College life can be quite exhausting and boring despite the usefulness of the knowledge students gain and the essential social networks they establish with their peers, and how this contributes to their success later in life. For that reason, finding hobbies or fun things to do while in such a setting can make the hustle and bustle of campus life manageable and even enjoyable, depending on one’s choice. As many college students have found out, keeping pets, especially cats, can be an interesting and relaxing way to get away from the pressure of their academic endeavors. If you are on campus and would consider trying out this hobby, the following is a list of felines that are the best companions.
10 Best cats to own in college
1. Maine Coon
Maine Coon is a feline renowned for its thick fur coat and large stature. With its origins in the State of Maine, this cat is a gentle giant that will not only thrill you but also garner you all the attention you could get from curious onlookers. The Cat Fanicer’s Association (CFA) recognized it as a pure breed in the second half of the twentieth century, this cat is an excellent hunter that could turn your afternoon into quite an adventure. Maine coons endure as one of the most preferred cat breeds by feline lovers. Most of them have a condition known as polydactylism, whereby their feet are extraordinarily larger due to the presence of additional toes. While many of these gentle, adorable giants come in almost any color, their primary coloration is a shade of brown tabby.
2. Bengal
You could also elect to keep a Bengal as your college pet. Although their body markings make them look wild, Bengals are an adorable breed of cats that could bring you great joy if domesticated. Not only are they talkative, but they also demand a lot of exercise. Accordingly, they are perfect for afternoon walks or indoor games that could relieve college life’s stresses. The beautiful wild-like markings are attributable to their parentage, which is of domestic and wild origin. Specifically, they derive their names from the Asian leopard scientific reference, Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis. Are you in love with nature and would love to have something that reminds you of how amazing it is while on college premises? Look no further than this feline.
3. The American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is another cat breed appropriate for college students. If this becomes your pet of choice, you will be thrilled by its intelligence, and aesthetic features, particularly the cute round face and short ears. Although many people confuse it with its domestic mixed-bred counterpart, this feline is a pure, all-American breed. In 1996, its name changed from domestic shorthair cat to distinguish it from the former. You will fall in love the first time you set eyes on this beautiful creature. Besides being medium-sized, this cat is gentle in nature and very friendly with people and other pets. The coat pattern and color of the American Shorthair comes in numerous varieties, but the most popular is silver. Today, the CFA ranks them the eighth most common choice for cat lovers.
4. The Abyssinian Cat
The Abyssinian cat is popular for its genius. It is super smart and among some of the older cat breeds ever known. Nicknamed “Aby”, this feline is playful and active compared to conventional domesticated cats. It fancies climbing tall furniture pieces and engaging in interactive games thanks to its outgoing and friendly demeanor. Even when fully grown, the Abyssinian retains a kitten-like, refined appearance well into adulthood. Many people believe ancient Egypt to be the first civilization to domesticate this cat, although others claim it is the product of the selective breeding of brown and silver tabby cats. While in college, owning this cat will provide you with opportunities for playtime, which takes away academic pressures. The Abyssinian also requires low-maintenance grooming due to its short and dense coat, whose color can vary from cinnamon, fawn, red, or ruddy.
5. The Birman Cat
Hands down, this is one of the most good-looking cat breeds on the planet. It has a medium-sized body with long, silky hair and big, distinctive blue eyes. The Birman comes in many varied colors, even though they are all born white, and only take on different hues, such as chocolate, red, seal, and blue, as they develop and grow. If you are seeking a companion pet, this feline is perfect because it is exceptionally sweet and quiet and loves almost everyone. While its history is uncertain, many consider Burma to be the breed’s country of origin. Given its high level of tolerance and patience, it is an appropriate pet for a busy college student; you could order an essay cheap for your academic writing needs while it just sits on your lap, offering you all the attention it could get.
6. The Devon Rex Cat
Among pets for busy adults, this is among the most loved. Recognized in 1979 by the CFA, the Devon Rex is particularly friendly, sociable, and active. It also has a striking, alien-like appearance, featuring a triangular face, big eyes, and large, low-set ears. The Devon Rex has an athletic demeanor, which makes it an excellent playmate when you want to take time off your busy college schedule. Due to its susceptibility to a few health problems, you could comfortably take care of this feline as a student without impairing yourself financially. If you are feeling stressed, this cat loves cuddling up to its owners. It is also easily trainable. Thus, it could be perfect for taking evening walks in which you could teach it a few tricks to strengthen your bond with it.
7. The Oriental Shorthair
As a college student, the Oriental Shorthair could also be a perfect companion. Besides being intelligent, vocal, and athletic, this feline always demands attention from the owner. For that reason, it can prevent you from being too preoccupied with college responsibilities at the expense of your personal life. It craves affection and interaction not only with humans but also with other pets and animals. The oriental uses sound to express various emotions, including interest, excitement, or despair. Its short, silky coat also greatly reduces its maintenance costs, making it a pocket-friendly investment for a cat-loving college student. The feline also relishes learning skills, for example, playing fetch, performing tricks, and walking on a harness.
8. The Exotic Shorthair Cat
Another interesting breed of college cats is the Exotic Shorthair. The feline is a cross between the American and the Persian Shorthair. It is adorable and personable and is often friendly towards people, including family members and strangers. If you are an individual who fancies affection, this cat will calm your spirit because it loves cuddling, allowing you to forget the stresses and anxieties of college life. It is also easily trainable. Still, this cat has no special nutritional requirements and could be a relatively less expensive pet to maintain for college students.
9. The Persian Cat
If you are not a very outgoing college student, perhaps, because you would like to focus on your academic writing, this breed would be a perfect companion for you. Unlike the other felines discussed, which tend to jump and climb on furniture, this one loves sitting around all day, providing you with ample time to do your duties. In most cases, you will find the Persian either idling in some chair or sleeping. It might not even notice that you are missing, assuming you have left the house for a walk. However, this feline is highly susceptible to kidney and respiratory diseases. Therefore, you might need to make trips to the vet regularly.
10. The Scottish Fold
Among the cat breeds for college students, the Scottish Fold endures as an appropriate companion due to its high adaptability to varying environments. You could leave this feline in the house to go attend your classes, and it will have no problem as it loves solitude. Yet, when you come back, you cannot help but grab this adorable cat and kiss it. It thrives on human attention and appreciates time with its owner. The unique-looking, folded ears this feline features are attributable to defective cartilage, a deformity that affects some of its kittens about three weeks after birth.
The most preferred college cat
The British Shorthair
Of all the breeds explored, the most preferred feline for college students is the British Shorthair. Since it is fiercely independent, this cat is appropriate for not only busy people but also those who are first-time pet owners. If you want a companion, but one who barely smothers you with attention all the time, this would be the perfect choice for you. This cat will even roll its eyes at you and walk away when you are engaging them. It also sleeps most of the time and has developed ways to entertain itself without requiring you to play with it. Once in a while, you may need to show it some attention as it still loves people, just like other felines.
Being in college can be much easier and fun if you decide to keep one of these cat breeds suggested. Besides having time to determine which online platform could help you complete your assignments, you could be working on other things while these amazing pets provide you with the love and affection you deserve.
