Cats are becoming a highly popular pet for the typical home as we enter the second year of COVID-19. Making them the ideal companions for those who work long hours or live in flats.
Cats are also known for their modest maintenance and care requirements, making them excellent companions. With the rise in cat adoption, understanding of behavior, cat traits, and structure has become increasingly vital for new cat owners.
However, knowing the differences between each type of cat and deciding if that breed is appropriate for you is one of the most important elements of cat ownership. We believe that selecting the right breed for you may result in a happy home. We consulted a number of local veterinarians to obtain a list of the top cat breeds.
Each cat breed profile has been divided into three sections: sociable, active, and care. The more sociable the breed, the higher the number of cats. The higher the number of paws, the more active that cat is. The shaver reflects the breed’s high standard of maintenance. Use the levels to help visualize more about each breed’s personality and how to care for it.
Table of Contents
Abyssinian (Aby) Cat Breeds
The Abyssinian cat first originated from Ethiopia but quickly became a popular household name. Aby’s are known for their muddy/ruddy agouti short coat and slender, muscular body. In addition, the Aby comes in various cinnamon, fawn, and blue coloring with bands of light and dark shades. Other notable features are their pointy ears, wedge-shaped head, and slender, muscular body. These felines are active and curious, with an almost dog-like demeanor.
The breed ranges from 8 to 10 inches in height and weighs about 8 to 12 pounds. These cats also love water and love to explore. With Aby especially, a lot of interactive toys and time is necessary.
The average life expectancy of these cats is 9 to 15 years. In the end, the Aby is the perfect loyal cat for any active and adventurous cat owner.
American Shorthair (ASH) Cat Breeds
The American Shorthair is a domestic cat that descended from Europe. Brought on ships to kill mice, these cats are the pedigree version of the domestic shorthair. The ASH is the perfect easy-going, hardy, and tolerant of any type of cat. However, the American shorthair needs proper socialization in their early stage of life.
The American shorthair ranges from 8 to 10 inches in height. They weigh about 10 to 15 pounds. The AHS has an athletic build, a small body, and a dense coat.
American shorthairs adore attention but are not demanding and are typically calm. The ASH has a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years. This cat breed is perfect for any individual that has another pet along as they are introduced properly.
Sphynx Cat Breeds
The Sphynx is arguably one of the most noticeable and unique cats on our list. The hairless cat is perfect for anyone with a fur allergy.
The lack of shedding might be an addition, but their fragile skin needs extra care. The Sphynx acts like a socially active dog rather than the typical cat stereotype. However, their luxury/royal appearance might deceive you when their playful, goofy attitude appears.
The coat and color expected are hairless with white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink colors. The American shorthair ranges from 8 to 10 inches in height. They weigh about 6 to 12 pounds. The AHS has an athletic build, a small body, and a dense coat.
Maine Coon Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon is the perfect big cat breed for giant feline lovers. The first purebred Maine Coon appeared in the late 1970s. Like the name, Maine Coon comes from Maine and is the state’s official cat. The primary health issues they face are deformities like polydactylism or otherwise known as extra toes.
Maine Coon’s coat is long and has a double coat with more than 75 color combinations. The fury coat is low maintenance but needs extra care when it comes to shedding. Another notable feature of the Maine Coon is its beautiful green, gold, or copper eyes. In the right conditions, the Maine Coon life expectancy is about 9 to 15 years.
The Maine Coon ranges from up to 16 inches in height. They weigh about 9 to 17 pounds. However, Maine Coon’s are not independent cats and therefore need to be around others. Maine Coon owners must take extra care in warmer months since their lush, heavy fur can burden them. Maine Coon’s are known to be obedient, friendly, affectionate, and goofy. Overall, the Maine Coon is the perfect cat for any cat lover with enough room for big love.
Ragdoll Cat Breeds
As the name suggests, this feline is known for going limp when picked up. The Ragdoll’s docile nature is the perfect cat for new pet owners. This cat breed is effective and loves being with its owners. Since the Ragdoll is very tame and docile in nature, they lack in defending themselves and should only be kept inside. Ragdoll’s have almost a dog-like devotion to their owners. The Ragdoll can practically read the owner’s emotional needs and reacts accordingly. Ragdoll’s often face health issues like obesity due to their lack of exercise, so remember to provide lots of toys.
The coat and color are medium-length and silky with a red seal, chocolate with blue, lilac, and cream patterns. The average life expectancy of a Ragdoll is 13 to 15 years. The Ragdoll ranges from 11 to 13 inches in height. They weigh about 10 to 20 pounds.
Siamese Cat Breeds
One of the oldest and most popular cats鈥檚 on our list, the Siamese is the perfect feline best friend. If you are looking for a baby to take care of, this is the ideal cat. In Thailand, the Siamese is a foundational breed for the Oriental Shorthair, Sphynx, and Himalayan.
The Siamese crave routine and are quite demanding of their owners. In return, they show all kinds of love and affection. Perfect for individuals who work or stay at home for long periods. These cats are highly social and have an athletic demeanor. Apart from being active, Siamese is known to be curious, intelligent, and rather chatty. To combat a bored Siamese, lots of toys or even a leash for walks are needed.
The average height of the Siamese is 8 to 10 inches and weighs about 8 to 10 pounds. Other known physical characteristics are a sleek body, almond-shaped eyes, and a wedge-shaped head. When born, the Siamese is partially albino, but markings and colors slightly emerge as they mature.
Persian Cat Breeds
Persian, also known as the Iranian cat breeds, is a beautiful long hair feline with a smushed face. You can say the Persian is the Pug equivalent in the cat world. Other notable features are a round face and a short muzzle.
The Persian is not for lazy pet owners since they take a lot of care. They are also known to be prone to a variety of diseases, including renal and cardiac problems. Homelife also needs to be calm and have a predictable environment.
The care includes daily brushes to prevent tangles and needs to bathe weekly. Other than that, Persian鈥檚 are one of the sweetest and docile felines on this list. Very easygoing and relaxed but tend to hiss or scratch when provoked.
Therefore a family without kids or other pets is recommended. The Persian is a luxury and high care feline that shows and impresses other pet owners.
Bengal Cat Breeds
Bengal is the closest cat you’re going to get to a wild cat. This wild spot and leopard-like bone structure of the Bengal is the main difference between the regular cat. The leopard-like bone structure and wild spot are the key giveaways.
The Bengal is actually intelligent and athletic with a pretty gentle nature. Bengal also loves water, so don’t get too surprised if your Bengal loves bath time. Bengal’s also do not require heavy care like many of our cats on this list, but daily brushing is necessary to keep a healthy coat.
This feline needs a wide selection of toys and puzzles to provide the highest quality of life. If you are a very active individual, taking or playing with the Bengal can help love and provide the attention they crave and deserve. The average height of the Bengal is 13 to 16 inches and weighs about 8 to 15 pounds. The Bengal is definitely a kitty that is going to need your love and attention.
Exotic Cat Breeds
The exotic is definitely the lazy man’s Persian, with a lot of passion towards food. The exotic attract pet owners who tend to live a hectic lifestyle. Exotics typically do not need to be brushed more than once a week. The typical exotic tends to be very laid-back but has a playful side, too.
Often called by many pet owners as the best of both worlds and similar to Persians. The average height of the Exotic is 10 to 12 inches and weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. One charming feature of the Exotic is their short legs, round body, and short nose. Kind of like a pug but in a feline body. The exotic is a high contender for the perfect cat breed with low maintenance and an ideal cuddle buddy structure.
Birman Cat Breeds
Birmans are among the oldest cat breeds, having originated in Burma, and have an average lifetime of 12 to 16 years. Birman is distinguished from the other cat breeds listed by its silky, medium-length white, brown, and black hair.
The Birman requires very little upkeep and requires little to no grooming. Birman is extremely fun and excellent for children; toys and other puzzles are required to keep them engaged and healthy in the long term. Unfortunately, the Birman is a breed that will become attached to a single individual. The problem that Birmin pet owners face is a territorial and insatiable curiosity.
The typical Birmin grows to be 8 to 10 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. The Birman is an excellent choice for any family with children and both new and experienced owners.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is critical to provide cats with a home where their quality of life is maximized. In other words, your house should be an expression of your affection for your pet. Unfortunately, cats at shelters do not enjoy the same luxuries as cats purchased. Hence, we propose that you go to a pet shelter and spend some time with the various breeds on this list to properly assist you to choose your forever best friend.
What’s to do next?
Have you wondered what foods your cat can’t eat! Well we have the purr-fect article for you!
References
https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/
https://www.purina.ca/cats/cat-breeds
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