Are Cats Easy to Take Care of
Some cats can be easier to look after than others, depending on their physical makeup, personality and temperament, as well as the owner's lifestyle and needs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns: "Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason cats are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision."
Here we look at 25 of the easiest cat breeds to take care of.
Ragdoll
Named the most popular cat breed of 2020 by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats, ragdolls are "well behaved and easy to care for" and "perfect for our modern, busy, lifestyles," the CFA says.
Their silky semi-long coat "requires minimal grooming to keep it looking its best." They are known to be gentle cats and "usually play without extending their claws," it adds.
Exotic
The Exotic breed was ranked the second-most popular breed of 2020 by the CFA.
"The Exotic is an ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet, peaceful and loyal companion. They are easy going and not much seems to disturb them. In general, they are extremely affectionate," the CFA says.
American shorthair
These "good-natured, easy-going cats" are among "the most adaptable breeds for any type of household" from singles to seniors, the International Cat Association (TICA) says.
Getting along well with children, dogs and other pets, the breed is also known for its longevity and robust health, the CFA adds.
British shorthair
With ancestry tracing back to the felines of Rome, the British shorthair is one of the oldest breeds among English cats, TICA says.
Described to have an easygoing nature, they are "relatively calm cats when they mature." They are "easily trained and very adaptable," with no breed-specific health-related problems, the CFA says.
Persian
Persian cats have a sweet, gentle nature and "blend easily into most households as they become comfortable in their new home," according to TICA.
Persians "will not demand your undivided attention" but will relish in it when attention is given. Their signature luxurious coat does require daily combing and regular bathing but "many Persians love their bath once accustomed to it," TICA says.
While they prefer serene, secure environments, they "can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive," the CFA adds.
Scottish fold
Distinguished by their unique folded ears, Scottish folds are "intelligent, inquisitive, and are loyal to their family" and "can even be trained to play fetch," TICA says.
The CFA adds: "Scottish folds adapt to almost any home situation and are as comfortable in a room full of noisy children and dogs as they are in a single person's dwelling. They don't usually panic at shows or in strange hotel rooms, and they adjust to other animals extremely well."
Maine coon
These "gentle giants" are sweet-tempered and friendly and "aren't demanding of attention," TICA describes.
The CFA said: "Though their size can be intimidating, they are known for their friendliness towards just about anything and are especially good with children and other pets.
"The Maine Coon Cat has a silky and somewhat oily coat, it is not dense and its upkeep is much easier than that of other longhaired breeds. The coat is almost self-maintained but will require occasional grooming. Because they love attention of any kind, grooming is easily accomplished," the CFA adds.
Birman
The Birman breed is "easy to handle and makes an ideal pet" due to its quiet and gentle, yet social, nature, according to the CFA.
"The Birman is a hearty, healthy cat that does not reach full maturity until approximately 3 years of age. Because of its exceptionally sweet nature, the Birman is easy to handle and makes an ideal pet. The Birman is sociable, gentle, quiet, loving, and companionable. They love to be with people and are playful and desirous of attention. They are social with both people and other animals," the CFA says.
Siberian
Known to be "fearless and easygoing," these personable cats enjoy being around children, dogs and other animals, the CFA describes.
"Not much disturbs their natural calm and equanimity. They seem to know when they are needed for psychological and moral support and spend time with the person who needs that support. They are a quiet breed that expresses itself in a melodic way through sweet mews, trills, chirps, and lots of purring.
Their "long, water repellent triple coat" tends to "remain relatively tangle-free, requiring only occasional brushing," the CIFA adds.
Somali
Somalis are "loyal, affectionate, highly intelligent and very interactive with their owners and their environment," and their soft coat is easy to maintain, TICA says.
"Despite having long hair, Somali's are easy to groom. Their soft, silky coat rarely mats or tangles. They do not require regular brushing however, many of them like it. They don't need to be groomed professionally or bathed unless they've gotten into something messy," TICA advises.
Norwegian forest
Described to be a "fairly low-maintenance breed, requiring minimal grooming," this intelligent, mild-mannered breed has a friendly, calm temperament and adapts easily to its environment, according to TICA.
Burmese
This extremely people-oriented breed is known for being tolerant, making them an ideal pet for the whole family, including ones with young children. "Their playful nature extends to joining the games of the youngest family members, easily tolerating being dressed up in doll's clothes and carried around like a living doll," TICA says.
The CFA adds: "Their coats are short and close-lying, and they have a very silky texture. They need very little grooming, usually requiring only some daily petting."
Sphynx
This "inquisitive, intelligent, and extremely friendly" breed loves to greet every new person that walks into the home and most get along well with dogs and other pets, TICA says.
"Sphynx are highly active and will entertain themselves for hours and some Sphynx even fetch toys," it adds.
Their lack of fur naturally makes them low-maintenance in terms of grooming needs. However, they do require "periodic bathing, ear and nail cleaning" because they lack the hair that would normally absorb body oils, CFA says.
"A bath is not difficult with Sphynx, as most cats have been acclimated from kittenhood with bathing and proper grooming from their breeders," CFA adds.
Abyssinian
These intelligent, energetic and affectionate cats are "easy to groom" and "easy to care for," according to TICA.
"Abyssinians are known to many as the 'wash and wear' cat. Their grooming requirements are low as they shed very little and have a short, easy-to-maintain coat. An occasional brushing is all that is required to eliminate dead hair and an intermittent rub down with a cold damp cloth will also help to keep their coat glossy and in good condition.
"Bathe as needed, starting when your Aby is a kitten. After bathing, pat down with a towel and leave the coat to 'drip-dry' on its own," TICA adds.
Siamese
This people-oriented, lively breed is the "perfect pet for someone who wants lots of interaction and activity. They are wonderful with children and other pets," TICA says.
"They are very playful, entertaining themselves for hours. They have their favorite toys and never tire of playing throughout their lives," and are natural fetchers, it adds.
Himalayan
Himalayans are sweet, sedate and affectionate cats that "love to be petted but do not demand attention like some breeds," TICA says.
However, "if they are not getting enough attention they will let you know with their quiet meows and meaningful looks from their big blue eyes" and their long and flowing coats do require regular grooming, it adds.
Manx
Often described as "dog-like" due to their loyalty to their families and their love of interactive play, they're known to "protect their families from real or supposed danger," according to the CFA.
Getting along well with children and other pets, "these even-tempered, calm cats have a lot of affection to share," adds TICA.
Cornish Rex
With minimal shedding, the Cornish Rex is considered a good breed for those with allergies as they won't aggravate them as much as other breeds.
TICA says: "The Cornish is definitely a lap cat and ANY lap will do, they get along well with other animals and make an ideal children's pet.
"They are a very lively, energetic breed that loves to play and will entertain themselves for hours. One of their favorite games is fetch, retrieving toys like a dog, and if no one is available...they will even throw the toy for themselves with their little paws that they use like hands," it adds.
Russian blue
These highly intelligent cats "are a great choice for the modern family because they are content with their own company while you are out and about but delighted to spend time playing or curled in your lap when you get home." Playful and loving, they get along well with children and other pets, TICA says.
Their distinct short and silky coat is known for its plush feel and lack of constant shedding, CFA adds.
Devon rex
These playful people-oriented cats are great with kids and get on well with other family pets, according to TICA.
The CFA says: "They are a fun and fun-loving breed with a relaxed and social attitude rarely associated with cats...their playful nature means Devons easily learn tricks and are always up for a game of hide-and-seek, tag, or fetch."
Chartreux
Chartreux cats are known to be "quiet, calm and friendly, and are affectionate without being demanding." They express dog-like characteristics, with many enjoying fetching toys, while some may respond to their names, the CFA says.
"While playful and intelligent, these engaging cats are not one for hi-jinks flying through the air," TICA adds.
Ocicat
This intelligent, energetic breed "are adaptable cats who easily learn the household rules," according to TICA, and "a busy active household suits them to a T."
The CFA says: "Not a demanding, clinging-vine type, the Ocicat is confident as well as dedicated to its owners."
However, "their social nature means they are unhappy if left alone for long periods," TICA adds.
American wirehair
This uniquely American breed are "good-natured, easy-going cats, popular with families, as they are known to be very tolerant of children. They are calm but can also be playful even into old age," TICA describes.
Bombay
The Bombay breed adapts well to busy lifestyles and usually gets along with children and seniors as well as other family pets, the CFA says.
"The Bombay generally combines the easy-going temperament and robust nature of the American Shorthair and the social, inquisitive, lap-loving character of the Burmese," it adds.
Their short coat is "very tight and sheds very little so it does not need much maintenance," TICA notes.
Pixiebob
"Often called dogs in disguise, the affectionate Pixiebob is devoted to its family and can be taught to walk on a leash to participate in family outings. These sturdy cats have the presence and stature of the bobcat with the personality of the domestic cat," TICA says.
A pixiebob can "easily learn to fetch and to walk on a harness and leash." While it is an active breed, "it is also a very laid-back relaxed cat participating calmly in the family," TICA adds.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/easiest-cat-breeds-take-care-low-maintenance-1572847