When it comes to choosing the perfect feline friend, it’s important to know the differences between cat breeds. This will help you choose the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Some breeds are more common than others, but all cats have a unique character and are made up of different strands of DNA. The traits you love about your cat, like tufted ears or a loud meow, may come from a specific ancestor.
Siamese
Siamese cats are affectionate, social creatures that thrive on human interaction. They also make excellent companions for people who like their pets to be intelligent and curious.
They are also known for their beautiful appearance. Their distinctive coat is a light colour with darker shades called ‘points’ developing around the face, ears, legs and tail.
Exotics
The exotic cat breed is a popular choice for many pet owners. They have a sweet and gentle personality, which makes them ideal for families with kids and adults.
They are also affectionate, devoted, and highly intelligent. They are good with children and other pets, though they may take time to warm up to new people.
Exotic shorthairs have a heavily boned body and a distinctive “cobby” shape. They are brachycephalic, which means their skull bones are shortened in length. This can lead to health issues such as brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, tooth misalignment, tooth crowding, tear duct problems, and heart problems.
Bengal
Bengals are domestic cats with physical characteristics that are reminiscent of small forest-dwelling wildcats, as well as the loving, dependable temperament of a family pet.
They have a long, muscular body and a sleek, smooth coat in various colors, including silver, snow and brown. They can also have spotted or marbled patterns in their fur.
The Bengal was created by crossing the Asian leopard cat with domestic shorthairs. Jean Mill, a breeder in California, was the first to make this hybrid.
Ragdoll
One of the most popular cat breeds, the Ragdoll is known for its friendly demeanor and laid-back nature. They are also incredibly loyal and loving toward their owners.
A very intelligent breed, they are highly trainable and often learn quickly. They can be trained to use a scratching post or even ask for petting.
They can be quite vocal when they are happy. They will delight you with their chirping and jumping in your lap for attention.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat is a large, sturdy breed native to the Northeastern United States. They are known for their adaptability to harsh winters and their ability to survive in a wild environment.
They are very intelligent cats and have become quite popular among pet owners as they make excellent family pets.
They are very affectionate, but not needy, and they are incredibly playful. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train.
Longhair
The longhair cat breed is a very popular option for many families. Their teddy bear appearance and long fur make them an ideal family pet.
They’re also known for their mousing skills, which help them control the rat population around their homes. And they’re friendly, people-oriented cats that enjoy cuddling up with their humans.
While longhaired cats can groom themselves, they do need regular brushing to prevent mats from forming. If matting does occur, a professional groomer is the best way to remove it.
Persian
Probably the most popular pedigreed cat in the world, the Persian has an exotic look with a long flowing coat. Its head features a round face enhanced by a thick ruff, small ears and a flat nose with big round copper eyes.
A compact body with short tree-trunk legs and a short, thick tail completes this breed’s regal appearance. The fur is dense, full and glossy and comes in many colors and patterns.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is one of the oldest and most popular pedigree cat breeds. They’re known for their friendly looks and calm dispositions, which makes them a good choice for families and people who live alone.
They’re also easy to maintain and groom, as their short coats don’t require much brushing. They’re very affectionate and love to be petted.
They can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell and calico. They also have a range of eye colors, including gold, copper, blue and green.