Getting a Pet After Divorce: Healing and Timing
Considering getting a pet after divorce for healing and companionship? Learn crucial timing, how to choose the right pet from a shelter, and practical.
The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic.
American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades.
Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.
Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.
1 pet available
3About the Siberian The Siberian — Russia's national cat — is a natural breed that has existed in the forests of Siberia for at least 1,000 years, first appearing in Russian fairy tales and eventually standardized as a breed in the 1980s. This large, powerful cat weighs 10–20 pounds and features a triple-layered, waterproof coat that protected it through harsh Russian winters — a dense undercoat, longer middle layer, and coarse guard hairs. They come in all colors and patterns, including the stunning pointed "Neva Masquerade" variety.Temperament & PersonalitySiberians are affectionate, adventurous cats with a playful, kitten-like spirit that lasts well into their senior years. They love water — don't be surprised to find one splashing in the sink or drinking from the faucet. Gentle and patient, they are excellent with children and other pets, and they possess a calm confidence that makes them unfazed by the chaos of a busy household.ProsProduces significantly lower levels of Fel d 1 allergen — often tolerated by cat-allergy sufferersHardy, naturally evolved breed with excellent overall health and longevityAffectionate and playful — retains kitten-like energy into adulthoodGentle and patient — superb family cat for homes with children and other petsConsTriple coat requires regular brushing, especially during heavy seasonal sheddingLarge size means higher food costs and the need for sturdy cat furnitureSlow to mature — may not reach full size and coat until age fiveCan be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, though less common than in some breedsDreaming of a hypoallergenic gentle giant from the Russian forests? Search for Siberian cats on Puplister and find your perfect fluffy companion.
25 pets available
13About the Russian Blue The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed believed to have originated in the port city of Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in northern Russia, arriving in Europe aboard trade ships in the 1860s. This medium-sized cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is renowned for its dense, plush double coat of uniform blue-gray with silver-tipped guard hairs that give it a luminous shimmer. Its vivid emerald-green eyes, wedge-shaped head, and enigmatic "Mona Lisa smile" complete an unmistakably elegant look.Temperament & PersonalityRussian Blues are gentle, reserved cats that are intensely loyal to their families yet cautious around strangers. They are creatures of habit who thrive on routine — eating at the same time, playing in the same spots, and sleeping in their preferred perch. Once bonded, they are affectionate and playful, often fetching toys and entertaining themselves with quiet grace.ProsProduces lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen — better tolerated by some allergy sufferersDense double coat is low-shedding and virtually maintenance-freeQuiet and well-mannered — rarely destructive or excessively vocalLong-lived breed with few genetic health issues — many reach 15–20 yearsConsShy and reserved with strangers — may hide during gatherings or partiesSensitive to change — can become stressed by moves, new pets, or schedule disruptionsProne to overeating and weight gain if food is left out freelyCan be slow to warm up to new family members or housematesCharmed by those emerald eyes and silver-tipped fur? Find Russian Blue cats ready for their forever homes on Puplister.
2 pets available
6About the Scottish Fold The Scottish Fold traces its origins to a single barn cat named Susie, found in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961 — the first documented cat with the breed's signature forward-folding ears caused by a natural cartilage mutation. This medium-sized cat weighs 6–13 pounds, has a round head, large round eyes, and a stocky, well-padded body. Scottish Folds come in both longhair and shorthair varieties, in virtually every color and pattern including tabby, solid, bicolor, and calico.Temperament & PersonalityScottish Folds are sweet, easygoing cats known for their quirky habit of sitting in odd positions — including the "Buddha sit" with legs stretched out and paws resting on their belly. They are moderately active and enjoy interactive play without being hyperactive. Gentle with children and amiable with other pets, they adapt well to most living situations.ProsDistinctive, owl-like appearance with those signature folded earsCalm and adaptable — thrives in apartments, houses, and busy households alikeGood-natured and gentle with children and other animalsModerate energy level — playful but not demandingConsThe fold gene causes osteochondrodysplasia — painful cartilage and bone abnormalities in many catsMust never be bred fold-to-fold due to severe skeletal issues in offspringProne to arthritis, especially in the tail, ankles, and kneesEar fold makes them more susceptible to ear infections and wax buildupDrawn to those adorable folded ears and laid-back personality? Find Scottish Fold cats waiting for adoption on Puplister.
13 pets available
3About the Snowshoe The Snowshoe was developed in the 1960s in Philadelphia by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthairs, creating a pointed cat with distinctive white "boots" on all four paws. This medium-sized breed weighs 7–12 pounds and combines the Siamese's colorpoint pattern with a more robust, moderately stocky build. Their short, smooth coat comes in seal point and blue point, always featuring white paws, an inverted white "V" on the face, and striking blue eyes.Temperament & PersonalitySnowshoes are vocal, social cats that inherit the Siamese's love of conversation but with a softer, more melodic voice. They are playful and intelligent, often learning to open doors and turn on faucets — many Snowshoes are fascinated by running water. They bond closely with their families and can become distressed if left alone for long periods.ProsStriking, unique appearance — the white boots and facial markings are hard to resistVocal but softer-voiced than the Siamese — communicative without being overwhelmingIntelligent and playful — enjoys puzzle toys, fetch, and learning tricksAffectionate and loyal — bonds deeply with family membersConsProne to separation anxiety — needs companionship throughout the dayMarkings are unpredictable — "show-quality" pattern is notoriously difficult to breed consistentlyCan be sensitive and moody — may sulk if they feel ignoredInherited health concerns from Siamese lines, including dental and heart issuesLove the Siamese look with a twist? Browse Snowshoe cats seeking their perfect families on Puplister today.
Considering getting a pet after divorce for healing and companionship? Learn crucial timing, how to choose the right pet from a shelter, and practical.
Is your rescue dog peeing in the house? Learn common causes, a 30-day potty training plan, and expert fixes for house-soiling issues.
Found a lump on your dog? Learn when to worry and when to wait for a lump on my dog, especially for adopted pets with unknown histories.
Is your cat losing hair in patches? Discover common causes, from stress to parasites, and expert fixes to help your feline friend recover.