Cat breed experts plz

[5iveminutespeace]

I’m looking for the wisdom and advice or litter tray mumsnetters..
I’ve always been a dog person (don’t hate me). Well I say that, I’ve never actually had a dog, I just like meeting them out and about or at friends houses, stroking them ect and they’re always so pleased to see you. I like walks too.

Anyway, I can’t have a dog and I really want a companion, for myself and the kids, 9 and 16. Mainly the 9 year old. All the cats I’ve met, well I haven’t really met them, as they just run off and hide under sofas ect so I’ve never really understood them or what it’s like to live with one.

I’ve done a lot, and I mean a lot of research and I’ve decided I either need to rescue an older cat with a known friendly affectionate temperament, or get a pedigree cat with more predictable personalities. Id also need an indoor cat as I live in a flat and these are harder to find in rescues.

So let’s assume I get a pedigree. I’m torn between ragdolls and British short hair. What I’d really love is a short haired ragdoll as everything about them sounds amazing, except the long hair. I’m not sure I want long white hair shedding constantly, I wear a lot of black! Also poo in long fur.. I just don’t think long hair is for me but I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it for the perfect cat.

Are bsh very aloof? I’ve read so many mixed things. I mean what is an affectionate cat like anyway?? I would love a cat that likes the occasional cuddle and wants to sit next to me and likes being stroked. My ds would love the same.

Sorry I didn’t realise that was so long. I was rambling.

I was never a cat person, and I adopted an older black cat from rescue
He's ridiculous, will sit all day being stroked and cuddled and just purrs constantly. Like a little furry dog, doesn't catch anything, won't knock things over, doesn't claw anything. Imagine an affectionate teddy bear

Ok so you want a dog like affectionate short haired Cat? Get a Burmese! They are highly affectionate ( forcefully) they play fetch, they feel like velvet, they love kids. Very people oriented and can be house cats.
Oh and if you want black get a Bombay they are basically black Burmese cats.

@Sidneysussex weirdly it's been commented that mine has a lot of the Bombay traits. I think they call them Velcro cats
Mine is very much "YOU are my person thank you"

@NotMyCat I’ll take that one please

I have applied to a rescue that has a lot of indoor cats but I know it could be a really long wait. If I get a kitten I definitely want a pedigree.

I had looked at Burmese but had read they were quite high energy, compared to the breeds I mentioned. I do work part time and as I said, love in a flat and I just envisage this high energy cat bouncing off the furniture, clawing things and chasing our feet 24/7 😁

Abyssinian are very people orientated and Velcro like too!

Oh a pair of kittens is good, they play with each other and come to you for cuddles!

The ragdoll whilst long haired doesn’t actually shed too much at all, nor do they require daily grooming. I’d really really recommend them , so affectionate.

It’s all the upsides of a dog without the hassle! If you do get one though make sure you go through a registered breeder

Siamese as well. There are lots in breed rescue. Older ones are generally calmer.

If it has to be indoor only would you consider fiv+, blind, or other issue that means it can’t go out? Also older, as you say personality will be known.

I’d hunt around rescues until you find the right cat.

Oh I forgot - Devon or Cornish Rex 🥰

Long haired cats tend not to shed in the same way as short haired which can make it easier in terms of cleaning because the fur comes out in clumps not thousands of loose flying all over the place hairs. And the same when you groom them. Which also, at least for me, means they don't trigger pet hair allergies so much.
Maine coons and Norwegian Forest cats are very affectionate.

I'll lend you Cheddar. I'd quite like a full nights sleep without her wanting to make biscuits and cuddle up. Seriously consider Persians. They are amazing. Chilled out, sweet and placid and come in long and short haired models. (See the multiple threads about the toddler girls or Cheddar for more information on their personality)

I absolutely agree they long haired shedding is much eaier as it doesn't come off all
Over your clothes.

Definitely Burmese - as my vet said "all the characteristics of a dog in a cat". Mine is clever, funny and likes to play but doesn't destroy stuff. She very sweetly stubborn 🤣

@NotMyCat

I was never a cat person, and I adopted an older black cat from rescue He's ridiculous, will sit all day being stroked and cuddled and just purrs constantly. Like a little furry dog, doesn't catch anything, won't knock things over, doesn't claw anything. Imagine an affectionate teddy bear

Sounds like mine - she climbed on my lap immediately at the rescue and that was that.

I describe her as a hot water bottle with legs, no lap left unwarmed in this house 😍

@Lellochip yep! He came out the carrier, looked around and fell asleep on me. I was sat frozen reading the leaflet about how rescue cats hide and going WTF do I do now?!
Cats protection "honestly, he's ridiculous. Give him back now, I want him"

I’d love a rescue but the chance of finding, and being accepted for an indoor, friendly, child liking cat is slim.

I’ll try and find out some more about Burmese but I do think I’d prefer a calmer cat. Bsh are apparently quite lazy.

@Toddlerteaplease I didn’t know about short hair Persians. Are they harder to come by. There’s so many ragdoll breeders I know I wouldn’t have to wait too long. I have researched lots and have found quite a few ragdoll and bsh registered breeders.

From watching videos on YouTube I was certain that ragdoll hair came off all over clothes and my soft furnishings would be uncontrollably covered. This is the main thing putting me off ragdolls as they sound otherwise perfect.

Anyone have a bsh?

All three of my Persians came from a Persian rescue. They are known as Exotic short hairs. Madam is currently purring her head off on my knee!

Birman? They’re similar to ragdolls but meant to shed less. We do still have cat hair floating about but my black clothes are ok as long as I don’t leave stuff for days and days downstairs waiting to be brought upstairs. They’re very affectionate.

If you are drawn to pedigrees contact the welfare & rescue of the pedigree cat club. They often have cats looking for new homes, retired studs & queens or where owners have become ill.

We are on our 4th pedigree cat - all rehomes through welfare & rescue or the current one is from a breeder that is retiring.

I have two bsh sisters. They look gorgeous but are not very people oriented. I was hoping for lap cats but they are not interested.

Try St Francis Persian rescue or strawberry rescue.

@Toddlerteaplease

All three of my Persians came from a Persian rescue. They are known as Exotic short hairs. Madam is currently purring her head off on my knee!

We have exotic Persians/short hairs too. Incredibly affectionate and placid.

If you like Ragdolls have a look at Ragamuffins very similar personality fur is a bit more rabbity less silky but you can get them in black.

Ps no kitten regardless of breed is going to be low energy….. I rehomed an ex breeding Ragdoll aged 2yr and she’s been much less of a pest than the Ragamuffin kitten!

But if looking for short haired recommend like other a Burmese.

I have been looking at rescues for around a year. Not had much luck.

I’m so scared to just take the plunge in case I make the wrong choice