Cats are individual little creatures. Sure, there are common traits that they share - the need to hunt, stalk, pounce, claw, attack and forage. That's part of the feline nature, based back to prehistoric times. Some cats are more energetic, some more laid back. Some cats prefer the company of other pets, others prefer to be an "only cat." That's personal nature, or previous experience when being nurtured. Some cats live long, healthy lives and others are more sickly. You can't necessarily determine that when you first look at a cat before buying it - sometimes it's just the luck of the draw! Some cats love their humans, others tolerate them. Some breeds appear to be better with children than other, less laid-back breeds.

The big question is, when you walk into the Las Vegas Humane Society, All Fur Love, Homeward Bound, the Pound, the Lied Animal Shelter, or any other sanctuary in the Las Vegas area, how do you know which breed is right for your home, and which temperament will be more suitable for your lifestyle? 

The next couple of articles will deal with breeds and general temperaments. Another major factor to consider is that if you get a cat from a shelter, it's likely not purebred, so it will carry a combination of temperaments based upon all its breeds.

In this article, we'll be dealing with the Persian, the Himalayan, the Siamese, the Exotic and the Oriental breeds. Please remember that these are just general attributes, not carved in stone! Each cat is its own "person," so to speak, and environment and past experience may have just as much to do with temperament as the breed!

1. Persian. Persian cats are very laid back as kittens. They are the original little fuzz-balls that you see on cat food commercials. Often pure white, sometimes with other solid or mixed colors, they are as cute as cute can be. They need a lot of grooming because of their long fur. Generally hardy and healthy, with a chance of respiratory problems. Docile, not high jumpers due to body type, adaptable and accommodating of other pets. They love their "people."
2. Himalayan. These cats are color pointed, which means they have beautiful markings (with personalities to match). Much the same as Persians, the main difference is that they are a bit more vocal and do have mixed coloring, rather than pure white. Himalayans need less grooming, but should have a daily comb-through to prevent matting of the undercoat. The breed comes from mixing Siamese with Persian cats.
3. Siamese. These cats have mixed reviews. They are beautiful cats, with lovely colors and very attractive eyes. They are very affectionate, loyal and vocal! Some Siamese only bond with one person in the home, and never really take to anyone else, but this may be the exception and not the rule. If you like a cat that "talks," you will really like the Siamese. Not as laid back as the Persian, but definitely with their own personality! They like attention and know how to get it!
4. Exotic. This "lazy man's Persian" doesn't require the grooming but has the temperament of the Persian cat. They are "people's pets" - doting on their owners, loyal, affectionate little "teddy bears" with beautiful large round eyes. They are intelligent cats, with a plush coat that is easier to care for and a kitten-like personality. Should be purchased from a reputable breeder to avoid health issues.
5. Oriental. The Oriental breed has a temperament all its own. These are generally beautiful felines, with the main difference between the original Siamese and the Oriental being that the Oriental isn't color pointed and they have green almond-shaped eyes instead of blue (except for the Foreign White). The Oriental can be short or long-haired, but doesn't require excessive grooming with their soft and silky coat. Their tails are long and expressive and they like to be involved in every part of their owner's life. They are vocal, demanding, curious, playful intelligent and extremely loyal. They love to be loved, and all they ask is for your attention and time in return for their devotion.

Next time: the Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Ragdoll and Burman breeds.