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Considering a pedigree kitten?

There are a large range of pedigree cat breeds, all with their own traits and personalities. The internet is a good source of information on all the specific breeds, and any prospective owner should carry out some research, to ensure that their breed of choice will fit into their lifestyle!

When reading about pedigree cats, be aware that there are some difference between American and British standards for the breeds. This will make no difference if you are simply looking for a beautiful pet, but will be important if you ever consider showing your cat at cat shows.

There are generally three different types of pedigree cat, relating to how long their fur is. In general, the longer the fur, the more time is required to groom the cat. Long haired cats, such as Persians, require daily grooming to prevent their coats become matted. Semi longhaired cats, such as Maine Coons, require grooming at least once a week. Short haired cats, such as Siamese, require very little grooming at all.

Most breeders will be delighted to give further information. They are keen to place their kittens with good, loving homes, and so will give unbiased advice about whether or not they consider their breed to be suitable for you.

You may be considering buying a pedigree cat to take to cat shows. Any breeder can give advice on which kittens have ‘show potential’, and which are ‘pet quality’. A ‘pet quality’ cat should always be hale, hearty and healthy, but may have minor flaws that mean it does not meet the ideal standard of the breed. In a Maine Coon, for example, its muzzle may be too pointed, or its ears on the small side – neither of these flaws in any way compromise the well-being of the cat, but do mean that it would do less well at cat shows.

Note that no breeder can ever guarantee that a kitten will be successful in cat shows – kittens change a great deal as they grow older, so a breeder can only look for potential.