Cats are typically referred to as either domestic or purebred. Domestic cats do not have a pedigree history of their lineage, while purebred cats do. Three main associations recognize purebred cats: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), and Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe). The CFA recognizes 44 breeds, TICA recognizes 58, and FIFe recognizes 43. The breeds that are not recognized by all three associations are not as commonly seen as some of the recognized breeds, and several factors are taken into account prior to a cat becoming recognized as a purebred. Smaller associations also exist, such as the South African Cat Council.
Some breeds have been around for many, many years and have thus garnered a following of cat lovers. These breeds may have grown in popularity due to a movie that featured one of their own, personality traits that are unique, or physical appearances that leave them hard to forget.
Siamese
Popular since the 19th century, this breed of cat originated in Thailand (formerly known as Siam). The Siamese has helped create many other breeds, including the Oriental Shorthair, Sphynx, and Himalayan.
Siamese cats have distinct markings called “points,” that are the areas of coloration on their face, ears, feet, and tail, but some Siamese may not have any points. There are also two varieties of Siamese cats, one with an “apple” shaped head and chubbier body and one with a larger head and slender body.
The animated Disney film, “Lady and the Tramp,” featured Siamese cats singing a song and demonstrating not only their intelligence but also how vocal they can be.
Many Siamese cats that were originally from Thailand had a kink in their tail. This trait was bred out of most Siamese, but you’ll still find it in Siamese street cats in Thailand.
Persian
Also lovingly referred to as one of the “smushed-face” cats, Persians have beautiful, long, fur coats. They can come in almost any color, depending on which cat registry association you are looking at, and have a flat face when compared to most other breeds of cats. Some breed descriptions even state the nose is not allowed to protrude past the eyes when viewed in a profile.
Persians have been seen in many movies, art, commercials, and homes throughout the years and have also been one of the most popular breeds of cats for decades.
Their coats demand regular grooming, otherwise, matting will result. Like many purebreds, they are prone to a variety of diseases, including renal and cardiac problems.
Persians are also known as the Persian Longhair, the Iranian cat, and the Shirazi cat, named after the city of Shiraz, Iran, since they were originally imported from Iran.
Maine Coon
Known for their large stature and thick fur coats, the Maine Coon is a cat that is difficult to ignore. Hailing from the state of Maine and also the state’s official cat, the Maine Coon is a gentle giant. They are great hunters and were popularized after the CFA recognized them as a purebred in the late 1970’s. They remain one of the most popular cat breeds.
Many Maine Coons have extra toes, a trait referred to as polydactylism, which makes their already large feet even larger. This is a great feature to have when hunting in the snow, since large feet act as snow shoes.
The classic Maine Coon coloration is a brown tabby, but this breed can come in almost any color.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats get their name from their docile temperament. They seem to go limp when picked up, much like a rag doll. At one time, it was even thought that they couldn’t feel pain, but that is of course only a myth.
Ragdolls look a lot like long-haired Siamese cats with their pointed color patterns. They also have distinctive blue eyes and dog-like personalities, following their owners around the house.
Bengal
Bengals are wild looking cats–literally. Their markings make them look more like they belong in the jungle than in your home, but they are domesticated cats nonetheless. They are talkative and require a lot of exercise.
Many colors are allowed on Bengals, but their approved patterns only include spots and rosettes. Their name comes from the Asian leopard cat’s taxonomic name, Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis, since Bengals were originally bred from both domestic cats and this wildcat. They get their beautiful patterns from this wildcat as well.
Abyssinian
Originally from Ethiopia (previously known as Abyssinia), the Abyssinian cat has a distinctive red/orange agouti coat. The agouti fur, which actually means it has bands of light and dark coloring on the individual pieces of hair, gives the Abyssinian its unique look.
In addition to the most common color referred to as ruddy, Abyssinians can also come in cinnamon, fawn, and blue.
Birman
Birmans are another color-pointed cat like the Siamese and Ragdoll. They have blue eyes and a medium-long coat but no undercoat, setting them apart from Persians and Himalayans.
Birmans were used for breeding in the development of Ragdolls, so they look very similar but can have slightly different markings and personalities.
Oriental Shorthair
At a glance, you may think this slender cat is a Siamese, but Oriental Shorthair cats are a breed all their own. Unlike Siamese cats, they usually have green eyes and can come in many color patterns and colors. A longhair variety also exists.
Oriental Shorthair cats are prone to skin cancer and getting cold due to their lack of fur, so they are often seen wearing sweaters.
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