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Cat questions, answered

5,549 answers about cats

Cats keep their people guessing — why the 3 a.m. zoomies, what belongs in the bowl, when a vet visit can’t wait. This page gathers the cat library of KinsLe Answers in one place, organized by topic from feeding and litter to behavior, health and senior care. Every answer is original, written by KinsLe, and tied to a real KinsLe feature.

Cats — KinsLe Answers

Choosing & Adopting

978 answers in Choosing & Adopting — page 22 of 41

Are Burmese cats active, playful cats?

Yes, Burmese cats stay active and playful well into adulthood, keeping a kitten-like curiosity for games, climbing and anything you are doing. Expect short, sociable bursts of energy rather than aloof independence, with a strong urge to join in rather than watch. Give a Burmese you are considering two proper…

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Are Burmese cats a good choice for allergy sufferers?

Burmese are a mixed prospect for allergy sufferers: their short, fine, single coat sheds less loose fur around the home than a heavily coated breed, which some allergic owners find easier, but they still produce the saliva and skin protein that causes most cat allergies, so they are not hypoallergenic. The only…

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Are British Shorthairs lap cats who like to be held?

Generally no: most British Shorthairs prefer affection beside you rather than on you, choosing the sofa cushion next to your leg, accepting strokes and chin scratches happily, but disliking being picked up, held, or parked on a lap for long. Respect that preference, sit on the floor to play and groom at her level, and…

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Are British Shorthairs good with other cats?

Yes, British Shorthairs generally live peacefully with other cats, since their easy-going, non-confrontational nature lets them share space without the dominance battles that unsettle more territorial breeds. Peace still depends on resources and introductions: add trays, bowls, and resting spots before the new cat…

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Are British Shorthairs good with dogs?

Yes, British Shorthairs are usually a sound choice with dogs, because their calm, confident, unflappable temperament means a well-mannered dog is more likely to be accepted as part of the household than feared or fought. The pairing still depends on the dog: choose or train for a steady dog without a strong chase…

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Are British Shorthairs affectionate cats?

Yes, British Shorthairs are affectionate, but in a reserved, loyal way: a typical cat bonds deeply, follows you between rooms, sits close beside you, and offers head bumps and slow blinks, while asking for less lap time and cuddling than more demonstrative breeds. Win that affection with predictable, gentle handling…

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Are British Shorthairs active, playful cats?

British Shorthairs are moderately playful rather than athletic: expect short, enthusiastic bursts of chasing and pouncing, especially in kittens and young adults, followed by long, dignified naps, with playfulness tapering as the breed matures into its famously calm adult self. Build play into the day in two or three…

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Are British Shorthairs a good choice for allergy sufferers?

No, a British Shorthair is a risky choice for an allergy sufferer, because the breed carries a dense double coat that sheds steadily, and the allergen that triggers most people is a protein in cat saliva and skin that grooming spreads through that coat. Anyone with allergies should spend several long visits with the…

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Are Bombays lap cats who like to be held?

Yes, Bombays are among the most lap-oriented breeds: most actively seek out a warm lap, burrow under blankets, and tolerate or enjoy being picked up and held far more than the average cat. Even so, let the cat set the terms by crouching down, offering your arms, and putting her back down the moment she pushes with a…

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Are Bombays independent cats who cope alone during the day?

No, Bombays are at the attached end of the cat spectrum and are a poor match for a home that sits empty all day, because they bond closely, follow their people, and can become bored or vocal when left without company for long stretches. A working owner can still succeed by adding a companion cat, setting up puzzle…

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Are Bombays good with other cats?

Yes, Bombays usually do well with other cats because this people- and cat-oriented breed was developed from social Burmese lines and tends to seek company rather than solitude. A resident cat still needs a slow introduction, with the new Bombay kept in a separate room at first, scent swapped on bedding, and short…

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Are Bombays good with dogs?

Often yes — a confident, sociable Bombay usually adapts well to a cat-friendly dog and may actively befriend it. Bombays are bold enough not to panic at a dog's size, playful enough to share games, and fond enough of warmth to end up sleeping against a dog they trust. The pairing fails when the dog chases, plays too…

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Are Bombays affectionate cats?

Yes, Bombays are intensely affectionate — one of the most people-devoted breeds you can choose. A Bombay typically shadows its owner, claims the lap the moment one appears, sleeps under the covers or against your side, and greets you with head bumps and a running commentary of soft chirps. This is not a cat for…

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Are Bombays active, playful cats?

Yes, Bombays are active, playful cats that stay kittenish well into adulthood. A Bombay loves interactive games, fetches small toys, follows its people to supervise every activity, and investigates anything new in the house with its paws and nose. It is energetic rather than frantic — bursts of athletic play alternate…

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Are Birmans lap cats who like to be held?

Yes, Birmans are among the better lap cats — they seek out laps, settle for long stretches, and usually accept being held when it is done supportively. A typical Birman climbs into a lap by choice, arranges itself, and stays through a programme or a long read, purring and kneading with its white-gloved paws. Being…

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Are Birmans independent cats who cope alone during the day?

Not especially — Birmans are people-oriented cats that cope with a normal working day but do not thrive on long, regular solitude. A Birman left alone will usually sleep and wait rather than misbehave, yet this breed bonds closely and can become quiet, clingy on your return, or lose interest in food when alone time…

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Are Birmans good with other cats?

Yes, Birmans are generally excellent with other cats — sociable, non-confrontational, and happiest with company. A Birman rarely seeks dominance, usually shares perches and sunny spots peacefully, and often bonds closely with a housemate of similarly gentle temperament. The best matches are other calm breeds or…

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Are Birmans good with dogs?

Usually yes — Birmans are one of the calmer, more dog-tolerant breeds, as long as the dog is gentle and not relentlessly playful. A Birman's steady, unflappable temperament means it is less likely to panic, flee, and trigger chasing, and many Birmans end up sharing sofas and sunny spots with a dog they trust. A large,…

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Are Birmans affectionate cats?

Yes, Birmans are one of the most reliably affectionate breeds, known for a gentle, people-centred devotion rather than demanding behaviour. A Birman typically follows its owner between rooms, settles close on the sofa, answers when spoken to in a soft voice, and greets visitors politely instead of hiding. The…

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Are Birmans active, playful cats?

Birmans are moderately active rather than hyperactive: playful in relaxed bursts, then content to rest nearby. A typical Birman enjoys a wand toy, a crinkle ball carried between rooms, and a gentle game on the carpet, but it does not bounce off walls or demand hours of exercise the way a Bengal might. Kittens are…

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Are Bengals good with other cats?

Yes, many Bengals live well with other cats, especially a companion with similar energy, but they are not a breed that automatically welcomes a newcomer. A Bengal tends to be social, playful, and territorial, so a young, confident cat that enjoys wrestling and chasing usually fits better than a timid older cat that…

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Are Bengals good with dogs?

Often yes, provided the dog is calm around cats and introductions are staged rather than left to chance. A confident Bengal usually meets a cat-savvy dog with curiosity instead of fear, and many Bengals end up walking, playing, and even sleeping alongside a dog they have accepted. The risks are a dog with strong chase…

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