Choosing a new cat. Rescuenor purebred?

[HereForTheLineEyes]

We currently have an 8 yr old female cat (and a very laid back golden retriever and 9 chickens and a hamster....and 3 kids). She is lovely and is never any hassle. She is very dignified and aloof. She will sometimes sit near you on the sofa but would never choose to jump up onto your lap. She is brilliant with the kids and either tolerates their affection or walks away.

We moved house in the summer and now we have more space we are thinking about getting another cat. We would love one who was more playful and affectionate and enjoyed cuddles.

I am in two minds whether to go for a purebred cat like a Burmese, which has a reputation for a playful and affectionate type of personality or whether to get a rescue kitten. There are just so many lovely little kittens out there who need a home, and I'm sure some of them would suit us, it's just a bit more of a potluck what you come home with.

What do you think?

What about contacting the Burmese Cat Association/Society/Club and see if they have any Burmese rescue kittens or slightly older Burmese that need rehoming. We have one rescue (ex-stud Burmese) who came to us 5 years ago aged 8 who we adore.

I have sent them an email. Is your Burmese very loving and playful?

We have two, the older one is now 13 and is just the most affectionate cat ever, he slept in my arms under the duvet last night, he looks after the other cats and 'daddys' them. He is just a very loyal boy. We also have a 4 year old Burmese who is bonkers, so much fun but also loves a good cuddle and stroking session! He will play, he will climb on the laptop for attention, he has a lot of character..so yes, playful, affectionate, and a bit mad!

Try all three Burmese Cat clubs, the BCA, the BCS and the BCC...each one has their own rescue setup.

My cat is a moggie rescue and she is the most affectionate ever, follows us everywhere, sits on us at every opportunity, wants petted all the time and will sleep with us under the covers snuggled up to us if we let her.

We got her aged 4 and were able to see how affectionate she was at the centre. Would getting an adult rescue cat that gets on with other cats be an option? Then you could see/ ask about their personality.

How about a pure breed rescue? I had no idea that there were rescues until I came across my cats by chance on Facebook. Persians are the best. Docile, affectionate and gorgeous!

Our local RSPCA has several purebred cats in at the moment; they have had a lot of interest and some lovely natured moggies have been overlooked. It would only be rescues for me. Bear in mind that a Birman will need regular grooming too!

I'd agree that getting an older cat friendly cat would probably be the best plan.

We have a 2yo rescue kitten who sounds a lot like your older cat. She's not very cat like at all. Never sits on your knee, will tolerate being stroked for a maximum of 30 seconds before "nipping" you and turning her back to tell you to stop. She has never miaowed or purred either. She likes to sit on the windowsill and roll in the grass.

The DC would like another cat, one they can cuddle and stroke but I'm never sure if the existing cat would be happy and while she doesn't give a single fig about us, I do love her and she comes first.

Rescue definitely, whether it's a rescue moggie or pedigree

TBH you could get a certain breed known to be playful and your cat still may not be.
The absolute safest bet would be an adult rescue cat. You would know the temperament.

I agree wolfie. It count be as anti-social as my current cat. I feel like I haven't done her justice, she is very lovely, just in a really hands-off/low maintenance type of way.

We are in N. Ireland too, so RSPCA is a bit impractical for us, I did check out the USPCA though.

She can’t be as anti social as my two terrible torties.

My rescue cat is the most affectionate creature that I have ever owned. God knows what make she is.

My thoroughly unsociable cat is a calico (tortie and white). I love her but sometimes wish I could cuddle her.

We got rescue kittens. A brother and a sister

They couldn't be more different.

The tortie is aloof. She is affectionate to the DDs, to DD2 in particular. And will come anf wind around your ankles for attention in the garden. Will tolerate being picked up and likes a fuss. Sits on my lap ONLY if I'm in the garden or on the loo . At all other times, she stays well clear.

The boy is affectionate to the max. Is happiest when sitting right under your chin, rubbing his head on your face. But then he doesn't come upstairs at night and sleeps on his own on the sofa instead.

Cats are contrary!

We have had both in the past. Both have a lot of separate things to recommend them, but I highly recommend Burmese cats. A friend once described them to me as "like moggies but more intelligent and more affectionate" and since owning some I would agree with that. A Burmese will ALWAYS enjoy human company, want to sit on your lap etc, which isn't true of all moggies. Also, unlike a lot of cats, Burmese are quite sociable with other animals and can (usually, with a bit of encouragement) happily live with other cats.

I agree with previous posters however that all cats have very distinct personalities and you can't guarantee 100% what you will end up with.