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Cat questions, answered

5,104 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

963 answers in Choosing & Adopting — page 32 of 41

Are Chartreux cats good with children?

Generally yes, a Chartreux is good with children who can be reasonably gentle, because this breed is patient, unflappable and more likely to walk away from pestering than to scratch or bite. A Chartreux suits school-age children especially well, joining short play sessions and then resting nearby, while very young…

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Are Chartreux cats good family cats?

Yes, a Chartreux suits family life well if your family wants a calm, loyal cat rather than a boisterous one, because this breed bonds deeply, follows its people around and plays in gentle, dog-like bursts with favourite toys. A Chartreux often attaches most strongly to one person while staying friendly with everyone,…

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Are Chartreux cats good apartment cats?

Yes, a Chartreux is exceptionally well suited to apartment life, because this calm French breed is quiet, undemanding of space and content indoors, amusing itself in short play bursts and then settling near its people for long stretches. Neighbours benefit too, since a Chartreux rarely meows at all and communicates in…

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Are Burmese cats vocal cats?

Yes, Burmese are talkative cats, but their voice surprises people who expect volume: a Burmese chats in a soft, slightly raspy meow, commenting on arrivals, meals and closed doors rather than yowling through the house. They talk most to people they know and often answer when spoken to, so expect conversation at…

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Are Burmese cats good for first-time owners?

Yes, a Burmese is a forgiving first cat in many ways, with a short low-maintenance coat, a sturdy constitution and a friendly nature that gives a new owner plenty of readable feedback about what the cat wants. The part first-timers underestimate is demand: a Burmese expects daily interactive play and real company, and…

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Are Burmese cats good family cats?

Yes, Burmese are among the most family-oriented breeds, because they actively seek out household company, join in games and usually accept children, visitors and other pets as more audience rather than more threat. Their sturdy build tolerates family life better than delicate breeds, though children still need to lift…

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Are Burmese cats good apartment cats?

Yes, a Burmese is one of the easier breeds to keep happily in an apartment, because this compact, muscular cat is people-focused rather than space-hungry and will use vertical shelves and a window perch more than extra floor area. The trade-off is company: a Burmese left alone for long stretches in a quiet flat can…

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Are British Shorthairs vocal cats?

No, British Shorthairs are among the quietest of breeds — most owners hear little more than an occasional soft meow at mealtimes and a famously deep, quiet purr. They communicate mainly through posture, slow blinks and positioning themselves nearby, so a Shorthair who suddenly starts meowing has usually changed for a…

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Are British Shorthairs good with children?

British Shorthairs are generally good with children who are old enough to respect one clear rule: this breed loves company but dislikes being picked up, carried or hugged tightly. Their patience and unflappable calm mean they tolerate household noise and gentle stroking very well, usually leaving rather than lashing…

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Are British Shorthairs good for first-time owners?

Yes, the British Shorthair is one of the most forgiving breeds for a first-time owner, thanks to its calm temperament, quiet voice, independence and straightforward care. The learning curve is small: twice-weekly brushing, measured meals to protect against weight gain, and respect for a cat who prefers four paws on…

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Are British Shorthairs good family cats?

Yes, for families who appreciate a calm companion, British Shorthairs are steady, good-natured family cats who enjoy being in the same room without demanding laps or constant handling. Their tolerance suits busy households — they greet people warmly, supervise from a chair and retire gracefully when the house gets…

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Are British Shorthairs good apartment cats?

Yes, British Shorthairs are one of the best apartment breeds because they are calm, quiet and undemanding of space, spending much of the day napping in a favourite chair. Their dense plush coat sheds more than expected, so budget a weekly brush even in a small flat. Weight is the main apartment risk, since a sedentary…

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Are Bombays vocal cats?

Yes, Bombays are talkative in a distinctly Burmese way — a running commentary of chirps, meows and soft demands aimed at whoever is home. It is conversational rather than constant, and usually means something specific: food, a game, a warm lap or objection to a closed door. Because the breed is so social, a sudden…

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Are Bombays good with children?

Yes, Bombays are among the better breeds for children because they are confident, playful and sturdy rather than shy or delicate. They join games enthusiastically but play hard, so younger children need supervision and teaching on reading a flicking tail or flattened ears as a stop signal. Channel the energy with…

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Are Bombays good family cats?

Yes, Bombays are excellent family cats for households that want an involved pet, because they bond with everyone rather than choosing one person. Expect a muscular black shadow who joins games, supervises homework and seeks a lap the moment one appears. Families should know the commitment runs both ways — a Bombay…

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Are Bombays good apartment cats?

Yes, Bombays adapt very well to apartments because they are people-focused indoor cats whose short, sleek black coat sheds little onto small-space furnishings. Space is rarely the issue — stimulation is, since an under-occupied Bombay will invent entertainment involving shelves and curtains. Build vertical routes, a…

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Are Birmans vocal cats?

Birmans are moderately vocal, but their voice is the surprise: soft, musical chirps and quiet meows rather than the loud, insistent calling of a Siamese. A Birman usually talks to get a specific thing — greeting you, asking for a door to open, commenting on an empty bowl — then settles once answered. If the talking…

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Are Birmans good with children?

Generally yes, Birmans are patient and affectionate with children who handle them gently, and their calm nature makes them less likely to swipe than a more reactive breed. They prefer stroking on the floor or sofa to being scooped up and carried, so teach children to let the cat come to them and to read a turned head…

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Are Birmans good family cats?

Yes, Birmans suit family life unusually well because they want to be near people without demanding constant handling. Their silky, colourpoint coats, deep blue eyes and calm following behaviour mean a Birman often trails household members from room to room and settles close by. Keep a brush in the weekly family…

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Are Birmans good apartment cats?

Yes, Birmans are one of the best apartment breeds you can choose. They are gentle, calm and people-oriented without being demanding, they play in soft bursts and then settle close to their owners, and their voice is a quiet, occasional chirp rather than anything that will trouble your neighbors. Their semi-long coat…

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Are Bengals vocal cats?

Yes, Bengals are among the most vocal domestic cat breeds, with a wide and expressive range of sounds. They yowl, chirp, chatter, trill and hold forth in long conversational bursts, especially when they want food, play, access to a closed room or simply your attention, and their voices carry. Owners who enjoy talking…

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Are Bengals good with children?

Bengals are often good with older, respectful children and teenagers, and usually a risky match for toddlers and very young children. They are confident and playful enough to enjoy kids who throw toys, build obstacle courses and include them in games, and they tend to bond strongly with young people who engage with…

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Are Bengals good for first-time owners?

For most first-time owners, honestly, a Bengal is not a good starting cat. They are beautiful and fascinating, but they demand far more play, training, problem-solving and tolerance than a beginner expects, and an under-stimulated Bengal develops loud, destructive habits that new owners often misread as naughtiness. A…

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Are Bengals good family cats?

Bengals can be good family cats for active families with older children, but they are a poor match for homes expecting a placid, cuddly lap cat. They are confident, playful and often deeply attached to their people, joining games, following the household around and learning family routines quickly. Families do best…

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