Cat breeds are a great way to find your perfect pet. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can have unique personalities.
Some are naturally-occurring, while others are hybrids of two or more different breeds. For example, there are Munchkin/Sphynx crosses like the Bambino and Minskin.
Birman
The Birman cat breed (also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma) is a semi-longhaired, medium-sized cat with distinctive markings. They have a coat of creamy white with darker points on their face, ears, legs and tail.
They also have four pure white “gloves” on each of their front paws. This feature is unique to the Birman breed and is thought to be a genetic trait.
Known for their lovely blue eyes, Birman cats are very friendly and affectionate with humans. They also like to play with toys and enjoy learning new things.
They are incredibly social and get along well with other animals and people, so they’re usually good pets for families with children who will handle them gently. Because they’re so active, they need a lot of exercise, so encourage them to play with interactive toys and outdoor activities as much as possible.
Exotic
If you love cats that aren’t just pretty, but have a unique look or ancestry that makes them stand out from the crowd, you’re in luck: there are plenty of exotic cat breeds to choose from.
These felines can range from short and fluffy to hairless, but all have a certain wild ancestry or unique looks that make them appealing to those with an eye for something different. Some of these animals even have a storied history as far back as ancient Egyptian tombs!
The Exotic is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. It’s an affectionate, loyal, playful and cuddly companion that’s a joy to own.
The Exotic has hereditary health issues to keep in mind, including polycystic kidney disease and a tendency to develop calcium oxylate stones in the urinary tract. It is important to find a responsible, knowledgeable breeder and have your kitten tested for these conditions before you adopt her.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians are highly intelligent, intensely inquisitive cats that love to explore every nook and cranny. They’re also natural athletes and enjoy playing games like fetch to keep themselves busy and entertained.
They’re characterized by a distinctive ticked coat that alternates between bands of color, giving them a wild, exotic look. The breed’s most common colors are ruddy brown, red, blue and fawn.
Ruddy – This is the original color of the Abyssinian and is a combination of a warm reddish-brown base with black ticking. This “ticked” pattern, in which individual strands of fur alternate with lighter and darker bands, gives the coat its exotic cougar-like appearance.
Red – The Abyssinian’s most striking color is red, a deep and rich color that ranges from light to dark and can be streaked or solid. The breed is permitted four primary colors by the Cat Fanciers Association, with some associations allowing additional shades.
The Abyssinian is a medium-sized cat with a lean muscular body and long athletic legs. Its large ears sit forward on a wedge-shaped head and its alert almond eyes are green or gold.
Bombay
Bombays are bred to mimic the black panthers of India. They are a sleek, glossy black cat with copper eyes. Their coats are colored right down to their roots and they have black noses, whiskers, eyelashes and foot pads.
Bombay cats are sociable and intelligent, and they form strong bonds with their owners. They are also good with children and other pets.
While they’re low shedders, they do need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. They should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose hairs.
Bombays are medium-sized cats that can weigh up to 15 pounds and measure 13 to 20 inches in length. Their muscular build makes them susceptible to weight gain, so they should be fed measured amounts of high-quality food twice a day. They should also be given lots of exercise to prevent obesity.