Purebred or Mixed Breed Cats |
Most domestic cat breeds are less than 100 years old, and most are far more recent. Compare this to the dog world, where rudimentary selective breeding started several thousand years ago. Cat breeds vary far less dramatically than say, a Chihuahua from a Great Dane. There is no real wide personality difference like that of dogs either. But some variations exist, most of which are tied to the different body types of the natural breeds |
Mixed Breed These cats, of mixed or unknown heritage, Have just as wide as a range as purebred cats. Each has a unique personality and habits, characteristics inherited from several breeds. Most house cats are mixes. They are much less expensive than show cats, partly because so many of them need homes. At any animal shelter you'll likely find a staggering number of felines to befriend. Just think that 10,000,000 pets die every year becuase of lack of homes. More than half are cats. Often strikingly beautiful, mixed breeds adapt quickly and well to most households. Want a cat for company and affection, not for lineage? A mixed breed is probably a great choice. Mixed breeds, in general, tend to have fewer health problems. Purebreds are far more susceptible to recessive genes that may lead to physical problems. A major concern in bringing any cat into your household is human and feline compatibility: Cats have personalities almost as varied as humans. While a mixed breed won't guarantee a specific personality type, a kitten is generally a clean slate -- your love and training can strongly influence his personality. With mixed breed adult cats, personality is already developed, though not necessarily set in stone; the staff of the animal shelter can tell you what to expect. |
Purebreds Purebreds, or pedigreed cats, are the most expensive, and are more likely to suffer from various genetic ills. The papers that the cat is regestered through certify that the owner of the kitten's mother knew who the kitten's father was and that is all they guarantee. Purebred cats, can be ridiculously expensive. Now there are many graeat breeders out there that are honest, and sell great kittens. But there are a lot of dishonest people trying to make a easy buck by breeding their “purebred” cat. People acquire purebred cats primarily for two reasons: breeding or showing. If you long for an outgoing Siamese but don't plan to breed or show him, consider purchasing a "pet-quality" purebred. The cost of this companion, still higher than a mixed breed, will be far lower than a show-quality purebred. Or even better, adopt a purebred through a shelter or breed rescue group. |
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Mixed breeds can be just a beautiful as purebred. Example above, one on left is mixed breed, one on right is purebred. |
Search for purbreds and mixed breed cats to adopt at Petfinder |