12. 42 Most Well-Known Cat Breeds
Photo Credit: © Paul Dominguez
Here's the place to tell your cat breed stories complete with pictures of your cat in your own article on this site. Share your tale of what it's like to live with a specific breed of cat - or even a moggie or mixed breed. Your story will help prospective owners decide what cat breed is right for them. To get started, just find your breed in the alphabetical list to submit your story or to read about the breed.
11. Sphynx
Photo Credit: © Bemisu Sphynx
With its almost hairless body, big ears and pixiesh expression, you'll either love or hate it at first sight. However, if you spend a bit of time around a Sphynx, you'll find them companionable, intelligent, and friendly-- all those qualities one looks for in a pet. Sphynx are outgoing and love to show off, which makes them always sought out in shows.
10. Oriental
Photo Credit: © Chromatics
The Oriental was developed from Siamese stock in an effort to retain the type while adding solid colors and other patterns than the traditional pointed pattern.
9. American Shorthair
Photo Credit: © Michelle T. Bernard
The American Shorthair was one of the first five breeds recognized by the CFA, and was originally called the "Domestic Shorthair." If you are looking for a low maintenance cat, the American Shorthair is right up your alley. They are solidly built cats, descendants of ancestors who arrived from Europe with the early pioneers, and are full-fledged All-American cats, just as the descendants of those human pioneers are All-Americans today.
8. Birman
Photo Credit: © Sharon
The Birman is believed to have originated in Burma, and brought to France around 1919. Birmans have a great personality and will fit easily into most lifestyles; they are active and playful, but will also entertain themselves quietly if you are too busy to play with them.
7. Ragdoll Cats
Photo Credit: © Liz Knapp
Ragdolls are said to have been named for their proclivity to relax entirely when held. The Ragdoll adores its humans and would generally prefer to be wherever you are. Don't be surprised to have a Ragdoll shadow as you go from room to room, talking to you in her sweet musical voice.
6. Abyssinian
Photo Credit: © Eileen and Karel Pittaway
The Abyssinian, fondly called the Aby, is a lively and active cat. Many Abysssinians love water. Be prepared to provide plenty of interactive play for an Aby cat, and you will be rewarded with lifetime loyalty. If you have energy, humor, and zest for life, an Aby might become your best friend.
5. Siamese Cats
Photo Credit: © Greg & Linda Lopez
Although the breed standard has changed significantly over the years, Siamese, fondly known as "Meezers," remain high in popularity for people looking for a pedigreed pet. Whether it be Classic, Traditional, or Modern, hundreds of thousands of cat lovers say, "Make mine Siamese, if you please."
4. Exotic Cats
Photo Credit: © Vanessa van Zyl
People who love the look and sweet personality of the Persian, but who don't care to be a slave to daily brushing, will find the Exotic a perfect pet.
Selectively bred to develop the short plush coat, the exotic in every other way resembles the Persian, including its quiet, affectionate disposition.
3. Maine Coon
© Ellen Lengel
Although named after the raccoon, contrary to popular folklore, the Maine Coon cat is not the result of a cat breeding with a raccoon; more likely is the story of a cross between an American domestic cat and a long-haired cat (possibly an Angora), brought by ship from Europe.
Equally at home with children, dogs, or older persons, the Maine Coon is an ideal pet, handily earning its status as the second most popular breed in America, as well as it's fond nickname, "The Gentle Giant." Who can resist?
2. Persian Cats
Photo Credit: © Laura Gaffney
With its glorious long-flowing coat and sweet face to match its disposition, it is no wonder the Persian is the favorite cat among all pedigreed breeds. Persians require a secure, serene environment, but once they feel safe, they will be a constant source of pleasure to the lucky household that is owned by a Persian. The Persian requires regular maintenance to keep the beauty of that coat, so consider carefully before making what should be a lifetime commitment to this glorious cat.
1. Domestic Cats
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Domestic cats deserve to be number 1 on this list. After all, the domestic cats' ancestors were around long before most of today's recognized cat breeds were even known. Domestic cats, also known as "moggies," "mixed breed," and sometimes plain "alley cats," are rich in history, and there is no one-size-fits-all description of them. Domestic cats can be large, small, fat, or thin, depending on their lineage, diet, and degree of care.
Their colors and color patterns are myriad, with all the colors of the rainbow, including black, white, gray, red (aka "orange), with all the shades between. Color patterns include: tabby, calico, tortoiseshell,and tuxedo, to name a few.
