Top Ten Cat Breeds

The order of the top ten cats seems to be in a constant state of flux, and it also depends on the source of your information. The cat breeds and the order presented are a compilation of lists, so please take this information with a grain of salt, and not as an absolute list.

1. Persian Cat The Persian cat is well know for its long haired, fluffy coat and flat face. It is an extremely laid back cat, and is very affectionate. It is also one of the oldest domestic cat breeds. The Persian requires daily grooming and frequent bathing. It is strongly recommended that the Persian be an indoor only cat.

2. Maine Coon The Maine Coon is native to the state of Maine, and is one of the largest domestic breeds. Even with their long hair, they don’t require as much grooming as the Persian. They are a very affectionate cat, and with their water resistant under coat and large paws, they do very well outdoors. They also make good mousers. They get along well with other pets, including dogs.

3. Exotic (Shorthair) The Exotic, or Exotic Shorthair, is a short haired version of the Persian. They have many of the same physical and personality traits as their Persian cousins, but they don’t have the demands of grooming of the long haired breed.

4. Abyssinian Another ancient breed of cat, some say related to the worshiped cats of Egypt, Abyssinians are an active, playful cat that will keep their owners entertained. They form strong bonds with their families, but are shy around strangers. They are also reported to love the water, and may want to join you for a dip.

5. Siamese One of the most recognized cat breeds, and star of motion pictures (Lady and the Tramp, the Aristocats), they are often thought of as being aloof, and possibly downright evil. The truth is that the Siamese is a very talkative cat, with a short coat that you can groom just by stroking the cat. They love stability and routine in their home environment.

6. Ragdoll The Ragdoll is a very large breed of cat, that looks even larger because of its long, thick coat. The name Ragdoll was given to this breed because they are relaxed, almost limp, when picked up. They are excellent family pets, because when playing they prefer not to use teeth or claws. However, this also means that they should be kept inside because they do not defend themselves well.

7. Birman The birman cat is a long haired cat, with a coat not as thick as the Persian. The coat also does not matt up like the Persian. It was a protector or temples in Burma, often has “Siamese” coloring, and four white socks on its feet. It can be very playful, but can also be very patient and will quietly wait for your attention.

8. American Shorthair The American Shorthair is a purebred cat, although it looks like generic domestic short haired cats. They are a very athletic cat, loving to play a lot. They can also be gentle, and are low maintenance, needing little in the way of grooming. There are a wide variety of coat colors and patterns.

9. Sphynx Cat Don’t like cat hair all over? Here is the perfect cat for you. Actually, the Sphynx cat has a peach like fuzzy coat, but is basically considered hairless. They are also subject to sunburn, and should be an indoor cat only. They are very active and affectionate, almost dog like in their need for attention.

10. Oriental The Oriental is related to the Siamese, but instead of the point coloring of the Siamese, the Oriental can be about any color and pattern found in the feline world. They have many of the same personality traits of the Siamese, being both loyal and vocal.

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