Having your first cat is a life-changing experience. It gives you new emotions, responsibility and daily experience of communication with a creature that knows how to love and surprise. But the right choice is especially important here: cats differ in character, needs and level of care, and this determines how comfortable your life together will be.

Character and lifestyle of the cat

For a newcomer, the main criterion is not beauty, but character. There are independent cats, there are overactive, there are very “talkative”, and not everyone can cope with such a temperament. Beginners are better to take balanced, calm and affectionate animals that easily adjust to the rhythm of the owner’s life. Such cats rarely cause problems: they will not wake you up at three in the morning, will not require endless games and will not throw tantrums because of loneliness. This does not mean that they are indifferent – they just know how to maintain a balance between love for humans and their own independence.

Care and practicality

The second aspect that is often underestimated by newcomers is grooming. Some breeds look gorgeous, but require daily combing, specialized nutrition, and constant attention. If you are taking a cat for the first time, such a choice can quickly become a burden. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to those who do not need complex care. Cats with short hair or mongrels often turn out to be much easier to live with: less hair at home, less time for hygiene, less chance of making a mistake. This doesn’t make them less beautiful or less valuable – on the contrary, for a beginner, this option allows them to enjoy socializing rather than spending hours combing and bathing.

The best options for beginners

And here’s where the most important thing comes in. If we talk about the breeds that are traditionally advised for beginners, they are Brits, Ragdolls and Maine Coons. British short-haired cats are real gentlemen: calm, non-conflicted, self-sufficient. They are ideal for those who first get acquainted with the cat world, because they do not create chaos in the house, but will always be close by. Ragdolls, in turn, as if created for cuddling. They literally relax in the hands of the owner, giving a sense of calm and comfort. For a person who has a cat for the first time, it is an invaluable experience of tenderness and trust. Maine Coons are amazing in size, but in fact they are real good-natured giants who get along well with people and keep calm even in fussy families.

But the most universal and at the same time a special choice is the mongrel cats. Often it is they who are considered “simple”, but in fact they give the most surprises. Their character can be absolutely different: someone affectionate and calm, someone playful and funny, someone wise and observant. They have no pedigree, but they have an amazing ability to adapt, find a common language with the owner and become true friends. It is such cats, rescued from the street or taken from the shelter, often turn out to be the most grateful and loyal. And for a beginner it may be the best option – after all, you will not only get a pet, but also give someone a chance for a happy life.