3 of the easiest cats to take care of for first-time cat parents
So, you’re thinking of getting a cat? It’s a big decision to make. It took me years to finally go through with adopting Kitty. I was afraid of so many things. What if she gets into everything and turns my place upside down? What if I suck at taking care of a cat? What if she hates me? What if I hate having a cat?
A lot of people worry about these things. I can tell you that after carefully choosing my best friend, my life has been such a happier place. The joy I get from seeing her run to the door when I get home. Or hearing her purr whenever I pet her. I also love watching her run and jump off the walls when we play together. All that to say, I think owning a cat has more benefits than challenges if you know how to care for them well.
If you’re considering getting your first cat but you’re not sure what breed to get. Or you’d prefer a lower maintenance cat, I’ve listed below 3 of the easiest cat breeds to take care of for first-time cat parents. These cats are so easy, that you’ll soon be bonding with a brand-new fur baby as if you’d been together for years.
The Domestic Shorthair Cat
I have to be honest. I picked a domestic shorthair for my first cat by chance. I had not thought about how some cat breeds might be easier to care for. I can absolutely vouch for this statement though. Kitty has been mild-tempered and easy to have around. She adapted very quickly to her new home.
Domestic shorthair cats have a life expectancy of 12-14 years at least. In terms of size, they can grow to weigh between 6 to 16 lbs. This cat does not belong to a specific cat breed. Because of that. there are infinite colors, patterns, and sizes for a domestic shorthair. Some examples of the patterns they can have include:
- Tabby
- Toirtoiseshell
- Calico
- Tuxedo
- Solid color
What makes the domestic shorthair cat such a great first cat:
The domestic shorthair cat tends to be healthier. They are a mix of all different cat breeds. They don’t have the common health issues that affect some pure-breed cats.
Their personality and temperament can be quite different. But, they tend to be friendly and adapt quickly. I can say that I didn’t know I should have left my cat in a room to get used to things. I just basically showed her the litter box and then let her roam freely. She was napping on the couch after a few hours. To me, it seemed like she didn’t need to adjust at all. Let’s hope you have the same experience with your fur baby!
The Russian Blue Cat
The Russian blue cat is a very beautiful cat. It has a dark coat and captivating green eyes. They are expected to live for about 15 years. This breed of cat is medium-sized, depending on the type, they can weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. A true Russian Blue can only be either blue or blue-gray. Kittens might have a faint pattern. But, as they grow into adults, the pattern will disappear. The same applies to their eye color. A true Russian Blue cat will only have gorgeous emerald-colored eyes.
As I mentioned earlier, there are 3 different types of Russian Blue cats:
- Scandinavian – Smaller and darker, more shy
- American – Lighter in color – more sociable
- English – In between the two other types
What makes the Russian Blue cat such a great first cat:
If you’re a quiet person, the Russian blue cat is perfect for you. They are a very intelligent cat so they need playtime to keep their mind stimulated. Make sure to have a variety of cat toys available to keep them from getting bored. When they’re not playing, they prefer a quieter space to relax in. If you have young kids, make sure to have a dedicated space just for your cat that is cozy and quiet.
Russian Blues are very loyal to their owner and need to have a strong bond. This bond is not a given though. You will need to earn their trust first. But once you’re in, be prepared for lots of cuddle time. These affectionate cats will want to snuggle with you.
The Burmese cat
The Burmese cat is very much loved amongst the cat lover community. They have a winning personality that compliments their striking appearance. They have a fairly long-life expectancy of up to 15 years and are medium cats that can weigh up to 12 pounds.
In terms of appearance, their eyes are what truly captivates their owners. Their large golden-colored eyes are said to be so expressive they seem to speak to their owners. These beautiful fur babies have a luxurious silky coats that come in 4 different colors:
- Sable
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Blue
What makes the Burmese Cat such a great first cat:
If you’re looking for a cat that will truly become your bestie, the Burmese cat is the first cat to have. They are known to form a deep attachment and a very strong bond with their owner. They are also said to understand their owner’s emotions and will comfort them when they are sad. They seem to keep their kitten playfulness throughout their life. This gorgeous feline thrives on interaction. You’ll have to devote plenty of time with them to play with various toys. As you might’ve guessed, they are also very affectionate and will stay close to you and follow you around the house. Another benefit of choosing a Burmese cat as your first cat is that they get along with other pets. So, you’re not limited to just one pet.
These little spiral cat toys are sure to entertain your cat for hours
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That concludes my short list of great first-time cats. I hope this article has inspired you to finally get a cat. If you did get one of these cat breeds, I’d love to hear about your experience so far. Please send me a note here. If you’re still deciding which one to get, I hope this article has helped narrow down your search. Soon, you’ll welcome an adorable furry friend into your home and heart.