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10 Popular Cat Breeds and Why People are Obsessed With Them
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With so many different cat breeds out there, which ones are the most popular…and why? In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 popular cat breeds and explore why they hold a special place in the hearts of cat lovers.
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What makes a cat breed popular?
Before we dive into the specific breeds, let's first explore what makes a cat breed popular. It comes down to these 3 reasons:
- Appearance
One of the factors that contribute to a breed's popularity is its appearance. Some cat breeds have striking features that make them stand out from the crowd. From the exotic Bengal with its wild leopard-like spots to the regal British Shorthair with its round face and dense coat, these breeds captivate and leave a lasting impression.
- Temperament
Another aspect that cat owners consider when choosing a breed is their temperament. Some breeds are known for being affectionate and cuddly, while others are more independent and aloof. The level of activity and playfulness also plays a role in a breed's popularity, as some prefer a lively and energetic cat, while others prefer a more relaxed, laid back companion.
- Health + Grooming
Health and grooming requirements are also important considerations for potential cat parents. Certain breeds may have specific (and sometimes intensive) health or grooming needs. These factors can (and should) influence a person's decision when selecting a cat breed.
Now that we understand what makes a cat breed popular, let's explore 10 of the most loved cat breeds and discover why people are so obsessed with them!
10 Popular Cat Breeds
- Abyssinian
Why We Love Them: Adventurous and curious
Appearance: Abyssinians are recognized for their ticked, short, dense coats, which feature individual hairs banded with different colors. They have a lithe and athletic build, with a slight arch to the back that displays a galloping horse's gait. Their alert, large ears sit atop a wedge-shaped head, with almond-shaped eyes that can be gold, green, or hazel.
Personality: This breed is known for being extremely active, playful, and curious. Abyssinians are often said to be dog-like in their fondness for playing fetch and their tendency to follow their owners around. They enjoy high perches and busy environments where they can explore and play.
Grooming: Their grooming needs are minimal due to their short coat. A quick combing once a week is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny.
Fun Fact: The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known cat breeds. There is a myth that they were the sacred cats of the Ancient Egyptians, as they resemble the cats depicted in Egyptian art and artifacts.
- Bengal
Why We Love Them: Smart and chatty
Appearance: Bengals are medium to large-sized cats with a strong, muscular build. They are noted for their richly colored, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling. Their coat can have a variety of patterns and colors, often with a shimmering look that gives the impression of a wild cat.
Personality: Bengals are highly active, playful, and energetic cats that enjoy interactive play and games. They are also very intelligent, which can lead them to be curious and adventurous. They are known for their love of climbing and should have access to high places within the home.
Grooming: Grooming requirements for Bengal cats are relatively low, as they have short and dense fur that does not mat easily. Regular brushing can help keep their coats looking sleek and shiny.
Fun Fact: The Bengal cat breed is actually a hybrid of domestic cats and the Asian Leopard Cat, a small wild cat. This is where they get their strikingly wild appearance.
- British Short Hair
Why We Love Them: Laid back and sweet
Appearance: British Shorthairs are known for their dense, plush coat, broad face, and chunky body. They have a powerful build with a rounded chest and thick legs. Their eyes are large, round, and typically copper or gold in color.
Personality: They are famed for their calm and undemanding temperament. British Shorthairs are independent and not as playful as other breeds, but they are affectionate and enjoy attention. They are also quite tolerant and make good companions for children and other pets.
Grooming: Their dense coat requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and reduce shedding, though they are less prone to matting than longer-haired breeds.
Fun Fact: The British Shorthair is the inspiration for the iconic Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and is also known as one of the oldest English cat breeds.
- Maine Coon
Why We Love Them: Plays well with others
Appearance: Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for their robust size, tufted ears, bushy tails, and a long, flowing coat. They have a rugged appearance and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Their paws are large and tufted with fur, which helps them walk on snow, and their ears also have tufts of fur to protect against the cold.
Personality: Maine Coons are affectionately known as gentle giants because of their large size and sociable, friendly nature. They are playful and intelligent, often described as having dog-like characteristics such as loyalty and the ability to learn tricks. They are good with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions.
Grooming: Their long coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. It's recommended to brush a Maine Coon at least twice a week. Despite the length of their coat, Maine Coons are known for their ability to maintain their fur, but they do appreciate the extra help with grooming.
Fun Fact: Maine Coons are native to the United States, originating from Maine, where they are the official state cat. They have water-resistant fur, and bushy tails that they can wrap around themselves for warmth in harsh winters.
- Persian
Why We Love Them: Peaceful and loving
Appearance: Persian cats are known for their long, luxurious coats, short muzzles, and sweet facial expressions. Their heads are large and round with full cheeks and their eyes are large, round, and can come in a variety of colors.
Personality: Persian cats are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them ideal companions for those seeking a laid-back and peaceful cat. They enjoy a quiet and calm environment and are often content to spend their days lounging on their favorite spot or curling up in their owner's lap. Persians are calm, placid cats that prefer a serene environment and a predictable routine. They are affectionate with their family and are more than happy to lounge around the home. They can be quite playful but are not as active as some other breeds.
Grooming: One of the defining features of Persian cats is their long, thick fur. Their coats require daily grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Many owners find grooming sessions to be a bonding experience with their Persian cats, as they enjoy the attention and care.
Fun Fact: Persian cats were first brought to Europe from the Middle East by Italian and Spanish traders during the 1600s. They quickly became a favorite in royal courts, and their popularity has not waned since.
- Ragdoll
Why We Love Them: Loves to be picked up
Appearance: Ragdolls are large, long-bodied cats with bright blue eyes, semi-long silky fur, and a color-point coat, which means their body is lighter in color than their extremities. They have a soft, plush coat that is similar to that of a rabbit.
Personality: True to their name, Ragdolls have a tendency to go limp with pleasure when picked up, reflecting their extraordinarily relaxed and gentle disposition. They are known for their docile and calm temperament and are often described as dog-like due to their tendency to follow people around and their ease at being handled.
Grooming: Ragdolls need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition, typically about twice a week. Their fur mats less easily than that of other long-haired breeds, but they can still develop knots without proper care.
Fun Fact: The Ragdoll breed was developed in the 1960s in California, and their relaxed nature is said to be the result of selective breeding from cats with gentle demeanors.
- Russian Blue
Why We Love Them: Sensitive and comforting
Appearance: The Russian Blue is a cat breed with a distinctive silvery-blue coat. They have a fine, dense, plush double coat that stands out from the body, giving them a regal, shimmering appearance. The breed typically features bright green eyes that are wide-set. They have long, slender legs and their paws are small, round, and sometimes described as being 'dainty'.
Personality: Russian Blues are known for their gentle and shy nature, though they are quite playful and affectionate with their family. They are often reserved around strangers but are loyal and loving towards their owners. They are intelligent and curious cats, often following their owners around the house. Russian Blues are also known to be quite sensitive to their owner's emotions and will try to provide comfort.
Grooming: Russian Blue cats require minimal grooming thanks to their short, dense coat that doesn't shed much. A weekly combing is usually enough to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Their self-grooming habits are typically enough to keep them clean. They should be bathed only as needed, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. It's also important to keep their litter box exceptionally clean.
Fun Fact: Russian Blues are often called "Archangel Blues," because it's believed they originated in the Russian port city of Arkhangelsk. They were said to be the favored pets of royalty and nobility, and they were one of the first breeds to be shown at cat shows.
- Scottish Fold
Why We Love Them: Playful and affectionate
Appearance: Scottish Folds are distinguished by their unique folded ears, which bend forwards and downwards towards the front of the head. This gives them an owl-like appearance. They have a rounded, well-padded body and a short to medium-length coat that comes in various colors and patterns
Personality: Scottish Folds are known for their sweet, calm, and easy-going nature. They are affectionate, enjoy company, and often become particularly attached to one member of the household. Despite their serene appearance, they are playful and enjoy interactive toys.
Grooming: They require regular grooming to prevent their coat from matting, and it is important to pay attention to their folded ears, which need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and wax buildup.
Fun Fact: The original Scottish Fold was a white barn cat named Susie, found in Scotland in the 1960s. The breed was developed from her unique mutant gene that caused the ear fold.
- Siamese
Why We Love Them: Chatty and loves attention
Appearance: Siamese cats are known for their striking appearance, with a slim, elegant body, blue almond-shaped eyes, large ears, and a short coat. Their coat is light-colored with darker points on the ears, face, paws, and tail.
Personality: Siamese cats are very vocal and communicative, known for their distinctive meows. They are affectionate, social, and form strong bonds with their owners. Siamese cats are also quite active and playful and can be quite persistent in seeking attention from their human companions.
Grooming: Their short coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. They are known for being very clean and may require less grooming than other breeds.
Fun Fact: The Siamese is one of the oldest and best-known Asian cat breeds. They were highly esteemed in their native Thailand (formerly Siam), where they were kept by royalty and thought to bring good fortune.
- Sphynx
Why We Love Them: They stick to you like velcro
Appearance: The Sphynx is known for its lack of a fur coat, although it is not truly hairless. The skin of a Sphynx cat is covered with a fine down, and they may have short, fine hair on the paws, outer edges of the ears and tail. They have a sturdy, medium to large body, a broad, rounded chest, and a pot belly.
Personality: Sphynx cats are known for their extroverted behavior, high energy, intelligence, and affectionate nature. They are friendly, lively, and love attention. Sphynx cats are often described as being like "velcro" due to their tendency to stick close to their parents.
Grooming: Sphynx cats require regular bathing to remove the buildup of oils on their skin, typically once a week. They also need their ears cleaned and nails trimmed regularly to maintain good health.
Fun Fact: Despite their exotic appearance, Sphynx cats are not actually from Egypt. The first known natural mutation of the breed occurred in Toronto, Canada, in 1966. They were named for the giant limestone sculpture in the Egyptian desert, the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Conclusion and Tips
Each cat breed brings its own unique traits and characteristics. Whether it's their striking appearance, affectionate nature, or intelligent personality, these breeds have won over millions of cat enthusiasts around the world.
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