Cat breeds

When adopting your first cat, it’s best to choose an adaptable cat breed. The most important thing for any cat is that they are well socialised during the kitten socialisation period of two to seven weeks of age. Being well adapted to the home environment and having regular positive interactions by a range of people makes for a well-rounded pet cat.

Domestic shorthaired cats (also known colloquially as ‘moggies’) are great for first-time cat owners. But if you’re looking for a pedigree cat, then the British Shorthair is a very popular choice, thanks to their gentle personality and affectionate nature. Ragdolls are also a great cat breed for first-time owners, combining a playful personality with a relaxed yet sociable demeanour, although they do require lots of grooming.

Outgoing, playful cat breeds are a good choice for active owners. Moggies, Maine Coon, Burmese, Siamese and Norwegian Forest Cats are adventurous and love exploring, plus their intelligence means they enjoy learning tricks. Siberian cats are also friendly, athletic and love to climb. If you have a garden, these breeds also enjoy playing in and with water – especially the Turkish Van.

If you’re out of the house for most of the day, it’s best to choose a cat that doesn’t mind being left alone. Given that most cats need to sleep for 16 hours a day, being home alone isn’t an issue for many breeds.

Moggies are very adaptable, and the laid-back British Shorthair or the independent Maine Coon are usually happy to spend time alone – but remember that long-hair cats are higher maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care.

Even if your cat doesn’t mind being left alone, you’ll need to provide plenty to keep them occupied – such as puzzle feeders and cat-safe toys – and outdoor access can keep them amused while you’re out. Remember, all cat breeds need regular care and shouldn’t routinely be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time.

Regardless of their breed, no cat is fully hypoallergenic. Even hairless cats, such as the Sphynx, produce Fel d 1, the major cat allergen found in the saliva and spread onto the skin during grooming. 

If you have mild cat allergies, the best way to live comfortably with a cat is through regular cleaning to reduce dander (one of the main allergens), being mindful of how you interact with and groom your cat, and consulting your vet about a special diet that may help minimise allergens. Cat breeds such as the Siberian and Siamese are also known to be less troublesome to allergy sufferers.

If you live in a city, you might choose to keep your cat indoors rather than letting them explore the streets. Cats can live happily inside, provided they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis. Alternatively, consider adopting a street-smart adult rescue cat, like a moggy, who can handle themselves outdoors.

While more of an issue in dogs, some cats can suffer from separation anxiety. If that’s the case for your cat, try to make sure someone is home most of the time to keep them company.

Kids and kittens love playing together, but for families, it’s important to choose a cat that can cope with the hustle and bustle of a busy home.

The most important thing is choosing a confident cat that’s well socialised to children – ideally one that’s had regular, positive interactions with several different children in a home setting during the age of two to seven weeks. This is more important than choosing a particular breed of cat.

Young children should be shown how to quietly and respectfully interact with cats, and always be supervised. Your cat will also need to have their own space to retreat to, which is not accessible to the children.