Choosing a cat is not as simple as others may think. There are many factors that you should consider. Among some of these, you have to consider the grooming that they would require, their energy level, social needs, adaptability, and even their intelligence. Therefore, here’s a quick glimpse of the common cat breeds that are loved by other households(you can find a more detailed version of some of these cat breeds here.
Persian
The Persian cat is easily the most popular among cat breeds. Because of its glamorous, flowing coat and sweet-looking face, you are likely to have a soft heart for this feline. Additionally, its personality – being gentle, restful, and cuddly – would also immediately appeal to pet lovers in general. They tend to have a calm, melodious voice, and an undemanding personality. They are a perfect companion for those who want a non-human friend that’s relaxing but not too clingy.
Siberian
Another breed that’s coated with a magnificent fur is the Siberian cat. They are considered Russia’s national cat. As such, to adapt with the country’s winter, the Siberian cat has a thick double coat that comes in various colors and patterns (with the brown tabbies as the most popular) that need to be brushed daily. They also have large yellow-green eyes, tufted ears, and neck ruff. A Siberian is usually medium to large in size, with a modified wedge-shaped head, muscular body, medium-length legs, and big feet with tufts of fur on the toes. Despite the need for regular and intentional grooming, Siberians are still among the favorite in different households because of their playful personality.
These cats also entertain families with some tricks and by solving some puzzle toys.
Exotic Shorthair
The ExoticShort hair has a sweet and gentle face that looks very similar to the Persian. However, their coat is shorter and denser, making them easier to groom. More so, they are easy to identify because of their round eyes, round head, and round body. Their voices are also melodious, similar to that of a Persian. Their personality is very much similar to that of a Persian as well – easy-going and undemanding. However, they are more lively and playful, and can even learn some tricks. They also enjoy sitting on their owner’s lap and being pet.
Maine Coon
A Maine Coon is large, muscular, and big-boned. They can weigh from 9 to 18 pounds. Additionally, they have a remarkable neck ruff and bushy tail, along with dainty britches and tufted feet. From the name itself, the Maine Coon is the official state cat of Maine. The Maine Coon is a naturally curious and active cat. They are also friendly and would quickly get along with children, dogs, and other cats. They are the type that will shadow you everywhere, yet not demand any attention.
Sphynx
A Sphynx is a particularly unique breed because instead of fur, they come with a suede-like coat that’s warm and soft. Some think that they are hypoallergenic because they’re hairless; however, they still produce dander, dead skin cells that cause allergy. They are medium in size and weigh just around 6 to 12 pounds. They also have a wrinkled body and face and ears that are shaped like a satellite dish. Although hairless, a sphynx may still come in various colors and patterns. It may not look like it, but a Sphynx has a funny personality. They are also curious and smart and enjoy the attention of their owner.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex has a wavy coat, high cheekbones, large round eyes, huge ears, long legs, and slender body. If you want a playful pet that could entertain you, Devon Rex just might suit you well. They are intelligent and active. Instead , they like to explore and jump around the house. They can also learn some tricks and would get along well with visitors.
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a mix of Siamese and Burmese (we’ll discuss the Burmese later on). They have a medium-sized, muscular body coated with short, silky fur that may be in three different patterns and eight colors. They also have striking eyes that range from sky blue to violet and greenish-gold.
Turkish Angora
The Angora is originally from Turkey (hence the name). They tend to have a small to the medium-sized body and weigh around five to nine pounds. An Angora cat has a wedge-shaped head, long and silky coat, and a plumed-tail. Namely, they are very agile, assertive, and highly active.
Japanese Bobtail
They are tri-colored cats with a bobbed tail, triangular head, high cheekbones, oval eyes, long nose and beckoning paw. Their front legs are quite short in comparison to their hind legs. Additionally, they weigh around five to ten pounds. Because of their bobbed tail, Japanese Bobtails are believed (in Japan) to bring good fortune to their owners. As such, they are often a subject of different art and literary forms. The Japanese Bobtail is very intelligent and highly active, and very talkative!
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is another unique breed, but this time, it’s because of their love for water; because of that, they are sometimes referred to as the “swimming cat.” The Van is easily recognizable because of their semi-longhaired coat in a van pattern – primarily white on the body and colored markings on the head and tail. Their heads are widely and moderately wedge-shaped while their bodies are long and muscular.
American Shorthair
Shorthairs are one of the most common breeds you’ll see in households. Compared to domestic shorthairs, the American Shorthair’s kittens tend to have the same distinct appearance of their parents. They are medium-sized and muscular type, with an easy-to-care coat that comes in more than 80 colors and patterns. The American Shorthair is easy-going and tolerant. They are also very sociable and interactive with kids and guests.
Norwegian Forest
In its originating country, Norway, it is called the “skogkatt,” which translates to “forest cat.” Although in the US, it’s been given the nickname “Wegie.” Wegie looks very similar to the Maine Coon mainly because of its muscular body, double coat in many colors and patterns, and a plumed tail. Additionally, they are large cats that weigh 10 to 15 pounds.
They are very independent and won’t demand much attention.
Chausie
Chausie is a large breed. Weighing around 15 to 25 pounds for males and 15 to 20 pounds for females. They have a wild look, long and slender body, and large tufted ears. Additionally, they usually come in one of these three colors – solid black, black grizzled tabby, and ticked black tabby. Chausies are highly active and playful, especially in their younger years. As they age, they become quieter.
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex breeds have a uniquely attractive look – short and wavy coat, egg-shaped head, curly whiskers, and extra-long hind legs. They are an intelligent and active breed and want to be involved in everything you do.
Malayan
The Malayan is also well-known as the Asian cat. They are medium-sized and muscular with a broad, rounded chest, slender legs, and medium-length tail. Their coats are soft, subtle, satiny, and glossy that come in various colors and patterns. Malayan cats are very affectionate; they love attention.
Burmese
Burmese cats come with a short, beautiful, silky, and single-colored coat that’s usually a dark sable brown; although, there are also dilute colors – champagne, blue and platinum. Their voice, which is deep and raspy, yet soft is another distinguishing characteristic.
We hope this list will help make your decision a lot easier!
