Cat adoption

Choosing a cat

Domestic mix-breeds

We believe that cats are amazing animals and even better pets. Their playful and affectionate natures are contagious and their innate wisdom teaches us humans a thing or two about living in the moment. Domestic mixed breed cats hold an extra special place for us because we know a cat’s personality is individual and all it takes is an adopter to walk into the shelter to recognise the one that’s right for them. Domestic mixed-breed cats can be more genetically robust than pure-breeds with some notable adoptees from the Home living beyond 20 years.

So if you’re looking for a pet who will fit into your life like they were always there, with their own unique look, markings and personality why not consider a domestic mixed cat?

Appearance: Abyssinians are elegant looking cats with strong, agile bodies and long, slender legs with a coat that varies from short to medium in length. Their coats are relatively easy to care for, requiring only a brush and comb through every so often to stay well groomed.

Lifestyle: Abyssinians like plenty of space. Natural climbers, they need high perches and cat trees around the home. Like most animals, Abyssinians benefit from regular health checks, but this breed is quite robust health wise.

Is an Abyssinian the right cat for me?
Affectionate cats, devoted to their owners, Abyssinians enjoy spending time with people and other animals and enjoy playtime. They can play independently but relish in a good period of interactive play with their owners. They love food-based enrichment activities to keep up their mental stimulation. With easy going natures, Abyssinians can make good family pets.

Appearance: Strong, agile cats, Bengals have slim, athletic builds with soft, sleek coats. Their coat has either a spotted or swirly marbled pattern. Due to their short hair, Bengals are easy to groom and will only need a brush once or twice a week to keep their coat healthy.

Lifestyle: Intelligent and vocal, Bengals can be mischievous, boisterous and very playful. Unlike other cats, Bengals love water. Owners will need to make sure they don’t leave a bath unattended while running hot water as your cat may get scalded.

Is a Bengal the right cat for me?
Due to their boisterous nature, Bengals flourish in a home with an owner who enjoys training, active playtime and can provide challenging food-based enrichment games.
Mixing well with children and other animals, Bengals have been described to have dog-like traits, often following people from room to room and welcoming their owners home at the end of the day with a loving greeting. Highly people orientated, these cats enjoy human companionship and approval, which makes them loyal life-long companions.

Appearance: Birmans have long, thick bodies with short, stout legs. They have long, silky coats in a range of different colours. Unlike other longhaired breeds, a Birman’s long, silky fur isn’t prone to matting. A weekly brush is all that’s needed to keep their coats looking healthy.

Lifestyle: Highly sociable cats, this breed enjoy the company of people and take an interest in what their owners are doing. Sometimes this inquisitive nature can get them into trouble. Birmans have been known to find themselves trapped in unusual situations and owners will need to keep an eye on where their Birman is. Docile, quiet cats, Birmans occasionally communicate with their owners in a soft voice. Usually this will be around things like reminding you it’s dinner time.

Is a Birmans the right cat for me?
Birmans have an affectionate, yet laidback personality, but they can be active and playful when around their families. They often enjoy being cuddled and will come to you when they are seeking out affection. Due to their gentle temperaments, this breed generally gets along with other animals and is also good with children. With their laidback personality, these cats make good family pets.

Appearance: British shorthairs have short, thick coats, big round eyes and a large, rounded body. They are compact, but powerful, with broad chests and strong legs. With their short coats, British shorthairs can get away with a regular brush once a week.

Lifestyle: British shorthairs are energetic as kittens, but usually start to settle down by the time they are a year old. As adults, they often enjoy relaxing and sleeping on the couch.
These cats have a quiet voice and are not as demanding for your attention as other breeds.

Is a British shorthair the right cat for me?
If you are looking for an undemanding companion who likes to hang out with their owner, a British shorthair might be the cat for you. These cats are mellow and easy-going, making them great family companions. They enjoy affection but are also happy to relax on their own.

Appearance: Burmese have solid, compact, muscular bodies with expressive gold or yellow eyes. Their short coats have a satin texture which darkens in colour as they grow from kittens to cats. They do shed, especially during the warmer months, and will need brushing on a weekly basis to ensure their coats stay shiny and healthy.

Lifestyle: Energetic and friendly, the Burmese tend to retain playful, kitten-like characteristics well into adulthood. Burmese are highly intelligent cats who seek human companionship and aren’t suited to homes where they’ll be left alone for most of the day. They enjoy active play with their owners and can be great to train.

Is a Burmese the right cat for me?
If you’re looking for an active cat who enjoys company, the Burmese is the right cat for you. They’ll want to be involved in everything you do, from preparing dinner to reading the newspaper. When you are sitting down, they’ll be in your lap or right next to you. Burmese enjoy training and love food-based enrichment activities to keep their minds and body’s busy.
They make great family pets as they are generally child friendly and get along with other household pets. Just remember they’ll strive to be first in your eyes.

Appearance: Exotic shorthairs have sturdy, muscular bodies with large, rounded heads. They have medium-length plush coats which require daily brushing to avoid matting.
This breed can be prone to a number of potential health problems, commonly related to their facial structure and short noses. Conditions include breathing difficulties and heat sensitivity. Potential owners need be mindful of these conditions. Less active than other breeds, owners will also need to watch their exotic shorthair’s diet.

Lifestyle: Sweet and docile, these cats are not as demanding of their owner‘s time as other breeds can be. While they are rarely vocal, they can still chat from time to time. An exotic shorthair’s needs are simple; regular meals, a little playtime with some toys and lots of love.

Is a Exotic shorthairs the right cat for me?
These cats can make good pets for people looking for a quiet, peaceful and loyal companion. Exotic shorthairs love to play when they are not relaxing with their family. They are active and curious and will thrive with an active family committed to setting aside some time each day to play with them.

Appearance: Big, rugged cats with smooth, shaggy coats Maine coons are known as the gentle giant of the cat family. Despite their long, thick coats, Maine coons require minimal grooming. Owners should invest some time each week to give their cat’s coat a good brush to keep it in good condition.

Lifestyle: Main coons can adapt to many different lifestyles and personalities. They like being with people but generally aren’t as vocal as other breeds. They love water and it is not unusual to see them dunk their food in water. Owners will need to make sure they keep an eye out for their cat around hot water to make sure their Maine coon doesn’t scald itself.

Is a Maine coons the right cat for me?
Good natured and friendly, Maine coons retain a sense of kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. Maine coons are very intelligent cats who can be trained to play fetch. They enjoy retrieving small balls, toys or wadded-up pieces of paper. Relishing in the companionship of adults, children and other animals, they make loyal and loving family pets.

Appearance: Non pedigree cats come in a range of shapes and sizes with varying coat colours and lengths. They can be described as domestic shorthair, domestic medium hair and domestic long hair, simply based on the individual cat’s hair length. For this reason the grooming requirements for this breed can vary from cat to cat. Potential owners should consider the amount of time they can commit to grooming their cat to help determine the best type for them.

Lifestyle: These cats have not been specifically bred to enhance any particular characteristics and, as a result, non-pedigree cats have fewer defined character traits. Each cat has their own individual personality depending on their pedigree. This could be friendly, sociable, playful, exuberant, interactive, independent or aloof.

Is a Non pedigree cats the right cat for me?
The personality of non-pedigree cats can vary greatly, so potential owners are advised to meet their cat before making the decision to take them home. As with any cat, non-pedigree cats will enjoy playtime with their owners and food-based enrichment games. Most cats love training and can be taught to sit, come, high five and other fun tricks.

Appearance: With their long, tapered head, slender legs and long tails, orientals appear lithe, but feel heavier than they look. Because they have short coats with no noticeable undercoat orientals need very little grooming, but a regular brush is recommended.

Lifestyle: Orientals are curious cats who like making their presence known. Full of enthusiasm and energy, they believe they are the centre of their universe. Highly intelligent, agile and athletic, they love to play and thrive in homes which keep their busy brains active with puzzle and teaser toys.

Is a Orientals the right cat for me?
With their chatty natures, orientals are a good match for owners who enjoy having a conversation with their feline companions. Being friendly and confident, they can be choosy with their affections if they feel like they are being neglected by their owners. Potential owners need to make sure they can give these cats the love and attention they crave to keep them happy. In the right home they’ll thrive for years.

Appearance: Persians have stocky bodies with long, luxurious coats, supported on short, sturdy legs. Due to their short noses, they can be prone to a number of potential health problems including breathing difficulties and heat sensitivity. Regular grooming is essential to keep the Persian’s coat healthy. They’ll need a daily run-through with a metal comb to reduce hairballs and eliminate tangles. An occasional bath is also essential for keeping a Persian’s coat clean.

Lifestyle: Quiet and gentle, a Persian’s needs are simple; regular meals, some quiet playtime and lots of unconditional love. If these needs are met, they return your love tenfold.

Is a Persians the right cat for me?
The most important thing to remember when caring for a Persian is a commitment to daily grooming – that coat does not stay beautiful and tangle-free on its own. With their quiet and sweet dispositions Persians make delightful companions. While affectionate and loving, they don’t constantly seek attention and won’t pine for you if you are out during the day for work.

Appearance: Characterised by a long, muscular body, with a broad chest and short neck, it’s no surprise Ragdolls are the largest fully domesticated cat breed. With their long fur and little undercoat, ragdolls need regular grooming to keep their long coats in a healthy condition. Daily attention is needed to prevent the build-up of knots and matting of the fur.

Lifestyle: While known for being docile, ragdolls enjoy interactive play with their owners and toys which are engaging. Intelligent cats, ragdolls learn quickly and can pick up tricks and good behaviours, such as using a scratching post. They are not excessively vocal, but will communicate with you to remind you of mealtime or when seeking attention.

Is a Ragdolls the right cat for me?
Daily grooming is essential to keep a ragdolls coat luxurious and healthy. As they aren’t particularly active cats, owners will need to keep an eye on their diet to ensure they don’t become obese. They are well-mannered and are easy to live with. With their sweet, gentle natures and affinity for cuddles and pats, they make an ideal family pet.

Appearance: Russian blues have elegant yet muscular bodies with short, luxurious blue coats. Like other shorthaired cats, Russian blues do not require an excessive amount of grooming for their coats to stay clean and healthy. A comb twice weekly is all that’s needed to remove dead hair and minimise matting.

Lifestyle: While quiet and reserved in nature, Russian blues love to play and will thrive in homes where they have access to areas where they can climb to get the best vantage point. Russian blues love human attention and will be hurt if they don’t receive the attention they crave. In extreme cases being ignored can lead to a Russian blue becoming anxious or fearful.

Is a Russian blues the right cat for me?
This breed thrives in quiet, stable environments; they do not like change. While they are able to entertain themselves during the day, it is important their owners commit to a set routine, especially around mealtimes. Initially aloof when meeting new people, if their owner takes the time to develop a relationship with a Russian blue, they’ll be rewarded with a deep, life-long bond.

Appearance: Small to medium in sized, Siamese are muscular, yet slender cats with long bodies and tails. The short, fine coat of the Siamese is easily cared for with weekly combing to remove dead hair and stimulate healthy skin.

Lifestyle: Talkative and opinionated, Siamese will tell you what they’re thinking, when they’re thinking it – and they expect you to pay attention. Siamese can be demanding and social cats, who need an owner committed to spending time with them on a regular basis. Being intelligent and athletic cats, Siamese will need plenty of puzzle and teaser toys to keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day.

Is a Siamese the right cat for me?
People-orientated with an outgoing personality, Siamese have a strong need to be part of the family. Chatty and attentive, they are suited to families who enjoy spending time with their pets and maybe even like having conversations with them. If you are looking for a cat to interact and spend time with, the Siamese will reward you with unconditional love and loyalty.

Appearance: Muscular, yet elegant, Turkish vans have a long, study physique and strong legs. With their silky coats, Turkish vans need regular grooming to keep their silky coats tangle free. Brushing their coats on a daily basis will help avoid matts building up.

Lifestyle: Highly intelligent, Turkish vans can learn tricks and games, including fetch. They also have an affinity for high spaces and will seek locations to climb. If you do have keepsakes on higher shelves, it may be wise to move them with a Turkish Van around – their clumsy natures mean they can knock things over without knowing. Turkish vans do love water, so potential owners will need to watch out for their pet around water or cover areas of water if you are not there to supervise.

Is a Turkish vans the right cat for me?
Extremely intelligent and friendly, Turkish vans make excellent companions. While they don’t like being held or restrained, they are very affectionate and enjoy curling up next to you on the couch or lying on your bed. While they are not lap cats, Turkish vans are very affectionate and form strong attachments to their families, offering lifelong love and loyalty.