What breed of cat is the Best?

Question

Our male Ragdoll recently died, and we know we'll never replace him, but I'm wondering:

Since dogs are known to carry certain behaviorisms based upon their breed, wouldn't this apply to cats, as well?

We favor having only one cat, preferably male, and would have him declawed. There are no children in the home, so this guy will be spoiled. What suggestions might you have?

Answer 1

Certainly some behavioral traits are common to a breed. More often this can be traced to the parenting of the mother cat and the selection of breeding stock with those expected traits than any naturally occurring features.

Since you are into Ragdolls, I would suggest getting a Siberian. They are definitely my favorite breed (I'll be adopting my second at the end of the year). They are fluffy, big and lovable and come in all colors of the rainbow including solids, tabbies, calicos and colorpoints. They are a hardy, "natural" cat breed, and are often described as having "dog-like" personalities. They can be somewhat expensive since they have only been available in the US since 1991, but their popularity is growing fast.

I've been able to find a few breeders in Florida. Send them an e-mail and ask if they screen for HCM (really the only hereditary disease that Siberians are known to have), and if they'll allow you to come visit the cattery. Siberians are known to be less allergenic and so it's pretty common for prospective breeders to have an in-home "allergy test." This is a great way for you to get to see the cattery and the kittens you may be bringing home. Some may charge a fee, so be sure to ask.

http://www.siberian-purrs.com/

http://www.chaikasiberians.com/

http://www.siberiancat.net/

http://www.siberiancats.com/

http://www.lillypalmsiberians.com/

Answer 2

Hi there... certain behavioural characteristics also apply to each breed of cat.  However, it's important to note that this isn't always the case as it is as individual as the cat which also is affected by lifestyle environment.  Even ragdoll kittens from the same litter can turn out to be quite different from one another in personalities.  Probably the best example to use is to think about human twins.  Both are identical in nearly every way, have the same parents, have the same primary environment... yet can be so opposite in personalities.