Skip to main content

Wondering which kitten breed to get? Try this simple tool

Current and prospective pet parents often talk about dog breeds. Some, like Labrador Retrievers, are affectionate and love physical activities like fetch and swimming. Chihuahuas are spirited and love exercising and lounging in our lap.

We don’t necessarily talk about cat breeds in the same way. Cats are cats, right? Not necessarily. There are more than 40 cat breeds, including Siamese cats, Maine Coons, and American Shorthairs. They have distinct looks, grooming needs, personalities, and unfortunately, increased risks of specific health problems.

Of course, every cat is unique and may not have every personality trait their breed is known for, but reading up on breeds before adopting a kitten is a good idea. What kitten breed should you get? It depends on various factors, including your lifestyle and home setup. Here’s what to know before you welcome a new furry friend into your home.

a kitten sitting on a woven chair
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to choose a kitten

Choosing the right kitten is a big decision. You’re bringing home a new best friend who will rely on you for food, shelter, and companionship, potentially for more than a decade (and maybe two decades). Here are some factors to consider before deciding on “the one.”

Research breeds

Breed is not the be-all and end-all determining factors of a cat’s personality, health, or needs. However, it can give you a feel for what to expect. For example, long-haired kitties will likely need more grooming than short-haired ones. Maine Coons are large cat breeds and might require a high-protein diet. Understanding these needs can help you figure out if you have the time and budget to care for a specific type of cat.

Lifestyle

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends thinking about how you live and what type of cat would do best in your home. For example:

  • After accounting for work and your social life, do you have time in your schedule to dedicate to a cat that craves attention?
  • Do you have lots of space for an active kitten to play, and when they grow into an adult cat?
  • Who will care for your cat if you are away or sick?
  • Do you have other animals or children in the home that the cat will have to, at the very least, peacefully co-exist with?

Personality

Logistics aside, you’ll want to bring home a kitten who will be a forever friend. Personality plays a huge role. Ask yourself:

  • Would you prefer a high-energy cat who loves to play or a more laidback one?
  • Are you hoping for an independent feline or one who loves curling up in your lap whenever possible?
  • Do you want to be able to show your kitty off when you entertain guests or are you cool if they head up to their cat cave when you have company?

Health

Caring for a special-needs cat can be very rewarding. However, often when someone adopts a kitten, they’re looking for one with a clean bill of health. It’s OK if that’s what you desire. According to the AVMA, signs of a healthy cat include:

  • Bright eyes
  • A shiny coat
  • Not too thin or overweight
  • No nasal discharge
  • No diarrhea

A vet on staff can also give you information on health issues the specific breed of kitten you are looking at may have down the road.

a closeup of a siamese cat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

But really: What kitten breed should you get? This tool helps

Going in with an idea of what kitten breed would be best for your lifestyle can help you narrow down your choices. Purina has a short, simple selector tool that can help you learn more about your preferences and find your perfect match.

The tool asks you a series of questions about your preferences for a cat. For example:

  • How energetic would your cat be? (Relaxed, moderate, or playful)
  • How vocal would your cat be? (Rarely makes a peep, very vocal, or occasional meowing)
  • What personality traits would you prefer? (Playful, good with other pets, independent, good with children, calm, and affectionate).

Once you complete the quiz, Purina will recommend a cat breed for you based on your answers. Consider it your matchmaker, but for a cat.

Choose your cat breed wisely

There are more than 40 cat breeds out there, and each has unique traits and needs. Learning more about the different cat breeds can help you choose the right kitten for you. That said, the breed isn’t the only factor you’ll want to consider when choosing a cat. Remember, no two cats are alike, even if they are the same breed. Some are more active than others. Some kitties are highly social, and others are shy. Considering your lifestyle and personality preferences is important before choosing a kitten. Many shelters and breeders will allow you to meet a kitten before deciding to bring them home. These meet-and-greets will give you a better idea of whether or not a cat is the best fit for your home than any breed description will. Purina’s breed selector tool will recommend a breed, but it is best used in conjunction with all your other preferences.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
8 autumn Instagram pet photographs that will get you excited for the gorgeous season ahead
Fall Instagram pet photos sweeter than a pumpkin spice latte
a dog and woman cuddling on fall woodland walk

Fall is such a fun and inspirational time of year. Nature offers up some awesome colors as leaves turn from lush green to stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange. Farm fields are dotted with orange pumpkins, and people and pets get to dress up for Halloween. It’s the perfect season for taking photos of your pet. We scoured social media. Here are our favorite autumn Instagram pet photos.

Dogs falling for autumn on Instagram
These pups have an extra pep in their steps as the seasons change. They're dressing up, winding down, and taking scenic routes.

Read more
The 6 biggest myths about Chihuahuas, debunked once and for all
Chihuahua fact or fiction? Here's the truth behind 6 common myths about these small dogs
A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop

Chihuahuas are a small breed with a big personality. Some have a Napoleon complex — they totally think they can take on the mail carrier, and they will threaten to do so. Purebred Chihuahuas don’t exceed 6 pounds, so their valiant efforts can be more comedic than anything. Their reputation as an opinionated, snuggly, and incredibly loyal breed precedes them, and more than a few dog owners dream of being a Chihuahua's favorite person.
However, not every part of their reputation is true, and there are more than a few myths about these lovable dogs. We’re debunking them and giving you straight Chihuahua facts.

Myth 1: Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise
This statement is one of the biggest Chihuahua myths. Though the breed is small, Chihuahuas are full of energy and need stimulation. Any dog can become overweight, and Chihuahuas are particularly prone to obesity. Physical activity is one way to keep your Chihuahua healthy. While they don’t need as much physical activity as a larger breed, such as a Labrador Retriever, they need frequent exercise. About 30 minutes of walking and playing per day should do, and it’s a great way to bond. Some dogs may need more or less, depending on their age and overall health. Talk to your vet.

Read more
These national parks are stunning in the fall – and allow your dog to visit, too
These 4 beautiful national parks have pet-friendly attractions
Couple looking at map on fall trail with dog.

With cooler fall temperatures just around the corner, pet parents dream of taking their dogs on long outdoor adventures. Some might even be planning pet-friendly getaways. Autumn is certainly a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy nature, and where better to do this than in a U.S. national park? Many of these wonderful parks are pet-friendly. Here we highlight four national parks that are incredible in the fall and perfect for both of you.

Are dogs allowed in national parks?
The good news is that most national parks do allow pets in some areas and under certain conditions. Only a few deny pets in all parts of the park — so you can easily plan an outing or vacation for you and your four-legged friend. However, it's important to follow the rules, especially when it comes to hiking and wildlife. The National Park Service uses the acronym B.A.R.K. to sum up the four basic principles you should follow while in the parks with your pets. It stands for:

Read more