There are over one hundred different recognized cat breeds. The following is a brief description of the most popular breeds.
- Abyssinian. These shorthaired, slender cats have a tabby coat pattern similar to wild cats which is usually a ruddy color, but they can also e found in red, blue, and fawn. They are active, playful, and inquisitive.
- American Bobtail. These cats are named after their tails, which are about half the length of the average cat’s tail. It is a similar genetic trait to the Manx.
- American Curl. This breed gets its name from their ears, which are curled backwards. They come in a variety of color patterns, as well as long and short hair. They are as affectionate as they are energetic.
- American Shorthair. These stocky, even tempered cats come from Native American working cats. It is best known as a silver tabby.
- Angora. These British felines are the Oriental Longhair’s counterpart, which are long haired Siamese. They have similar temperaments to the Siamese, as well as coat patterns, with the exception of the long hair.
- Bengal Cat. These well muscled cats resemble leopards or tigers. They are the result of a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic one. They are large, loving, and loyal.
- Birman. These cats have numerous legends associated with them. They are semi-longhaired, and come in a pointed coat pattern. It is also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma.” It has a stocky body and four white feet.
- Burmese. These medium sized, muscular and compact cats are extremely people orientated. They come in sable, champagne, blue, and platinum colors.
- Bombay. These cats have sleek, glossy, black coats with copper colored eyes. It was developed from the Burmese breed, and retained the playful and loving temperament.
- British Shorthair. This stocky cat resembles a teddy bear. This calm and quiet breed is usually found in blue, but all other colors are possible.
- Chartreux. Originating in France, this old, natural breed was said to have been raised as a companion by the Carthusian monks. They are famous for their wooly blue coats and orange eyes. They are quiet and even tempered.
- Cornish Rex. The Cornish Rex is known for its soft, wavy, curly hair: even the whiskers curl. Its coat feels like crushed velvet to the touch. They originated in Cornwall, and have a racy, slender body, and are found in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Egyptian Mau. This cat bears a striking resemblance to paintings of ancient Egyptian cats. They are active, athletic cats with a spotted tabby pattern that resembles wild cats. They come in colors such as bronze spotted, silver spotted and black smoke.
- Exotic Shorthair. The Exotic Shorthair has the body and head type of the Persian, but has a short plush coat. The breed was developed by crossing Persians and various shorthaired breeds. Exotics are available in the same colors and patterns as the Persian breed.
- Himalayan. These stocky cats have long hair, and placid temperaments like that of the Persian, but is pointed like the Siamese.
- Japanese Bobtail. The Japanese Bobtail has existed in Japan for at least 1000 years. It is distinguished by its naturally short tail, which resembles a bunny tail. The most commonly seen Japanese Bobtail pattern is the tri-color, which is white with red and black. They have both long and short coat varieties.
- Korat. These beautiful cats are well known for their silvery-blue, sleek coats. They have heart-shaped faces that are dominated by gooseberry-green eyes. They originated in Thailand, where they are regarded as good luck.
- Maine Coon. The Maine Coon is known for its large size, easy-going temperament, and rugged appearance. The breed is native to New England, and is well-adapted to harsh climates. They have a heavy, shaggy coat, bushy tail, and tufted ears and toes. Though the brown classic tabby pattern is perhaps the best known, Maine Coons are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Manx. This cat is distinguished by its missing tail. This natural mutation is thought to have originated on the Isle of Man, hence the name, Manx. Manx cats are stocky and rounded in appearance, with short backs and long hind legs that make them appear rabbit-like. The thick coat can be either short or semi-long. Manx are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Oricat. This small cat looks like a wild, spotted cat. It was created by crossing Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthairs. “Ocis” are active, affectionate, and very social. They are available in various patterns, though only the spotted patterns may be shown, and in several different colors.
- Persian. The Persian is perhaps the most widely recognized cat breed and has the most registered numbers. The Persian is known for its extremely long, fluffy coat, very stocky body type, round head, large eyes, and flat face. Persians have a sweet and gentle temperament, and are among the most placid of all breeds. They come in many different colors.
- Ragdoll. Known for its docile temperament, the Ragdoll is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a pointed color pattern. They come in seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac colors.
- Russian Blue. The Russian Blue is a natural breed thought to have originated in northern Russia. It is noted for its short, plush, silvery blue coat, brilliant green eyes, and semi-foreign body type with long legs and body. This is a graceful, playful breed with a quiet temperament.
- Scottish Fold. This breed derives its name from its distinctive ears, which are folded forward and down, and by its large, rounded eyes, which give it a sweet, wide-eyed expression. They are mellow and affectionate cats. Scottish Folds are found in both longhair and shorthair varieties, in a great number of color and pattern combinations.
- Siamese. The Siamese is distinguished by its brilliant blue eyes and its colored “points” (ears, face, tail, and feet), which provide a striking contrast to its light-colored body. This is a demanding breed, which is quick to voice their opinion. It is lively, and affectionate.
- Sphynx. This hairless breed is actually covered by a soft down. Because the Sphynx lacks hair to absorb natural skin oils, it must be bathed frequently. Despite the lack of hair, coat color and pattern are visible in the downy coat and the underlying skin.
