I’ve often wondered why we prefer the pets (mixed or purebred) that we do.

Unless a pet chooses us (which happens often enough), what is it that attracts someone to a pocket-sized Yorkie, a bouncy French Bulldog, or a huge, fluffy Newfoundland?

Do you prefer a regular tabby cat, an elegant Siamese, or a smushy-faced Persian?

I have a friend who loves naked cats. Naked, as in born with little to no hair, as seen in breeds like the Sphynx, Donskoy, and Kahona. She finds their soft, velvety, hairless wrinkles absolutely beautiful. Cats with fur just aren’t as interesting, she says.

I pondered this question for a while and came up with eight factors that attract pet parents to the furry friends they choose.

Personality

We want pets that fit our lifestyle and personality. If you are an active person, you may want an energetic dog who and loves to go for walks. If you are more laid-back, a cat may be a better choice.

If you’re a dog lover and are trying to decide which breed would be the best fit for your personality, try matching breeds to your Enneagram personality type. Check out our fun article on this topic.

Temperament

Some animals are naturally more friendly and outgoing, while others are more shy and reserved.

Size

The size of your home can play a huge role in the size of pet you choose.

If you live in an apartment, you may want a smaller pet, such as a fish or a small dog or cat. If you have a big yard, a larger breed will enjoy having space to roam.

Lifespan

Some pets, such as dogs, can live for 10-15 years. Others, like hamsters, have a lifespan of only 2-3 years. It’s important to choose an animal that has a lifespan that fits with your own plans.

Our article, Should I Adopt a Puppy or an Adult Dog? includes tips for basic pet care.

Cost

The cost of owning a pet vary depending on the type of animal you choose. Dogs and cats are generally more expensive than fish or hamsters. However, the cost of food, supplies, and veterinary care can add up over time.

Learn the facts and figures about the costs of caring for a pet over a 15-year lifespan in our article, The Benefits of Pet Health Insurance.

Availability

If you live in an area where there are not many animal shelters or pet stores, you may have to travel further to find the type of animal you want.

Ease of care

Dogs need to be walked and fed regularly, while fish only need to be fed once a day.

Choose an animal that you can easily care for, based on your lifestyle and availability.

You might consider co-ownership of a pet. Here’s an article on our blog about dog sharing. The article includes three additional options for pet parenting.

Personal preference

Ultimately, the decision of which pet to choose is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and what matters most is that you choose an animal that you love and that will bring you joy.