This list includes all 12 of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They have left a lasting, good effect on cat lovers everywhere, whether it was due to their unique physical characteristics, a part in a movie, or their lovable disposition.
Cats can be hybridized, domesticated, or purebred. Domestic cats lack the pedigree history of their ancestry that purebred cats have. Hybrid cats are created when domestic cats are crossed with various wild feline species. The main pedigree certification body that recognizes 45 distinct purebred cat breeds is the Cat Fanciers’ Association, which is situated in the US.
Continue reading to learn about the top twelve cat breeds in the world.
Tip
Your cats will live the longest if you keep them inside, up to 20 years. Rarely do cats kept outside live past the age of ten. Outdoor cats run a higher chance of becoming sick from other animals, getting into fights, getting attacked by predators, and getting hit by cars. Cats kept outside run the risk of hurting or killing wild creatures, especially birds.
- Initial Siamese
This cat breed is Thai in origin and has been existing since the nineteenth century (formerly known as Siam). The Siamese served as the foundation breed for the Oriental shorthair, sphynx, and Himalayan. The majority of Siamese cats have characteristic “points,” which are colored patches, on their cheeks, ears, feet, and tails. Two varieties of the Siamese cat have a “apple” shaped head and a chubbier body, while the second form has a larger head and slenderer body. In the animated Disney film “Lady and the Tramp,” Siamese cats perform a song that displays both their vocal power and intelligence. Most Siamese cats were bred to lack kinks in their tails, while some street cats in Thailand may still have them. This quality was present in a lot of Thai-born Siamese cats.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: Up to 14 inches
- WEIGHT: 5 to 8 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short coat in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac with blue eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- Iranian
Persian cats are also known as Shiraz cats (after a city in Iran), Iranian cats, or one of the “smushed-face” cats because of their beautiful, long fur coats. They come in almost any color and have a flat face when compared to the bulk of other cat breeds. Persians, one of the most well-known cat breeds for many years, have made numerous cinematic, art, and commercial appearances. To avoid matting, their coats need periodic upkeep. Like many purebreds, they are prone to a variety of diseases, such as renal and cardiac problems.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 14 to 18 inches
- WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
- Maine Coon
Due to its size and thick coat of fur, the Maine coon is a cat that is difficult to ignore. The official feline of the state of Maine is a gentle giant known as a Maine coon. They are exceptional hunters, and they gained popularity once the CFA recognized them as purebreds in the late 1970s. They remain one of the most popular cat breeds. Maine coons frequently have polydactylwill bem, or extra toes, which makes their already gigantic feet even bigger. The ability to use one’s large feet as snowshoes is a great asset when hunting in the snow. Despite the fact that this breed can be found in almost any color, the typical Maine coon is actually a brown tabby.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: Up to 16 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 20 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats get their moniker from their calm dispositions. They usually become floppy and limp when lifted, much like rag dolls. In the past, people thought they couldn’t feel pain, but this is no longer the case. Ragdolls resemble long-haired Siamese cats in appearance and have pointed color patterns. They have piercing blue eyes and follow their owners around the house like dogs.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches
- WEIGHT: 15 to 20 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and silky with many different colors and patterns with blue eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 25 years
- Bengal
Bengal kitties look incredibly wild. They have markings that make them seem more at home in the jungle than in your home, but they are domesticated. They often need a lot of movement and talk a lot. They come in a range of colors and patterns, such as dots and rosettes. Their name is derived from Prionailurus bengalensis, the scientific name for the Asian leopard cat. Bengal cats were first bred using domestic cats and a wildcat. They also take on the beautiful patterns of the wildcat.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 13 to 16 inches
- WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Shorthaired, spotted, or marbled coat with patterns in black, chocolate, or gray/silver with green or gold eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- African
The Abyssinian cat, which has its origins in Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia), is recognized for its unusual banded appearance and has a striking ruddy agouti coat. It has a long, pointed tail, large, wedge-shaped ears, and a slender, muscular physique. Abyssinian cats are lively, inquisitive animals that frequently go about with their owners. They are well-liked by their owners because of their playful, canine-like demeanor.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short-haired red/orange agouti fur coat with bands of light and dark coloring; other colors can include cinnamon, fawn, and blue
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
- Birman
Birman cats have color-points, just like Siamese and ragdoll cats. They have blue eyes and a medium-length coat without an undercoat, which is what sets them apart from Persians and Himalayans. Ragdolls are descended from birmans, and although they seem somewhat same, they have slightly different personalities and markings. They are friendly, engaging cats who like being the center of attention. More than other cats, they are a one-person cat.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 6 to 15 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Long and silky coat in seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors, including standard or lynx pattern points and deep blue eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
- Oriental with short hair
The Oriental shorthair cat is a separate breed, despite the fact that it initially seems to be a Siamese. In contrast to Siamese cats, they often have a range of color patterns and patterns, including green eyes. Orientals are also capable of having long hair. Oriental shorthair cats are known to occasionally be seen wearing sweaters due to their lack of fur and susceptibility to skin cancer.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
- WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat with many color possibilities: solids, shaded, smoke, and tabby with green, blue, gold, and yellow eyes
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
- Sphynx
You should get a sphynx cat if you want one that doesn’t shed. Sphynx cats are unusual felines because they lack fur and resemble dogs in both appearance and social behavior. In spite of their regal appearance, they behave like court jesters and appear to belong on the laps of royalty.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Hairless with white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink colors
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
- Devon Rex
Devon rex cats have short, wavy fur, large ears, and thin bodies. The Devon rex, also known as “a monkey in a catsuit,” is actually a vibrant, energetic cat. This cat will capture your heart with its cheerful personality and generous spirit. Additionally, they are adept in learning new abilities and teachable.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
- WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, fine, wavy coat in solid, tabby, and shaded varieties
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
- Himalayan
Similar to the Persian cat, the Himalayan cat is viewed as a sub-breed in some cat organizations and as a separate breed in others. Persian and Siamese breeders crossed them to create Himalayans in order to achieve their color points. They have friendly dispositions, are energetic, and appreciate being petted and loved by their owners.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
- WEIGHT: 9 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Dense undercoat with a long overcoat that comes in pointed colors and patterns in gray, blue, chocolate, lilac, and cream
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years
- U.S. Shorthair
The intelligent American shorthair cat is a completely American-born breed. It has small ears and a round face. Despite being frequently mistaken for domestic mixed-breed cats and dogs, they are typically purebred animals. In 1966, the name of their breed was changed from domestic shorthair cats to something more distinctive. 4 This calm variety of medium-sized cat is a good pet for families with children or other animals. The American shorthair is one of the most popular purebred cat breeds in North America.
Breed Overview
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: Shorthaired coat with a wide variety of possibilities, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, tortoiseshell, cameo, and many more
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
Species to Avoid
If you’re looking for one of the most well-known breeds of cat, you likely want one that is simple to identify or locate. Avoid rare or threatened breeds like the Egyptian Mau and Scottish fold. These cats are wonderful and make good companions, despite the fact that they are difficult to find. You should also avoid hybrid cats that exhibit a lot of wildcat traits, such as chausies, toygers, and savannahs. Although they frequently display intelligence, athleticism, and an unpredictable disposition, they are normally friendly around their human relatives.
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