Curioustress asked:
We are looking to welcome another cat into our home. My husband keeps asking me to ask you guys … “what cats tend to have a more affectionate temperment?” Meaning … cuddily … (may I add we are looking for a shorthair)
We are looking to welcome another cat into our home. My husband keeps asking me to ask you guys … “what cats tend to have a more affectionate temperment?” Meaning … cuddily … (may I add we are looking for a shorthair)
I keep telling my hubby all cats have differing personalities … but I would ask anyways.
BTW … we have a year old bengal boy … Buddha … and he is getting lonely.
Also … Any other suggestions for us in the “looking” and “intro” process
Thanks much!
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
makrel tabby
September 24th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Maine Coons and Persians/Himalayans tend to be most cuddly… Ragdolls also… I’ve never heard of any short hairs that are known to be affectionate.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Neutered male cats—in general—seem to be more “dog-like” and friendly. Female cats—in general—tend to be a bit more independent, tho this is a broad generalization and every cat is different.
The most affectionate cat I’ve ever lived with was a male flame-point Siamese (he was a rescue). (He was also the most vocal, the smartest, the most demanding, the most mischievous,…)
September 29th, 2008 at 6:07 am
The best are the ones from your local shelter. They are in need of attention. When you take one home they will be skidish at first because of the new enviroment. In time they are so affectionate and depend on your loving attention,as they give plenty of it back to you. Good luck.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
We have an ordinary, domestic short hair kitten from the Humane Society who is very cuddly and affectionate. My 5 year old carries him around like a baby, and he sleeps snuggled up with her. He and his litter mates were with a foster family, and we were told he was the cuddliest of the bunch.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I find that neutered male cats, regardless of breed, are the most affectionate. I’d like to one day get another one. Right now, I have two spayed females. Males tend to be less skittish and shy than females although one of my females definitely is not shy and skittish.
October 4th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Well I’m sure any kitty you adopt from the shelter could be the cuddliest and most affectionate. But you won’t know this until you spend some time with the cat/kitten before you decide to get it to really know its personality. I adopted my two kittens from the shelter and they are Blue Russians. They don’t shed (I mean I’m sure they do but its really barely to none). Mine are super duper cute and act very affectionately.
October 7th, 2008 at 3:11 am
Why not consider getting another Bengal, but when you go looking for one find a breeder whose emphasis is on temperament. Tell them you don’t care what it looks like you just want a “lover”.
One thing to think about since you already have a Bengal is something we overlooked once when we tried to find a playmate for our cat. We had a very active cat but wanted a very affectionate and loving one in the next kitten. We decided on a Birman and the males certainly are loving. The problem was our very active cat and the playful but gentler Birman were like from two different worlds. They just didn’t see things the same and consequently didn’t become good friends and didn’t really play together. Another thing about our choice of a Birman was that they are very people oriented. This means they can also be sort of annoying at times because they want attention and affection a lot. Just something to keep in mind.
My point is that if you are concerned about the two cats getting along you want to match the energy and activity level of the two cats as much as possible.
I can’t really recommend a cat breed for you except to say get one that can hold his own with a Bengal. Try going to a local cat show and talk to some breeders. Again unless the looks of the cat is really important tell the breeders you are looking for a very affectionate cat. Even in pure breeds the temperament of individual kittens varies. Since pure breed kittens are typically kept until 12 weeks old they will have a much better idea of the temperament. Make sure you get one that has been socialized really well with people. Ask how soon they start socialization and how they do it. Visit the cattery and meet the parents and the kittens. The one you want is the one that comes to you, plays with you and in general stays near people.
Here’s some good articles on how to integrate the new cat/kitten:
When we picked another kitten for our very active cat we went to shelters the second time around and looked for one that reminded us of the other cat(behavior-wise) but was a “people” cat. It took many visits to the shelters but we finally found the right one. He was a 3 month old gray tabby with 4 white boots and a white chest. Both cats get along great, sleep together & play together. He is the most affectionate and loving cat I’ve every had. He’s full of confidence & without a trace of aloofness. When people visit he even sleeps on their laps. He just believes he is welcome and loved everywhere he goes.
Good luck in your search.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I’ve had many different pure breeds and “cutts” (cat mutts), and the most important thing I’ve seen is that as long as you get a male it will be friendly. Before everyone gives me lots of thumbs down, I’m not saying females can’t be friendly, Im just saying males are MORE FRIENDLY. I speak as an experienced owner of both many female and male cats. Educated cat owners will agree. I would also urge you to get a large cat so it can stand up to the Bengal when they play together, and not always be the one getting roughed up at play. Again, male cats are also larger.
October 10th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Until very recently we had a lynx point siamese tabby mix. She was absolutely adorable. If I were you I’d specifically find one. We have two more siamese mixes arriving tomorrow (a flame point male and a lilac point female) to go with our 14 year old Maine Coon lookalike so in spite of losing the lynx point, we’ll be ok.
Check out, you can see lots of local kitties. Have fun.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I have a Kurilian Bobtail, one of the first brought into the US, and there is a breeder OrchidBobs which will have kittens shortly. These are
the sweetest, most affection cats I have ever been around, yet they
are a little doglike in that they follow you around, fetch, and love to
play and retrieve. They come in both short and long haired. Look at
the Yahoo Group Kurilian Bobtails. Hope this helps.