It was long believed that “dogs are man’s best friend”, turns out that a cat can also

form the
same strong bonds with their owners as the dog does. You may think these furballs to be disengaged or
uninterested to people but actually if you are a cat owner, you know that they can be attached as much
like a kid to its mother, and let’s face it, there is nothing cuter than how perfectly they fit in your arms.

There are already 43 cat breeds in the US alone, each with different personalities, traits and
origins. Let us delve into the top ten famous cat breeds to get basic information on the best species of
tabbies in the world.

Siamese

Weight: males weighing 11-15 lbs, female weighing 8-12 lbs

Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Attention needs: moderate, high
Tendency to shed: Low
Coat: Short, fine, glossy
Color: Seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point
Overall grooming needs: low

The elongated body, distinct coloration, deep blue eyes, and bubbly personality makes Siamese
cats one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, as well as one of the original breeds of pedigreed
cats. This fancy breed was originated in Siam (now Thailand) where its name came from. It was believed
that when a member of a royal family in Siam died, its soul will be received by this cat which eventually
moved them to the temple, where it lives the rest of its life in luxury. Aside from their majestic appeal,
the Siamese cat is incredibly social and intelligent. They thrive on companionship and usually gravitate
to one person and are loyal and loving. A Siamese wants affection and isn’t shy about demanding
attention from its owners.

Their short and soft coat with distinguishing colors is low-maintenance, which only need a
weekly comb to maintain a healthy, shiny coat. Their triangular head shape makes them prone to
respiratory and periodontal diseases, some may have physical deformities like crossed-eyes or kinked-
tail, but these don’t require medical attention.

Persian

Weight: males weighing 11-15 lbs, female weighing 8-12 lbs

Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Attention needs: moderate
Tendency to shed: High
Coat: Long, thick, glossy
Color: White, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, lilac
Overall grooming needs: high

Known for their docile, laid-back personality, flowy, silky coat, and “open-pansy” face, the
Persian cat is a quiet feline who enjoys a calm and serene environment, making them the most popular
breed among cat fanciers. Persian Cats were originated in Mesopotamia, which later became Persia and
is now modern-day Iran. Because of their popularity, Persians are also costly. A cat can cost between
$1,800 and $5,500, which puts it among the expensive cat breeds plus this breed requires maintenance
for its luxurious coat.

Their furry coats come with seven different coat color divisions which demand regular grooming,
otherwise, matting will result. Daily combing and monthly bath are also needed to keep the coat and
skin healthy and dirt free. Their eye color corresponds to their coat color; white Persians have deep blue
or copper eyes, whereas silver or golden Persians have green eyes and solid-colored cats have copper
eyes. The Persian’s facial structure makes it prone to potential health complications, respiratory
difficulties, heat sensitivity, and renal problems. Despite all their lavish lifestyle, these furballs are
affectionate and aren’t afraid of the people that they love and trust.

Maine Coon

Weight: males weighing 12-15 lbs, female weighing 9-12 lbs

Height: 10-16 inches
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Attention needs: moderate, high
Tendency to shed: High
Coat: Shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach, smooth, shaggy
Color: Most commonly brown tabby, but other colors and patterns are possible
Overall grooming needs: high

There are tons of things that make Maine Coons excellent pets, quiet, gentle, people-oriented
and they are not too demanding. Considered as one of the oldest breeds in North America, Maine Coon
is known for its intelligence, friendliness, and size. Though they are the largest breed of domestic cats,
they are also referred to as “gentle giants”. These brown tabby cats are gentle which makes them a
good house companion. They are often tenderly playful and curious, making them kitten-like throughout
their lives. They are often tenderly playful and curious, making them kitten-like throughout their lives.

Their shaggy coat has low grooming and maintenance needs despite being the biggest domestic
cat. The most common color for Maine Coon cats is brown. However, they can be nearly any color and
pattern. Their eye colors have a wide range from blue to green to gold. Their paws are big and well-
tufted to be suitable for walking in snows because of the extra toes, a trait referred to as polydactylism,
also their ears are tufted, often with points of hair at the tips. Maine Coon cats are generally a hardy
breed of cat; they can suffer from hip dysplasia, with the abnormality affecting the larger males more
than females. Spinal muscular atrophy is a potential health problem that can result in muscle atrophy
and weakness. This condition is normally seen early in the Maine Coon kitten’s life.

Abyssinian
Weight: males weighing 7-10 lbs, female weighing 6-8 lbs
Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Attention needs: High
Tendency to shed: low
Coat: Medium
Color: Ruddy, red, blue, fawn
Overall grooming needs: low

Originally from Abyssinia which is now called Ethiopia, the Abyssinian cat or “Cats from the Blue Nile”
(believing they’re the sacred cat of Egypt) has a distinctive fawn agouti coat. They are very intelligent
cats; they are known for their curiosity which is why they are referred to as “Aby-grabbys” because they
tend to take things that grab their interest. They also get along with children and cat-friendly dogs.
However, the Abyssinian is independent and will not likely to curl up in your lap, but she does best with
another cat companion to match her high activity levels while you’re away.

With its muscular body and fiery fur, which alternates light and dark bands of color on each hair shaft,
gives the Abyssinian its unique, royalty look. The coat comes in four primary colors: ruddy brown, red,
blue, and fawn which needs weekly grooming and frequent brushing and bathing. Like other breeds,
Abyssinians may have a higher risk for periodontal disease, patellar luxation, and Progressive retinal
atrophy. But these are elegant and regal-looking Abys are easy to care for and make ideal pets for cat
lovers. Though they're not lap cats, they are immensely loyal to their owners.

Birman
Weight: males weighing 9-12 lbs, female weighing 6-10 lbs
Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 9-13 years
Attention needs: Moderate
Tendency to shed: High, moderate
Coat: Medium to long
Color: Seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point
Overall grooming needs: Moderate

Birmans are friendly, playful, even-tempered, and adaptable, which are very rare traits to find in
a cat. They are also known to come when called and to greet you at the door. So if you want a cat that
has a dog-like character, the Birman is a good choice. A cat of mystery and legend, the Birman was
considered to be sacred because it was believed to be the companion of the priests in Myanmar
(formerly Burma).

Aside from their marvelous, social personality, they have long luxurious silky hair that does not
require much grooming. Brilliant blue, almost-round eyes are prominent features of her sweet
expression. This affectionate kitty isn’t attention-grabbers. It respects your privacy. It won’t bother you if
it sees that you’re busy or asleep.

Oriental
Weight: males weighing 7-10 lbs, female weighing 5-8 lbs
Height: 9-11 inches
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Attention needs: Moderate
Tendency to shed: moderate, high
Coat: Longhair — medium, fine, silky; shorthair — short, fine, glossy
Color: Blue, chestnut, cinnamon, cream, ebony, fawn, lavender, red and white, plus various patterns and
shadings
Overall grooming needs: low

The Oriental is an elegant cat that is passionate about the people in their lives. They have a
friendly, spirited and people-oriented personality that does not want to share their life with you but
need to. Those who give an Oriental the affection she needs will find she does anything to please them.
They are content to stay in your lap and cuddle for hours on end. Though they are very attached to their
owners, they can’t handle new people very well.

Originally bred from the Siamese, this curious and affection cat has a long and slender body, a
long neck, and large triangular ears. The breed has two coat varieties, shorthair, and longhair, the
Oriental longhair has a medium-length coat and is considered rare. Meanwhile, the Oriental shorthair’s
fur is short and fine and therefore doesn’t shed as much. If you’re wondering what cat breeds shed the
least, the Oriental one of them. Their fur is short and fine and therefore doesn’t shed as much. 

Sphynx
Weight: males weighing 8-12 lbs, female weighing 6-9 lbs
Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 8-14 years
Attention needs: High
Tendency to shed: Low
Coat: Hairless, though some have a fine down
Color: White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lavender, cinnamon and fawn, plus various patterns and
shadings
Overall grooming needs: Low

Known for their hairless wrinkled wonder with big ears and eyes, the breed’s unique look has
caught the eyes of many cat lovers. Because of it’s little to no hair look; the Sphynx cat looks delicate
and fragile. However, this breed climbs anything and is lively and athletic. A peculiar look lies a
mischievous, playful, and sweet-natured cat that yearn human company; it loves being the center of
attention. According to Cat Fanciers’ Association, The first Sphynx was developed in Toronto, Canada in
1966. The lack of hair was a genetic anomaly and occurs about once every 15 years. After that, it
became one of the most in-demand cats in the U.S.

Contrary to popular belief, the Sphynx is not completely hairless. It can have a soft, suede-like
fuzz and some hair on its nose and ears. It also comes in numerous patterns in addition to being one
solid color. Since they have very minimal hair to absorb the oils unlike most cats, the Sphynx requires
weekly sponge baths to remove sebaceous oils which could develop skin problems from their skin. If you
are looking for a devoted, affectionate feline that entertains with its clownish performances or snuggle
with you, especially on cold winter days plus it doesn't shed, then the Sphynx is for you.

American Shorthair
Weight: males weighing 11-15 lbs, female weighing 8-12 lbs
Height: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Attention needs: Moderate
Tendency to shed: Moderate
Coat: Short
Color: White, black, blue, red, cream and silver, plus various patterns and shadings
Overall grooming needs: Moderate

The ancestor of this cat was believed to have come from Europe with the early settlers. They
were originally bred to keep rodents and vermin away; later they quickly became popular as pets.
Today, they’re a favorite among Americans and ranked as one of the top 10 of the US’s most popular cat
breeds. The American shorthair is known for its intelligence and activeness. They enjoy learning tricks
and challenging their intelligence with puzzles and interactive toys. They also have even-temperament
and good disposition which makes them an ideal family pet for a working family with children.

Because they were bred as a working cat, American Shorthairs have a stocky, muscular body
that lends themselves to America’s agility and endurance. This breed is easy to maintain but needs
several combing every week to remove dead hair and redistributes skin oils to keep its hair shiny and
prevent dry, itchy skin. They are also susceptible to respiratory issues due to their flat face structure.
They are genetically predisposed to mouth and gum disease and their laid-back nature increase their risk
of obesity.

Although she has a mellow nature and is affectionate to her people, including children, the
American Shorthair is also independent and does not like being carried; she doesn’t need hourly
attention. She may curl up in your lap on occasion, but she may prefer to sit alongside you instead.
She’ll get along fine with other pets, but her hunting instincts may take over with pet birds and other
small animals.
Scottish Fold

Weight: males weighing 9-13 lbs, female weighing 6-9 lbs

Height: 10-12 inches
Lifespan: 9-12 years
Attention needs: Moderate
Tendency to shed: High
Coat: Longhair — medium-long; shorthair — medium-short, dense, plush
Color: White, black, blue, red, cream and silver, plus various patterns and shadings
Overall grooming needs: Moderate, high

The fold in its name refers to its small folded ears, making it look like a tiny owl. Aside from its folded
ears, this breed has won the hearts of feline lovers with its rounded appearance and plush coat making
it one of the cutest cat breeds. The Scottish fold cat is a perfect choice for a cat pet because of its easy-
going nature, be very loving and friendly with people, and other household pets. The smart and friendly
Scottish Fold loves interacting with her people and loves attention. They prefer the company of their
humans or other cats or even cat-friendly dogs than being left alone for hours at a time.

A natural genetic mutation is the reason for its unique folded ears for which the Scottish Fold is known
for. The dense, lavish, and soft coat of the Scottish Fold comes in different colors and patterns, including
solid, tabby, and more. Their eye color corresponds to their coat color; a white Fold will have blue eyes,
whereas a red or brown tabby may have copper-colored eyes. Scottish Folds shed year-round, with
heavier shedding periods during the spring and fall. Comb shorthaired Folds weekly to remove loose
hair. Longhaired Folds may require grooming several times a week. While the breed itself is still
somewhat uncommon, these cats are easy to take care of and adjust to other animals and climates
easily.

British Shorthair

Weight: males weighing 12-18 lbs, female weighing 9-15 lbs

Height: 12-14 inches
Lifespan: 12-17 years
Attention needs: Moderate
Tendency to shed: Moderate
Coat: Short, plush, dense
Color: Blue, white, black, red, cream, smoke, silver and golden, plus a variety of patterns and shadings
Overall grooming needs: Moderate, high

You might recognize this cat in many Whiskas brand ads and the “Cheshire Cat” in Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland. The thick and dense coat, copper-colored round eyes, and signature blue color make these
cats a very popular choice among the large cat breeds. Though this cat is affection, British Shorthairs
aren’t lap cats. The British Shorthair cat is a laid-back furball that likes to play but isn’t needy for
attention. They do enjoy snuggling next to their people on the couch but dislikes being carried. They get
along well with gentle and respectful children and don’t mind cat-friendly dogs.
Their coats come in almost every possible color and pattern, the most popular color is blue. People who
own British Shorthairs should brush this cat daily, especially during the shedding season. Another thing
to remember is that this kitty cat is already stocky, so keeping an eye on its diet is a must. 

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