What breeds of cats if there are children in the house. What are the best cat breeds for families with young children?

The cat family is quite large and has an impressive diversity. And this applies not only to everything from the cat family, but also to domestic cats.

Among this tribe of small predators, everyone can choose for themselves such a representative of it, which will correspond to the individual preferences of its owner. After all, someone loves hairless cats, someone is large and short-haired, and someone likes fluffy and small ones.

True, external signs are only half the battle, and much more important is whether you can get along with your pet day after day while staying in the same territory. And this issue is most acute for those who live in a city apartment. It is the choice of the most suitable cat for apartment maintenance that this article is devoted to.

The best cats for a city apartment

british shorthair cat

Almost the ideal option for urban housing is the British Shorthair cat. This incredibly beautiful and, as a rule, gray cat gets along well with its owners in apartment conditions, has a moderately active and very friendly character.

"British" are very easy to train, and due to the short coat they reduce grooming issues to a minimum.

It can be safely attributed to the type of calm cats designed specifically for apartments, since British shorthair cats are calm from a very early age, they are alien to hooliganism and do not require either excessive care or any worries.

Persian cat

Representatives of this breed are loved by many for their long fluffy coat and snub nose. Persians can be of two types:

• owners of a moderately snub-nosed and, by the standards of the Persian breed, a relatively long nose, are considered representatives of the classical type;
• those cats that have an upturned and very small nose are considered representatives of the extreme type.

A nervous Persian is either nonsense or the result of extremely unfavorable conditions.

Both of these types are characterized by muscular short legs. In the United States, the extreme type of Persian is more popular, while in Europe, most cat lovers prefer the classic type. Persians from birth are distinguished by calmness, affectionateness and serenity.

Representatives of this breed need attention from the owner, they are distinguished by a developed intellect and need daily care, otherwise, tangles form very quickly in their wool.

Peterbalds are an ideal option for those owners who don't want to bother looking after their pet.

This hairless cat is distinguished by amazing elegance. Since Peterbalds do not have wool, there is no hassle associated with it. However, it must be admitted that the health of these animals cannot be called powerful, and the forces that will be saved on caring for the animal can then be wasted on maintaining its health.

Be that as it may, it is not worth acquiring a representative of this breed, being driven solely by laziness and unwillingness to spend time combing. It would be much wiser to just get a cat with very short hair - they are not much more of a hassle.

In terms of character, Peterbalds are calm, patient and quick-witted. Petersburg sphinxes are friendly towards all family members, undemanding in care, not vindictive and generally not conflict. Their nature is such that the Peterbald does not create practically any inconvenience, maintains an even relationship with all family members, without singling out one person, but needs love and tenderness.

Calm cats for apartment maintenance

ragdoll

This cat is well suited for a large apartment. Her character is submissive and laid-back, able to add a touch of holiday to the daily worries of her owner.

The Ragdoll is calm, not prone to isolation or tantrums, does not need special care, obeys the rules very easily, but does not like loneliness and therefore, as a rule, follows its owner like a “tail”. Has a good appetite, but is not prone to obesity. Playful, but within reason.

Scottish fold

Outwardly, these animals are very similar to the British shorthair cat, but the ears hang forward. The character is calm and balanced, but not without cunning and playfulness. This is a purely apartment breed, since Scottish folds do not experience much cravings for walks on the street: they like the comfort of their home and the company of the owner much more. With other households (both bipedal and quadrupedal), the Scottish Fold gets along very easily and is well trained.

shorthaired exotic

The Exotic Shorthair was the result of a cross between an American Shorthair and a Persian. It has a calm character and the same calm and good manners and habits. Exotic cats do not belong to the number of talkative cats and, as a rule, prefer to remain silent. Exotics are very obedient to their master, they are quite easy to care for, they react carelessly to the actions of the owner and, at the same time, are friendly and faithful.

Russian blue cat

This is a submissive and gentle, but at the same time independent cat. She can safely remain alone, despite all her love for the owner. Russian Blue is great for those owners who spend a lot of time at work, appearing at home only in the evening.

The Russian blue cat has a developed intellect.

In relation to her master, she is kind and gentle, but in relation to strangers she is quite suspicious. Outwardly elegant, and the short coat and good constitution makes this cat very easy to care for. She absorbs good manners effortlessly.

sacred burma

This is a friendly and affectionate cat, which had both Persian and Siamese cats in its family. The character of the Burmese is friendly and gets along with other pets without any effort. They also get along well with small children. The Burma has rather graceful features and a medium length coat that needs careful grooming. Otherwise, representatives of this breed are undemanding in care and maintenance.

What does an apartment cat need?

Future owners of these animals need to remember that when choosing a cat, they choose a friend with whom they will live for 10-15 years. For this reason, the choice of breed should not be made in a hurry, under the influence of a momentary mood, or, even worse, under the influence of fashion for a particular breed. First, you should slowly think over your sympathies, opportunities, availability of free time and funds, as well as lifestyle, and based on this, make assumptions about which breed will suit such an owner best.

When everything is decided with the breed, you should also not rush to run to the breeder. First you need to equip the house in such a way that the cat has everything it needs immediately upon arrival at the house. That is, the house should have:

• tray;
• filler for him;
• bowls for food and water (preferably several ceramic);
• couch and / or house;
• scratching post (required!);
• toys and, preferably, a climbing frame;
• carrying;
• vitamins;
• feed supply (if preference is given to ready-made feed);
• brush-comb;
• nail clipper.

It is also worthwhile to equip a cat's first aid kit in advance, since this item is often neglected when preparing for the kitten's arrival in the house, and after that, the first aid kit is completely forgotten. If the owner has chosen such a breed as the Exotic Shorthair, you should immediately prepare for the fact that he may have special needs in terms of eye care. The same can be said about all breeds with short and snub noses. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare pet eye care products in advance.

In general, before bringing a kitten home, you should carefully study all the information regarding the care of representatives of this breed, and about its health. And only after that you can take the next step - choosing a good breeder, from whom the kitten will be bought.

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Today there are more than 200 officially registered cat breeds. In addition to purebred animals, various mestizos appear annually, which often combine unique qualities. How to choose a cat breed for an apartment among such a variety and be sure that you are right is a very controversial issue. Probably the best way is to clearly define 2-3 basic requirements, and navigate the rest intuitively.

Advice: try not to put the cat's appearance at the forefront, you have a responsible step and life together with an animal that has character and skills ... these are the characteristics that need to be taken into account in the first place.

Statistically, almost twice as many cats live in apartments than dogs. There are two main reasons: cats tolerate loneliness better and they do not need to be walked. A cat is more suited to the role of an ideal pet for an owner with a busy work schedule.

Probably all breeds are suitable for living in an apartment, except for the first generations of hybrids with wild cats. Such four-legged animals should be kept in a separate room (room), preferably with an aviary. Naturally, there are breeds that are more adapted to living in an apartment than others, but it is not entirely correct to consider this characteristic separately. When choosing a breed, try to consider the following nuances:

• Stress tolerance- the ability to quickly adapt to living conditions, endure loneliness, noise, strangers, etc.

• Necessary physical activity level- if you have a busy schedule, you should not get a very active cat ... or you need to get two active cats at once - at your discretion.

• How calm and friendly the representatives of the breed are in attitude of people. If you are choosing a cat for a child, this characteristic should be given special attention.

• Capriciousness in care- a long-haired cat is more troublesome to maintain than a short-haired one, and this is obvious. However, the length of the coat is far from the main aspect of care, some cats need regular cleaning of the ears, clipping of the nails, monitoring of the respiratory tract and skin.

So, the best cat breed for an apartment is an individual indicator and it depends only on your lifestyle. If you like to invite guests, a quiet one will not suit you, and if a dog lives in the house, then a sissy cat will feel uncomfortable.

Choosing joy in the house

Best Breed – Favorite Breed (Mongrel Cat)

If you are not a breeder and have no special requirements, a four-legged dog rescued from the street or a shelter is ideal. With outbred animals, you cannot count on a certain character or skill, but you can be sure that the pet will remember your kindness for the rest of his life. Let's not dissemble, among purebred cats there are enough “harm” with a difficult character, but only they can boast of a number of advantages:

• Most of the "nobles" unpretentious in feeding and are not prone to food allergies.

• Developed intellect- in the absence of a sharp mind and innate cunning, a cat cannot survive on the street.

• Hunting Skills- most thoroughbred cats do not hunt, but mongrel tailed cats successfully exterminate pests.

• Good health and a good gene pool provided by natural selection.

Outbred animals (having no pedigree) are not subject to breeding, therefore, in the interests of maintaining health, it is recommended that animals be spayed and castrated at a young age.

canadian finx

Probably one of the most desirable breeds for an apartment. The reason for the popularity is obvious, the Sphynx does not have hair. The breed was bred by selecting representatives with genetic mutations. The fact is that even purebred cats rarely give birth to naked or “velor” kittens.

The appearance of the Sphinx made a splash among cat lovers. It must be said that the Sphynx had many fans, but there were also people who did not understand the beauty of bald cats. Most people who don't like Sphynxes change their minds when they stroke the cat's soft, velor, unusually hot back.

It is interesting! The appearance of the Sphinxes is often compared with an alien, there is even an alien version of the origin of the breed.

Hairless cats are not exactly feline in nature. Most of them are incapable of aggression, are very attached to the owner and behave a little like a dog.. Sphynxes lend themselves to learning tricks, tolerate walks in a harness, and quickly establish contact with other animals. The breed is not talkative, which is important for housing maintenance.

Hairless cats are odorless and relatively easy to keep. Compared to other breeds, Sphynx cats are more calm during the period of sexual hunting, cats do not scream too loudly, cats almost do not mark. With balanced feeding and providing a comfortable stay, representatives of the breed rarely get sick or cause inconvenience.

Note! In addition to the Canadian Sphynx, the very rare Bambino, the Ukrainian Levkoy, the Don and St. Petersburg Sphynxes belong to the hairless breeds.

British cat

One of the most common breeds, bred in England by interbreed mating between native felines and Persian cats, already known at that time. The purpose of breeding a new breed was to obtain an apartment version of a cat, unpretentious in care and without obvious health problems.

Adult British cats are large and heavy, but at the same time the muscular cat is harmoniously built. The British are loved for their round, bright eyes and sweet cheeks. By the way, the cheeks are much more developed in cats. British cats are famous for their noble, blue printed coat. Only one color is prescribed in the breed standard, but recently breeders have begun active work on expanding the color palette and recognizing the supplemented standard.

Cats count moderately active, mobile with a balanced character. The experience of the owners proves that the British tend to be strongly attached to the owners. With regard to children, representatives of the breed are very affectionate and patient. Representatives of the breed can boast of a strong nervous system and stress resistance.

Representatives of the breed do not need complex care, minus the exactingness of nutrition. many british prone to food allergies with consequences in the form of skin diseases.

Scottish cat (fold and straight)

From its inception until recently, Scottish cats were considered a separate breed. A certain external similarity with British cats led to the fact that dishonest breeders often crossed animals of different breeds. Today, as a result of this chaotic activity, the question of uniting the breeds into one - the British one, has been bluntly raised.

Straight-eared (Straight) Scottish cats very similar to the British, lop-eared (fold) have only one difference - curved ear cartilage. The highlight of the breed is the result of a genetic mutation. According to the breeding rules, mating of two Scottish folds is strictly prohibited, but since such manipulation allows you to increase the number of lop-eared kittens in the litter, dishonest breeders often resort to it.

Most cats born from fold-backs disabled from birth, although an inexperienced cat owner may not notice deviations. If you decide to buy a Scottish Fold kitten, opt for babies with proven breed value (with a pedigree), otherwise you are at great risk.

Purebred Scottish cats are healthy breeds. Many owners note a very good appetite for pets. In terms of character, Scottish cats are almost the same as British cats, they are mobile, sociable and not too active.

Like British cats, Scots are not very picky about care, but need balanced diet. With food allergies, the cat suffers from itching, which is fraught with scratching and the formation of purulent wounds. Mestizos are prone to problems with bones, spine, joints, the work of the hormonal system, in particular, they are prone to diabetes.

Maine Coon

A breed that is not suitable for a small apartment, because in adulthood, cats weigh about 10 kilograms, cats are slightly smaller, usually up to 8 kilograms. The history of the breed stretches from America, where the ancestors of Maine Coons were called raccoon cats.

The appearance of Maine Coons is probably their main trump card. Against the background of power and nobility, representatives of the breed captivate with bewitching grace. In adults, tassels are developed on the ears, like a lynx, the tail is pubescent and looks very heavy, the withers and mane are well developed in cats. Against the background of solid dimensions, representatives of the breed, by nature, remain adolescents up to 4–5 years of age. Due to late maturation, Maine Coons are bred rarely and late, which explains the price and rarity of kittens.

From the outside, the Maine Coon may seem dangerous, since it has highly developed claws and, hypothetically, such a cat can cause serious injuries. In fact, purebred representatives of the breed are distinguished by true kindness, they are polite with adults, affectionate with children, indulgent if someone behaves intrusively. In adolescence, Maine Coons are easily trained in tricks and accustomed to wearing a harness. Such large cats need a lot of space and love to walk on the street, but self-walking is dangerous for them. Despite external power, Maine Coon fighters are mediocre.

It is interesting! Maine Coons do not cause inconvenience meowing, but they constantly purr.

The pet will need several beds located in convenient places, since Maine Coons tend to sleep anywhere (even if it is inconvenient). During the period of active growth and throughout life, representatives of the breed need an enhanced, but balanced diet. Quadrupeds need to be given enough time, and in childhood, a cat needs to be taught to play on its own.

Exotic Shorthair (Exotic)

A favorite breed of cats with a very interesting appearance. So original quadrupeds were bred by crossing Persian cats and native quadrupeds from America. Due to the stronger genes of American native cats, Exotics have a short coat, which is undoubtedly convenient for apartment keeping.

Note! Outwardly, the Shorthair Exot differs from the Extreme Persian only in long hair.

Exotic shorthair cats are very intelligent, sociable, gentle and responsive. Unlike the Persian, exotics are more mobile, curious and playful. Another undoubted plus is high stress resistance. Exotic shorthair cats quickly get used to people even in adulthood. In terms of care with exotics, there are no special problems if the cat is healthy. Representatives of the breed need a balanced diet, are prone to respiratory ailments and ophthalmological problems.

Persian cat

One of the most famous breeds in the world. Quadrupeds were bred in Asia, attracted the world with luxurious wool and a very docile character. The Persian, without exaggeration, is the ideal cat breed for an apartment if you are ready to provide your pet with decent care and nutrition.

Representatives of the breed are well built, muscular, harmonious and very graceful. The coat is long, luxurious, elongated at the withers and tail. A small, slightly depressed nose and huge, expressive eyes give the cat a special charm. In terms of colors, the breed standard is almost not organic, but the contrasting tabby, Himalayan and color-point are considered the rarest.

persian cats the most calm and homely in the direct sense of the word. The breed was originally bred as a pet, spoiled, not deprived of care, attention and love. Quadrupeds are distinguished by their affectionate nature and absolute trust in the owner. Representatives of the breed quickly become attached to the family, sincerely love people, treat all members of the family very kindly.

The intellect of the Persians is also striking, they are able to analyze the situation for a long time and make their own, most often, correct decisions. A big plus of the breed - it is fully adapted to living in an apartment. Most Persian cats will not agree to walk on the street, even if their freedom is unlimited. If you like to walk cats, the kitten should be taught to the harness and the street from early childhood (immediately after receiving vaccinations).

If you don't like combing cats, Persian is not for you. Many people are calmed by the process of caring for their pet's coat, which is why representatives of the breed are so popular. The fur coat of the ward must be carefully combed every day! If the cat does not receive proper care, it becomes covered in tangles, and this is not only ugly, it is painful. There is a lot of hair during shedding from Persian cats, even if you do grooming every day. Some members of the breed snore in their sleep and are prone to breathing problems, this is due to the structure of the skull.

Important! It is better to buy a Persian cat kitten only from trusted breeders recommended by your friends.

Cornish Rex

The first impression does not deceive, the Cornish Rex is an oriental cat, one might say, one of the interpretations of the orientals. The birthplace of the breed in England, which is not surprising, the breeders of this country have always strived for a kind of perfection in the feline appearance.

The Cornish Rex stands out among its relatives with a short, very pleasant to the touch, plush and wavy coat. The mustache of the representatives of the breed is also wavy. Quadrupeds are built very harmoniously, despite the high-legged and well-developed muscles. On the move, the Cornish Rex is graceful and very confident. Distinctive features include an elongated head shape and very impressive ears. Due to the short coat, the tail of the Cornish Rex looks very thin, and due to the pet's sociability, it constantly wriggles and curves in a funny way.

Note! Cornish Rexes do not shed, sweat, smell, and with proper care do not leave traces of sebum.

If you live in a one-room apartment and for this reason alone cannot get a dog, choose a Cornish Rex. This cat has a truly canine devotion and somewhat character. The Cornish Rex becomes attached to the owner quickly, the change of the owner is extremely painful. Without any problems, representatives of the breed get along with dogs and other animals. In relation to children, Cornish Rex are patient and affectionate, towards strangers, a little distrustful.

The Cornish Rex is a very intelligent, intellectually demanding breed. Quadrupeds are well trained in commands, walk on a leash with pleasure, and have fun with interactive toys. Against the background of mobility and curiosity, the Cornish Rex is unobtrusive, and if the pet sees that the owner does not have the mood or time to play, he simply observes life.

Probably the biggest plus of the breed in its unpretentiousness. With the right choice of diet, cats eat well, do not pick and choose, normally tolerate constancy in the diet. There is only one caveat - the pet must have conditions for leisure, otherwise he will eat out of boredom and gain weight.

ragdoll

Oddly enough, such calm cats are the descendants of the Siamese, who have a very lively disposition. However, when breeding the character of the Siamese was not a secret. therefore, many specially selected, most docile Persian cats participated in breeding work. Some experts still do not recognize that Siamese cats and Ragdolls are relatives and believe that the complaisance of the latter is the result of a gene mutation.

The calmness, complaisance and humility of the representatives of the breed is so unshakable that groups of breeders struggled to overcome this feature. the fact is that when the Ragdolls appeared in Europe, a myth was born about the fearlessness of these four-legged animals and their inability to feel pain. The study of behavior has shown that the phlegmatism of the representatives of the breed in some way conflicts with the survival instinct - the strongest instinct of any creature.

Note! According to the breed standard, the Ragdoll is far from phlegmatic, but affectionate, accommodating, demanding of communication, calm and intelligent.

munchkin

A phenomenal breed of short-legged cats that have been compared to basset hounds, dachshunds and even kangaroos. The last comparison is due to the fact that Munchkin tends to rise on his hind legs and stand in a column for quite a long time. Munchkins are very alert, curious and often impress their owners with their level of intelligence.

Note! Quadrupeds differ in the length of the coat, but to the touch it is always velvety and very soft.

By nature, representatives of the breed are very affectionate, responsive and complaisant. Munchkins very attached to the owners sometimes even too much. For example, Munchkin owners say that until the pet grew up, he followed everywhere, even to the bathroom and toilet, and if you close the door in front of his nose, the ward began to worry and seriously panic. For some owners it is very important that the cat does not climb everywhere and Munchkin fully complies with this requirement, due to his physique, he simply cannot jump high. By the way, on claws, on a porous surface, these cats can climb quite high.

munchkin not quite adapted to long interruptions alone, but representatives of the breed perfectly tolerate travel and change of scenery. Quadrupeds love to walk on a leash and the attention of strangers, believe me, many will not be able to pass by such a pet without emotions. With appropriate upbringing, you can grow a full-fledged companion from a Munchkin, and even though a pet will not be able to bring you slippers, console you in grief or make you laugh on a gray day, he is quite capable of it.

Domestic cats are the most popular furry pets for the modern family and single person. These gentle creatures adorn life, create a cozy and comfortable home environment, teach children kindness and compassion, instill responsibility and brighten up evenings. Having decided to get a mustachioed companion, the future owner wants to know how to choose the right kitten. In this matter, many factors must be taken into account.

Read in this article

Where is the best place to choose

The first question that arises after deciding that there will be a new tenant in the house is where to get a pet. There are many options for acquiring fluffy happiness.

On the street

Realizing that the house is empty and uncomfortable without a purring creature, you can take a kitten from the street. Often, animals find their owners themselves: a new owner can find them near their door, leaving the entrance or taking a helpless baby from the paws of dogs. If the difficulties with the adaptation of a street tramp in a new home are not frightening, then such a noble and responsible act deserves respect.

Often foundlings grow up the most devoted and affectionate. When taking an animal from the street into the house, it is necessary to have free time, desire and opportunities to improve its health, repeated visits to the doctor for vaccination, treatment of chronic diseases, subsequent sterilization.

Efforts will require accustoming a new resident to the toilet, the rules of good taste in housing conditions. For a person who has a busy work schedule, this option of acquiring a pet is unacceptable.

From hands

In the event that it does not matter to the future owner that his pet will not be of noble blood, but an ordinary yard cat, you can look for a new friend from acquaintances, friends and relatives. In this case, there is a chance to have a healthy animal.

Many domestic outbred cats have a good disposition and are not inferior in their friendliness to purebred relatives.

Confused about how to choose a kitten for the house, it should be borne in mind that his character and manners will depend on the place of his former promise. Every child needs to be dealt with. However, if he is already socialized, grew up in a family, then education becomes a little easier.

Shelters

In large cities, you can visit shelters for homeless animals.

Often there you can meet a thoroughbred cat, which for some reason turned out to be unnecessary to the previous owners or lost on the street.

Employees will help you choose an animal, well knowing its character, disposition, habits. If the new owner decides to adopt a pet from a shelter, the first step is to visit a veterinarian for an examination and to determine the health condition.

bird markets

Bird markets are popular places to purchase pets in metropolitan areas. A huge variety of kittens and adult animals of various colors and breeds can be found in such places.

The purchase should be treated with caution, as often the sellers are resellers, for whom animals are a commodity. In this regard, there is a chance to acquire an unhealthy kitten or one that does not correspond to the declared breed. Immediately after the purchase, it is also worth visiting a veterinarian to identify “hidden” pathologies and start their treatment in a timely manner.

In the nursery

In the event that the owner does not want to start a yard animal, he is interested in how to choose a thoroughbred kitten in a nursery. The best option is to contact directly the breeders involved in breeding cats of a particular breed. You can talk with them about the desired breed, about the temperament of the pet you like.

In a large city there is more than one such institution. Having studied the website of the cattery, you can find out about the direction of breeding work, planned matings, see photos and data of the parents of the future pet. Buying a kitten in catteries negates the risk of acquiring a outbred animal, passed off as a valuable and rare breed.

In how to choose a kitten for a child, such an aspect as the safe communication of the baby with the animal is of great importance. In this regard, it makes sense to consider such a breed of ragdoll. A feature of these cats is an extremely patient and correct attitude towards children, animals do not release their claws and do not use their teeth when communicating with babies.

Many breeders recommend the Siamese cat as a furry friend for young children. Contrary to the erroneous opinion that this is a wayward animal, experienced breeders claim that animals of this breed are well socialized, take part in children's games and fun with pleasure.

When deciding which kitten to choose for a child, the popularity of a particular breed will also matter. Known as the British Shorthair, the Sphynx is also suitable for families with small children. Serious at first glance, the British do not disdain the cheerful company of children, especially at a young age. Sphynx get along well with small fidgets and other pets.

A serious choice is facing the future owner if he spends most of his time at work. In this case, it is necessary to choose a self-sufficient animal that will remain alone for a long time without any problems, and also requires minimal care.

In such a situation, the following breeds should be considered:

• bombay,

• exotic Shorthair,

• Scottish lop-eared,

• russian blue,

• american shorthair.

These breeds cope well with loneliness, do not get depressed and do not experience stress about the long absence of a beloved owner.

Pensioners, lonely people who have a lot of free time, can use companion cats that can brighten up everyday life. From this point of view, attention should be paid to such breeds as Persian, Chartreuse, Russian Blue, Siberian. Lovers of communication will suit the Siamese breed, Burmese, as well as the Norwegian Forest.

People suffering from allergic manifestations should opt for Siberian. Animals of this breed produce the least allergenic protein that provokes an allergic reaction. Also suitable breeds such as Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Sphynx, Javanese cat. They are characterized by a low level of allergen production.

You can find out which breed of kitten to choose by visiting specialized cat shows. Also, nursery sites will help you get more detailed information about the baby you like.

For information on how to choose a kitten for yourself, see this video:

Best age for a new family member

After the choice of the breed affiliation of the future family member is made, the potential owner should ask at what age it is optimal to take the kitten to a new home. If the animal is taken from the street, then it is better to give preference to the baby. It will be easier to accustom him to life in an apartment than a well-formed adult street cat.

A young animal is easier to adapt and educate to suit its individual living conditions and rhythm of life. Little kittens do not yet have formed habits, including those that are undesirable for the new owner.

However, a 6-8 week old baby should not be taken into the house. Kittens should still be with their mother, who not only feeds them, but also teaches them all the wisdom of a cat's life. The immune system at this age is not yet formed and is supported by the antibodies of mother's milk.

Kittens 6 - 8 weeks of age, taken away from their mother and brothers, placed in a new environment, are more likely to get sick, become nervous and unbalanced.

Experienced breeders and veterinarians consider 14-16 weeks to be the most optimal age when a pet can be taken to a new home. By this period, babies are capable of independent living, they develop immunity after vaccination and the risk of developing infectious diseases is reduced. Kittens at this age differ from their smaller counterparts in resistance to stress, they are socialized and prepared for life with a person.

However, not all future owners want to mess with the kids. Many potential owners are not against taking an adult animal into the house. The advantage in this situation is that the character of the grown pet is formed. If the cat is sociable or, conversely, wild, this can be seen immediately.

When deciding to take an adult thoroughbred animal, you should contact specialized nurseries. In them, you can pick up individuals derived from the breeding process. In this case, there is a guarantee that the cat or cat will be socialized, balanced, educated. It is quite difficult to accustom an adult animal from the street to life in a family.

About at what age you should take a kitten into the house, see this video:

External signs of a healthy animal

To choose a healthy kitten, you should listen to the recommendations veterinarians and experienced breeders:

• eyes and nose should be free of secretions, clean;

• auricles are clean, without sulfur secretions and traces of scratching;

• the tummy should not be sunken, but not swollen, painless when palpated;

• the anus is clean and dry, without signs of dried feces;

• the coat is shiny, soft, clean;

• the baby should not shake his head, itch;

• the future pet should not sneeze and cough;

• activity, mobility, curiosity are signs of a healthy animal.

When choosing a kitten, you need to pay attention to the conditions of the litter, the condition of the mother cat. You should especially carefully observe the behavior of the baby, his attitude towards people.

When buying a kitten in a cattery, the breeder will provide a veterinary passport, which will contain not only basic information about the animal, but also deworming and vaccination marks. In this case, you should pay attention not only to the presence of stickers about the drugs used, but also to the signature of the veterinarian and the seal of the clinic.

Baby personality traits

Whatever breed the future owner chooses, he first of all wants to see a well-mannered, friendly, affable pet in his house. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose an affectionate kitten, and not bring an aggressor and an unruly animal into the house.

When choosing a baby, you should pay attention to his attitude towards a person. A kitten should not be afraid of a stranger, hiss, back away. The animal should show a healthy curiosity to the person, be happy to join the proposed game. Be sure to take the future pet in your arms and see how he reacts. A friendly and affectionate cat will treat a person calmly, without aggression.

You should observe the relationship of the baby with brothers and sisters. They should be playful, but not aggressive or cowardly. You should not choose a clear quiet, but a cocky pet is also not an option.

To decide which one is better to choose a kitten, experts advise to adhere to the following recommendations:

Among the dangerous diseases, the most common are: lichen, giardiasis, etc.

• low immunity, the causes of which are the poor diet of the mother cat, unsatisfactory external conditions, and the lack of vaccination against infectious diseases.

• An animal from the street that has never seen a person will be unsocialized. Small street kittens, as a rule, hiss, bite, rush at a person, do not make contact. It will take a lot of time and effort to adapt the savage to the conditions of a city apartment and family life.

Having decided to decorate your life with a fluffy companion, the future owner should take seriously the choice of the breed and gender of the pet. It is necessary to listen to the recommendations of experts regarding the optimal age of the kitten. Having opted for a street kitten, you must clearly understand the difficulties that you will face and realistically assess your strengths and capabilities.

If you have firmly decided that you want a cat or a cat to live in your house, and also agreed on this issue with the rest of your family, then you have a difficult choice to make. The fact is that not all domestic felines have the same character and are equally focused on close contact with humans. What breed of cat is better to choose so that he lives with you and gives you a lot of pleasant minutes?

How to choose a purebred cat for your home?

Representatives of other breeds - Siamese, for example - may be more freedom-loving and independent. They do not shy away from the caress of the owner, but they do not demand it at all costs. Such animals do not need the constant presence of a person nearby and can remain alone for some time. That is why it is better to start them for those people who spend a lot of time outside the home and return there only for the night.

If you like a cat of one breed or another, be sure to find out as much as possible about its representatives before you bring it home. Think about whether you will be able to find a common language with the animal, taking into account its temperament and characteristics of its character, and only after that make the final choice.

Choose a purebred cat and not miscalculate: is it possible?

When choosing a kitten that does not belong to a particular breed, you can start solely from personal preferences. Someone likes short-haired red healthy cats, and someone likes fragile tricolor graceful cats. It is difficult to say what kind of character an animal that does not belong to one breed or another will have when it grows up, but by that time you will already absolutely find a common language.

Many parents think about what breed of cats to choose for a child. In fact, the requirements for such breeds are quite strict: the cat must be non-aggressive, not too sharp, sociable (almost to the level of a dog), and ideally also not inclined to use its claws. An important point - caring for a cat should not be too burdensome. In addition, a cat purchased in a family with children must have a strong nervous system inherited from its feline parents.

Naturally, there are individual characteristics, and some of the representatives of the kindest breed of cats for children may turn out to be gloomy and uncommunicative. Here we can advise only one thing: after choosing a breed, do not get the first cute cat, but choose a responsible breeder who will help you choose a specific kitten for your needs, and then tell you some subtleties in education, if necessary.

TOP 7 best cat breeds for a family with a child

And now we offer a small overview of the best cat breeds suitable for children.

Maine Coon

A huge cat with a lion's mane (almost a real lynx!) will not leave indifferent either an adult or a child.

Legends say that among the ancestors of Coons there were either raccoons or lynxes, but one thing is certain - this American breed is very popular all over the world and, among other things, as one of the best cat breeds for children.

Coons have a pleasant character, very similar to a dog: they are extremely sociable with people and other animals, they always come not only to meet, but also to see off their owners and guests. Little coons willingly support active games, but even kittens practically do not steal and rarely hang on curtains. An adult Maine Coon is certainly present at any event in the life of a family - always attentive, observant, sensitive to changes in the mood of the owners.

Siamese cats

Another great cat breed for families with children. A very energetic, unusually inquisitive Siamese cat easily finds a common language with mobile children and arranges common violent games with them. The interior of the apartment will not suffer at the same time - Siamese cats are extremely dexterous and plastic and can have fun without damage to furniture and fragile items.

This breed is perfect for children from 7 to 14 years old who love outdoor games and want to try themselves in the role of Kuklachev.

Siamese appreciate sincere praise, and for it (and a small piece of delicacy, of course) they are ready to learn rather complicated tricks and circus numbers.

We note, however, that they are far from being so kind to outsiders and most likely will not agree to play. Including strangers.

canadian sphynx

"What a cute little alien" and "oh gods, what a horror!" - the range of statements about the Canadian Sphynx is truly great. A naked cat with huge ears and charming folds all over the body really looks unusual for a cat. But parents who are interested in what breed of cats is suitable for allergic children should take a closer look at hairless breeds (sphinxes), in particular, the Canadian Sphynx. The absence of hair reduces the risk of allergies (although, of course, it does not reduce it to zero, so you should consult a doctor before purchasing a pet).

The breed is great for children of all ages, as well as children who are recommended tactile games.

The Canadian is affectionate, non-aggressive, intelligent, not inclined to tear upholstery with his claws. It is warm to the touch and very pleasant, and therefore even very young children like it. Parents may not be afraid that the baby will pull into his mouth a piece of wool pulled out from a molting cat - this is simply impossible with a Canadian.

Perhaps, it is the Canadian Sphynx that can be called the most affectionate cat breed.

ragdoll

An incredibly soft cat, famous for its ability to relax the muscles as much as possible, basking in the owner's lap - so that it becomes like a rag doll (rag doll). Ragdoll and outside the moments of maximum muscle relaxation - calmness itself. Slightly phlegmatic, he looks at life philosophically, is not ready to defend himself against real and imaginary dangers, and completely trusts the owner. For a family with a child, this means that the Ragdoll will never (that is, NEVER!) scratch the child and, unlike other breeds, here it does not depend on the upbringing of the cat.

The breed is not suitable for active children and is ideal for children who are polite, attentive, shy.

The Ragdoll will not rage and run on the ceiling even for a company with active children, and parents will have to constantly remind such children that the cat may be unpleasant what the children are doing to her - the Ragdoll himself will not actively object and will not even run away from harassment.

Ragdoll willingly accompanies the owner everywhere, and if necessary, walks on a leash without experiencing any particular inconvenience.

Abyssinian breed

Quite strongly similar to the Siamese in character, the Abyssinians differ in that they do not distinguish between "their" people and an outsider, willingly communicating with everyone. Another difference from the Siamese is that the Abyssinians are not only mobile, but also cheerful, with a developed sense of humor, which is not very typical for cats in general.

The breed is suitable for children of all ages, ideal for playing and learning together.

Cats of this breed love the "second floors" - their favorite routes run through the cabinets, backs of sofas, refrigerators. Emotional cats are amusingly surprised, always happy to try out new objects and toys and learn easily, including somehow quietly learning to bring small toys in the hope that they will be re-launched with a mouse or a ball.

Kurilian bobtail

An unusual outwardly cat with a short tail and a rich fur coat. Intelligent, very clean (even adult unneutered cats usually do not mark the territory), bobtails are self-possessed and patient, calmly endure the pranks of small children and leave when the pranks begin to be rude. Unlike most cats, bobtails are very fond of water - they catch a stream of water with their paws and even swim willingly. Good mousers.

An excellent breed of cats for very young children - they will entertain, leave on time, call adults when the child wakes up. Minus - rich wool, which takes time to comb out in shedding.

Those who say that cats are attached to a place and not to people have simply never seen a Kuril Bobtail. Bobtail usually chooses one owner for himself, treating the rest with great tenderness and care.

Exotics

Outwardly - a short-haired variation of the Persian. Unlike Persian cats, which participated in the breeding of the breed, exotics are more playful, inquisitive and sociable, which is extremely important in a family with children. Of course, there is also something in common with the Persians - cats are rather gentle, not prone to violent emotional outbursts, not ready to go into conflict, and in conflict situations (for example, when a child unknowingly hurts a cat) they simply leave, turning off communication.

Easy to care for - "Persians for the lazy" do not need constant combing.

Ideal for calm children from three years.

Of course, this is not a complete list of breeds that can be recommended as a pet for a family with small children. Perhaps your choice will fall on another breed - the main thing is that it is conscious, and the cat is suitable for living in a family with children.

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