Raising a cat requires patience, but different breeds have different characteristics. For novice cat owners, overly individualistic cats can be difficult to manage. So, what kind of cat is suitable for beginners? What breed is best for first-time cat owners? Below, we've compiled a list of ten cat breeds that are easiest for beginners to care for, including: American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Siamese. While these breeds are generally gentle and adaptable, it's still essential to create a comfortable environment for your feline companion to ensure their healthy growth!
1. American Shorthair cat
What breed of cat is best for first-time cat owners? The American Shorthair, also known as the American Shorthair Tabby, is highly recommended. It was developed by Americans by combining European cats with native American cats. It's a traditional breed of domestic cat and a large breed among shorthaired cats, with over 30 coat colors, among which the silver tabby is particularly prized. American Shorthairs have an average lifespan of 15-20 years and are known for their robust build, strong bones, well-developed muscles, intelligence, and gentle temperament. They are not prone to temper tantrums or excessive meowing, and have strong immune systems, rarely getting sick, resulting in the lowest veterinary costs. They are one of the most suitable cat breeds for beginners and were selected as one of the best cat breeds in the United States in 1971.
2. Exotic Shorthair cat
The Exotic Shorthair is a hybrid breed developed by American breeders through crossbreeding the American Shorthair and Persian cats. Garfield cats belong to this breed, and they have a lifespan of 10-15 years. This breed is very common in the United States and is gradually gaining popularity in Europe. Besides its dense fur, the Exotic Shorthair retains the unique cute expression and round body shape of the Persian cat. Its temperament is also similar to that of a Persian cat—gentle, affectionate, and quite clingy, so owner attention is very important. Exotic Shorthairs are robust and not prone to disease. Generally, they should be brushed weekly, but their eyes should be cleaned daily. Overall, they are a very suitable cat for first-time cat owners.
3. British Shorthair cat
The British Shorthair is an ancient cat breed, its history dating back to domestic cats in ancient Rome. With a long breeding history, it can be considered a model of the cat family. Its average lifespan is 15-20 years, and its average weight is 4-8 kg. The British Shorthair has a round, plump body, short, thick limbs, short, dense fur, a large head and round face, and is gentle, calm, friendly, and very easy to care for. Its fur is also easy to groom. More importantly, its extensive breeding history has resulted in a healthier body and a more docile temperament, and it is very capable of self-care.
4. Ragdoll cat
The Ragdoll cat, also known as the "Ragdoll," originated in the United States. It is a hybrid breed of pet cat and one of the largest and heaviest cat breeds in existence, with an average lifespan of 17.5 years. Ragdolls are known for their beauty, elegance, and dog-like temperament, earning them the nicknames "fairy cat" or "puppy cat." They are affectionate towards their owners and require constant companionship. Ragdolls are bold, seemingly fearless, and have a high pain tolerance, making them very tolerant of children's play, making them ideal family pets. Furthermore, most Ragdolls keep their fur impeccably clean, requiring minimal grooming.
5. Chinese civet cat
The Li Hua cat originated in China and is a breed that has survived through natural selection over thousands of years. It is very popular because of its beautiful, thick fur, healthy body, ease of care, and excellent mouse-catching ability. Li Hua cats have independent personalities, love exercise, and are very sensitive to changes in their environment. They are highly dependent on their owners, and their lifespan is generally between 13 and 17 years. However, neutered males and females can live 1-2 years longer than the average.
6. Chinchilla cat
What cat breed is suitable for a novice female cat owner? The Chinchilla cat is a good choice. The name Chinchilla originally refers to a type of squirrel, and its ancestors are Angora and Persian cats. It is a unique cat breed developed through years of careful artificial breeding, often referred to as a "man-made cat" in the cat-keeping community. Its lifespan is around 12-18 years. They are the aristocrats of the cat world, with a gentle and elegant temperament, intelligence, agility, and a quiet nature. They are quiet and reserved, with a high-pitched, melodious voice, love to be pampered, and have graceful manners, giving them a luxurious and noble appearance. Chinchilla cats are robust and agile, rarely get sick, are not picky eaters, have a gentle temperament, and are not very expensive. They do require regular grooming and the use of special shampoos and conditioners.
7. Siamese cat
The Siamese cat is a world-renowned short-haired cat and a representative breed of short-haired cats. Originating in Siam (now Thailand), hence its name, it is considered an affordable and easy-to-care-for cat. Siamese cats adapt well to their owner's local climate, and are known for their spirited, active, intelligent, curious, and empathetic nature. They are relatively easy to care for and groom. With proper care, a Siamese cat can live 12-20 years. However, they require constant affection and attention from their owners, are extremely loyal and devoted, and may die of depression if forcibly separated from their owners.
8. Scottish Fold cat
The Scottish Fold is a breed of cat with a genetic mutation that causes ear deformities. It gets its name from the fold in its ear cartilage, as it was originally discovered in Scotland. Their lifespan is 10-16 years. Scottish Folds are prone to congenital orthopedic conditions and often sit upright to relieve pain. They enjoy human companionship and express themselves through this uniquely peaceful manner. While considered a prestigious breed, the Scottish Fold inherits the hardy nature of its ancestors and has a strong ability to adapt to different environments. It is not picky about its living conditions, but its owner still needs to provide a comfortable environment.
9. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon, named after its origin in Maine, USA, is the first naturally occurring long-haired cat breed in North America, becoming a more stable breed around the mid-18th century. Maine Coons are robust, with thick fur, resembling the Siberian Forest Cat in appearance, and are among the larger breeds of cat. They are gentle, affectionate, intelligent, independent, and understanding, making excellent pets. Their average lifespan is around 15 years, and their average weight is 15-25 kg. They are stubborn, brave, and intelligent, preferring solitude but able to get along well with people, making them wonderful pets. This article recommends them to first-time cat owners.
10. Burmese cat
Burmese cats are known for their round heads; whether viewed from the front or side, their heads and tails are perfectly round and plump. They were developed in the early 1930s by American scientist Dr. Joseph Thomson. They have a relatively long lifespan, generally 16-18 years, and some even longer. The ideal Burmese cat is one with a black and brown coat, and all Burmese cats have yellow eyes. Burmese cats are relatively easy to care for, and they are very docile and lively, with soft voices, a humorous and expressive nature, and are brave, intelligent, and affectionate. They also love playing in water and are generally not afraid of baths.
