| Given that adopting a cat is a significant | | | | need to be sedated to have their coats clipped, |
| commitment - they live for an average of 15 | | | | so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to |
| years - it makes sense to learn more about cat | | | | be a priority for Persian owners. |
| breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular | | | | The Siberian cat, or croshca, is another long haired |
| purebreds are the Siamese and the Persian, | | | | feline. It requires less grooming than the Persian, |
| although both of these have characteristics that | | | | and needs to be brushed only two or three times |
| may make them unsuitable choices for some | | | | a week instead of daily. Their coat is different |
| people. Fortunately, there are a large number of | | | | too. Surviving in the deep cold of a Russian |
| other breeds to choose from, many of them less | | | | winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil |
| well known. Two of these less recognized breeds | | | | coat. Siberian cats are very playful, and |
| actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, | | | | affectionate. Like the Siamese, they grow very |
| as they have a low-allergy coat and are generally | | | | attached to their owners, so this is something to |
| well tolerated. | | | | keep in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian |
| Although not as popular as they once were, | | | | is one possibility for those with cat allergies, as |
| Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good | | | | their coats are believed to be hypoallergenic. |
| reason. They are extremely beautiful and | | | | Devon rex cats are another option for those |
| intelligent, although modern breeding practices | | | | allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, |
| have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards an | | | | slightly crinkly coat that sheds very little. The coat |
| overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very | | | | itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned however - |
| vocal, however, which can be a problem for | | | | devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. |
| some people, as they may be a little bit | | | | They are also very fond of food, and have been |
| determined in putting their views across. This is | | | | known to be quite resourceful in finding it even |
| not a cat for the owner who doesn't have a lot | | | | when hidden away. The devon rex is very |
| of time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are | | | | affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that |
| very people-oriented. They love attention, and | | | | will follow you around and 'help' with chores. |
| they love interacting with their owners. They will | | | | Feline breeds all have their own distinctive |
| follow them from room to room, and are | | | | characteristics. This is something to keep in mind |
| naturally very curious and mischievous when | | | | as you learn about cat breeds before you buy. |
| bored. | | | | Do you have children or other pets? How much |
| Unlike Siamese, Persian cats are very | | | | time do you want to spend with a cat, and does |
| even-tempered. They get along well with other | | | | your work schedule allow it? Getting two cats |
| dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat | | | | together (if you don't already have one) is never |
| households. They also tolerate children well. The | | | | a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. |
| biggest drawback - and also their most striking | | | | But some cats still demand more of their humans |
| feature - is their amazing coat. A Persian's coat | | | | than others do, though they often give at least |
| needs daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats | | | | as much back. |