When considering adding a kitten to your household, fur length becomes an important consideration. Not only will the size of feline locks dictate grooming needs and shed management needs, but it may also impact shedding rates or whether your new kitty would suit allergy sufferers.
The Tonkinese cat breed is known for being playful and social. Descended from Siamese and Burmese parents, its short coat and friendly disposition make this species ideal for family engagement or entertaining visitors.
Appearance
Considerations when adopting a kitten should include their personality, temperament, energy levels, and size, which breed of cat will fit best within your household, and the type of fur coat they will have, as cats with different coat lengths require special care and upkeep.
Long-haired felines tend to sport thicker coats that provide both warmth and protection against the elements. The long fur on their belly, hindquarters, and underarms is susceptible to matting and tangling; therefore, it must be groomed regularly to prevent this.
Domestic shorthair cats, known most simply as “moggies,” are distinguished from British Shorthair and American Shorthair breeds by having short, even fur over their entire bodies without belonging to any specific breed registry. They may or may not belong to any particular breed family, often colloquially known as moggies.
Grooming
Even though short-haired cats shed less often than breeds with longer fur, they still require routine grooming and bathing sessions. A weekly brush-through with a grooming mitt and comb should suffice to remove loose hair dirt and tone the skin – more frequent brushing may be required during molting seasons.
A slicker brush with coated tips to protect the kitten’s delicate skin is a fantastic choice when grooming her while being patient and gentleness are critical attributes during sessions. If she fights back against grooming sessions, don’t punish her; doing so could only make the experience painful or unpleasant and lead to future resistance at grooming time.
Most cats enjoy baths, so it is important that you familiarize them with them from an early age. Use cat-specific shampoo to avoid damaging the skin. A flea comb will also come in handy; be sure to choose one with short metal tines!
Health
Shorthair cat breeds (including mixed breeds with shorter fur) generally make healthy pets. To keep them in peak condition, vaccinations, preventative healthcare services, and neutering/spaying should all be administered regularly and provide acceptable surfaces for scratching (CFA discourages declawing).
Kittens are most at risk during their first twelve weeks, so ensure they are fully vaccinated and healthy before adopting. High-quality kitten food, clean drinking water, toys, and interactive cat trees will all play an integral part in ensuring their well-being.
Kittens should only consume kitten milk until they have been weaned from it (it can be difficult for them to digest the lactose), and then switch over to adult dry cat food without grains, potatoes, or starches and additives as soon as they reach adulthood. Always ensure fresh, clean drinking water is readily available.
Training
Few short-haired cat breeds are known for shedding less, though each feline varies in their coat and grooming requirements. If you suffer from allergies, shorter-haired cats might be better options than longer-haired ones.
Cats that are playful and intelligent are great to train! Use positive reinforcement to assist their learning, providing plenty of toys and scratching posts as engagement tools. Also, be sure to teach your cat where the litter box is located and how to use it; if they scratch furniture instead, encourage it with positive reinforcement by using a scratching post.
If you own other pets, introduce the British Shorthair kittens slowly and carefully to avoid territorial conflicts between the species. Walks and outings around your neighborhood are great ways of familiarizing them with unfamiliar environments and situations – helping make them more comfortable around strangers in the future. If they become aggressive towards anyone in particular, immediately seek assistance from an animal behaviorist.
