Right. I have had one cat as a child/teenager. Knowing what I know now, I don't think we kept him that responsibly, or properly, although he did OK and was very much loved. He was a corssbreed/moggy.

I have never got another cat as I know I can't replace him and he was really exceptional to me and quite a character. I have three dogs (Golden Retrievers) and have been thinking for a while I would like another cat. Primarily as a pet, but also to show. (I show my dogs)

So I need to know everything really! What books are good, if any, as a starter?

How do I find a reputable, responsible and caring breeder. (Once I decide on a breed!) Is it similar to dogs in that a good breeder gives lifelong support/advice to the new owner?

Is it best to keep cat as housecats, and if so, do they need an outside run? (we just used to let ours out when he wanted, but not sure that's the 'done' thing?!)

I do know that keeping cats entire is not quite the same as keeping dogs entire, especially queens, as I understand they can suffer pyhsical problems if allowed to call but not mated? Do toms suffer any problems if left un-neutered? Can you still show neutered/spayed cats?

Also, how on earth do people chose a breed? Are they all as different as the different dog breeds? I love Maine Coon cats, but know nothing about them other than what I have read online. So any advice regarding them or other breeds is also welcomed.

Sorry for all the questions, I hope I don't look too ignorant. I am in no rush, and like to do things properly.

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SELKCAH NORWEGIAN FOREST CATS
www.selkcahcats.co.uk

first choose your breed,they are all very different,what do you want from your cat? a quiet contented lap cat,a vocal cheeky monkey? search the breed on the internet,you should be able to find breeders in your area.Indoor cats are safer cats,rta`s,dog/children/youth attacks,straying,disease and theft are risks of outdoor roaming cats.Neautering is a good choice for males and females,females who call and are not mated run the risk of pyrometris.Males can spray in your house(very strong and hard to clean)outside runs are a safe way to let your cat get fresh air,exercise and stimulation.neutered pets can sometimes be calmer and quieter.Getting a pair is sometimes a good idea,company and playmates to each other.You could also consider a older cat,maybe a ex breeder/rescue of your chosen breed.

I'm not really an owner of pedigrees but if you had a show cat you would not want to let it out to free roam it could get stolen - you would not have to have an outside run they would be happy inside but it's nice to give them that space for fresh air.

Don't know how you ever choose a breed - go to shows and you will probably fall in love with one.

You can keep a Tom full with no health affects as far as I am aware but they do spray and are pretty smelly so would probably need a pen. I'm not sure how breeders keep their Toms - if they just let them wander the house etc?

You can show both neuters and full but they don't go against one another in competition.

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Emily



Star.


"Cat people are different to the extent that they generally are not conformists - How could they be with a cat running their lives?"

Hi Jackson why don't you go to a catshow near to you,so you can see the many breeds as well as talk,ask questions etc to breeders and take things from theirTry and put onto paper or your pc what you want in the character of your cat,then color etc

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Dogs have owners, Cats have slaves

Burnthwaites Siamese

Thanks, that is a good idea. Where would I find a cat show near me?

I think I'd like a more outgoing cat, as although I can't replace my boy, he was outgoing and very trainable. From what I can gather, the Maine Coon is quite an outoging, fun cat, but I am open to other breeds and might change my mind if I visit a show!

Thanks for the replies.

I love my moggies BUT if i was going to go into breeding or showing I would go for the following breeds purely cos i love them
Main Coon
Norweigens
Turkish vans
Bengals
Ragdoll
and Eygyptian man
Yes there is a few and i'd probably end up with one of each but it is a hard decision
Have fun choosing hun xx

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Pets name: Sapphire
Adopt your own!

Please click my pup xx

I've always had moggies in the past

Got my first pedigrees recently, decided to go for the Ragdoll breed as they have wonderfull personalities and everything about them fits in with my lifestyle..

Did loads of research before getting them though..

You're best going to some cat shows or an official website for a cat club where you can get a feel for the different breeds out there

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Whatever you get, get two, they're even more hilarious than the dogs when they get going! Our two are excellent entertainment!!

I agree get two if you want a talkative cat get Siamese or Oriental

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Mazpahs Siamese & Orientals