Thinking of getting a cat? Well, you have to ask yourself one important question - should you get a longhaired or shorthaired breed. Both types of cats are equally amazing and your choice between the two depends totally on your preferences. However, if you’ve decided to get a longhaired breed, you first need to keep some important factors in mind.
To begin with, you’ll need to set aside time regularly to groom a cat with long hair. Experts suggest that longhaired cat breeds need to be groomed with a brush as many as 4 times a week. This is the only way to keep their coat tangle-free and silky.
The temperature where you live is also important. If it’s hot most of the time, a longhaired cat will tend to shed more hair. To combat this, you’ll need to clean your home more often, so much so that vacuuming every now and then will become almost habitual. If your cat is light colored, you’ll have to stock up on lint rollers to keep the fur off your clothes.
Allergies are another area for concern. Cats with longer hair are known to cause more allergic reactions. They have more hair allowing for increased Fel D1 build up. For those who do not know – Fel D1 is a protein present in a cat’s saliva that causes sneezing, itching & other allergic reactions. Cats lick themselves and Fel D1 is deposited on their fur. Longhaired breeds have more hair, allowing for more Fel D1 to accumulate thereby causing harsher reactions to anyone with an allergy to cats.
1. Himalayan cat:
The Himalayan is a close relative to the Persian cat. Personality-wise, it can be very playful and very a quiet companion at the same time. It will be lazing around one moment and bursting around the house the next. The Himalayan will love stretching out next to you, cozying with you in bed or making your lap it's bed. Owing to its longhaired coat, it requires daily grooming and brushing to keep its coat from becoming tangled.
2. The Norwegian Forest:
Aptly named after it rugged appearance, the Norwegian would look at home in a forest. This cat breed is relatively larger than most cat breeds. It is a very independent cat breed that also loves attention every now and then. They might sit in your lap, but they decide for how long. They love climbing, so you’ll need to get a rather tall cat tree.
3. The Siberian:
Native to Russia, the Siberian is another large cat breed with a magnificent double coat of fur. It is a very athletic & acrobatic cat that can easily make its way to the top of your refrigerator or find itself perched atop of your doors. The Siberian might look intimidating, but it’s actually a gentle giant who loves affection. They also get along great with people and other pets.
4. Somali cat
The Somali could be regarded as a longhaired relative of the Abyssinian. It is very intelligent, playful and affectionate. It will follow you around and investigate everything you do. The Somali loves to play and you’ll need to get toys to keep him entertained. Grooming wise, they are relatively easier to handle as a weekly brushing would be enough to keep their coat tangle-free. However, come shedding seasons (usually in summer) and you will have to comb their coat daily.
These were some of the longhaired breeds you could bring home.
However, if maintenance, allergies pose a problem or you live in a warm area, then you’re better off bringing home shorthaired cat breed. In this regard, you have a number of options to choose from, some of which are named & detailed below:
1. Siamese cat:
This is one of the oldest & most iconic cat breeds in the world. Native to Thailand, the Siamese cat is highly intelligent and extremely affectionate. They are also very talkative and will follow you around all day. Therefore, if you love the company & enjoy talking to your pet, the Siamese is definitely for you. However, if you are not a home much or have a day job, you’ll need to get two so they can keep each other company.
2. Devon Rex:
Many regard the Devon Rex as the dog of the cat family because of its K9-like behavior. Characterized by oversized ears and big round eyes, the Devon Rex is extremely fun cat breed to have around. They get along well with other people, dogs, and cats.
3. Oriental Shorthair:
Closely related to the Siamese, the oriental shorthair is another intelligent cat breed. But unlike their Thai counterparts, this breed is found in a number of colors & patterns. They are very energetic and extremely playful. They demand your attention at all times of the day, so if you work long hours, this breed is not for you as they need playmates throughout the day.
4. The Russian Blue:
This is an extremely majestic looking cat breed. It has emerald green eyes and a grey-blue coat of fur. They have a double coat that makes petting them comparable to running your hand through silk. One of the distinctive features of this breed is that they require very less grooming – in fact, the less you brush them, the better their coat gets. Unlike the above three breeds of shorthair, the Russian Blue is rather reserved and quiet.
We hope this article will help you find the right feline friend to bring home. We also have a range of cat products that can make the new member of your family feel more at home. If possible, consult a vet before finalizing on a cat breed. Good luck and have a pawsome day.