[Chloe1110]

Hi guys! I am looking for advice from people who have Persian cats so I decided to come to this forum

I have a 4 month old silver shaded persian/himalayan kitten and i am looking to get her a friend to keep her company when I start college as I will be away for longer periods of time. I have noticed that she has a very different personality than any of the domestic cats I have owned in the past. Even though she is a kitten and still very playful, she is a lot calmer and very well behaved, meaning that she doesn’t get into things that she shouldn’t and listens very well. She’s also very clingy and follows me into every room I go into and sleeps right beside me every night. She’s so sweet and I’ve just never had a cat that acts the way she does before! I love her so much.

But because of her distinct personality I was wondering if she would get along with a regular domestic cat breed or if I should look into another persian/Himalayan breed as they might fit her personality better. I am a college student though and live on my own so I would prefer not shelling out the funds to get another Persian because they are expensive but if that’s what’s the best for my girl then I will try to save up and do it. If she will get along with a domestic breed just as well then I would much rather adopt from a shelter! Or maybe there are other breeds/mixes besides the ones I’ve mentioned that would be a good fit as well. Anyone with experience can you please let me know. I am new to this breed and want what’s best for both cats. Thank you!

 

[catloverami]

I haven't owned a Persian, but knew breeders from my 20 yrs. of breeding and showing at cat shows. Yes, they are generally very placid and well behaved. It's rare to see one being nasty with other cats or the judges. Cats are individuals and altho generally speaking Persians have calm, friendly personalities, sometimes there are personality clashes between them or other cats, but that happens with that most breeds. Sometimes it's because of their genetics, other times just a quirky personality, or their social upbringing during their first three months. It's more than likely your girl would get along well with one of the same personality and temperament and activity level. May be clashes if she had to deal with a cat that is very active, such as an Abyssinian, Ocicat or Siamese.

 

[Mosi]

There is no such thing as a breed of cats that "gets long with any cat breed".

Cats do not know they are a breed, and for the most part, aside from minor variations, a cat is a cat. Even with dogs, who have far more imbedded breed characteristics, such things as getting along with others is not a matter of breed.

Whether any cat gets along with other cats is a matter of timing, the individual's personality, their environment, how things are handled by the owner, and the personality of the other cat(s). All of these things need to be taken into consideration when introducing cats, and there are good ways and not so good ways to do it. But even with all the best introductions, sometimes it won't work out. Just as, not every human being gets along with every other human being, even if they both have blond hair or come from Norway.

I have known some Persian cats who were placid and I have known some who were fireballs, and one who didn't like anyone but one person. My experience has taught me that you cannot pick a breed of cat and then make assumptions about what that cat will be like because of their breed.

 

[dseag2]

We found our second cat on Petfinder and we've found the descriptions by fosters or shelters pretty accurate. We had a cat that we knew got along well with other cats (his buddy passed away) and the description for our new cat on Petfinder indicated he was a lap cat and got along with not only other cats but dogs. We've found both to be absolutely true but we did have to do a 6-day proper introduction to make sure it worked. Disclaimer... both are adult neutered male cats.

I will go further and say that we've typically had 2 to 3 cats at a time and prior to this, while not best buds, they've always gotten along, eaten together, never attacked each other, etc. The males have always been buds but the male/female combos have been less close. This is just OUR experience. I know there are some on the forum who have cat combos that haven't worked, resulting in one cat feeling intimidated or alienated. If you do find a friend for your kitty she probably should be another young cat because a younger kitty that wants to play tends to annoy an older cat.