The Most 12 Popular Cat Breeds

Cats are typically referred to as either domestic or purebred. Domestic cats do no longer have a pedigree history of their lineage, even as purebred cats do. Three important associations understand purebred cats: The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), and Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). The CFA recognizes forty-four breeds, TICA recognizes 58, and FIFe recognizes 43. The breeds that aren't diagnosed with the aid of all three associations are not as normally visible as a number of the diagnosed breeds, and several elements are taken into consideration before a cat becomes recognized as a purebred. Smaller associations additionally exist, consisting of the Southern Africa Cat Council. 

Some breeds have been around for many, many years and have accordingly garnered a following of cat lovers. These breeds can also have grown in popularity due to a movie that featured one in every of their own, character traits which can be unique, or bodily appearances that depart them tough to forget.

Siamese

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Popular for the reason that in the nineteenth century, this breed of cat originated in Thailand (formerly known as Siam). The Siamese has helped create many different breeds, along with the Oriental Shorthair, Sphynx, and Himalayan. Siamese cats have wonderful markings called "points" which can be the regions of color on their face, ears, feet, and tail, but some Siamese won't have any points. There also are two varieties of Siamese cats, one with an "apple" fashioned head and chubbier body and one with a larger head and slender body. 

The animated Disney film, "Lady and the Tramp," featured Siamese cats singing music and demonstrating not best their intelligence but additionally how vocal they could be. Many Siamese cats that were at the start from Thailand had a kink of their tail. This trait became bred out of most Siamese, but you'll still discover it in Siamese street cats in Thailand.

Persian

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Also lovingly referred to as one in all the "smushed-face" cats, Persians have beautiful, long, fur coats. They are available in nearly any color, relying on which cat registry association you are looking at, and feature a flat face when in comparison to most other breeds of cats. Some breed descriptions even country the nose isn't allowed to protrude past the eyes when regarded in a profile. Persians have been visible in many movies, art, commercials, and houses for years and have also been one in all the most famous breeds of cats for decades. 

Their coats demand ordinary grooming, otherwise, matting will result. Like many purebreds, they're prone to plenty of diseases, inclusive of renal and cardiac problems. 

Persians are also called the Persian Longhair, the Iranian cat, and the Shirazi cat, named after the metropolis of Shiraz, Iran, when you consider that they were at the beginning imported from Iran.

Maine Coon

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Known for their large stature and thick fur coats, the Maine Coon is a cat that is hard to ignore. Hailing from the state of Maine and the state’s reputable cat, the Maine Coon is a mild giant. They are first-rate hunters and have been popularized after the CFA identified them as a purebred in the overdue 1970s. They remain one of the most popular cat breeds. 

Many Maine Coons have extra toes, a trait referred to as polydactylism, which makes their already massive ft even larger. This is a splendid characteristic to have when hunting in the snow since huge ft act as snowshoes. 

The conventional Maine Coon shade is a brown tabby, but this breed is available almost in any color.

Ragdoll

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Ragdoll cats get their name from their docile temperament. They seem to go limp while picked up, much like a rag doll. At one time, it turned into the idea that they couldn’t experience pain, but that is, of course, a myth. 

Ragdolls look plenty like long-haired Siamese cats with their pointed color patterns. They additionally have unique blue eyes and dog-like personalities, following their owners around the house.

Bengal

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Bengals are wild searching cats—literally. Their markings cause them to look extra like they belong inside the jungle than in your home, however they're domesticated cats nonetheless. They are talkative and require loads of exercise. 

Many colorations are allowed on Bengals, but their approved patterns only encompass spots and rosettes. Their name comes from the Asian leopard cat’s taxonomic call, Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis, when you consider that Bengals were firstly bred from both home cats and this wildcat. They get their stunning styles from this wildcat as well.

Abyssinian

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Originally from Ethiopia (previously called Abyssinia), the Abyssinian cat has a one-of-a-kind red/orange agouti coat. The agouti fur, which manner it has bands of mild and dark coloring on the character portions of hair, offers the Abyssinian its unique look. 

In addition to the most commonplace color referred to as ruddy, Abyssinians can also are available in cinnamon, fawn, and blue.

Birman

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Birmans are another color-pointed cat like the Siamese and Ragdoll. They have blue eyes and a medium-lengthy coat however no undercoat, putting them other than Persians and Himalayans. 

Birmans were used for breeding in the development of Ragdolls so that they appear very similar however may have slightly one-of-a-kind markings and personalities.

Oriental Shorthair

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At a glance, you may think this slim cat is a Siamese, but Oriental Shorthair cats are a breed all their own. Unlike Siamese cats, they commonly have inexperienced eyes and can are available in many shade styles and colors. A longhair range additionally exists. 

Oriental Shorthair cats are at risk of pores and skin cancer and getting cold because of their loss of fur, so they're frequently seen carrying sweaters.

Sphynx

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If you are looking for a cat that doesn't shed, then the Sphynx is for you. Sphynx cats look unique due to their lack of fur and are very social, active, dog-like felines.

Devon Rex

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Devon Rex cats have a wavy, brief hair coat and slender bodies. Their fur is also very soft, and their ears very large. The Devon Rex is a playful, energetic cat and is occasionally described as "a monkey in a catsuit."

Himalayan

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Very similar to the Persian, the Himalayan cat is taken into consideration a sub-breed in a few cat institutions and a breed all their own in others.

 Himalayans were bred from crossing Persians and Siamese to achieve their shade points. Himalayans only are available in the coloration point pattern, but this pattern can be a whole lot of colors.

American Shorthair

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An all-American breed, the American Shorthair cat is a large, wise shorthair pussycat that has a round face and quick ears. They are often confused with home, mixed-breed cats, however, are in truth a purebred and their name exchange from domestic shorthair cats in 1966 helped to differentiate them.