Happy Cat Month: Finding the Right Cat for Your Home and Lifestyle

Happy Cat Month is the purr-fect time to celebrate the joy cats bring into our lives. It’s also a reminder that the key to a happy feline and family starts before adoption. It starts with finding the right cat for your home and lifestyle. Whether considering a lovable rescue or a specific pedigree, understanding temperament, family routines, and existing pets makes all the difference! Let’s discuss.

Cat Adoption Trends: Rescue Cats or Pedigree?

Choosing a cat begins with deciding whether to adopt from a shelter or rescue, or purchase a pedigree breed. In the U.S., a majority of pet cats are rescues; most of which were not intentionally bred and may have started off as community cats.

U.S. Cat Adoption Statistics

• In the U.S., only about 16–18% of pet cats are pedigree cats.
• Roughly 65% of cats entering shelters in 2023 were adopted, showing a positive trend toward giving rescue cats homes.
• Americans overwhelmingly support adoption: about 44% prefer adopting from shelters or rescues.

Most Popular Pedigree Cats for Families

If you’re in the market for a pedigree cat, the following breeds are known family-favorites for their approachable nature and family-friendly traits:

• The Maine Coon: Known for its large size, friendly nature, and knack for getting along with children and other pets
• Ragdolls: Known for their calm, patient demeanor, silky coat, and sweet faces
• Persians: Known for their sweet, laid-back personalities and stunning physical appearance
• Other popular breeds: British Shorthairs, Siberians, Devon Rex, and American Shorthairs

Read this full list by the Cat Fanciers Association to learn about the top 15 most popular pedigree breeds in the US in 2023. Per my research, these remain quite popular today. This article by Good Housekeeping, which was published this year, lists 12 kid-friendly cat breeds. Spoiler alert: there is some overlap between the two lists!

Finding the Right Cat for Your Home and Lifestyle

No matter how cute they are or how much you like them, it’s important to remember: a happy cat is one whose needs and temperament align with the household.

Young, high-energy cats, for example, thrive in homes where they will have access to one-on-one attention. They need playtime, enrichment activities, and exercise. Older, more mellow, and independent cats can do well in homes that are less active. They may enjoy living with humans that don’t demand much interaction from them. Meanwhile, cats with special grooming requirements may be best suited for families that can afford professional grooming. Or, they might be a great match for families that can groom them properly at home.

Of course, if there are children or other pets in the household, it’s wise to choose a breed or rescue accordingly. You’ll want a cat that is known for tolerance, patience, or sociability. Shelters, rescues, and reputable breeders are great resources. They can help guide adopters toward cats whose profile matches the applicants’ environment, goals, and family dynamics.

The Best Care for Dallas Cats

As we stated in last week’s blog about choosing the best dog for your family, careful consideration at the start leads to a lifetime of contentment. My recommendation is always to talk openly with shelter staff or breeders about time commitments, temperaments, activity levels, and how potential cats respond to children or other pets. A well-matched companion is less prone to stress or behavioral issues, and more likely to form deep, lasting bonds with everyone in the home!