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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2004Gentle, Docile, Calm Breed (s)?
Hello, I haven't posted here in years, but when I did, it was usually seeking good advice ( and I certainly got lots) regarding my dear elderly cat, Blue. I'm very sad to say that Blue died just several weeks ago, on Nov. 20th-04, of a massive stroke, which was due to his recent health spiral (related to his very recent cardio-mylopathy-SP-diagnosis). He was 19 1/2 yrs old. I am still grieving greatly for him, as he was like my child, my 'perpetual baby' and I loved and bonded with him like no other animal I've ever had. He truly was very special. He was so easy to love! He never scratched or bit me, or growled at me over the whole duration of his life. He was as docile as a lamb and also seemed to know instinctively which plants/ grass was safe to eat outside in my lg. privacy fenced backyard. Even as a kitten, when I told him, "No", maybe just one other time would I have to say it, and he would immediately 'got it' and not keep going back, etc. He never showed any desire to 'stalk' and/or kill a bird, or squirrel, or any other living creature, short of maybe a lizard or mole when he was very young. Eventually, I would like to get/ buy? another docile and calm, observant and sweet, easy to train and Beautiful, white, medium-haired "flame point' just like Blue was. He also had big, beautiful blue eyes. I'd gotten him as a baby kitten for free, how lucky I was! And I was told that he had part Siamese in him. My question to all in the group is: Does Blue's special and sweet docile personality sound like a Siamese cat? Would I then be looking for a Flame point white, medium-haired Siamese kitten? Or am I simply 'dreaming' to find another sweet, very docile, obedient, and social kitten like Blue was? I realize that genes do play a big part in a cat's personality and in his or her's passiveness. But based on what I've described as Blues personality and behavior (he wasn't a huge 'talker' but he could be very vocal and expressive when he wanted to let me know something, which I loved. He also ' chirped' occasionally), does he sound like most flame point Siamese are? BTW, if anyone wants to see a photo of him, then please email me, and I'll be glad to share several photos of him both past and present and on the 4 days before he died. He was such a beautiful boy even when he was old. I really appreciate all who take the time to respond. Thanks! mlcarey1@yahoo.com ML > I realize that genes do play a big part in a cat's personality and in > his or her's passiveness. But based on what I've described as Blues > personality and behavior (he wasn't a huge 'talker' but he could be > very vocal and expressive when he wanted to let me know something, > which I loved. He also ' chirped' occasionally), does he sound like > most flame point Siamese are? I'm so sorry about your boy -- he sounds like a wonderful cat. And it is so hard to lose these elderly ones, they have been through so much with you! I don't know much about Siamese temperament although the cat I had while growing up was Siamese and my Nickleby was half Siamese (although he was a tuxedo cat himself). They were both loyal, loving, affectionate cats though. I think that the things you are looking for in a cat can be found in any breed including mixed breeds. Especially if you get a kitten -- just look for one who is alert but not hyper, and who purrs when you pick him/her up and tolerates being held for a few minutes without scrambling to get down. Then you take him/her home and handle him/her a lot. At least that's what worked with Nickleby. Adult cats can be a bit trickier, just because most of them aren't themselves in a shelter or even foster home situation. However, if you find one that will purr when strangers (such as yourself) pick him/her up, and clearly likes to be held, then I'm sure they will have those traits even moreso in their own home environment as their bond with you develops. Lots of cats who aren't affectionate with strangers will be affectionate once they bond with you, but it's hard to tell which ones they are. With my Rosalie, who had been feral and was in a foster home with lots of cats and who seemed scared of everything, I just had a feeling that she would become a comfy, affectionate cat given enough time and a peaceful environment -- and that did indeed turn out to be the case. I just kind of went on instinct there -- plus, she spoke to me. Seriously. She chirped whenever I approached her, which she hadn't done with anyone else. She knew I should become her human! Good luck in your search. Keep us posted. --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead I am SO sorry to read about Blue's passing. He sounds like a wonderful kitty-boy who had a long and fulfilling life. *hugs* to you. About his temperment: I am not familiar with personalities of purebred cats, only because I volunteer at my local shelter and see the hundreds of cats who pass through the doors, looking for a home. I encourage you to visit a shelter (when you're ready) and inquire about the type of cat you're looking for. Ask to speak to the kennel staff and/or socializers who work directly with the cats. Catherine has a good point; many cats are not their true selves because they become traumatized in those cages. However, when I used to socialize cats you could see their real personalities come out. That's who you need to talk to--not just someone behind a desk. Take your time, and trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, don't adopt him/her. You'll know when you meet the right cat. . or when he/she "chooses" you. Rene > I am SO sorry to read about Blue's passing. He sounds like a wonderful > kitty-boy who had a long and fulfilling life. *hugs* to you. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Rene I want to add my sympathy for the loss of your Blue, and to say that in my experience, Rene is right on here. A young adult cat that has been in a good shelter for a few months, where they socialize the animals and get to know them, may be a very goodchoice for you. You can get the calm, loving kitty without going through the kittenhood heebie jeebies that way! Also, if you choose a cat from a so-called no-kill shelter you may return it there if the match is not a good one, though I can never imagine doing this. I know kittens can be trained, but their true temperaments do not become apparent until later, when they are adults. Your best bet may be a young adult that is already laid back and loving. Best of luck to you. <snip> I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Blue sounds like he was a great cat. As to your question, some breeds have a tendency towards certain behaviors, but it's always pretty much the luck of the draw with genetics. You can up the chances of getting certain personality traits (or a certain temperament), but there's never a 100% guarantee. When you're ready, you may want to consider adopting a cat old enough to have a firmly known temperament (over 6 months) from someone who is fostering. Cats aren't always themselves at shelters, as has been noted, but many rescues do fostering, so the cat would already be in a house and the foster person would have a really good idea of the cat's temperament. Petfinder has a lot of fosters on its site. http://www.petfinder.com/ Also, don't forget that if you choose a specific breed, there may be a breed rescue in your area. There ARE purebreds up for adoption. :) As to very docile, laid-back, calm, sweet cat breeds, I've never heard of the siamese [1] being described that way (the longer-haired ones are Balinese, IIRC). Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Persians come to mind...but the most laid back, docile, sweet, completely non-trouble-maker cat I've ever had was a stray we found on the street. (RIP Tommy-boy, we miss you) The vet thought he was a Maine Coon mix due to his body type and the fact that he was very, very big (23 pounds and not fat a bit at his heathiest). But he could have been anything. The Ragdoll [2] and Persian [3] come in pointed coat varieties. [1]From an FAQ... The Siamese is distinguished by its brilliant blue eyes and its colored "points" (ears, face, tail, and feet), which provide a striking contrast to its light-colored body. It is vocal, demanding, lively, and affectionate. [2] http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/ragdoll-faq.html [3] AKA Himalayan http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/persian-him.html Hope this helps.  Signature-- ~kaeli~ Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace Hi Kaeli and everyone, Thanks for the sharing. I appreciate the responses and interesting comments. I was talking with a woman today who has a 13 yr old male 'Himalayan and she practically described Blue! Her cat was the same color a white ( apricot coloring around the ears and tail) flame point, with medium length, silky white fur and blue eyes. She said that her cat was always very laid back as a kitten and still now, and that he was kind of stand off-ish. Blue was the same way although throughout out his last 8 yrs he was very affectionate. She joked that she always felt honored when her cat would come up to her. The way she described this cat it sounded very much like Blue (his markings and his personality). Soo, does anyone know much about Himalayan kittens/ cats? I had heard that they tended to be hyper..? Anyway, I'd previously had a bad experience with that breed. My sister had bought a kitten years ago ( another one we tried to match up with Blue) that had the worse* personality! I mean that kitten was, dumb with a capital, but weirdly smart in other ways. I told my sister she was like an austic servant ;-), as the kitten, who she'd appropriately named,'Tass', actually turned on* our washing machine, at like, 2:00AM waking us up! In retrospect, she must* have been an in-breed, and eventually my sister found a home for her..(thank God). ML > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace They tend to be very laid back. Gail > Hi Kaeli and everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 91 lines] >> http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart >> http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace I am very sorry to hear about Blue. It is really hard to see them go when they are so much a part of our lives. You might also consider a Russian Blue cat (they have Siamese ancestry). The breed doesn't have blue eyes, but they have wonderful soft dark blue/gray fur. They are usually very loyal, affectionate, sweet, calm, purring/chirping/talking a lot. Our Sophie died about 3 years ago and we still miss her. Ann > Hi Kaeli and everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 79 lines] > > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart > > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace **Thank you, Ann. I have now looked at several sites that have 'flame point' Himalayans, and my dear boy, Blue, looked much more like a flame point ( apricot flame point, or very light red coloring on his ears and tail), Siamese cat- like a apple head, but smaller in size. Blue was always medium to later on smaller sized, he weighted only 7 Lbs. when he died. And yes, it is very hard when you've had the absolute very best, the most perfect cat in my* the world. It's almost more depressing for me to think that I won't be able to have (again) his fantastically uncommon traits in another cat. I'll plan to give it time, and when the time is right, then I'll hopefully be blessed with another beautiful flame point. God knows, I'm totally stuck on this breed, now. ML > I am very sorry to hear about Blue. It is really hard to see them go > when they [quoted text clipped - 109 lines] > > > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart > > > http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace With all due respect, I really don't believe that you're stuck on a "breed". What you're stuck on is the characteristics of a particular cat that you loved dearly. They're all individuals. Rather than trying to replace the cat that died with a facsimile, why don't you wait a while, let yourself grieve sufficiently and then go to a shelter and fall in love all over agin with a cat who delights you with their own individual self. Don't you think a cat deserves better than to be an inferior version of the "absolute very best"? I agree. You need time. Eventually you'll be able to see the new cat for the unique creature he/she is and that's when it's time to adopt another cat. Condolences on your loss. twrl@britsysdsl.net wrote in news:1102661151.481351.154370 @f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com: > With all due respect, I really don't believe that you're stuck on a > "breed". What you're stuck on is the characteristics of a particular [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > he/she is and that's when it's time to adopt another cat. Condolences > on your loss. Good post -- you make very good points here. --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead Hi there, I do appreciate your good, common sense advice. I know what you said is true And yes, I will wait until the time is right. Some/ many(?) people are able to love a cat 'as is', and completely accept it as special and unique in it's own way. Not me. And I imagine that I'll get some flames for being very truthful. I am* working on it, and certainly getting good practice and total exercise on my patience and tolerance levels. I'm just not good, at all, with hard and difficult to train animals, and I honestly know that I just 'lucked out' with Blue. Good thing I don't have kids. Blue wasn't common, your average, 'run of the mill' cat. I have another cat, 'Jessie', almost 12 months old now, that I got as a kitten. 'Jessie', is very sweet, but is the complete polar-opposite of Blue. He's black and white, short hair, and is constantly on the go, moving, moving, moving. Thank God he has* settled down a small bit, but his personality is verrry hyper. He is wired that way. 'Jessie' has to be told 100 times "No" for every one or two times that I would have to say No to Blue. Blue was very easy to train, wanted to please, as a kitten, he 'got-it' almost right away when something was 'off limits'. I know that I personally do much, much, better with an easy to train cat or kitten, and in my experience there just are that many out there. ML-- mlcarey1@yahoo.com -- The noble love of Jesus impels a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect. --THOMAS ? KEMPIS > With all due respect, I really don't believe that you're stuck on a > "breed". What you're stuck on is the characteristics of a particular [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > he/she is and that's when it's time to adopt another cat. Condolences > on your loss. Oh, a couple more breeds to look at, in case you decide on buying or adopting a purebred. Birman: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/birman.html Ragamuffin: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/ragamuffin.html Signature-- ~kaeli~ Found God? If nobody claims Him in 30 days, He's yours to keep. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace First, sorry for the loss of your kitty - it's always heart breaking. Secondly, I have had the best luck with black cats - many are part Siamese, and I have yet to meet a big black male that isn't a pure lovebug. That being said, you couldn't pay me enough to buy a purebred Siamese - way too many genetic defects. My advice would be to go to the shelter and pick out a Siamese-wannabe or another sweet kitten that will allow you to hold him in your arms like a baby and stroke his tummy. I have used this method for selecting kittens for years, and have never been disappointed. best of luck, -L. > First, sorry for the loss of your kitty - it's always heart breaking. > Secondly, I have had the best luck with black cats - many are part Siamese, > and I have yet to meet a big black male that isn't a pure lovebug. That > being said, you couldn't pay me enough to buy a purebred Siamese - way too > many genetic defects. Eros, black male, is incredibly huggy and social. But then, I knew a black male in high school who was adorable -- and hated it. He wanted to be left alone. He did have grass allergies, so that may have impacted his mood quite a bit. > My advice would be to go to the shelter and pick out a Siamese-wannabe or > another sweet kitten that will allow you to hold him in your arms like a > baby and stroke his tummy. I have used this method for selecting kittens > for years, and have never been disappointed. best of luck, That sounds like good advice. Signaturemonique, who is sometimes allowed to pet Oscar, a grey^H^H^H^Hblue-cream DLH with an attitude! |
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