Topic: Information needed (Read 6903 times)

Topsy Turvey · « **Reply #32 on:** January 29, 2009, 20:18:15 PM »

I agree totally with Gillian and Sheryl. My lot are very people orientated and enjoy attention from family and visitors. Summer is a guy kind of cat. She loves our male family and friends

. Skye is a little tart and loves rolling around on the floor for strokes and showing her tummy to everyone

. Smartie will be on visitors knees in a flash!

I've never had any problems with toiletting with any of them (including my bridge babe Sasha) and all in all I've been owned by a persian (or two or three) for over ten years.

One eye problem - Skye who doesn't have a very flat face as she is pet quality but that was a scratch rather than eye infection.

Summer and Smartie who are show quality, no problems with eyes. Summer did inhale a piece of grass and have to have it removed but the vet infomed me that this was not an uncommon as you would expect even with moggies.

Zenith (Liz) · « **Reply #31 on:** January 29, 2009, 17:11:26 PM »

Thanks Gill (sneakiefeline)

My two like climbing but not excessively so. A favourite perch is the top post of their cat tree

sheryl · « **Reply #30 on:** January 29, 2009, 14:40:23 PM »

My 2 Persians Amber and Bina (Rip sweethearts) were defiantely not aloof - they were both cuddly and affectionate and soooo full of character. Amber had a few issues with her eyes becuase her little face was very flat but Bina had more of a proper little nose and had no problems at all. Neither of them had accidents and used their tray like "proper ladies"
Amber used to sit and stroke my hair and face with her little paws and snuggle up with her head under my chin and Bina would follow us around like a little dog.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #29 on:** January 29, 2009, 14:30:23 PM »

Think you are both describing a different species of Persian to the ones I know LOL! Come to my house and Jasper will be up on the arm of the chair trying to touch your face with his paw, Zeta or Lulu would probably be up on your lap, Joe will overcome his initial shyness and curiosity will get the better of him and he'll have to come over and check you out

. My Suzie and Gypsy (RIP) would have been greeting you at the door, Gypsy would be on your lap before you'd even sat down LOL!

In the evening, watching telly I have at least 2 on my lap, during the day at the computer there is usually one on my lap and I can't do a thing in the kitchen without their furry little faces being shoved in mine

and at bedtime there will be at least 7 sleeping on the bed. Gypsy used to sleep under the duvet with her head on the pillow

Aloof? - I don't think so

caledonia · « **Reply #28 on:** January 29, 2009, 11:13:19 AM »

Quote from: tillywilly on January 29, 2009, 09:59:09 AM

On the other hand i have had 3 persians, 2 died from kidney disease (as is the breed trait) and suffered with their health ie snotty eyes and noses. They were irresponsibly breed in my opinion (this was years ago) and Iam sure breeders are much more responsible now and not obessed about how flat their little faces are. Compared to my Raggie I never had that unconditional love from my persians they were always aloof and wanted things on their terms-typical cat. Also one of my Persians never wanted to do her poos in the litter!

Thats a fair observation actually - my friend has four Persians and I am at her house at least weekly and they never come anywhere near me - or anyone for that matter! One of the cats is a bit more affectionate but they do really do their own thing. Whereas my Raggie boy is so sociable when I have visitors - my best friend was down last night and the whole night Edgar had the dilema of who to sit next to ...so he took it in turns , perching at various points alongside both of us!

tillywilly · « **Reply #27 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:59:09 AM »

Hi

I have a little lady Ragdoll (- my picture) and she is wonderful, I love her to bits, she is my constant companion, she never stops talking, she likes playing and lovely natured, There are no health related issues with breed. She does need grooming though. I would recommend the breed whole heartedly.

On the other hand i have had 3 persians, 2 died from kidney disease (as is the breed trait) and suffered with their health ie snotty eyes and noses. They were irresponsibly breed in my opinion (this was years ago) and Iam sure breeders are much more responsible now and not obessed about how flat their little faces are. Compared to my Raggie I never had that unconditional love from my persians they were always aloof and wanted things on their terms-typical cat. Also one of my Persians never wanted to do her poos in the litter!

Saw a Maine coon the other day lovely I believe they like climing trees!!

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #26 on:** January 29, 2009, 00:21:33 AM »

well I have a list of breeders that I have arranged a visit with over the next few months, mostly NFC and MC and one Raggie, waiting to hear back from others

Also going to a TICA show at Brigg just to look, not taking the boys, and am going to be at Humberside show in March with my twobut can still look around, Mum will be with me at both

working out what other shows to go to that will have those breeds... can't get to the NFC show in feb as chocablock with Drs appointments

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2009, 00:09:40 AM »

Z they are just gorgeous

Zenith (Liz) · « **Reply #24 on:** January 28, 2009, 21:27:04 PM »

I contacted a few rescues initially looking for any kind of cats but the two who got back to me didn't have any suitable for rehoming indoors.

My two are NFC's, only 11 months old and wont ever be as large as Lotties cats but I love them.

They're super intelligent, they basically taught themselves 'Sit' and sometimes 'Kiss' and 'beg' on command for treats, or praise (Kiss is a funny one if they have wet noses

)

I took this video about ten minutes ago to show them off

As soon as they weighed enough to open doors they started to so thats something to be wary of at 2am in the morning, and 3:30, 4:15 5:30 etc

Here they are

Mia's finally looking fluffier than in this photo of her

Kirst · « **Reply #23 on:** January 28, 2009, 20:09:07 PM »

Quote

Mine do get quite upset sometimes and that can make mine nip and Franta is a gripper

Ah , forgot to mention both of mine nipped when they wanted something. Beavis has a foot fetish and Oscar went for any exposed flesh - you NEVER left the loo door open when he was about!

Millys Mum · « **Reply #22 on:** January 28, 2009, 19:41:40 PM »

What area are you in? There may be a rescue on purrs willing to home as indoor but if your building a run then its not really an indoor home, that may make your local rescues more interested? Outdoor air with safety

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #21 on:** January 28, 2009, 18:13:45 PM »

Quote from: Reynard on January 28, 2009, 14:54:29 PM

Other interesting semi-longhaired breeds that may be worth looking into are the Tiffanie (effectively a longhaired Asian / Burmilla), Oriental Longhair, Balinese, Turkish Van (wouldn't recommend one though, they're notorious for biting) and LaPerm.

Once you start delving into it, there are lots of gorgeous breeds that come into the semi long hair category, but I think what you need to think about here is what sort of temperament you are after. I would't say that the breeds you've mentioned are necessarily placid and laid back, but the foreign type breeds are generally much livelier and they have a more slender build. Balinese, for example, are basically long haired siamese and have much of the siamese temperament. Same with Somalis - they are essentially long haired abyssinians and they have tend to have the temperament and build of an Abyssinian.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #20 on:** January 28, 2009, 15:29:43 PM »

No toiletting issues with my two birmans, except when Franta decided to punish me for something

Mine do get quite upset sometimes and that can make mine nip and Franta is a gripper

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #19 on:** January 28, 2009, 15:16:23 PM »

Friend of mine has 2 norwegian forest cats and 1 birman.

The two nfc are both boys and the birman is a girl. The boys are very sweet though the youngest doesn't come up to new people where the older one will and likes to lick fingers.

The Birman is very laid back and cleans all the other cats um, so there is furball issues there

We love visiting as all the cats are great to play with.

caledonia · « **Reply #18 on:** January 28, 2009, 15:04:29 PM »

Quote from: Reynard on January 28, 2009, 14:54:29 PM

Other interesting semi-longhaired breeds that may be worth looking into are the Tiffanie (effectively a longhaired Asian / Burmilla), Oriental Longhair, Balinese, Turkish Van (wouldn't recommend one though, they're notorious for biting) and LaPerm.

Oh Balinese - how could I forger to mention my beloved Balinese - my first boy Bertie was a Balinese rescue and maybe I was just very very lucky but I cannot fault his temprement, nature, behaviour, self cleaning, anything.....he was the perfect cat

. OCD with cleaning himself so never a dirty bum and the coast is just so easy to look after and they are just a delight!!

I am biased however!

Reynard · « **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2009, 14:54:29 PM »

Just to add my tuppence-worth as a show exhibitor...

If you are planning on showing your ped as a ped (i.e. you get a kitten / cat from a breeder with full paperwork), you'll need to bear in mind that some breeds cannot be shown with some organisations. Best check that if it's going to be an issue, since most shows in your neck of the woods are GCCF. AFAIK Siberians are still at the Assessment stage.

If you like the Persian temperament and conformation but not the flat face, how about a Selkirk Rex? They come in both longhair and shorthair and a real rainbow of colours.

With respect to Maine Coons, the red-series cats (red tabbies, smokes, shadeds etc) seem to be the ones that grow to the biggest size.

Other interesting semi-longhaired breeds that may be worth looking into are the Tiffanie (effectively a longhaired Asian / Burmilla), Oriental Longhair, Balinese, Turkish Van (wouldn't recommend one though, they're notorious for biting) and LaPerm.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2009, 14:09:15 PM »

Quote from: madkittyrescue on January 28, 2009, 08:01:07 AM

Re Persians, I used to be in the same kind of boat and never fancied one at all as, like you wasn't keen on flat faced cats or dogs. howver that said, since Belle, our rescue persian came to live with us it has completely changed my attitude towards them and I find her to be very cute at times and her temperament and character are fantastic. Not to mention she is one of the most loving cats we have.

Here, here! can't beat the persian characters, but then I'm biased LOL! Belle is lovely by the way, looks bit like my Joe.

Quote from: Indys Mamma on January 27, 2009, 20:41:58 PM

I don't like the breathing noise I heard from the extreme persians I saw at a show, and I have yet to find the more pointy faced ones readily available... I have to admit that I don't like flat faces in any animal (owls freak me out lol)

Now, you certainly couldnt say that my Gwynnie has a flat face - shorter than your average mog true, but not extreme, her breeders don't believe in breeding extreme persians (and they also win quite well at shows too despite that)

Quote from: caledonia on January 28, 2009, 08:26:13 AM

Certainly Vicky Hall makes a lot of comments and gives a lot of case studies about toileting problems with Birmans in multi cat households and also Persians - I do not know if this is true (well my friend with four Persians does have an issue sometimes with her girl)

Persians are no more likely to have toileting issues than any cat - its down to the individual cat (enviornment, socialisation etc, etc), not whether they are pedigree - persian, raggie whatever. This is a myth!

caledonia · « **Reply #15 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:26:13 AM »

Hi there - well figured I should throw in my tuppence given I have a Maine Coon and Ragdoll (both rescues) and a Siberian little lady.

Maine Coons - I cant comment as much on Maine Coons as Oscar is an elderly gent and shows it. What I will say is that he is not that big and every time I go to the Vet he talks about the fact that everyone thinks Maine Coons are massive but in his 40 odd years experiance (obviously only recently with Maine Coons) he has only found the odd one or two are massive and most are average - certainly Oscar is smaller than his ragdoll brother. Oscar is gentle and happy to be picked up but is not a lap cat in anyway and really keeps himself to himself - however he is old and only one cat so I cant comment for the whole breed.

Ragdolls - interesting that folk find them laid back! lol!

Hmmmmmm one word for ragdolls imho- demanding!! ok maybe two words - demanding and comedians! I rehomed Edgar through UKRCC who have a lot of rescues for rehoming who may suit you, they also have lots and lots of info on the ragdoll breed and explain how demanding they are. I had a Balinese cat before and he was demanding but Ragdolls really do like to be with you at all times which is fine but I can see the look of sheer disgust on his face when I am with one of the other cats. He is also quite vocal...not a meow, more just a chirrup. He does get on great with other cats, has no predatory instincts at all - when the birds are at the bird feeder he tends to get a fright and run away. Same when the laser pen comes out. Ragdolls are gentle gentle cats - he has never hissed, struck out, scratch - nothing not even when he came to me with really knotted fur that took weeks to get in good condition - he would rather run away than lash out. My best friend also has two raggies - again very demanding and talkative but we both like it that way lol!!

Ragdolls certainly accept other cats well if they are used to them in my experiance but if you check out the UKRCC as I said they have loads of info.

I just thought I would add a wee word about Siberians - since I also have Nina. I realise Nina is a kitten so not as she will be as a mature adult but she is very playful, loves to jump and can jump increadibly high, is very much a lap cat and although she is long haired she sheds hardly anything which is one of the features of the breed.When I groom the boys I get loads of loose fur off them even when it is done daily - with Nina there is hardly anything. They shed twice a year and I would say as much as I love grooming, I dont love the shedding that can come with long haired cats. Siberians have a lovely nature and so far, from what I have read on the internet seem to have less issues in multi cat household as some other breeds - Certainly Vicky Hall makes a lot of comments and gives a lot of case studies about toileting problems with Birmans in multi cat households and also Persians - I do not know if this is true (well my friend with four Persians does have an issue sometimes with her girl) but have no experiance of Birmans ( so please don't shoot me down in flames!!) other than what Vicky Hall stipulates. A lot of Ragdolls can have this issue also - my friend has it with hers - and the UKRCC sometimes has cats with toileting issues but I have had no issues with mine and often sadly thats what leads to cats going into rescues and it settles down once whatever was causing stress passes.

I hope you find what you are looking for and I would say pop along to a cat show as others have stipulated. Vicky Hall does have a short section on pedigrees in her new book and what the breeders dont tell you - which stiupulates common behavioural and medical problems but at the end of the day it is often down to the luck of the draw. So far so good with my three and two of them are rescues - which meant I knew a lot about their characters before I got them - something to maybe consider if they are coming to a hosue with other cats already

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #14 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:04:40 AM »

Best thing is to go to several cat shows (try to go to large shows if you can) - maybe one per breed you're interested in - and spend the time looking at all the examples of that breed, talking to different breeders about their purrsonality etc.

I think Ragdolls are very laid back. That is the attraction for a lot of people but, while I think they are lovely cats, they are perhaps a bit on the placid side for me.

madkittyrescue · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:01:07 AM »

I think with ragdolls, it can be the 'look' that they give you that makes them seem a little dim. Personally I love Raggies adn Birmans their natures are fantastic and they are perfect as indoor cats. They still take the daft half hour but are very chilled and laid back.

If you are thinking of the NFC route then maybe Lottie (Team Svartelheims) can give you some advice as she breeds them.

Re Persians, I used to be in the same kind of boat and never fancied one at all as, like you wasn't keen on flat faced cats or dogs. howver that said, since Belle, our rescue persian came to live with us it has completely changed my attitude towards them and I find her to be very cute at times and her temperament and character are fantastic. Not to mention she is one of the most loving cats we have.

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2009, 01:14:00 AM »

thanks for all the info so far

I am leaning towards NFCs at the moment, or Ragdoll... but I don't know if this is correct but all the Raggies I have met were on the dim side... almost appeared stoned. Very happy and friendly and sweet, but not quite up to speed.

Aaanyways, we have now bought the lumber for the pen which is going to be around 13ftx18ft (not actually measured it yet) and once that is built going to look at slowly replacing the entire gardens fencing and gates to catproof that, which gives 1 tree and 750ft square (ish) with some small shrubs etc too, though mostly grass, so space for a bigger cat is no problem. Also the house is rarely warmer than 12-19 degC in winter or summer, we like it cooler and will put a jumper on rather than heating... we claim it is 'being green' rather than cheapskates lol, but oil has gone up a ton in price.

Oh yeah, also liking that NFCs like water as we have a fountain in the yard that they could play in and Indy likes paddling too, fascinated by water ripples

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #11 on:** January 28, 2009, 01:04:43 AM »

Yes Franta is a shouter and so is his bro Ducha, both birmans.

I have only had them 3 years and they are 15 years plus old. but they want attention attention attention and do not like other cats having some rather than them. Very jealous is Franta.

They are fairly small cats but have long bodys and Franta is a lap cat and think Ducha would be but he cant get comfortable with having only one back leg, so he is a head cat.......sigh.

I love how the birmans look and they are supposed to be very intelligent but can act really stupid with other cats and dont know if its just these two but they do not have the same cat language as other cats, so instead of slow blinking they stare and my two other cats dont like them.

I dont think I would have another birman and if I ever had another cat it would be a rescue, like all 4 of mine are.

I think its hard cos all cats even the same breeds are different and my brother has a Maine Coon who is a real scaredy cat when it comes to new people and although he likes other cats outside he hates the one he lives with!

Maine Coon and NFCs are the two biggest breeds and I think they need space to roam and go for walks and Lottie who breeds NFCs will be able to give you chapter and verse and they do not like being in the warmth of a house very much, I remember her saying.

If you wanna know anything else about my birmans just ask

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2009, 21:11:26 PM »

Quote from: blackcat on January 27, 2009, 19:31:20 PM

Well Somalis are certainly active and funloving ...

They sure are

sixfurballs · « **Reply #9 on:** January 27, 2009, 20:45:44 PM »

I adopted 2 DLH from CPL late last year. They were described to me as semi-longhairs as they had been in such a bad condition they had lost most of their coats and the rest had to be shaved. The CPL just didn't know what their coats would be like. When I got them they had very short hair everywhere but their mane and even their tails were skinny. I had gone looking for one long hair but just fell so in love with these 2 girls and their sad story. I had been reading up on long hair breeds before I went looking to adopt just as general research.

There is no way of knowing what the girls background is as their previous owner is dead. From what I've read of the breeds I'm pretty certain there is a fair bit of Norwegian Forest Cat in them. They have the build, strength, climbing ability and personality traits described in the sites and books.

They are the most laid back cats with a huge amount of love to give. They settled into this household with the greatest ease and were the easiest intros I have ever done. They are great with my children and other cats. Their winter coats have well and truly come in and they are very dense on top and require a lot of grooming (which at 3 years old they have clearly never had before as not at all used to it). I've yet to see how bad the shed will be come spring time.

They do love to climb and ramble about so needs lots of height and places to go. They do however also love the comfort of home and are extremely happy to just curl up on a lap. Neither of my girls like to be picked up or carried and I wonder if that is something to do with their weight and muscular frame - Purdey is 6kg and Lexie is 5kg.

I'm sure there was something else I meant to tell you but can't for the life of me think what it was now!

He He - just remembered! - you mentioned playing. Lexie and Purdey clearly had never seen a toy before or had a clue what to do with one. They didn't have any idea what was going on when we showed them toys or wanted them to play.Hhowever, from watching the other cats and us encouraging them they now join in the fun. They particularly like the play mice and Lexie's favourite game is to find a twig in the garden and spend hours throwing it round and chewing on it.

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2009, 20:41:58 PM »

I don't like the breathing noise I heard from the extreme persians I saw at a show, and I have yet to find the more pointy faced ones readily available... I have to admit that I don't like flat faces in any animal (owls freak me out lol)

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2009, 20:35:44 PM »

Quote from: Indys Mamma on January 27, 2009, 19:20:44 PM

Anyway I have decided that I want a longhaired cat as I love grooming animals, I find it relaxing for both me and them and I bond on a very special level,

I may get a bit of flack for this but I don't particularly want a Persian, don't dislike them, just not after one.

You love grooming - sounds to me like a persian is EXACTLY what you want LOL!

Kirst · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2009, 20:30:45 PM »

Well I've had two Birmans - they can be very funloving as kittens but chill out more as big cats and are also renowned for being indoor cats and are not too prone to wandering!

However they can be very Gobby (well Beavis can and I belive Gill's Franta has his moments!).

Topsy Turvey · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2009, 20:19:14 PM »

Quote from: Indys Mamma on January 27, 2009, 19:20:44 PM

I may get a bit of flack for this but I don't particularly want a Persian, don't dislike them, just not after one.

Oh you've huffed me now.

Persian's are FAB! They are everything you have stated below but if they're not your cup of tea then that's fine.

Good on you for doing your research. I'm sure whatever breed you decide to get will be a great addition to your family x

blackcat · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2009, 19:31:20 PM »

Well Somalis are certainly active and funloving ...

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2009, 19:28:33 PM »

I want a girl who is active and fun loving (to keep up with Indy) but gentle and loving (to not overwhelm Misha)

I forgot Somalis are longhaired....

oooh I need researching hat on... am already working on a list of breed shows to attend just to meet the actual cat breeds in the flesh as it were... and see the adult sizes properly

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2009, 19:25:30 PM »

No experience with those breeds but I can recommend Somalis

I love Siberians too.

I guess the main difference between the breeds you mention are body type and personality. Do you want a laid back, chilled out cat or one with a more active purrsonality?

Indys Mamma · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2009, 19:20:44 PM »

Hi everyone, I really need advice

My parents have decided to plan well in advance for my birthday (October) and are buying me a pedigree cat (or at least paying most of the money) they also want me to have something to look forward to with being ill for over 4 months now, so I am to get said cat after I get all clear from Doctors.

The reasons I have to wait so long are: I need my medical results back from Neurologist etc, we need to finish the work on the house and the cat pen and as bad as it sound we have to see how the dogs health is doing, Max is having more heart and skin issues and we may lose him fairly soon. I am getting a pedigree as the rescues here won't rehome to an indoor only/enclosed patio environment so will look at either pedigree rescue or buying a ped kitten.

Anyway I have decided that I want a longhaired cat as I love grooming animals, I find it relaxing for both me and them and I bond on a very special level, my Spaniel can't be groomed much now due to his skin condition but before I would lavish time on him for it, and I still do on the clear patches.

The breeds I am interested in are Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Raggdoll and Birman... I may get a bit of flack for this but I don't particularly want a Persian, don't dislike them, just not after one.

So anyhow, I have to put together a portfolio on each breed including good points and bad points, figuring out which are most likely to get on with intellingent Indy and mousie Misha, personality traits that make them stand out and I need peoples experiences with their own cats, so any info is gratefully received.

I already know that both Indy and Misha like meeting new cats... we had a break in by random cat the other day and we found all 3 playing together quite happily...

anyway thanks in advance

Author Topic: Information needed (Read 6903 times)