How to determine a kitten's character by its face. The character of a cat depends on its color. Life experience of a particular animal

Are you choosing a kitten? Then remember that when choosing, you need to pay attention not only to the breed, but also to the color of the animal: according to research by German scientists, it is the color that will largely determine the character of your pet and its basic habits. The color of a kitten's coat helps to classify cats into several typical groups, and knowing this, the color of your pet's coat can tell you at a glance what he will be like when you bring him home.
White - timid, affectionate Golden - calm, love to be brushed Red - smart, playful Color-point (Siamese) - sociable, very attached to the owner
Striped - inventive, mischievous
Gray - independent, freedom-loving
Blue - sociable, friendly
Marble - flirtatious, flexible
Chocolate - demanding, cheerful
Smoky - phlegmatic, judicious
Tortoiseshell - loyal, mischievous
Black - kind, obedient It is believed that black kittens are the most obedient, reverent and sweet.
For a long time, black cats were perceived as bringing bad luck, and centuries of hostility have taught these animals to be very sensitive and affectionate. Such a kitten will always be sociable and will easily become attached to you if he feels sincere sympathy, and will also easily find contact with the child. At the same time, by the way, it is believed that the most affectionate and accommodating are black cats, not cats. They are the ones who make contact more often and delight their owners with unconditional obedience. However, if you are too strict with your pet, he will very quickly become nervous and withdrawn and will be afraid to do something so as not to anger you. Therefore, try not to upset the baby in vain. Moreover, to this day, in many countries of the world, the black and white cat is considered a helper to everyone who experiences heavy blows of fate, because only she helps to endure them more steadfastly. So black cats have always enjoyed great respect in the world, and today this respect is only growing stronger day by day. Black cats bring not only happiness and good luck, but also peace of mind. Black cats are medicinal animals. The owner, as a rule, is a dreamy, self-absorbed romantic. Gray kittens are good not only for the unusual color of their amazing skin, but also for their extraordinary abilities.
It is believed that color can influence the character and endow a cat with a lot of hidden qualities, and in this regard, gray animals are considered no less popular than magical black cats. In particular, popular beliefs claim that cats of even the most ordinary gray color are able to give their owner internal and external beauty and harmony. They are also considered the best guards of the house from the brownie, and a dream with a gray cat is a warning to the sleeper that he is in danger of some kind of trouble or even danger. At the same time, as the dream book testifies, a gray cat is not always a symbol of these troubles; it only helps to prepare for them and overcome them with dignity. Gray cats are also believed to have healing powers. For example, they can contribute to the normal course of pregnancy in women, and gray-greenish cats even know how to treat their owners at night, supposedly using lunar energy for this. As a rule, all gray cats have a reputation for being very strong and at the same time docile and phlegmatic animals. They are distinguished by their even and gentle character, as well as their remarkable intelligence and true devotion to their owner. In addition, it is believed that a cat with gray eyes is always very affectionate and generous and does not have a typically “cat” vindictive character.
The smartest ones, undoubtedly, are red kittens (it is no coincidence that these are the ones that scientists select to study the nervous activity of animals or for training). Animals with this coat color will be able to get used to your requirements from the very first day and will obey you. However, do not be surprised if it turns out that their obedience is just a cunning plan, and in fact the pet is simply trying to get something from you in this way. This desire for naive deceit can, over time, even turn a kitten into a little impudent one, but still rest assured: you will never get outright hooliganism from a ginger kitten! Even if this kid does mischief, it will be only to have fun, or, even more likely, to entertain you: red cats feel very well when you are sad, and will gladly come to support you and make you laugh. It is believed that red cats in the house are for the well-being of the owner. Their owner is an energetic, independent person.
A pure white kitten is magic! Not only modern happy owners of such animals think so - even our ancestors were sure of this. Already in Ancient Egypt, white cats were especially revered, believing that they best help people whose lives are associated with risk and heavy physical activity. In addition, at different times, white cats were considered the personification of purity (both physical and purity of thoughts) and purity. As for external features, white cats are an example of the purest colors that have been respected and admired at all times. According to the standards, the fur of such cats should not have any impurities or shades of color, as well as inclusions and spots, although kittens can have markings of any color on the head, since such spots disappear over time. A special place among snow-white cats is occupied by white cats with blue eyes: they are considered to be a deaf breed. Indeed, such animals are most often distinguished by a timid character, since they have hearing impairment. However, this does not always mean complete deafness. In addition, scientists have proven that only 5% of white cats are actually born deaf, while the rest can hear their owners quite well. Also among white cats there are also albinos - this is a white cat whose fur has become snow-white due to the lack of pigmentation. As a rule, such cats are also distinguished by reddish eyes. It is believed that white cats bring happiness to their owners. And in England they are considered medicinal cats. A white cat represents peace in the house! The owner of the “blondes” is a neat, pedantic person who cares about the beauty and harmony of his surroundings.
Striped (patterned) - Secretive, reserved, independent and very self-sufficient. Their owner is endowed with the same characteristics and, in addition, is usually a person of a creative mind.
Bicolors (two-color) - Sociable, attached to their owner, easy contact with other pets, love children. Their owner is a friendly person with a subtle sense of humor. Tricks of colors However, the color of your future kitten is far from the only sign by which you can determine the character of your pet. Whatever one may say, basic habits also largely depend on upbringing, and if you devote enough time to your pet, he will never be capricious in vain.
And one more nuance: in two- and three-color cats, the characters depend on the predominance of colors in their color, but it is believed that two-color kittens are more playful and cheerful, while three-colored ones are flexible and devoted to their owners. So if you don’t want one color to be the main color of your kitten, choose a motley pet and you won’t go wrong! However, even if you buy the most difficult kitten, don’t be upset: he will still give you a lot of pleasant moments and will be the favorite of your whole family, who will love him not at all for his color features!

It is generally accepted that a kitten’s character is formed in the first twelve weeks of its life under the influence of many factors (genetic background, upbringing of the mother cat, attitude of the people around him towards the small animal, living conditions, and so on).
To determine the character of a kitten that will become your friend for the rest of its life, you can resort to the following testing methods.

Meeting the kitten.

Observe how he reacts to a stranger, that is, to you. Take his attention away from his brothers and sisters and evaluate his level of interest in you and how he behaves in your arms (feels calm or tries to run away).

Kitten's personality.

Try to discern the individuality in the kitten. We are not talking about external signs - the original color and protruding mustache - but about character traits. What kind of kitten do you like: friendly, brave, shy, playful, or maybe nervous and restless?

Take your time when choosing a kitten.

Don't rush to choose. By purchasing the first kitten you come across, you also risk hastily abandoning it soon due to a mismatch of characters. And it's not a joke. You need to be very picky when choosing a four-legged friend.

Play with the kitten.

Before meeting a potential four-legged friend, it won’t hurt to acquire special “tools” for testing kittens. These are ordinary improvised materials. For example, you can use a feather or ribbon to test your kitten's playfulness and curiosity. Just tease your baby with a feather and watch his reaction. A healthy and energetic kitten will definitely be interested in a strange toy.

Breed and character of the kitten.

Breed also has a certain influence on the temperament and character of a tiny four-legged creature. For example, kittens are distinguished by their unique devotion to humans, but at the same time they have a difficult character. Temperament, activity, energy, and sometimes even vindictiveness and aggressiveness are common features of the Siamese-Oriental group of cats. Handsome men have an absolutely opposite character. Their highlight is considered to be their innate softness and phlegmatic nature. Many people have a peaceful and intelligent disposition, as well as a special imposing attitude. Cats are also patient, sociable and affectionate. — a little timid and often shy away from strangers. The hairless cat breed is a cat-dog by nature; almost all owners speak of its boundless devotion and affection.

But the Reed Cat cannot boast of an impeccable reputation. This large and rare breed of cats can only conditionally be classified as domestic animals. To date, significant changes have affected only the appearance of these animals, but breeders will still have to work hard on the character of these wild beauties, and not everyone can afford such exotica.

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There are a huge variety of cat breeds, and each has its own temperament and unique features. Just like people. Felinologists claim that we choose pets for a reason, but according to certain patterns.

We are in website found out how the choice of a cat and the character traits of its owner are connected.

1. Siamese cats

Cat character: communicative. Siamese get bored when alone and need constant attention from their owners. Cats are affectionate and noisy.

Owner's character: freedom-loving. Siamese lovers do not like to depend on anyone; they like to be independent in everything. They respect both pleasant company and loneliness. They are smart, have refined taste and a broad outlook. But they tend to keep grudges in their souls for a long time. True, if the situation requires it, they can give up their principles and go for reconciliation.

2. British

Cat character: balanced. The Briton is moderately active, moderately calm, behaves quietly and does not bother. He is friendly to children as well as other animals in the house.

Owner's character: calm. Owners of British cats, like the pets themselves, are balanced. They often communicate with other people according to their own rules: not letting them get too close, but making the most of the interaction. Good conversationalists, tactful, can be reliable friends. They are interested in many people and know how to conduct a conversation on almost any topic.

3. Sphinxes

Cat character: devoted. They look straight into the owner's eyes, love tactile contact and strive to climb into the lap of a reliable and warm person.

Owner's character: extraordinary. Sphynx owners love to shock, they are smart, and have a sense of taste. They love tactile sensations; the leading language of understanding the world is touch. Not aggressive at all.

4. Abyssinian cats

Cat character: curious. They love to run and play and fearlessly move around their home. These cats are universal: they are suitable for both a single person and a large family.

Owner's character: extravagant. They are against the mainstream and like to do things their own way. They are kind, balanced, open, gentle, and fit in and become part of any team. Often they make a choice once and for all.

5. Persians

Cat character: calm. They impressively study the world around them. They become strongly attached to their owner. They are not inclined to do mischief.

Owner's character: phlegmatic. Persian lovers cannot stand loneliness; they need an object that will give them affection, warmth and care. They are ready to reciprocate, but due to shyness they reveal themselves only to those they trust. Homebodies, they like to create comfort. Not vindictive at all.

6. Scottish Fold cats

Cat character: modest. They are good-natured, unobtrusive, sensitive and meek. Very trusting, they get along well with both people and other pets.

Owner's character: artistic. Such cats are usually chosen by their opposites - creative, bright, unconventional people.

7. Russian blue cats

Cat character: optimistic. They are friendly, undemanding, calm. They are similar in character to the British.

Owner's character: enterprising. Lovers of these cats are prudent, often successful in business, and always have money. They are calm and cool-headed, able to impartially assess the situation and find a solution to any issue. Relationships are approached from the point of view of potential benefits - both in material terms and in the form of impressions and emotions.

8. Exotics

Cat character: friendly. They allow children to play with themselves, are easy to educate, and are clean.

Owner's character: stress-resistant. Exotic cat lovers are big kids: cheerful, open and active. They are always in the center of a noisy company and are aware of the latest innovations in the field of entertainment. They easily find a way out of difficult situations. They are not inclined to become strongly attached to someone or something; they can quickly and easily change jobs, surroundings and place of residence. But love can be carried throughout life.

9. Siberian cats

Cat character: thorough. They are calm, respect their owner, but demand respect in return. Sometimes they are hard to touch.

Owner's character: peace-loving. Most often, such cats are chosen by nature lovers, tourists, and travelers.

Cat characters

Any cat owner will tell you that his cat is a distinct individual, a “real character”, unlike others in any way, with his own tastes, habits and characteristics. If all cats looked alike, like twins, would we be able to tell them apart by their behavior? This behavior is an expression of the cat’s unique personality, its manners, style, if you like. Because we live in close proximity to our pets, we can identify a set of traits that determine their behavior. By domesticating cats, taking them under our protection, we may be freeing them from the obligation of hunting for food and thereby helping to more fully develop and manifest other behavioral traits. If we talk to the owners of different cats, we will get descriptions of many completely different cat personalities. But what allows a cat to become such a distinct individual? Of course, we still have not found an adequate answer to this question, even in relation to our own species, because it is this question that lies at the heart of the eternal dispute about hereditary and acquired qualities. Therefore, we cannot speak with complete confidence about how great the influence of the immediate environment on the cat is, which properties are determined by heredity and passed on from parents or ancestors, and whether the cat’s personal experience can somehow influence them. Why is this cat afraid of everything - is it because her parents were like that or that she had an “unhappy childhood”? There are a lot of traits and properties that make up the character of a cat: is it decisive, is it a good hunter and, most importantly, how does the cat relate to us, other cats and other people.

IT'S IN THEIR GENES

Does the "friendliness" of the parents affect how friendly their kittens will be? A few studies have shown that friendly male cats produce friendly kittens, even though the kittens almost never meet their fathers. Therefore, they inherit the potential ability to be friendly, and do not learn this by copying their parents. There is no doubt that a friendly mother makes a difference, and kittens can learn a lot by watching her and imitating her behavior. In an experiment where a cat must press a lever to get food, kittens that saw their mother perform the task also performed successfully. Those who did not follow the mother were unable to solve the problem. Therefore, if the mother is calm and communicates with people without fear, it is very likely that the kittens, imitating her, will behave the same way. Of course, a huge number of additional factors intervene in the matter. For example, a friendly mother, on the one hand, will pass on her predisposition to friendliness through genes, but, on the other hand, an example of her behavior (a calm reaction to people approaching her kittens) will also help them from an early age to successfully integrate into her human family.

The health of the parents, especially the mother, determines not only the physical growth of kittens, but also their psychological development. An exhausted and weak mother will have to spend a lot of effort just to successfully feed her babies, and she will most likely not be able to fully fulfill her other maternal responsibilities, such as teaching them communication skills. Kittens from half-starved mothers have less ability and learn more slowly. They often demonstrate antisocial behavior towards other cats and are exaggeratedly fearful and aggressive. Many skills that are normally characteristic of cats are also poorly developed, for example, they have difficulty maintaining balance. The kittens of a half-starved cat had to spend more time trying to get enough, and even competing with brothers and sisters for limited supplies of milk. Maybe because of this they simply did not have time to learn the game or relax. Early training is vital for acquiring any skills, both social and physical, that a cat requires in its adult life.

TYPES OF CAT CHARACTER

American researchers identified two types of cat personalities in the groups of kittens they studied. They divided them based on their reaction to various proposed situations: some cats reacted violently - we could call them excitable or nervous; others were much calmer in their perception of life and the problems it poses. Those who breed cats can conduct similar studies themselves, observing litters of kittens and deciding which of them should be classified as which type.

Recent work on personality in adult cats has confirmed that they also clearly exhibit two different types of sociability expression. The first type, perhaps corresponding to the idea of an ideal pet, is a cat that feels the need to communicate with people and other cats and calms down and feels better in their company. The second type enjoys the company of one or two members of the human family, no more. Such a cat only tolerates communication with other people, and usually does not gravitate towards friendly relations with other cats.

So, some owners enjoy communicating with the first type of individuals, and these are the cats they consider normal, while others are upset that they cannot establish friendship with the second type. The situation is complicated by the fact that in response to the care of the owners, to all their advances and efforts to please the cat with their company, the cat only acts even more aloof. Cats of the second type are usually not the first to make contact, and all attempts to strengthen the relationship cause a backlash. The owners of such cats will probably immediately recognize this portrait and will calm down a little, realizing that their cat is so “unkind” through no fault of theirs. It happens that people who had to have a cat of the second type, after its death, never want to have another. They also do not believe in fairy tales about close and loving relationships between people and cats. They are sure that all cats are indifferent, cold creatures, and there is no return to be gained from communicating with them.

Whether these two personality types in adult cats correspond to the two behavior types in kittens from the American study is not yet very clear. What causes some adult cats to be friendly and loving while others are not? What is the reason - in early impressions or insufficient care in the first, especially important weeks of life, or maybe those same excitable, nervous kittens become like this when they grow up? Obviously, to answer this question we need more in-depth research, and not just on kittens - we need to follow them as they grow up to see what type of personality each one develops into. Of course, the easiest way is to sit in a comfortable chair and say that this is obvious; in fact, it is very difficult to collect information about cats' natural behavior if we are talking about their "natural family behavior." When we ask cat owners to answer questionnaires, the results are always very subjective, but if an outside observer comes into the family, the cat, as a rule, stops behaving naturally, especially cats of the second, reactive type. So, it seems, a lot of time will pass before people manage to reveal all the secrets of a cat’s personality. We have yet to discover the keys that will help improve our relationship with our feline friends.

Be that as it may, if you got a cat of an unfriendly type, but you want her to become friendly, unfortunately, there is no way out yet. All you have to do is accept this situation. Love your cat for who he is, admire her from a distance, and be proud if she turns her royal attention to you and allows herself to be petted. Try to look as attractive as possible in the eyes of your pet so that he wants to come over (instead of chasing him, scaring him away with your persistence); feed small portions more often; Taking advantage of his weakness for warmth and comfort, sit next to him in front of the fireplace or heater. (Just turn off the other heaters - maybe then your “beech” will come and sit next to you!) If the cat is the first to take the initiative, do not reject it, be sure to respond, but try not to overdo it. Maybe you decide to get another cat in the hope that the first one will not run away from home, and the second one will be a sociable cat. Take a closer look this time and you are sure to find a “friendly” cat or kitten for yourself.

EARLY IMPRESSIONS

Kitten relationships develop easily and without difficulty in the first two months after birth, when people and other animals can be included in the group and accepted with joy. Fear is still unknown to them, but tolerance is high. As the kitten gets older, it reacts more warily to everything new and loses its curiosity. If the early period is missed and the kitten has not had time to become close to representatives of another species, later it may be much more difficult for him to communicate with both people and other cats. It has been proven that in many respects the friendliness of adult cats towards people depends on how much they were exercised in childhood.

Care and attention at an early age influence whether the kitten will become bold or nervous and timid, and not only this - in essence, the entire attitude of the future cat to life depends on it. A study of cat behavior showed that kittens that were regularly exercised at an early age and that were introduced to people in the first month and a half of life were more lively. They showed more interest in unfamiliar objects and were more willing to make contact with strangers than those with whom they had little activity. Another interesting observation is that kittens that grew up alone behaved calmer in unfamiliar situations and were friendlier to people than kittens from larger litters. Perhaps, trying to compensate for the lack of brothers and sisters, at this crucial age they are more willing to communicate with another species, that is, with us. It seems that it is during this early period of development (let's call it the exploratory or imprinting period) that we can do especially much to determine our future relationships. Kittens that received attention between two and seven weeks of age were more friendly than those that were handled before or after that age.

Will kittens retain these properties throughout their lives, will their characters remain the same in adulthood? Do timid kittens become timid cats? Do brave people remain as determined throughout their lives? It seems that the answer to all these questions will be positive. The reaction of nervous cats to stress is due to both heredity and environmental influences. They always react exaggeratedly, and cannot learn to be balanced and not pay attention to the “alarming” events that life presents every day, although they could already understand and remember that these innovations do not bring any harm. Their response does not improve, no matter how much attention is given to them. This fits well with the theory about two psychological types of cats: the easily excitable Moiyr panics in changing conditions, while the “calm” type does not panic under any circumstances and treats everything in life calmly.

So, there are hereditary inclinations that determine the level of friendliness, but this is, of course, a difficult question. As we have seen, early contact with people can influence whether a cat becomes a good pet in our definition, that is, calm and friendly, if it is initially endowed with a good character. The development of cats was also monitored in some long-term experiments. Grooming and attention to kittens at an early age not only promotes the kittens' socialization, but also speeds up their development, resulting in them becoming more confident and balanced.

There may be a temptation to “tie” the kitten to yourself, completely taking over its feeding and upbringing. However, oddly enough, kittens that are raised by humans or taken from their mother too early develop behavioral deviations: they may seem quite friendly, but the next moment they become aggressive and rush at people, including their “foster mother.” They can also treat other cats either with fear or aggressively; they are not so easy to learn and lag behind in physical development from their peers raised by a cat mother. These behavioral shortcomings, or deficits, may arise because we are unable to teach them to “speak cat”, teach them lessons in proper behavior the way a mother cat does, and we fail to introduce them to the subtleties of communication in adult cats, which they usually absorb with their mother’s milk. Aggressive behavior towards human owners is more difficult to explain, but may be the result of confusion in teaching. Although we physically wean them from milk, we are not able to fulfill the role of a mother, so to speak, in behavioral feeding. She must be teaching the kittens to be independent and soon after she stops feeding them milk she begins to voluntarily withdraw from them. Kittens raised by humans have not learned from their mother how to channel the cat's energy and aggressiveness, to be independent and stand firmly on all fours; they feel vulnerable and respond with aggression.

TRAUMA AND HORMONES

There are two other factors that can influence behavior and change a cat we considered “normal” beyond recognition. The first factor is any severe, traumatic events in the cat’s life: accidents, illnesses, injuries. An attack by an angry dog and bites can lead to the fact that the cat will not only become afraid of all dogs, but will also begin to shy away from the most innocent objects, which she had not even paid attention to before. It seems that after such a meeting the cat completely ceases to believe in itself, in its ability to sneak away, and now takes “too close to heart” any situation that seems dangerous to it. Confidence may gradually return, although a cat's fear of dogs may persist for the rest of its life.

By diligently caring for a sick cat, you can also achieve changes in its character. It happens that a cat, previously “wild,” becomes completely tame after its owners nurture, treat, and groom it for weeks on end. Perhaps the reason here is that illness and weakness force the cat, as if involuntarily, to return to the position of a kitten, and the people next to her play the role of a loving, caring mother. Such a memory of childhood gives the cat a chance to “relearn”, to reconsider its relationships with people or, in extreme cases, with one specific person. Too weak to follow the instinct that dictates “grab and run,” she suddenly realizes a change: she has been afraid of people all her life, and they do not offend her at all, but on the contrary, they feed and support her, give them warmth and their friendship. After all, the cat could initially belong to the friendly type, but something did not work out in its relationship with people - it was scared, offended, or simply not given enough love at an early age, when it is so important. When a cat gets into trouble, it gets its first chance to enjoy close relationships with people.

The second factor that can greatly influence “normal” behavior is sex hormones. It may be argued that their influence is also “normal,” but many domestic cats are sterilized, so feline reproductive behavior essentially does not affect the human-cat relationship. Of course, cat breeders do not keep sterilized animals. However, it is unlikely that they would have an uncastrated cat at home as a pet, since an adult male, whose behavior is determined by male hormones, becomes aggressive, and even marks his territory, generously spraying everything in the apartment with a strong-smelling liquid. In addition, uncastrated cats try to establish themselves in as large a territory as possible, patrol their area, bully other cats, and often come out of fights with heavy losses. They return ragged, with scratches and bites, and veterinary bills rack up to alarming proportions. Add to this the risk of frequent use of anesthesia, because few cats will allow their wounds to be treated or stitches placed without anesthesia.

A full-fledged cat does its best to mark its territory, spraying urine with a pungent strong odor. Such cats can become overstimulated when petted and scratched, and this arousal can result in an attack of aggression or unwanted sexual reactions. He can grab onto the hand stroking him as if it were a cat’s neck, and believe me, this grip cannot be called gentle! This is too risky petting for an owner who wants to relax in the company of his beloved cat.

For these reasons, people castrate their cats, especially if they live in an apartment and do not go outside. Sterilization often leads to the fact that the very desire to fight for territory disappears, and the habit of marking almost disappears. A sterilized cat still marks, but now he does it mainly outside the home and with less smelly urine. Castration also reduces the chances that the excitement that occurs while petting a cat will develop into aggression: he becomes calmer, more sociable, and this is, perhaps, the main benefit of the operation. There are other benefits: the cat becomes more tolerant of rivals, more obedient and playful in relationships with us, and often requires more attention to itself. Now that his hormones aren't pushing him and he doesn't feel the need to constantly roam and assert himself, he has freed up time for play and socializing. It happens that owners of unneutered cats are unfamiliar with such problems, but for the most part we do not want to take risks, preferring not to jeopardize our friendship with our pet and his health, namely the endless wounds received in battles and fights. Castration of a cat is a very simple operation, it lasts only a few minutes, and the cat recovers from anesthesia quickly, without even realizing that something has happened to him.

As for sterilization (removal of the ovaries) of females, it does not cause such a dramatic change in character, but it helps to get rid of the nerve-wracking problem - the screams of a cat calling for a male. During the period when the female is ready to breed (usually this happens twice a year, but once the estrus begins, it can be repeated cyclically again and again with short breaks every few days for three weeks, until the cat becomes pregnant), she tries to notify about her pregnancy. the condition of every local cat. Loud calling calls are especially audible at night, and owners of especially vocal breeds, such as Siamese cats, have to resort to earplugs or some kind of particularly effective soundproofing in order to fall asleep during such a performance. This alone is usually enough to convince cat owners that they don't really need a litter of kittens and spaying them isn't such a bad idea. Like castration, this operation takes place very quickly, under anesthesia, the wound remains small - one or two stitches, which are removed after about a week. (This may not be necessary if a suture material that dissolves on its own is used.) There is almost no difference in our relationships with cats of different sexes. It is better if they undergo sterilization at a fairly young age, when pronounced sexual behavior has not yet had time to develop, but even in unsterilized animals the difference between the sexes is not as great as, say, in dogs. Dogs of different sexes, even sterilized ones, are very different from each other in behavioral characteristics and in the way their relationships with their owners are built. Therefore, for those who have a family and children and who want to have a good-natured and friendly dog, I would recommend purchasing a female dog, regardless of the breed. If we are talking about purchasing a cat, then there is practically no difference between a male and a female if the animal is sterilized.

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

We talked about genetic factors - whether the ability to “be friends” with people and other cats is inherited, and how scientists are trying to better and more fully study the mechanism of inheritance of character in cats. But you can most clearly see how certain genes lead to different types of cats by studying the appearance of cats of different breeds. The differences between them are very noticeable - from body proportions and head shape to color and coat length. Breeds are bred and maintained by either allowing cats with certain characteristics to be bred only with partners who have the same characteristics, or causing certain variations of the breed to occur under control.

Thus, through crossing and selection when breeding a cat breed, there is every chance of passing on to the next generation not only external characteristics, but also some behavioral characteristics of the parents.

Some breeds were originally formed in geographically isolated regions, others were created specifically by selecting animals with certain properties or with random mutations and controlling their further reproduction. For example, Siamese or Angora cats evolved in isolation from other groups of cats and formed the basis for the breeds we know today, but we have made further changes through selective breeding, and so different color variations and some changes in body shape have appeared.

Breeds such as the Somalia arose as a result of crossbreeding (in this case, the gene responsible for long hair was introduced into the Abyssinian breed).

Norwegian Forest and Maine Coon are breeds developed through, one might say, natural, free crossing of cats.

Other breeds developed as a result of breeding from one or two kittens born with some random mutation. Such breeds include, for example, breeds of the river group with their rare curly hair, hairless sphinxes and short-legged munchkins, or dachshund cats. Hairless cats, Sphynx cats, have to deal with especially serious problems in everyday life: they are, of course, especially sensitive to the cold, and what should they do, given that other cats devote a third of their lives to grooming? Do they still have an instinctive behavioral need for this and, if they still experience this need, what should they do - just lick the skin? The absence of whiskers can generally be considered as a disability, the loss of one of the most important sense organs, since whiskers help cats “see” and touch what surrounds them. Some have even tried to breed dwarf cats, but so far to no avail. Should we strive to create new breeds simply to increase the diversity of cat types? After all, we are surrounded by cats of all different colors and personalities - is it not possible to limit ourselves to this and not strive for innovations, achieved at the cost of the health and well-being of the animals?

But we are now interested in another question - breed-dependent behavior. Are there differences in behavior between cats of different breeds as clear as, for example, among dogs? Over thousands of years of living next to people, dogs had to perform different functions: they became watchmen, shepherds, bloodhounds and even fighters. Other breeds are bred for companionship and tend to be friendly and good with people. Of course, dogs have adapted perfectly to human society, since our social structure is very similar and they fit perfectly into our “pack”, as a rule, willingly occupying the lower steps in the hierarchical structure. Cats, however, are solitary hunters, and although they can live in groups, these groups do not have such a rigid hierarchical structure. They also lived next to humans for thousands of years, but at the same time they were guided by their own rules, moreover, no one expected or required them to perform any specific tasks, “service”. In the past, a cat could feed itself on what was given to it - a little milk from the kitchen or some scraps from the table; selection, if we can even talk about any kind of special, human-directed selection, was carried out according to hunting qualities, in other words, according to the ability to protect food from attack by rodents. Rather, we are talking about natural selection: kittens of cats that had proven themselves to be good mouse and rat catchers were in demand. Today, cats do not need to be good hunters: most often, their owners prefer that they do not catch anyone at all or, in extreme cases, hunt very poorly and are unable to catch at least anyone.

Until now, there has been very little scientific research into breed-specific behavioral characteristics, but cat breeders and owners are well aware of some trends that can sometimes be difficult to explain. The main thing we need to understand is that the range of individual characteristics within any group of cats is very wide. Therefore, when we try to make general conclusions about a certain breed, we must not forget that among its representatives there may always be a cat that is completely different from all the others.

Anyone who wants to have a long-haired (Persian) cat must remember that grooming is vitally important for her, that long-haired cats are usually peaceful and flexible and allow their owners to do whatever they want with their skin, even every day. What came first - the need for grooming or submissiveness? It can be assumed that only obedient and intelligent cats were neat and combed, while others looked terribly sloppy because they did not allow themselves to be touched, and the owners did not risk brushing their beloved pet. And yet, even among the Persians, beech trees are not so rare.

Of all the breeds, behavioral characteristics are most clearly manifested in representatives of the Oriental, Siamese and Burmese breeds, as well as all others in all the variety of their colors. Siamese cats have proven themselves to be sociable and open, talkative, attention-seeking, loving and loyal, and I am sure most of their owners will agree with this characteristic. It is said about Burmese cats that they love human company and that they are very affectionate, but they are too persistent in their demand for constant attention. Abyssinian cats are considered to be shy, afraid of strangers, and Somalis (the long-haired form of the Abyssinian) are described as having a good disposition, although somewhat timid. Here are brief characteristics of some breeds (according to British standards. - Note translation): Turkish vani - live; ragdoll - patient and forgiving; Angora - loves to frolic, friendly; Russian Blue - cautious and calm; Tonkinese - extremely loving and gentle; river - playful; korat - wonderful light character; Balinese - like Siamese, but somewhat calmer. Although it is doubtful that you can reliably describe the breed in one or two words, you have to start somewhere!

In British Shorttails, including outbred cats, it is often possible to determine the character by color. This is not as strange as it may seem: there appear to be behavioral characteristics associated with some coat color variations. When you hear about a female with a red or chestnut head, you immediately imagine a capricious, even violent person; Although “red-haired” cats are often considered calm and friendly, if they are irritated, then the thought involuntarily arises that the red-head factor is at work here too. By the way, only 10 percent of ginger cats are females, while “variegated” coloring is practically not found in males. Black cats are said to be calm, but difficult to train.

In recent years, several studies have been carried out to collect at least some information about the behavioral characteristics of different breeds. Bruce Fogle, author of Cat Intelligence, asked 100 veterinarians to rate six different breeds or breed groups—Siamese, Burmese, Longhair (Persian), Somalia, Abyssinian—on 10 personality traits. Cat World magazine asked readers to answer similar questions about their cats. The results of both surveys seemed to confirm previously fragmentary information. Judge for yourself.

Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian and Shorttail (not British) breeds require more attention than British Shorttail or Persian cats. Burmese cats were ahead of others in activity, while Siamese cats were not much inferior to them. When it comes to confidence, Siamese and Burmese are ahead of everyone here too. All breeds showed themselves to be gentle and loyal, but the Persians interacted less actively with their owners. Siamese, Burmese and Abyssinian cats are also ahead of others in talkativeness and communication: they initiate contact more often than others and are the first to make it. According to surveys, Siamese cats are very playful, but they are more “destroyers” than others. Persian cats are the most taciturn, owners rarely hear their voice, they are less prone to games than others, they are not as emotional, but they occupy a high place on the “manageability” scale. Ordinary outbred shorthaired cats turned out to be the friendliest towards other cats.

The answers of cat owners to the question of whether their cats suffer a lot when left alone in the house confirmed that short-haired breeds cope with this problem most easily. The situation is worst among the Burmese, and this result confirms that they especially need human society. Abyssinian and Somali cats turned out to be somewhat less dependent on people.

Burmese cats have established themselves as having strong characters, and the best characteristic of the breed can be considered, perhaps, excerpts from letters from some owners published in the magazine “Cat World”: “Very smart and very loyal, these are determined and loving creatures. They have a tendency to demand increased attention to themselves, the worst thing for them is if they have nothing to do or if they are ignored.” Another owner adds: “Wonderful companions, they are just like joyful children.” I have to add that when it comes to behavioral problems, Burmese cats very often show aggression towards other cats. When such a strong nature grows into a despot, which is quite possible, it can become a real threat to other cats in the house and even on the same street. There are even isolated cases where such cats invaded other people's houses, ate cat food, left their odorous marks in the house, and to top it all off, they also beat the cats living there! Of course, these are out of the ordinary examples, this happens extremely rarely, but, you see, it is impossible to even imagine that, say, a Persian cat would do something similar. At the same time, cases when some problem or stress leads to a violation of “toilet” habits are especially frequent with Persian cats - this was revealed by one of the surveys devoted to problems of cleanliness in the house. All other breeds were highly rated as clean, only the Persians let us down. However, these cats are not just beautiful, but in addition, according to most owners, they are unusually delicate, polite, calm, calm and noble. Many people will prefer a cat with this personality type over the restless and demanding Orientals.

The data bank on the behavioral characteristics of the most popular breeds continues to grow, so some generalizations can already be made to give owners at least some chance to choose what they want or avoid some undesirable things. However, this is much more difficult when we are talking about less common or completely new breeds. In this case, it is better to consult with the breeder and try to find out what behavioral characteristics are inherent in the parents of the cat.

One of the breeds that has managed to combine a friendly attitude towards humans with the appearance of a wild animal is the Bengal, which was bred by crossing with a real wild cat - the leopard. Serious doubts and worries as to whether representatives of this breed would be aggressive turned out to be, hopefully, unfounded; this breed is now officially recognized in the UK. However, the Governing Council of Cat Fancier Organizations (GCCF), The oldest organization that registers breeds in the country has announced that from now on it will no longer recognize any breeds that were developed using any type of cat other than the domestic cat - Felts catus. Thus, the council warns that it is inadmissible to use any species of wild cats for breeding new breeds - they simply will not be recognized. It is a very wise decision to try to stop people, especially non-professionals, who thoughtlessly crossbreed cats of different types and breeds, completely unaware of the consequences this may lead to. We already have quite a variety of beautiful coat colors, and new variations are appearing based on existing breeds. So let's not include wild species in this process: it is better to protect them and maintain their numbers where they live in the wild.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CATS

There is an aspect of our cats' personalities that we rarely get to observe: their outdoor selves. In the house, a cat can be meek and good-natured, acting like a playful and affectionate kitten, but once in the yard or garden, your Fluff is transformed - now it is a tracker, hunter and killer. In the paws that so tenderly touch your hand in the morning, claws are suddenly discovered that are fatal to the victim (though not a very large one). All senses are heightened, pupils are dilated, ears are pressed back, muscles are tense and ready for action - before us is a hunter in combat readiness. This stranger - alter ego your home pussy.

We may glimpse this world when a cat plays or quarrels with its fellow cat, but we (fortunately!) rarely experience the true power of its claws and fangs. And if this is destined to happen, then it is unlikely to be forgotten. An interesting example of this is the case that occurred with a cute cat named Bomber (“Bomber”) from the south of England, who lived most of the time in the house with his owner. He loved to sit by the window, and when he saw a rival in the garden, he became extremely excited. At such moments, he was ready to attack the first thing that came under his paw, and this first often turned out to be his owner. It ended with the unfortunate lady ending up in hospital when the deep wounds on her ankles and calves became inflamed. As a result, the cat was allowed to spend more time outside, and from then on his street life no longer overshadowed his indoor existence.

We forget that our domestic cats are miniature versions of lions and tigers, the big cats we fear and call “fierce.” What a blessing it is that our pets can and, most importantly, want to change their behavior, helping us and making our life easier around them. The author of the book “Claws and Purrs”, cat behavior specialist Peter Neville, talks about just this. He has explored both sides of a cat's nature and says that we should respect its wild aspects. Neville notes: our pet is able to survive in almost any environment, adapt to the most unfavorable conditions, and in this he is helped not only by hunting skills, but also by the ability to find food among garbage and the ability to organically integrate into human society.

It is hardly possible to find a cat that is not endowed with these instincts, because they are inherent in them from birth. However, some cats are much more adventurous and successful hunters than others. Often, if the mother is a good hunter, hunting talents are passed on to her offspring. This may be partly explained by heredity, but also, without a doubt, the mother cat teaches the kittens well, and they imitate her. If the cat is not very keen on hunting, her kittens can master this themselves science, but are unlikely to reach great heights.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAT

Can all these facts and knowledge help the average potential owner choose a cat - purebred or mongrel? We now know that the first requirement when choosing a kitten is that it be generally friendly towards people; then we need to engage him more and give him the opportunity to receive as many impressions and learn as much as possible at an early age, during a period of special receptivity. Subsequently, we can strengthen friendship with the help of food, love and our knowledge of the peculiarities of their natural behavior - this will help us communicate as much and closely as possible.

People involved in breeding cats, if only they are interested in their customers getting calm and friendly cats, can try to influence the temperament and character of their kittens, obtaining offspring from cats and cats with a stable nervous system and rejecting hysterical or aggressive animals. Usually the breeder keeps purebred kittens until the age of 12 weeks - this is the period that is officially recommended GCCF. However, if you decide to get not a high-born aristocrat, but a simple, mongrel kitten, you can adopt it already at the age of six to seven weeks. It is only important for the time being to protect your kitten from contact with other cats who may not have been vaccinated. Then the kitten will be almost completely protected from the danger of becoming infected. Behaviorists say it's best if the kitten finds a home as soon as possible after weaning - around seven weeks of age; then the new owners have every chance to establish a strong friendship with the baby, because it is at this early age that kittens grasp everything especially easily. Those who breed purebred cats devote a lot of time to the kittens, handling them and providing them with different types of experiences, introducing them not only to people, but also to dogs and other cats. They need to be very careful to prevent infection and at the same time do everything possible to ensure that the kittens grow up good-natured, friendly to people, non-aggressive and self-confident.

Before you go to choose a kitten, determine for yourself what kind of cat you need. Do you want your pet to be independent, able to remain alone for a long time and only occasionally appear in your field of vision? Or do you want a more sociable companion who needs the company of you and other cats?

You must decide what kind of cat you want to get - a purebred or a simple one - and how much time you are willing to spend on caring for your pet. For example, caring for the fur of a Persian cat requires a lot of time every day. Many people like Oriental cats, but they are afraid that they require too much attention, or are worried that such cats may get bored and even get sick if left alone at home for a long time. It is not easy for a cat of this breed to live as an indoor cat without being able to go outside. If you just want a companion that will fit into your family's life easily and without any problems, I recommend thinking about a regular mongrel cat - this is the best option. You can adopt such a kitten at a tender age, when kittens more easily adapt to your family and all the peculiarities of the home life and, growing up, overcome all obstacles without any effort.

It is not uncommon for people to have two kittens at once. This is a wise decision. Two cats will keep each other company, especially when the owner is away. We faced exactly this problem when we chose a certain breed - the Siamese, but could not agree on the quantity. One, so that she would be more closely attached to us, or two, so that they could be friends and occupy each other? In the latter case, won't it turn out that they will love each other and ignore us? We decided to have two and do not regret our decision. I often thank fate that they have each other, because we humans simply could not spend much time with them, stroke, caress, play with them. Now I am freed from the terrible feeling of guilt in front of my pet, to whom I cannot pay enough attention. In the first month, our kittens spent almost all their time in each other’s company, and then they met Bullet, and he willingly came down from his pedestal, deciding that he would not lose his dignity if he made friends with them. They played together, but as soon as we called them, they happily played with us or curled up on our laps, allowing themselves to be stroked - what could be better? Definitely, if your cat has to live without leaving the confines of the apartment, it will be difficult for her to sit alone all day. Two cats will endure this test much easier than one.

When choosing a kitten, the most important thing, of course, is its health. Make sure the kitten has clean, clear eyes and clean fur (check under the tail for signs of an upset stomach). In the excitement and excitement, it is very difficult to remember to try to understand his character. You may be mistaken for a picky one, but still take your time, spend a little more time choosing, try to play with the kittens, ask the seller about the character of each one. Be sure to ask how much you have worked with them and whether they have met other animals. If you want to have an affectionate, calm cat who loves the company of people, try to find a kitten who will play happily and will not shy away from strangers and who will run towards you. A kitten cowering in a corner will not suit you - most likely, this is a nervous, timid animal, and all your efforts to establish contact with it will go down the drain. Of course, this is the most general plan of action, but at least it will help you avoid choosing a nervous coward. Keeping all this in mind, you will be able to choose a cat that is friendly and non-hysterical, and it will be pleasant and joyful to live next to you. Remember that the cat you choose in a matter of minutes can live in your home for 20 years!

When you bring the kitten home, place it in a warm and secluded place. Try not to fuss too much around him, but don't go to the opposite extreme of leaving the kitten to his own devices. Until your new pet is completely comfortable, feed him the same food and offer him the same litter that he is used to. Then, if you want, you can gradually change both. Keep the kitten in one room at first (you can put him in a cage to introduce him to the rest of the animals in the house - you will find more detailed recommendations in Chapter 7), let him gradually become accustomed to the house. Very soon, usually within a day or two, he will feel confident enough to begin exploring all the nooks and crannies.

Of course, there are no guarantees that the cat will grow up exactly the way you imagined it, but, as a rule, we find ourselves captivated by the charm of this creature and understand that we fell in love with him (or her) - no matter why.

TIPS: UNLOCK YOUR CAT'S PERSONALITY

Now we know what a cat is capable of. How can we influence her development, how can we ensure that her personality is fully revealed?

Determine which breed (if you want a purebred cat), with all the features of its appearance and character, is best suited for you.

Try to adopt a kitten in a house where kittens and their mothers live among people, dogs, and other cats, where the kittens are looked after and given enough attention.

Choose kittens born from confident, healthy parents who are good with people.

Consider getting two kittens instead of one.

Look for an active, sociable, calm and friendly kitten.

Your new pet will need a lot of love, attention and new experiences.

Warmth and tasty food will help you bond with an uncommunicative cat.

Do not impose your company on the cat, do not chase it, otherwise it will simply run away and hide.

Autumn has come - time to wrap yourself up in warm cats. The decision to have a cat or cat in the house is a great decision. After all, this wonderful creature will give you warmth, comfort and bring a special atmosphere to your home. But just how to choose a kitten that suits your liking, character and suits your lifestyle?

How to choose the right kitten?

Felines are more adapted to life in a city apartment than other animals. They don't need too much space and don't require much care. In addition, the graceful purr is so independent, self-sufficient and self-sufficient that it will not suffer from loneliness and lack of attention if you are at work all day and lead an active social life.

They have a great time on their own, needing only a small amount of food and minimal care. The very first thing you need to decide is which kitten to choose: a purebred aristocrat with a pedigree or a baby from

shelter.

Abyss of goodness: change your unfortunate fate - adopt an animal from a shelter

The world will not be happy as long as there are homeless animals in it. By chance or by evil people, there are many helpless kittens on the street. And all would be fine, as a rule, they are fed and often given affection by friendly passers-by - the world is not without kind people.

But there are also plenty of moral defects in it. There are many dangers for a homeless child on the street: knackers, cars, merciless cold. Why would a healthy lout kick a cute kitten, breaking its jaw?

Why would a lonely old woman, instead of bringing warm milk to a harmless fluffy, raise her hand to him and kick him out of the entrance into the cold?

In a word, by adopting a kitten from a shelter or just from the street, you will do the greatest thing. In addition to saving at least one soul from misfortune, you will also get happiness back a hundredfold. After all, furry foundlings are much more affectionate and loyal than purebred cats.

Due to circumstances, they have a very flexible and responsive character. They can take phenomenal care of you, saving you from depression with their energy, curing you from illnesses and giving you true strong love. If you know the power of unconditional magical love, then you understand what we are talking about...

How to choose a kitten: for the purity of the breed

Of course, you have the right to choose a purebred naughty dog with a special coat, texture and disposition. Then you can proudly show him to your friends, praising his aristocratic features and the complexity of his nature.

Do you have a lot of free time? With the help of such a fluffy baby, you can meaningfully fill this time. Cat shows, battles in competitions for medals and a breeding mission. This is a great fun hobby.

In this case, it is best to buy a kitten from a special nursery. This is a guarantee of the purity of the pedigree and the health of the baby, which is confirmed by documents. Here they will give qualified advice on the care and maintenance of a kitten of the exact breed you purchased.

Each of them has its own feeding habits, character, etc. And in the future, you will be provided with support for participation in competitions and breeding. It should be noted that buying purebred kittens at exhibitions or from friends is a certain risk. It's better to contact real professionals.

A kitten with character: choose by breed

Each cat breed has its own personality traits. Therefore, all purebred cats can be divided into three groups.

Unusually sociable. There are free cats, but there are sociable ones and even, you will be surprised, clingy ones. These include Siamese, Bengal and Oriental cats, the German Rex and the Canadian Sphynx.
Calm breeds are affectionate, gentle, but without an obsessive need for attention, cats are not aggressive and neutral in their expression of emotions. These include Curl, Siberian, Burmilla, Russian Blue and Norwegian forest breeds.
Dictator cats. They are particularly proud and commanding felines that have much in common with wild cats, without ever becoming pliant and unconditionally tame. An example is the Persian and British breeds, as well as the Bobtail and Maine Coon.

How to choose a kitten: male or female?

Do not consider it discriminatory, but the gender of the kitten is also an important choice. After all, the behavioral characteristics of cats strongly depend on gender. There are many cat lovers who prefer only one of the sexes.

Kitties are more domestic, sedate and “cozy”. Of course, you may be intimidated by fiddling with her offspring. But your favorite purring dog can be sterilized or its “spring moods” can be treated with tablets. True, this is somewhat harmful to the baby’s health. But approach the issue wisely, and everything will be fine.

As for the cat: if you don’t want to deal with breeding, castrate him. Then you will be protected from “seasonal serenades” and marked corners. By nature, cats are more freedom-loving and lax.

Everyone's off to the polls!

Have you already decided and decided? Go get a new “family member.” The ideal age of a kitten is two/two and a half months. It is by this time that the baby will receive all the necessary nutrients and educational foundations from the mother.

And weaning the child from the mother cat too early threatens the kitten with psychological trauma. He will miss her and search for her endlessly.

How to choose a kitten: love at first sight

Finding your exact kitten is like finding love. There are many wonderful kittens, but only one will truly appeal to you and be spiritually close to you. Therefore, before purchasing, first communicate with the animal in its usual conditions of detention.

Be sure to observe his behavior in the company of his brothers. This way you can understand the individual character of kittens and figure out whose habits are closer to you.

A leader kitten or a hermit kitten, an easygoing baby or a bully? Choose with your heart! In addition, some of the kittens may take a special liking to you and immediately go into your arms to cuddle, while others will shy away and run away. You shouldn’t choose only based on beauty - be sure to pay attention to such important points...

Take it for yourself and tell your friends!