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What breed of cat to get2007-11-25 12:26:39

Shedding is another issue already. All cats shed, as you already know. You can get a cat with short hair so that the volume of shedding is less (Siamese for example) or a cat that sheds seasonally (like Siberian), or minimize shedding using a shedding blade, omega 3 supplements and regular brushing, which opens all cats upto you. You could also get a bald cat like the spynx but though they are very affectionate cats, they can be easily startled by sudden movements and noises. But your kid's friends will be fascinated by the wierd appearance of the cat!

Or you can match the cat's fur to your furniture and carpet ;)

Declawing IS cruel. It is painful and psychologically traumatic for a cat. Especially if you have kids, because then it will make the cat more likely to *bite*. Trim your cats nails, train it to use a scratching post (it is easy, a lot of online sites will give free advise) or use nailcaps, available at fosters & smith or similar catalogs that prevent the cat's nails from damaging furniture without removing their nails. Kudos to you for believing it is cruel. A lot of people think it is acceptable.

Also, the only way to be sure you have a cat that is child reliable and reasonable well-behaved is to get one from a reputable shelter. An adult cat is less likely to display surprises, and has already demonstrated its temperament. If a shelter worker says he is good with kids, you know he is.

Good luck. I hope I have helped you. You could check individual breeds in the www.acfacats.com/ or take a cat breed selector for more ideas. (http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto.

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Unless you plan to breed or show your cat, any breed should be acceptable, or any mix. At an animal shelter, you can talk to the people who care for them and get a pretty goog idea about their disposition. If shedding is an issue, avoid longer haired cats. If you want to have it for a long time (grow up with your children) then get a younger one, but not too young. Kids sometimes mistreat animals out of ignorance, and a really young kitty could pick up some bad habits. Declawing is cruel and causes aggressiveness. Cats get nervous and defensive without their claws. Most cats that still have their claws don't even use them for defense. Get a scratching post AND one of those 3" thick corregated cardboard things that you rub catnip into. This will keep your cat interested in scratching ONLY designated places. Remember to clip your cat's claws as they start to grow out and 'hook', especially if it is an indoor cat. A squirt bottle does well for training only (not for fun!). I do recommend spaying or neutering (especially if a child forgets to close the door and it gets out). There is a website that teaches you how to train your cat to crap in the toilet, and some cats even flush! I recommend getting a kitty that is about 6 months to one year old from an animal shelter. If you have kids, this is a great age to start out with.

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If you want one that doesn't shed, you could try a Devon Rex. They only have the undercoat and do not shed. They are also supposed to be very smart cats and very easy to train. I recommend not declawing cats. All of the cats that I have ever seen declawed acted as if their feet hurt and wer very sinsitive to being rubbed on their paws. If they ever accidentally get outside, they have no way to protect themselves. I have clipped their nails with fingernail clippers. That works great. Pet stores also sale soft paws, which you can put on the claws to keep them from scratching. Here is a web page about the Devon Rex:

http://www.breedlist.com/devon-rex-breed.

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siamese i have 3 and 2 little girls and there great together,easy to train.well mine were