Pedigree Breeds

Many people do not realise that there are a huge number of pedigree breeds from which to choose. In fact, more than one hundred different pedigree breeds are available in the UK. These are divided into five basic categories by the governing authorities. These categories are

• Persians or Longhairs
• Other Longhaired Cats
• British Shorthairs
• American Shorthairs
• Foreign Shorthairs

The biggest plus when buying a pedigree cat or kitten is that you know, within certain parameters, what you are getting. There is no unknown 'baggage' from previous upsets or mishandling to worry about when you buy directly from a recognised breeder.

The trick is to select a breed whose appearance, care requirements and personality fit in with the type of pet you are looking for. Each purebred pedigree cat has their own set of characteristics and character traits.

To illustrate this point, take Siamese as a breed. A pedigree Siamese cat is highly likely to be very talkative, communicating all the time with his or her voice, and has quite specific requirements in demanding your attention most of the time. This breed can also be highly mischievous.

Another bonus of buying a pedigree cat is that you have a good idea what size the kitten will be when fully grown, as well as knowing how long the coat will grow (and thus the time you will need to take to groom your cat).

Breeders are also familiar with any health problems specific to this breed, and thus being forewarned means you can do your best to avoid conditions that may allow any inborn problems to occur.

Generations of in-breeding in some pedigrees does mean that some breeds have a greater vulnerability to genetically inherited disease, and may also be more 'highly strung', but this really does depend upon the specific pedigree breed you select. Discuss your needs openly with the breeder who will do their best to make the perfect marriage of cat and owner.