A dog may be man’s best friend but no one can deny the fact that cats are equally close to our hearts. Our feline friends have reserved a special place in our lives. In fact, cats are considered to be one of the most popular pets in the world. In the United States alone, there are around 73 million pet cats!
However, these statistics do not come as a surprise. With their adorable eyes, heart-melting mannerism and cute cleverness, cats make an ideal pet. No wonder, everyone wants one!
The cherry on top – cats might have a weird way of showing it, but according to research your pet cat loves you just as much as you adore them!
75% of cat owners believe that their cats can sense when something is wrong or when they are sad, and try to comfort their owner in one way or another. Moreover, 93% of people believe that their cats often make them laugh and increase their overall satisfaction in life! For all these reasons, cats can be the best pets.
History of Cats
For centuries, cats were considered to be sacred. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that they have always been treated like royalty. Even today, no cat owner treats their feline friend any different!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure for more details.
Domestic cats have been traced way back to ancient Egypt, some 4,000 years ago! They were associated with power, prosperity, and God. In fact, your favorite pet was even worshiped in ancient Egypt!
Over the years, cats spread throughout the world. During the 15th and 16th centuries, cats were welcome on ships to keep the varmints and diseases at bay. It is believed that this is how they eventually reached America.
According to the cat legends, when Christopher Columbus discovered America, it was the cats from his ship that went ashore and prospered. In fact, it is rumored that this is how the American Shorthair cats arrived on American soil.
Owing to their adorable appearance and fun personality, they quickly became a popular pet. Today, there are many types of cats that you can welcome into your home to make your life a little better!
If you are thinking about adopting a cat, it’s time you learn all about them. Scroll down to read about some of the most popular breeds of cats and choose for yourself the ones you want to get!
Types of Domestic Cats
Siamese
Siamese is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. They have been around for centuries and are best known for their sleek and unique appearance. Usually, they are silver or grey in color and have big blue eyes.
However, depending on their genes and the temperature of their surroundings, these fine-looking kitties can also be orange, creamy white, brown, and even blue!
If you are planning to adopt one of these, you may want to know that Siamese cats are very “talkative” and “opinionated”. They don’t like being alone and will follow you around the house. So be ready to spend a lot of time around your Siamese and pamper it with a lot of love and attention.
British Shorthair
If you are looking for an easy-going cat that has a calm temperament, the British Shorthair is the cat that you need! With its chunky body and dense coat, this breed of naturally good-natured cats can be the perfect addition to your family.
Traditional British Shorthair cats have solid blue-grey coats and copper eyes. However, over the years, cross-breeding has resulted in a wide range of coat colors and patterns. It is important to know that these cats are not really demanding.
Your British Shorthair is likely to follow you around during the day but it also requires some me-time. Also, these cats do not like being carried around. They are usually mannered and polite.
However, when they run around the house, it can sound like a herd of elephants is coming down the road! Fortunately for the owners, British Shorthair kitties are active and playful as kittens but settle down once they hit a one-year mark.
Manx
Manx cats hail from the Isle of Man. Their highly distinctive feature is a genetic mutation that resulted in a considerably short tail. In fact, most Manx cats are entirely tail-less! it is interesting to note that despite being different than most other cats, these kittens come in a variety of colors and patterns.
However, pure white Manx are extremely rare. Keep in mind that Manx cats are highly protective in nature. You don’t need a watchdog when there’s a Manx cat in the house!
Snowshoe
Snowshoe cats have been around for more than 5 decades now. However, it is still a relatively rare breed that emerged by breeding white-pawed Siamese cats with other breeds. Their coat color and patterns are dependent on their ancestral genes, making it difficult to predict the exact appearance of the offspring.
Snowshoe kitties are smart and can learn a number of fun tricks. They are generally active and don’t like being left of their own for a long time. If you are thinking about adopting a Snowshoe, keep in mind that while it might get along with the entire family, it is likely to choose a favorite person and pick sides!
Singapura Cat
Singapura cats are small in size with large eyes and big ears. Typically, a Singapura has a brown coat and a blunt tail. Contrary to what the name suggests, Singapura cats are not native to Singapore.
In fact, they were exported there from the USA. Keep in mind that these kitties crave company. They are not only active but are also extremely social. They simply can’t relate to the cats that are shy!
So, make sure you are ready to spend a lot of time with your feline friend before bringing a Singapura into your house.
Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are not only named after Bengal tigers but the breed has also been developed to look like leopards as well. It does not come as a surprise that these kitties behave like they are still in a jungle.
They are very active, athletic, curious, and graceful. It will run around the house all day and you can expect it to have a new agenda every day!
However, these cats are equally polite and friendly. They not only enjoy human company but will also bombard you with love and affection.
Norwegian Forest Cat
A Norwegian Forest, also known as the Wegie, is one strong, independent kitty. While they are gentle and friendly, they don’t demand attention all day. Norwegian Forest originated in Northern Europe. No wonder, with their thick and long coats, these cats have adapted to extremely cold temperatures.
Keep in mind that while your Wegie will enjoy your company, it is likely to be reserved around strangers. Also, it can keep itself entertained when you are not around!
Elf Cat
Elf cats are nothing like your ordinary cats. They result from crossing a Sphynx with the American Curl. Currently, they are extremely rare and characterized as being a hairless breed. Also, Elf cats have slightly curved ears.
Siberian Cat
Native to Russia, Siberian cats have long and thick coats that come in almost all colors and patterns. Siberians are generally active, playful, friendly, attentive, affectionate, naturally curious, and extremely adorable – all in one! Did you know that the Siberian is the national cat of Russia? Do you know the national cat of your country?
Savannah Cat
Savannah is not an easy cat to manage. However, it makes a rewarding companion. These African cats live for adventure! They are very active and curious, and are even known to play jokes on their owners!
Maine Coon
Maine Coon is truly a “gentle giant”. As the name suggests, these cats hail from Maine, England. These cats are naturally well-mannered and adaptable. They are fun to be around and make a great pet. The cherry on top – Maine Coops are pretty clever. This means they love learning and performing tricks.
Kurilian Bobtail
Kurilian Bobtail kitties are characterized by their semi-cobby bodies and short-fluffy tails. Their coats can be short as well as long. Another distinctive feature of the Bobtail is that its hind legs are a little longer than the front ones, causing their back to arch slightly.
If you think that the Kurilian is the cat for you, keep in mind that they are gentle, playful, and head over heels in love with water! Yes, unlike most cats, a Kurilian Bobtail loves to play around in the water.
Egyptian Mau
When you see a kitty with a silver or bronze spotted coat and large green eyes, know that you are looking at an Egyptian Mau. These cats are moderately active. However, they love human company and severely devoted to their family. Be warned –you will have to shower your Egyptian Mau with all your love!
Persian Cat
Adorable, sweet, and docile, Persian cats make the best pets. They are affectionate and friendly. However, their love and attention are reserved for the house members only. If you are looking to avoid a cat that will climb the curtains, jump on kitchen counters, and scratch the furniture – Persian kitties are what you are looking for!
Canadian Sphinx
Sphinx is another type of hairless cats. While they don’t look very friendly, their appearance can be deceiving. These cats are highly sociable and love human company and attention. When you want a super-friendly cat as your best friend, it’s time to adopt a Sphinx kitten!
American Wirehair
“Wirehair” is an unusual name for a cat. Nonetheless, it works perfectly for this breed due to their springy and resilient coats. America Wirehairs are usually quiet and sweet but you can expect it to follow you around the house. While it may not be a lap cat, it will surely appreciate sharing the sofa with you!
American Curl
American Curls stand out from the crowd due to their distinctive ears that give them an incredibly adorable look. These kitties are medium-sized and can grow up to 10 pounds. Keep in mind that they are very active and are often referred to as the “Peter Pan” of cats since they are always on the go around the house!
Scottish Lop-Eared Cat
Also known as Scottish Fold, these cats are named after their folded ears. Naturally, they look adorable and simply too cute to not take home! They have a thick coat that comes in all colors and patterns. When you adopt Scottish Lop-Eared, make sure you are ready to spare some time for it because these kitties love human company.
Exotic Shorthair
Sweet, loving, and docile, an Exotic can be the love of your life. While they are not really for house adornment like their Persian cousins, these kitties love to be petted just the same. They enjoy human company but can also find ways to keep themselves entertained when you are not around.
So, which breed of cats are you going to adopt? Whether you go for sweet and loving Persians, cute and cuddly Maine Coon, or feisty Savannah, make sure that you take good care of your kitties and give them all the love and attention they need!
