What Breeds of Cats Are Compatible?

Breeds

• Cat breeds are a fine way to start researching for your next cat. Each cat breed offers different personality types that can be used as a general rule for the breed as a whole. The history of a cat's bloodline also offers insight to its personality. Purer breeds will often exhibit more of the traits of its breed, while mixes require further investigation. Comparing breeds through a veterinarian directory or trusted online source can provide useful information regarding breeds and how they interact with others and humans.

Cat Breed Selector

• Although consulting a veterinarian with a background and experience in dealing with cat breed issues is the best way to compare breed compatibility, online cat breed selectors such as the Cat Breed Selector available through SelectSmart can help you narrow down a breed compatible for yourself and the other cats in your household.

Using The Breed Selector

• Using the SelectSmart Cat Breed Selector for an example, you can choose preferences from appearance (size, coat, tail), care and concerns (grooming needs, potential to cause allergies and activity level), personality (intelligence, playfulness and vocalness) and compatibility (friendship, companionship, kid-appropriate and pet-tolerant). Once you have adjusted the preferences the selector cycles the results to fit your needs. Breeds are then rated by a maximum score of 100. Once the ratings are tabulated you can compare breeds side by side.

Comparing Breeds

• When adjusting the preferences of the selector for a medium-sized, intelligent, playful and active cat that is less vocal than average and tolerates other pets while being safe for children, the Abyssinian breed rates with a top score of 100. By changing some of the preferences in the selector to denote a cat of the same size that is more vocal with less intelligence and activity level along with less of a tolerance to other pets and children, the Abyssinian is rated at a score of 88. The American Wirehair is rated with a score of 100 under these changes. The American Wirehair is not even considered in the original selection. In comparing the two breeds there is not so much of a difference in personalities as much as a difference in grooming and genetic health issues. For further compatibility matching, a more focused look at personalities outside of their breeding might be required.

Personalities

• The personalities of cats can be identified in myriad ways; for instance, by major traits like lap cats who enjoy quiet time with their owners or active scratching-post cats always looking for action, but can be more easily identified by studying them in their environment. Cats either feel confident that they can change their environment, confident they can have their environment changed for them or unaware that they can change their environment.

Confidence in Changing Environment

• The intelligence of a cat can often determine its compatibility with other cats and animals. An intelligent cat almost seems to believe as though it can do most anything itself. These cats come with boundless energy so they often need to be amused or they will find amusement. The intelligence allows them to almost train their owners in a way. These types of cats will act out in order to get their way but can assimilate to most any situation, such as introducing a new cat to the household.

Confidence in Owner Changing Environment

• Cats that show more devotion and loyalty to their owners are more likely to allow the environment to be changed for them. They are eager to please so they are fairly well behaved. A level of training that includes communication and negotiation often yields positive results. The outgoing social nature of these cats make them fine additions to a home as well as welcoming cat-mates to others.

Lack of Understanding of Environment and How to Change It

• Some cats merely lack confidence in changing their environment or even realizing that the environment can be changed. This personality can occur through breed but more likely through experience. Rescue kittens or cats that have lived feral or strayed can be difficult additions to a home. Some can be set in their ways, making them difficult to live with in regards to other cats. Negative experiences in other homes or shelters can also have an effect on the cat's personality. They can be difficult to assimilate into a home, especially with other cats, but careful doting and anticipation of their needs can make these cats feel welcome over time and even thrive.