Getting a cat is exciting, but it’s a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. The saying goes “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, and the same goes for cats. On average, cats live for around 15 years, so you’ve got to be prepared for this long-term commitment to looking after your furry feline friend for its whole life.

Here at Asda Money, we want to make choosing your furry friend a little easier, so we’ve put together a guide on how to pick the perfect breed for you and your lifestyle.

The Apartment Cat

If you live in a flat or in the middle of the city centre and you think you can’t get a cat, don’t worry, as there are plenty of options available. The most important thing is to choose a cat that is suited to an indoor environment.

One type of feline friend that suits the indoor lifestyle is the British Shorthair. This ‘lap cat’ is ideal for small spaces, as it’s quiet and friendly. It’s also a great breed for you if it’s your first time owning a cat! A Ragdoll Cat also adapts well to life indoors. Its gentle temperament and laid-back life means it won’t be demanding, but will still come for cuddles and plenty of playtime.

Before bringing them home, you need to make sure your home is ‘indoor cat friendly’. They’re going to need lots of space, a few scratching posts, and plenty of high places to perch. Another thing to take into consideration is your blinds. Cats love looking outside, so if you’ve got horizontal blinds that are closed, chances are they’re going to get pulled down. A great solution to this is to either open the blinds a little so there’s a gap between the window sill and the blind, or get vertical blinds to avoid any damage.

The Hypoallergenic Cat

Just because you have an allergy to cats, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should never own one. Although no cat is truly hypoallergenic, there are many that produce fewer allergens, meaning they can be tolerated by many of those with allergies. Some people think that short hair means less allergens, but this couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, there are many different factors that can affect allergen production.

According to Pet Finder, females are better for people with allergies, as males produce more allergens, in particular intact males. It’s also been said that dark cats produce more than light cats. Also, adults produce more allergens than kittens, so if you’re getting a younger cat, make sure you try being around an older version of the same breed to see how you cope. A Balinese cat is a great choice for people who suffer from allergies, as it produces a lot less Fel D1, a protein in a feline’s saliva that causes problems for some people. Another hypoallergenic candidate is the Javanese, due to its coat that doesn’t mat. Because they have less fur, this means it produces fewer allergens.

The Family Cat

Owning a cat can be a great way to teach children a variety of skills, including responsibility, patience and respect. According to Pet MD, children who grow up with a cat have better communication and social skills, as well as being more caring towards both animals and adults.

There are plenty of breeds that get on well with children, one of them being the Abyssinian. As well as being loyal and affectionate, they also love to play, providing company and friendship for your children. They love exploring and they’re very intelligent, meaning you might even be able to teach them a few tricks. If you’re worried about young kids trying to pull on a cat’s tail, then get a Manx as they don’t have one, so there’ll be no temptation there!

The Independent Cat

Many people assume that all cats are fine being left on their own because they require little attention and maintenance in comparison to dogs. It is true that some breeds are a lot more independent than others, however, certain cats require a lot more love and affection than you may think. If you have a busy schedule and you know you’ll be out of the house a lot, there are certain types of cats that will suit your lifestyle more than others.

A Persian cat could fit perfectly into your life as they’re known to be extremely independent and very calm when left on their own. An American Wirehair is also a good choice as it enjoys its own company. They’re also known to love birdwatching, so leave the curtains open so they can enjoy watching the wildlife outside. Another good point about a Wirehair is that they don’t require too much maintenance, ideal for if you have a hectic schedule. Their coat doesn’t mat, so brushing it too much can be a problem. It will only need brushing when it starts losing its fur during shedding season, which generally peaks in Spring and at the start of Autumn.

The High Maintenance Cat

Generally, cats have the reputation of being extremely low maintenance, however, for many specific breeds this couldn’t be more wrong, especially with purebred pets. From not coping with being left alone to requiring extensive grooming routines, there are many reasons as to why some cats need more attention than others.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed where beauty comes at a price. This stunning breed has a long, thick coat, originally designed to protect itself from the cold Norwegian winters. If you own one, you’ll need to spend a few minutes every other day brushing its long coat to prevent any mats or tangles. A type of kitty that you wouldn’t think needed a lot of grooming due to its lack of hair is the Sphynx. Because these lovable kitties have no hair, their skin’s natural oils can build up and collect dirt, meaning it requires weekly baths to keep clean. They also need protecting just like we do when seasons change. Make sure you get it a jumper in the winter and special sun cream in summer, as they’re prone to getting sunburned!

If you are currently looking for your perfect feline friend, there are many different options that you need to consider. For example, a pure-bred kitty will cost a lot more than a non-pedigree, so bear this in mind when searching. Also, there are many different places where you can look to find your new pet, from local reputable breeders to your nearest animal shelter. Before you pick up your new feline friend, there are plenty of things that you have to prepare, including getting the house ready, buying any essentials you may need and ensuring you’ve got pet insurance to keep them covered. Here at Asda Money we have a range of pet insurance cover types available. Find out more about Asda Money Pet Insurance here.