My First Cat: Purebred or Farm Cat?

She should be cute, that much is clear. But what criteria should you use to choose a cat or tom? Should looks decide, or is character what really matters?

Shopify API, 04.05.2021

“We're ready!” Once you've decided to bring a cat into your life, the next question is usually which one it should be. She should be cute, that's a given. But what criteria should guide your choice of a cat? Should you go by looks, or is character what really matters?

Looks or character?

Is it better to buy a purebred cat from a breeder, or get a kitten privately from someone who happens to be offering one? As so often, there's no perfect answer. Purebred cats, for example, have certain traits that have been selected through breeding over many years. Of course there are always exceptions, but broadly speaking: British Shorthairs are cosy, friendly animals, Maine Coons are cuddly, and Bengal cats are true whirlwinds. The traits of a pedigree cat that match your own personality are also the ones that should come first in your decision. The looks so many people favour should ideally only come second.

Looking for a cat outside of breeders

Another option is to look for a cat that's currently seeking a new home. Friends and acquaintances who own cats themselves are often a good place to start. But heading to an animal shelter is also an excellent alternative. By the way, many purebred cats end up in shelters too, and the staff there are usually very good at recognising a cat's character and preferences. This, in turn, helps you find a velvet paw that's a good match. You should always avoid buying an animal over the internet! Many illegal animal dealers operate online, willing to risk illness and worse just to turn a profit. As tempting as eBay and similar sites may be – keep your hands off buying live animals online.

“We're ready!” Once you've decided to bring a cat into your life, the next question is usually which one it should be. She should be cute, that's a given. But what criteria should guide your choice of a cat? Should you go by looks, or is character what really matters?

Looks or character?

Is it better to buy a purebred cat from a breeder, or get a kitten privately from someone who happens to be offering one? As so often, there's no perfect answer. Purebred cats, for example, have certain traits that have been selected through breeding over many years. Of course there are always exceptions, but broadly speaking: British Shorthairs are cosy, friendly animals, Maine Coons are cuddly, and Bengal cats are true whirlwinds. The traits of a pedigree cat that match your own personality are also the ones that should come first in your decision. The looks so many people favour should ideally only come second.

Looking for a cat outside of breeders

Another option is to look for a cat that's currently seeking a new home. Friends and acquaintances who own cats themselves are often a good place to start. But heading to an animal shelter is also an excellent alternative. By the way, many purebred cats end up in shelters too, and the staff there are usually very good at recognising a cat's character and preferences. This, in turn, helps you find a velvet paw that's a good match. You should always avoid buying an animal over the internet! Many illegal animal dealers operate online, willing to risk illness and worse just to turn a profit. As tempting as eBay and similar sites may be – keep your hands off buying live animals online.

Are all purebred cats the same?

Of course not! Breeds do stand for certain traits in character, appearance and temperament; but that's exactly why purebred cats are still individuals who should be treated and seen as such. At LucyBalu, we can't recommend one particular breed, but a rough overview of the currently most popular breeds is certainly a good starting point for beginners:

British Shorthair – formerly also known as the Chartreux cat. A beautiful, soft and friendly breed that's rightly popular with first-time cat owners too. Brits have a relatively high stress tolerance (for cats, that is!) and are patient house cats.
Maine Coon – the gentle giant among our house cats. Enormously affectionate, chatty and very sociable. These cats crave social contact and, despite their size, are also suitable for indoor living, as long as they're given enough space to play and move around.
Bengal – even if it's not what people want to hear: a Bengal isn't easy to keep. Since these cats originally come from crossbreeding with wild cats, and this breed hasn't been around for very long in comparison, their wild side can resurface even in the Xth generation. Keeping one indoors only often borders on animal cruelty. With outdoor access the cat does well – but keep in mind it's a skilled and highly adept hunter. We wouldn't recommend this breed for beginners!
Siamese – This breed is considered especially family-friendly and easy to keep. Which means: it's as demanding as cats generally are, without being fussy about food or grooming. Never make the mistake of not giving it enough attention – then it happily becomes very talkative! Siamese cats are also known for being very playful – ideal for a family with responsible children or a household with a bit of action.
Ragdoll – Wow, one of the largest breeds in the world! Toms can weigh up to 12 kilos and stand 40 cm tall. Their coat requires a lot of grooming – which makes them demanding but also well suited to indoor living. They're enormously devoted to their humans – they don't particularly like being alone. Their markings are very reminiscent of the Siamese or the Sacred Birman.
Sacred Birman – another very people-friendly cat breed. Visually, it's the smaller version of the Ragdoll, though the Birman has its own quirks too. It's very playful and also considered very friendly. One representative of this breed became especially famous: , is a Sacred Birman. We can confirm – she really is adorable.
Persian – did someone say cosy and sweet? Persians are wonderful cats – people-oriented and trusting, and (apart from grooming!) very undemanding. However, it's essential to look for good breeding here! Because of the artificially shortened head, tear ducts or airways are unfortunately often blocked. A list of good breeders can be found, among other places, here.
Domestic cat – numerically the most popular cat of all. Special features: everything! And then some. The so-called European Shorthair is a mix of everything you know. It comes in every colour, shape and character. They live on farms, in city apartments, roaming free or with people, and they're what most people picture when they hear the word “cat”.

Are all purebred cats the same?

Of course not! Breeds do stand for certain traits in character, appearance and temperament; but that's exactly why purebred cats are still individuals who should be treated and seen as such. At LucyBalu, we can't recommend one particular breed, but a rough overview of the currently most popular breeds is certainly a good starting point for beginners:

British Shorthair – formerly also known as the Chartreux cat. A beautiful, soft and friendly breed that's rightly popular with first-time cat owners too. Brits have a relatively high stress tolerance (for cats, that is!) and are patient house cats.
Maine Coon – the gentle giant among our house cats. Enormously affectionate, chatty and very sociable. These cats crave social contact and, despite their size, are also suitable for indoor living, as long as they're given enough space to play and move around.
Bengal – even if it's not what people want to hear: a Bengal isn't easy to keep. Since these cats originally come from crossbreeding with wild cats, and this breed hasn't been around for very long in comparison, their wild side can resurface even in the Xth generation. Keeping one indoors only often borders on animal cruelty. With outdoor access the cat does well – but keep in mind it's a skilled and highly adept hunter. We wouldn't recommend this breed for beginners!
Siamese – This breed is considered especially family-friendly and easy to keep. Which means: it's as demanding as cats generally are, without being fussy about food or grooming. Never make the mistake of not giving it enough attention – then it happily becomes very talkative! Siamese cats are also known for being very playful – ideal for a family with responsible children or a household with a bit of action.
Ragdoll – Wow, one of the largest breeds in the world! Toms can weigh up to 12 kilos and stand 40 cm tall. Their coat requires a lot of grooming – which makes them demanding but also well suited to indoor living. They're enormously devoted to their humans – they don't particularly like being alone. Their markings are very reminiscent of the Siamese or the Sacred Birman.
Sacred Birman – another very people-friendly cat breed. Visually, it's the smaller version of the Ragdoll, though the Birman has its own quirks too. It's very playful and also considered very friendly. One representative of this breed became especially famous: , is a Sacred Birman. We can confirm – she really is adorable.
Persian – did someone say cosy and sweet? Persians are wonderful cats – people-oriented and trusting, and (apart from grooming!) very undemanding. However, it's essential to look for good breeding here! Because of the artificially shortened head, tear ducts or airways are unfortunately often blocked. A list of good breeders can be found, among other places, here.
Domestic cat – numerically the most popular cat of all. Special features: everything! And then some. The so-called European Shorthair is a mix of everything you know. It comes in every colour, shape and character. They live on farms, in city apartments, roaming free or with people, and they're what most people picture when they hear the word “cat”.