When it comes to choosing a type of pet to get your decision should always be based on your personality, lifestyle, and of course, preference.
Many choose cats because they are smaller, much easier to care for, and in general, raising one is a lot cheaper compared to a larger animal.
However, there are over 40 cat breeds currently recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association and more are added each year. With that many feline pedigrees available, deciding on a breed can get pretty overwhelming if you’re looking to own a pure breed cat.
Before you decide on a specific cat breed, it is important to do a little research to determine the right one for you. To make things easier, here is a list of the 5 most in demand cat breeds in the US.
#5 – The Abyssinian
The earliest record of Abys dates back to 1872 when they were first imported to England from Abyssinia. This cat breed arrived in North America in the early 1900s but quality Abyssinian cats that were good enough for breeding were only brought in from England in the 1930s.
Abyssinian cats closely resemble ancient Egyptian cats. Their coat is short and lies closely to their skin, their legs are long and slender, and have a medium sized muscular built. Their heads are shaped like a wedge and their ears are cupped.
When it comes to temperament, Abys are known to be playful and curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings. It is very rare to see an Abyssinian cat just lounging around because they like to be in the middle of the activities in the house. While they generally get along well with other animals, their playfulness and curiosity make them unsuitable to be in a home with a another pet that does not like to be bothered.
Best for: Abyssinian cats are best for people who are looking for furry companions they can actually play with and not tire out easily.
Color variations: Burnt sienna, red, blue, and fawn.
#4- The Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is a cross between the Persian and the American Shorthair. They are very loyal, loving, playful, and affectionate to their owners – almost exactly like the temperament of a Persian cat. The appearance of the Exotic Shorthair is what differentiates it from a Persian cat. While Persian cats have long hair, Exotics have short but fluffy coats that make them look like a teddy bear.
Best For: Exotic Shorthairs are a good choice for those who want a feline companion that is serene and loving but cannot deal with the grooming demands of a Persian cat. They are also good for multi-pet homes because they rarely mew and generally get along well with other animals. Lastly, they are perfect for people who prefer indoor-only cats as Exotics do not like venturing outside.
Color Variations: Solid, Tabby, and Bicolor
#3 Siamese
The Siamese cat breed is one of the oldest in the world. They are oriental cats that are believed to have originated from Siam or what is now known as Thailand. However, it was the English who discovered the breed more than a century ago.
Contrary to cartoon movies like The Aristocrats, Siamese cats are far from being standoffish. They get along well with people and other animals, particularly dogs. However, they tend to only gravitate towards one person. Their mew is very distinct, sounding almost like the cry of a human baby. Fanciers of the Siamese cat breed say that these felines respond with their mewl when they are being talked to.
Siamese cats are known to be very affectionate and often demand the attention of their owners. When their owners are at home, they follow them around from room to room or sit on their lap. They even like to sleep on their owner’s bed. Albeit being attention seekers, this feline pedigree is very intelligent and is often compared to dog companions.
Best for: Siamese cats are very sensitive and easily get nervous when something changes in their environment. For this reason, this breed is not recommended for those who travel a lot or have a exciting lifestyles. People who are thinking of getting a Siamese cat should make sure they will be able to provide their furry companion with the stable and routinary home life it needs to thrive.
Color variations: Glacial white, Pale fawn. Seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac with dark colored points.
#2 The Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are dubbed as gentle giants simply because of their size. A fully mature male Maine Coon can weigh as much as 20lbs while mollys are only a little bit lighter. They are loving, affectionate, loyal, and are highly intelligent. What makes this feline breed so popular is the fact that they almost act like dogs. They follow their owners from room to room, play catch, and come when they are called. Additionally, they rarely mew and if they do, it isn’t bothersome as their voice is gentle despite their size.
Maine Coons have long shaggy hair and a sort of rough appearance. Along with their bushy tail and large built, they are often mistaken as a fluffy dog. Although cats of this breed generally have long lives, regular veterinary checkups are very important as they are prone to hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy.
Best for: Maine Coons are easy to care for but require owners who can devote time and energy to grooming. They are also one of the largest cat breeds around which means they also eat a lot. Moreover, routine visits to the vet are also important. It goes without saying that owning a Maine Coon can get pretty expensive so it may not be the best choice for those who are on a tight budget.
Color variations: Solid, tabby, shaded, smoke, bi-color, and parti-color.
#1 The Persian
On top of the list is the Persian cat breed. Persians are the oldest cat breed in the world. In fact, their presence has even been recorded in Egyptian hieroglyphics that date back to 1684 B.C. The breed spread throughout Europe when diplomats brought one home from abroad. It is not known where exactly Persian cats originate from as these long haired felines were often named according to the country they were imported from – Persian cats for those imported from Persia, the Angora cats were from Ankara, and Russian cats were those from Russia. Despite being same in appearance, Persian cats stood out among the others because they were gentler and much more affectionate in nature.
Persian cats are popular because of their serene disposition and their beauty. They generally get along well with people and other pets but often like to keep to themselves. Unlike other cat breeds, Persian cats are not able to groom themselves entirely because of their long hair.
Best for: Although Persian cats rarely get in the way, they do require special attention on a daily basis because of grooming. This makes them ideal for people who take pleasure in grooming their cats. Persians are also best for those who are looking for an indoor-only feline companion.
Color variations: Persian cats come in a wide variety of colors ranging from solid, tabby, bi-color, parti-color, silver, smoke, and Himalayan.