Worldwide, these ten cat breeds are the most well-liked cats. Their distinctive physical traits, a role in a film, or their loving dispositions have made a lasting, favorable effect on cat lovers all around the world.
Cats can be classified as domestic, purebred, or hybrid. In contrast to purebred cats, domestic cats do not have a pedigree background. Domesticated cats and wild feline breeds are called hybrids. The U.S.-based Cat Fanciers’ Association, the primary pedigree certifying body, recognizes 45 different purebred cat breeds.
1 Siamese
Height: Up to 14 inches
Weight: 5 to 8 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac with blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
This cat breed, which originated in Thailand (previously Siam), has been popular since the 19th century. The Himalayan, Oriental shorthair, and sphynx are all descended from the Siamese. The “points,” or regions of pigment on the face, ears, feet, and tail, are characteristic of the majority of Siamese cats. Two Siamese cat breeds have chubbier bodies and “apple”-shaped heads, while the third has a slim body and larger head. The Siamese cats in the animated Disney movie “Lady and the Tramp” displayed their vocal prowess and intelligence by performing a song. Although it was bred out of most Siamese, street cats in Thailand still have kinks in their tails, which are a characteristic of many Siamese cats that came from Thailand.
2 Persian
Height: 14 to 18 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Persian cats, sometimes affectionately known as “smushed-face” cats, Iranian cats, or Shiraz cats (named after a city in Iran), are characterized by their gorgeous, long fur coats. They have a flat face compared to most other cat breeds and can be nearly any color. As one of the most popular cat breeds for decades, Persians can be seen in a lot of movies, artwork, and advertisements. If their coats are not regularly groomed, matting will develop. Similar to many purebreds, they are susceptible to a number of illnesses, including as heart and kidney issues.
Height: Up to 16 inches
Weight: 8 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, double coat and green, gold, or copper eyes
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Maine coon is a cat that is hard to miss because of its massive size and dense fur coat. Hailing from the state of Maine and the state’s official cat, the Maine coon is a friendly giant. After the CFA acknowledged them as purebred in the late 1970s, they gained popularity and are excellent hunters. They continue to be among the most well-liked cat breeds. The polydactylism, or extra toes, that many Maine coons possess enlarges their already enormous feet.One Because big feet function as snowshoes, this fantastic feature makes hunting in the snow easier. Although the brown tabby is the traditional color of the Maine coon, this breed can be nearly any color.
4 Ragdoll
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 15 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length and silky with many different colors and patterns with blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 15 to 25 years
Ragdoll cats’ placid disposition is the source of their moniker. Like a rag doll, they often go limp when taken up. People used to believe that they were incapable of feeling pain, but that is untrue. Ragdolls have pointed color patterns and resemble long-haired Siamese cats. They follow their owners around the house and have characteristic blue eyes and canine-like behaviors.
5 Bengal
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Shorthaired, spotted, or marbled coat with patterns in black, chocolate, or gray/silver with green or gold eyes
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Bengals literally appear like feral cats. They appear more suited to the jungle than your house because of their markings, yet they have been domesticated. They talk a lot and need a lot of activity. They have a variety of colors and designs, including rosettes and dots. Their name is derived from Prionailurus bengalensis, the generic name for the Asian leopard cat. Bengals were originally developed from a wildcat and domestic cats. Additionally, this wildcat is the source of their lovely designs.
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Coat and Color: Short-haired red/orange agouti fur coat with bands of light and dark coloring; other colors can include cinnamon, fawn, and blue
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Abyssinian cat breed, which originated in Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia), is distinguished by its ruddy agouti coat, which gives it a characteristic banded appearance. It features a wedge-shaped head, a slim, muscular body, and tall, pointed ears. Abys have a lively, inquisitive personality and often follow their owners around. Their humans like them because of their lively, canine-like nature.
7 Birman
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
Coat and Color: Long and silky coat in seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors, including standard or lynx pattern points and deep blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Birmans, like Siamese and ragdoll cats, have several color points. The main characteristics that distinguish them from Persians and Himalayans are their medium-length coat and blue eyes, however they lack an undercoat. They have somewhat varied markings and temperament, yet they look extremely similar because Birmans were the original stock used to breed ragdolls. Fun and gregarious, they adore attention, especially from their preferred recipient. They tend to be more solitary than others.
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat with many color possibilities: solids, shaded, smoke, and tabby with green, blue, gold, and yellow eyes
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
This slim cat may appear to be a Siamese at first glance, but the Oriental shorthair is a different breed. In contrast to Siamese cats, they typically have green eyes and a wide variety of colors and patterns. Orientals are also capable of having long hair. Oriental shorthair cats, who are frequently spotted wearing sweaters, are susceptible to skin cancer and cold because they lack fur.
9 Sphynx
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Coat and Color: Hairless with white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink colors
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
The sphynx is the cat for you if you want a non-shedding feline. Due to their lack of fur, sphynx cats have a distinctive appearance. They are also incredibly gregarious, energetic, and dog-like. They appear as though they belong in the laps of royalty, but they are more like court jesters in their playfulness and antics.
10 Himalayan
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense undercoat with a long overcoat that comes in pointed colors and patterns in gray, blue, chocolate, lilac, and cream
Life Expectancy: Up to 18 years
The Himalayan cat, like the Persian, is classified as a distinct breed in some cat associations and a sub-breed in others. In order for Himalayans to have their color points, Persians and Siamese were crossed. They have charming personalities, enjoy playing, and adore their owners’ love and attention.
Breeds to Avoid
A familiar cat or one that is easy to locate is probably what you want if you are searching for one of the most popular breeds. Avoid uncommon or endangered breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau or the Scottish fold. These cats are difficult to find, but they are lovely and make wonderful housemates. You should also stay away from hybrid cats, which have many characteristics of wildcats, such as savannahs, toygers, and chausies. They are normally amiable with their human family, but they can be a bit unpredictable. They are frequently intelligent and athletic.
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