the Norwegian forest cat has a sociable nature, which is why it is an excellent choice of pet for a child; Oriental cats require more attention from their owners and are very attached to people. Knowing the characteristics and needs of each breed will help you choose the cat that best meets your expectations.
Today, such breeds as Ragdoll, Maine Coon and Bengal cat are especially popular. Recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of new breeds with very specific physical qualities, such as hairless Sphynxes, Rexes with soft, curly coats, and tailless Maine Coons.
When choosing a cat breed, it is important to pay attention not only to its appearance, but also to whether its temperament and behavior suit you. To learn more about the unique traits and needs of different cat breeds, use our breed selection tool, visit a cat show, or ask a breeder for advice.
Why choose a mixed breed cat?
To preserve the purity of certain breeds, only individual cats with the necessary physical characteristics and temperament are used for breeding. If only a few individuals have the desired characteristics, the gene pool can be drastically reduced.
Since there are very few individuals that meet the requirements, some degree of inbreeding is unfortunately necessary to obtain the desired characteristics. This process can increase the risk of genetic problems. However, more and more tests are now available to detect genetic disorders associated with the breed, allowing breeders to avoid these disorders. Most felinological organizations encourage responsible breeding by following good breeding practices and limiting extensive inbreeding.
Some animal breeders amplify certain morphological features to the extreme, and then the so-called “hypertype” appears. Examples are Siamese and Oriental breeds with an increasingly elongated head and, conversely, Persian and Exotic breeds with an increasingly flattened muzzle. These extremes in animal body structure have anatomical and physiological consequences and can cause health problems.
In purebred cats and crossbreeds, the gene pool is much wider, and the probability of developing hereditary diseases can be much lower.
What is the effect of gender in thoroughbreds or crossbreeds?
The key question is whether there are marked differences in the behavior and personality of male and female cats.
The difference between the sexes is less pronounced in purebred cats: their temperament is breed-specific, allowing you to choose a breed with a personality that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
In the case of outbred cats, whose temperaments are less predictable, it is sometimes believed that the males are more cold-blooded, hardy and travel longer distances, while the female prefers to stay closer to home. On the other hand, it is also said that females are more likely to dominate the house and this sometimes makes it difficult to coexist with other animals.
At the same time, many behavioral features that appear during puberty (for example, males mark the territory, and females begin to estrus) are usually eliminated with the help of castration.
Whether you choose a mixed-breed or purebred cat, it’s important to remember that all cats are different, as are their personalities and life needs. Talk to a breeder or shelter staff who know each cat’s personality and can help you determine which one best fits your lifestyle and needs.
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