The Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds
1. Persian
Persian cats are known for they lovely long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.
Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat demands extensive maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.
2. Maine Coon
The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a wonder. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is recognized for its superb mousing ability.
Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.
3. Exotic
The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy to care for coat.
Quiet, with a delicate, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They’re not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear and make wonderful family pets.
4. Abyssinian
Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has an attractive, arched neck, slanted eyes, large ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.
Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.
5. Siamese
Originally from Thailand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is extraordinary, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce an animal with a wedge shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.
The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.
6. Ragdoll
A large cat with a relaxed temperament, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is centered on producing animals with spectacular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually prefer to be close to their owners.
The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals don’t require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic long haired cats and other free roaming felines.
7. Sphynx
The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that’s extremely hardy and has few health problems.
Sometimes there’s fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. Some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.
8. Birman
Originally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman isn’t prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.
The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.
9. American Shorthair
Known for their outstanding disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.
Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the “Domestic Shorthair,” arrived in America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.
10. Oriental
Committed to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make excellent pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.
Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.