Anyone who has owned cats can tell you that they are independent, fun, fierce and loving, sometimes all at once. hunting is a strong suit for some breeds, while cuddling and playing may be suitable for others. Each cat has its own personality and displays it in different ways, but if he’s looking for certain traits or characteristics, you may want to do some research on popular breeds to get an idea of his dispositions before letting one adopt him.
The Cat Fanciers Association recognizes 45 pedigree breeds and non-pedigree companion cats. Let’s look at some common characteristics of 12 of the most popular cat breeds.
domestic short and long hair
It’s not surprising that about 95% of all cats in Canada and the United States are long- or short-haired domestic cats. Domestic shorthair cats are the closest to “wild type” and, regardless of their coat length, are not a custom breed. In the UK, they are affectionately called “moggies”.
Domestic cats can be suitable for all types of families because they are affectionate, playful, and have balanced temperaments. laid-back and easy to please, house cats make good cats for new cat owners. And best of all, every house cat you adopt saves a life.
rag doll
funny and smart, ragdolls are friendly and sweet. His large, striking blue eyes are insightful and affectionate. Growing between 6-9 kg (15-20 lbs), these long-haired beauties take about three years to reach full maturity. they can be trained and many are very good with children, making a ragdoll cat an excellent member of the family.
exotic short hair
Similar to Persians, exotic shorthairs also have sweet faces and rounded features. the two breeds also share a sweet temperament and are loyal and calm. They carry their 10- to 12-pound frames on short, stout legs, but don’t worry, they can chase those red laser dots with the best of them. These playful fur babies make excellent companions and will follow you from room to room, waiting for the opportunity to climb into your lap as soon as you sit down.
Maine Coon
Gentle giants of the cat world, Maine Coons are magnificent when they reach their maximum height of 16 inches, a length of up to 100 cm (40 inches), and a weight of 3.6 to 8.2 kg (7 to 18 pounds) or more. they have beautiful tufts of hair on their ears and under their paws, a square face, and a large fluffy tail. They are friendly, curious, and very hardy, which means they can live in a variety of climates and require less care and attention than other breeds. That’s not to say that a Maine Coon doesn’t want attention. they love to be admired just as much as the next fur baby. They are curious and are fascinated by water.
Persian
Large round eyes within a round face give Persians their distinctive look. Add in the flat face and distinctive profile, or flattened nose, and you know you’ve found a beautiful, gentle, sweet-tempered Persian cat. affectionate with their owners, children, and other pets, Persians are generally not very active and prefer a quiet environment. Averaging 7–12 lb (3–6 kg) as adults, they are smaller but provide plenty of cuddles and companionship during rest periods. Due to their semi-dense coats, they overheat easily and may require professional grooming to prevent matting.
British and American short hair
Perfect for people who like their lives neat and balanced, British and American Shorthair cats are never “too this” or “too that.” They are neither too big nor too small, neither too playful nor too docile, neither too demanding nor too aloof. British-born are not as active as some of the other breeds, but are slightly larger (9-18 lbs [4-8 kg]) and their American cousins weigh slightly less. these short hairs are often described as having teddy bear features, round faces with large eyes. They aren’t clingy, but they know when to give their owners some love. they are friendly with their owners and children without wanting to be picked up or cuddled. like other short-haired cats, they require less grooming and shed less.
Siamese
Long and lean, Siamese twins can have a long wedge-shaped face or a rounder, apple-shaped face. Their ears, noses, paws, and tails come in complementary colors that contrast with their cream-colored bodies. With their short hair, they don’t require the grooming and grooming that a long-haired cat needs. they are playful and energetic and weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kg (7 and 12 lb). very vocal, they will keep you involved in the conversation.
devon rex
If you’re looking for a cat that looks like a fluffy pixie, this is the breed for you. Devon rex cats have oversized ears and bright, piercing eyes. They are just as playful and mischievous as other breeds, but they excel in the affection department. they are curious and happy to help their owners at every opportunity. their short coats are also unique. A mutation that occurs only in Devon Rex cats causes the rippling and differences in texture, but with less shedding and fewer grooming requirements. they grow to be 2.3-4.5 kg (5-10 lbs).
Abyssinian
This handsome cat is known for its muscular body covered in distinctly mottled fur. They are medium-sized cats, weighing between 6 and 10 pounds (2.7 and 4.5 kg) as adults. Not known as cuddly, Abyssinian cats are very active. they love to explore and discover what treasures are hidden inside their cabinets. In addition, they are extremely social. Since they are very active cats, they may not be a good choice for older owners or families who are away most of the time.
scottish fold
you don’t have to be sherlock holmes to know that the scottish fold cat is named for its distinctive folded ears and hails from scotland. their hearing is as acute as any cat’s, and their ears can change direction, lie down, and stand upright. As adults, they are compact, weighing about 3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb). Gentle, good-natured, and intelligent scottish fold cats adapt well to new owners and residences. They make good family cats, but tend to choose a favorite person among their owners. They will require more grooming due to their dense coats and can retain more earwax, but are generally no more prone to ear mites or infections than their pointy-eared cousins.
sphynx
A unique breed with unique needs, sphynx cats are also known as hairless cats. stroking a sphinx is like stroking a chamois hot-water bottle. Playful, affectionate, loyal, and responsive to children and other pets, these small cats (6-12 lbs [2.7-5.5 kg]) will let you carry them. they have extra loose skin that creates some very attractive wrinkles. Because they don’t have a true coat to absorb natural oils, they can develop an oily film on their skin and waxy ears. they may need a weekly bath, as well as regular gentle cleaning of the ears and nail care.
flare
Bengal cats have become very popular because they resemble miniature leopards (8-15 lbs [3.6-7 kg]). like the Abyssinians, they are extremely curious and inquisitive. Without a lot of attention and things to do to keep them busy, they may become bored or frustrated, which could lead to undesirable behaviors. This is a breed of cat that loves water and may decide to go fishing in your aquarium. while beautiful, they definitely don’t fit every home.
While these descriptions may give you a mini portrait of each breed, it’s important to note that each cat is unique and may not fit any stereotypical mold. you will learn more about a cat just by spending time with it. just like with humans, you’ll know when you’ve made a connection with your new best friend.
