Cats are often given an undeserved negative bias, when in fact they have proven intelligence, loyalty, and affection. They are one of the most popular pets in the world, and they form a lasting bond with their owners.
If you are a cat lover, there are many different breeds that will fit your personality and needs. Understanding why you are drawn to cats can help you narrow down the right breed for your family.
Birman
The Birman is a long-haired cat that’s easy to care for. Its silky coat is medium-length and surprisingly easy to groom as it lacks an undercoat (unlike the Persian or Himalayan).
They are also very sweet, easy-going, and very docile cats. They are great family pets and they make wonderful companions for children.
They are thought to have originated in Burma and are sometimes called the Sacred Cat of Burma. According to legend, they were the pets of temple priests.
Exotic
If you love the wild-like appearance of tigers, leopards, lions and bobcats, but don’t want to live with an actual animal, there are many exotic cat breeds available. Some are hybrid breeds, while others have more wild cat genes.
Exotic shorthair cats are calm, sociable and docile cats who like to be around their people. They’re ideal apartment cats, but they also make great kitty playmates if you travel a lot.
Ragamuffin
A docile, sweet and friendly breed, Ragamuffins thrive on companionship. They are happiest in homes where they receive lots of love and attention from their owners.
Like other felines, Ragamuffins require daily grooming to keep their coats looking their best. Although their thick coats don’t easily mat or tangle, they still shed.
Ragamuffins are generally healthy, though they can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. Genetic testing can help you determine if your cat has these hereditary health issues.
Siamese
Siamese cats are incredibly intelligent, highly social and loyal. They can be a bit willful and stubborn, so they may not be the best choice for every home.
They make excellent family pets. However, they are quite demanding and need a lot of human interaction.
There are four color variations of the Siamese, including seal point (fawn to cream body with a dark seal colorpoint), chocolate point (ivory body with brown-colored points), blue point (light silver bodies with deep blue colorpoints), and lilac point (light cream bodies with pinkish-gray points). They’re extremely pretty!
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a very sweet-tempered cat breed that gets attached to their human family members. They are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.
They get along well with other pets and children, but may be wary of strangers if they haven’t been around them much. If they become bonded to a single person, they will lavish their new owner with love and attention.
Their short, dense blue coat is easy to groom and requires minimal maintenance. Regular nail clipping, a few baths, and occasional brushing will keep their coat sleek and shiny.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is a smart, active cat that loves to interact with people. They can also learn tricks and enjoy a variety of puzzle toys.
This breed is a popular choice for people who want a feline companion that is easygoing and adaptable. They also make a great family pet.
Japanese Bobtails have long, lean bodies and short tails that curl into a corkscrew shape. Their coats can be solid colors, bi-colors (black and white), or even tabby patterns.