Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, and for good reasons. They are cute, cuddly, independent, and full of personality. But not all cats are the same. There are hundreds of different cat breeds, each with their own unique traits and characteristics. Some are fluffy, some are sleek, some are friendly, some are aloof, some are vocal, some are quiet, and so on.
If you are thinking of getting a cat, or just curious about the different types of cats, here is a list of 14 of the most favourite cat breeds.
1. Persian
The Persian is the most popular cat breed in the world, according to the CFA. This breed is known for its long, luxurious coat, round face, and sweet temperament. Persians are gentle, affectionate, and loyal to their owners. They are also very adaptable and can live in any environment, as long as they are groomed regularly and given enough attention.
2. Exotic
The Exotic is a short-haired version of the Persian, created by crossing Persians with other shorthaired breeds. The Exotic has the same round face and body type as the Persian, but with a plush, easy-care coat. Exotics are playful, curious, and friendly, but also quiet and calm. They are ideal for people who love the look of the Persian, but don’t have the time or patience to maintain its coat.
3. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat breed, and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. This breed originated in the state of Maine, where it developed a thick, water-resistant coat, tufted ears and paws, and a long, bushy tail to survive the harsh winters. Maine Coons are gentle giants, with a friendly, outgoing, and intelligent personality. They are also very vocal and make a variety of sounds, from chirps to trills to meows.
4. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a large, semi-longhaired breed, named for its tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up. This breed was developed in the 1960s by a breeder who wanted to create a docile, affectionate, and beautiful cat. Ragdolls have a soft, silky coat, blue eyes, and a pointed pattern, meaning they have a lighter body color and darker ears, face, legs, and tail. Ragdolls are sweet, gentle, and loyal, and love to follow their owners around the house.
5. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is one of the oldest English breeds, dating back to the Roman times. This breed is known for its sturdy, compact body, round head, and large, expressive eyes. British Shorthairs have a dense, plush coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, but the most common is the blue (gray) color. British Shorthairs are calm, easygoing, and independent, but also affectionate and sociable. They are good with children and other pets, and can adapt to any lifestyle.
6. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a breed that originated in Scotland in the 1960s, from a mutation that caused some cats to have folded ears. The fold is caused by a dominant gene, which means that not all kittens in a litter will have folded ears. The Scottish Fold has a medium-sized body, a round face, and large, round eyes. The coat can be long or short, and comes in many colors and patterns. Scottish Folds are sweet, playful, and curious, and love to interact with their owners and other animals.
7. Sphynx
The Sphynx is a breed that is famous for its lack of fur. This breed was developed in the 1970s by crossing hairless cats with other breeds. The Sphynx has a slender, muscular body, large ears, and prominent cheekbones. The skin is soft and wrinkled, and can have a variety of colors and patterns. The Sphynx is not completely hairless, but has a fine layer of downy hair that feels like peach fuzz. The Sphynx is a lively, energetic, and affectionate breed, that loves to be the center of attention. The Sphynx is also very sensitive to cold and sun, and needs to be kept warm and protected.
8. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a breed that is believed to originate from ancient Egypt, where it was revered as a sacred animal. This breed is known for its elegant, slender body, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. The coat is short and silky, and has a distinctive ticked pattern, meaning that each hair has bands of different colors. The most common color is the ruddy (reddish-brown) color, but there are also other colors such as blue, fawn, and silver. Abyssinians are active, intelligent, and adventurous, and love to explore and climb. They are also very loyal and bond strongly with their owners.
9. Siamese
The Siamese is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds, originating from Thailand (formerly known as Siam). This breed is known for its slender, graceful body, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and striking blue eyes. The coat is short and glossy, and has a pointed pattern, meaning that the ears, face, legs, and tail are darker than the rest of the body. The most common colors are seal (dark brown), blue (gray), chocolate (light brown), and lilac (pinkish-gray). Siamese are vocal, intelligent, and social, and love to communicate and interact with their owners and other animals.
10. Bengal
The Bengal is a breed that was created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, a wild cat species. The Bengal has a muscular, athletic body, a broad head, and small ears. The coat is short and thick, and has a spotted or marbled pattern, resembling that of a leopard. The colors can range from brown, silver, blue, to snow (white with dark markings). Bengals are active, curious, and playful, and love to run, jump, and climb. They are also very intelligent and can learn tricks and even how to open doors and turn on faucets.
11. Birman
The Birman is a breed that originated in Burma (now Myanmar), where it was considered a sacred cat of the Buddhist temples. This breed is known for its medium-long, silky coat, blue eyes, and white gloves, meaning that the paws are white. The coat has a pointed pattern, similar to the Siamese, but the colors are more muted and creamy. The most common colors are seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Birmans are gentle, sweet, and quiet, and love to be with their owners and other pets. They are also very adaptable and can live in any environment.
12. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a breed that descended from the cats that were brought to America by the European settlers. This breed is known for its sturdy, well-balanced body, round head, and large eyes. The coat is short and thick, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, but the most popular is the silver tabby, which has a silver coat with black stripes. American Shorthairs are friendly, easygoing, and adaptable, and can get along with anyone and anything. They are also very healthy and long-lived, and can live up to 20 years or more.
13. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed that originated in Norway, where it developed a thick, waterproof coat, tufted ears and paws, and a long, fluffy tail to survive the cold and harsh climate. This breed is known for its large, sturdy body, triangular head, and almond-shaped eyes. The coat is long and dense, and can have any color or pattern, except for pointed. Norwegian Forest Cats are friendly, independent, and intelligent, and love to explore and hunt. They are also very loyal and affectionate, and form strong bonds with their owners and family.
14. Oriental
The Oriental is a breed that is related to the Siamese, but has a wider range of colors and patterns. The Oriental has the same slender, elegant body, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and blue eyes as the Siamese, but the coat can be short or long, and can have any color or pattern, except for pointed. The most common colors are ebony (black), chestnut (brown), blue, and lavender (pinkish-gray). Orientals are vocal, intelligent, and social, and love to communicate and interact with their owners and other animals. They are also very playful and energetic, and need a lot of stimulation and attention.
