How to Choose Between Purebred and Mixed Breed Cats
To choose between purebred and mixed breed cats, first consider if you want a cat with particular physical or personality traits. If so, you might want to go for a purebred cat. If not, you could consider a mixed breed, which has less predictable qualities. Additionally, you can factor in your budget as getting a mixed breed cat is not as expensive as buying a purebred cat. A mixed breed is also more likely to have better health due to a larger genetic background and therefore incur a smaller vet bill.
Evaluate your lifestyle. Before buying or adopting a cat, it is important to think about your lifestyle, personality, and needs so you can select a cat that will fit in with you and your family. Consider how often you are away from home and what type of interaction you hope to have with your new pet. You may not be able to predict what qualities a mixed breed cat will have. Consider getting a mixed breed cat if your lifestyle is adaptable to the cat's needs. If you are gone for several hours each day or travel a lot for work, consider finding a cat that is independent. If you wish to have an affectionate cat, consider researching breeds that may be more likely to sit in your lap. Think about your flexibility. If you want your cat to have particular, anticipated qualities, opt for a purebred cat. It is easier to predict the coat, color, pattern, and personality of certain breeds. If you are more flexible and are willing to watch your cat's personality develop, consider getting a mixed breed whose traits are not predictable. Consider the financial requirements for the animal’s healthcare. Although it is impossible to determine what type of cat will be the healthiest throughout its lifespan, a mixed breed cat may be more likely than a purebred cat to have better health overall. This is because the mixed breed cat usually has a larger genetic background. A healthy cat may incur a yearly veterinary bill that ranges between $50 and $200 U.S. for routine care and check-ups. If you choose a purebred cat that is prone to developing certain medical conditions, that cost may increase due to more frequent visits to the veterinarian. Opt for a mixed-breed cat for health reasons. Consider choosing a mixed-breed cat if you wish to limit the number of health issues your cat may experience. Because they come from a larger gene pool than purebred cats, mixed-breed cats typically have fewer genetic defects, health conditions, and other health issues. Choose a mixed-breed if you do not have specific expectations. When you choose a mixed-breed cat, you may not be able to anticipate its personality or physical appearance, particularly if you do not know the cat's lineage. However, watching your cat develop can be exciting and rewarding. Consider selecting a mixed-breed cat if you are open to a wide range of personality types and are eager to watch your cat's personality unfold and develop. Select a mixed-breed cat to save money. Adopting or buying a mixed-breed cat is not as expensive as adopting or buying a purebred cat. Adopting a cat or a kitten from a local rescue shelter can cost as little as $50 to $100, and that cost typically covers initial vaccinations, neutering or spaying, deworming, and a veterinary check-up. Find a cat in a shelter. If you want to help out a homeless animal, consider adopting a mixed-breed cat. Mixed-breed cats are readily available in rescue shelters, while only about 25% of shelter pets are purebred. After filling out the adoption papers and passing a screening process, you won't have to wait long before you can take your new companion home. Pet stores and rescue groups are also good sources for finding mixed-breed cats. Make sure to buy from pet stores that have good reputations. Some pet stores work with local rescue groups, for instance. Get to know the cat before you buy it. If possible, spend some time with the cat you are considering. You may visit shelters, adoption fairs, and the homes of people advertising litters of "free kittens." Pick a cat that seems friendly and healthy. Be aware that "free kittens" will come without shots or having been spayed, and you will have to take on this expense. Consider adopting an older cat. Kittens are cute, but there's no way of knowing what kind of personality they'll eventually show. If you buy a mixed-breed cat, you can't predict traits such as whether or not it will be good with kids, playful, easygoing, social or solitary. Adopting older cat means you will be able to learn about the personality and habits of your cat before bringing it home. Shelters provide notes summarizing the personalities of the animals they house. Research the breed. Consider the needs, personality, and temperament of particular breeds to see what would work best for you and your family. Be sure to research which breed of cat would work best for your lifestyle to ensure that you will give the cat a happy home. Some breeds are high-energy and need a lot of exercise, while some long-haired cats require daily grooming. Ask other pet owners for their input or chat with a veterinarian, a local groomer, or a pet store employee for recommendations. Visit online forums where owners of specific breeds share information and experiences. Search for specific personality traits. Purebred cats often come with a pedigree and certification that they belong to a certain family. Selecting a purebred cat will ensure that your cat will most likely have a predictable personality and energy level. Although each cat may not conform to the breed standards, responsibly bred cats typically won't deviate far from their expected traits. If you would like a vocal cat, for example, opt for a Siamese or Siberian cat. If having an affectionate cat is important to you, research breeds like the Persian, the Chartreux, or the Birman. These cats typically have affectionate personalities. Choose a purebred for their appearance. In addition to having predictable personalities, purebred cats usually have a standard appearance. If you would like for your cat to have a certain look, consider researching the appearance of particular breeds to find a cat that is right for you. They usually have a specific coat length, pattern, and color. If you prefer short-haired cats over long-haired cats, for example, a purebred Abyssinian or a Devon rex will most likely have short hair and may be a great option for you. Cats like the Egyptian mau and the ocicat typically have spotted fur. Consider getting one of these breeds if you wish to have a cat with an interesting coat. However, it is important to remember that not all purebred cats will conform to the expected appearance. Consider the cost. Buying a purebred cat can be costly, and the prices vary depending on the breed, its coat quality, and its color. A purebred cat from a reputable breeder can cost between $300 and $1,200. If you wish to purchase a breeding-quality kitten, that could cost between $500 and $1000. If you adopt a purebred cat from a rescue shelter, the adoption fee can range between $100 and $300. Think about the potential health problems. Purebred cats are more likely than mixed breeds to develop certain health problems and may be more likely to have certain behavioral issues. If you are thinking of adopting or buying a purebred cat, consider what problems it may face in the future. Be sure to ask a breeder or an employee at a rescue shelter if there are specific health problems associated with the breed you are interested in. Turkish vans or Maine coons, for example, may be more likely to develop heart disease than a mixed-breed cat. Visit pet shows. If you are thinking of buying or adopting a purebred cat, consider visiting a pet show or competition in your area. You will have the chance to see particular breeds up close, and you may be able to chat with pet owners about their animals. They may be able to give you an overview of owning a particular breed, the issues they have faced, and any genetic or personality traits to note. In addition, they may have recommendations for adoption agencies or breeders in your area. Find a breed-specific or pure breed rescue group. If you are considering adopting a purebred cat, be sure to check out a purebred rescue group in your area. You may be able to help a cat that has been lost or surrendered by a previous owner. Ask local pet businesses, friends, or veterinary clinics about purebred rescue groups in your area. Look for a responsible breeder. Find a responsible breeder to ensure the health and safety of the animals. Research breeders in your area and ask local businesses or veterinarians for recommendations. Plan to visit the breeder to make sure that the cats and kittens are in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. Check to see if the breeder has a website and online reviews. Ask to have a tour of the facilities. Be sure to ask the breeder questions about congenital defects or genetic problems. An honest breeder will tell you about the potential problems of a particular breed. Ensure the cat has been OFA certified. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) aims to reduce the incidences of genetic diseases by working with breeders across the United States. Before choosing a purebred cat, ensure the cat as well as its parents have been certified by the OFA. These certifications prove that an animal has been examined for genetic defects and diseases and has a clean bill of health. 
Evaluate your lifestyle. Think about your flexibility. Consider the financial requirements for the animal’s healthcare. Opt for a mixed-breed cat for health reasons. Choose a mixed-breed if you do not have specific expectations. Select a mixed-breed cat to save money. Find a cat in a shelter. Get to know the cat before you buy it. Consider adopting an older cat. Research the breed. Search for specific personality traits. Choose a purebred for their appearance. Consider the cost. Think about the potential health problems. Visit pet shows. Find a breed-specific or pure breed rescue group. Look for a responsible breeder. Ensure the cat has been OFA certified. 