Shelters are overflowing with felines of all ages and personalities. Taking some time to understand more about the different cat breeds will help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.

 So, you decided to get a cat! Without a doubt, your new furry family member will add a great deal of joy to your life. But first you have to decide what type of cat to adopt! There’s a plethora of cat breeds out there and believe it or not, they all have unique personalities. Here’s how to find the right one for you.

Kittens vs. adult cats

Before choosing a breed, you must first consider if you’re going to get a kitten or an adult cat. Remember that a cat’s personality can be shaped by how she’s raised. If you decide to adopt a kitten, the environment you create for her will play a huge role in how her personality develops. That can be a good thing, because it allows you to shape who she becomes. But it’s also a huge responsibility!

Adult cats, on the other hand, already have fairly established character traits. They also tend to be less mischievous than kittens – and most of them are already litter trained! After spending some time with the kitties at your local shelter, you’ll notice that they all have different dispositions. If you find one that you love, don’t let her breed stand in the way of taking her home!

The purr-fect cat breed for you

If you’re having trouble finding the right feline, fear not! Understanding a thing or two about the different breeds might help you narrow down your options.

Do you love affection?

It’s a common misconception that all cats are indifferent toward human contact. In fact, most people don’t know that cats can be as affectionate as dogs! If you’re looking for a lap cat, try looking for a more loving cat breed or mix such as the Scottish Fold, Ragdoll, Tonkinese, Burmese, and Siamese.

Another cat breed that can be perfect for cuddling sessions is the Sphynx. Since these cats are basically hairless, they tend to seek out sources of warmth – including body heat! They’re known as the “velcro cat” since they’re notorious for loving close contact with people.

Are you active and energetic?

If you like to stay active, you might be seeking a pet who can be your exercise buddy!  Dogs are the most popular candidate for this job, but don’t rule out their whiskered counterparts. Some cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian, enjoy running and jumping, and tend to sleep less than other cats. It isn’t considered the athlete of the feline world for nothing!

While she might not be able to accompany you on your morning run, Abyssinians are a great option for leash training. They aren’t opposed to taking long walks with their families, and thrive on plenty of interactive play. The Japanese Bobtail, American Shorthair, Turkish Angora, and Siberian cats are also known to be the most active breeds out there.

Care for a chit chat?

After a long day, some of us want nothing more than to vent to a friend. No cat can talk, but certain breeds are very good at communicating in their own way!

Siamese cats and Maine Coons are among the most “talkative” cat breeds. By meowing and using body language, these felines love “chatting” with their humans. Oriental Shorthairs, Balinese, and Burmese are quite vocal too.

Enjoy your independence?

If you have a busy lifestyle, consider adopting a cat that won’t mind being on her own from time to time. British Shorthair cats, for instance, are affectionate without being too clingy. They keep to themselves, venturing into your space every once in a while to say hello.

Persian, Russian Blue and Norwegian Forest cats have the same quiet and independent vibe about them.  They’re social when they want to be, but cope well on their own when you’re not home. Just remember to never leave cats alone for extended periods of time since they can still get upset and develop behavioral problems. All cats, regardless of breed, need quality time with their humans in order to thrive.

Appearance shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing the right cat for you! Shop around at different shelters and rescues, and consider her age, personality, and compatibility to your lifestyle before signing the adoption papers!