Cats are incredibly fascinating animals that have been bred for many different characteristics and personalities over the centuries. But did you know that certain traits, even those positive ones, can come with negative genetics?
That’s why it’s important to choose a cat carefully. Fortunately, modern genetics research is helping breeders select parents with good temperaments and avoid piggyback mutations.
Siamese
The Siamese is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are known for their striking features and affectionate natures.
The Siamese comes in a variety of different coat colors and patterns. Some of these variations include seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point.
Exotic
You may not think of exotic cat breeds when you’re thinking about cats, but there are many different types of them. From Egyptian Maus to bobtails, these are some of the most beautiful and unique felines you can own.
Exotic shorthairs are very quiet cats with soft voices they use only when they need to (like at dinner time). They’re very loyal and affectionate and make excellent lap cats.
Bengal
Despite their wild looks, Bengal cats are actually quite affectionate with their humans.
These smart and lively cats thrive on human interaction and play. They are best suited to active families with children and cat-friendly dogs.
Originally developed by crossing Asian leopard cats with domestic shorthairs, this beautiful hybrid is growing in popularity thanks to its striking spotted coat and its intelligent nature.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a beautiful breed of cat with a silky, semi-long coat. They need minimal grooming to keep their coat looking its best.
They can be found in four different patterns: bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint. These cats are typically born white and their colors deepen with age.
They are also known to have dog-like personalities, meaning that they want to be around you and fully enjoy your company. This trait makes them great family pets.
Maine Coon
These big cats are a great addition to a household. They’re sociable, affectionate, and highly intelligent.
They have large, well-tufted ears and expressive eyes in a wide range of colors. Brown tabbies are traditional, but calico and tortoiseshell Maine Coons are also popular.
Persian
Persians are sweet, affectionate cats who enjoy a lot of human contact and are often described as “rather chill than drill.”
They love being around people and will bond with you over time. They are also good with other pets.
As with all pedigree cats, Persians are at risk for hereditary health issues. These include polycystic kidney disease, progressive retinal atrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and liver shunts.
Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are affectionate and friendly cats who love to be around people. They also get along well with other pets.
These sweet and playful kitties are calm and docile, but they do need plenty of stimulation to keep them entertained. They can also be trained to behave appropriately.
Bombay
A purpose-bred cat created to resemble an Indian black panther, Bombays are a hybrid breed that strike the perfect balance between the moderate American Shorthair and the frisky Burmese.
In the late 1950s, Nikki Horner, a Louisville, Kentucky, cat breeder, sought to develop a cat with a muscular, solid build and jet-black coat. She crossed Burmese cats with black American shorthairs to achieve this look and was successful.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a curious cat with an active, inquiring mind. These cats love to explore every nook and cranny in your home, but they also enjoy being the center of attention.
This breed has a long, lean body and fine-boned legs that are well suited for its active lifestyle. Its short coat is patterned with bands of color that gradually lighten up and down the hair.
Turkish Angora
If you’re looking for a cat with an elegant look and a playful spirit, the Turkish Angora is the breed for you. These slender cats look stunning in white, but they also come in a variety of colors and patterns.
This intelligent cat is very devoted to its human family and doesn’t do well without a lot of attention. These cats are very spirited, so make sure you provide them with plenty of toys to play with.