The 10 domestic cat breeds (and their characteristics)

Cats are one of the most iconic pets to be part of our family. And as! They are playful, cuddly, clean and very intelligent. Although they seem not to be as expressive as dogs, the truth is that when you meet them you realize that they are.

The number of cat breeds is not as wide as in the case of dogs, but each of them has its own characteristics: the type of coat, the shape of the skull, its temperament, etc. Of course, they all have are adorable beings that make life more pleasant.

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The 10 cat breeds that exist

If you have a cat at home you will surely identify its breed in this list. Although in reality around 100 breeds are known, almost all of them are derived from the top 10 cat breeds that we are going to see.

If you are looking for a cat and you want to know the different breeds, take a look at this list; it can help you decide which one you would stick with. Remember that the most important thing is to provide proper care and be aware that a pet involves responsibility.

1. Siamese

The Siamese cat is very elegant and enigmatic. He is short-haired, has blue eyes and also a very elongated and stylized figure. The distinguishing colors are light brown on most of the body and dark brown on the legs, tail and ears.

It is very loving in character, and like almost all cats it is extremely territorial and jealous. It can be perceived as "bossy", as it demands that it be attended with loud and constant meows. However he is also very loving.

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2. Blue

The blue race is one of the most captivating. His coat is blue-gray, short and very velvety. He has green eyes and a slim figure with a very calm walk that makes him look sophisticated.

If in itself cats are very "delicate" with the use of their litter box, the blue cat is even more so. They do not tolerate a litter box or a bit dirty, they look for their food plate always full and they get very nervous with trips and changes of address.

3. Bengal

Bengal is one of the most common cat breeds out there. They are "brindle" in brown and yellow tones. They have green or yellow eyes, and are short-haired. Their appearance is like that of a small tiger, so they have a wild air.

The Bengal cat is very playful when it is small, and although throughout its life they do not lose that spirit, they become calmer and more affectionate. However, they retain their free spirit and like to be very independent.

4. Carthusian

The Carthusian breed is very similar to blue, but do not confuse them. They have three fundamental differences: the Carthusian have yellow eyes, they have a more robust complexion and they are known because they seem to be smiling.

They are very calm cats with a very soft meow. They are very suspicious of strangers, but they are homey. They like to play quite roughly, so they can get along very well with other cats or small dogs.

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5. Maine Coon

Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds. In fact, one of their main characteristics is that they can become larger than any other cat and even look like a small dog. They have long, thick fur, so they have a wild look.

Maine Coons are normally very sociable cats and they are also healthy, they hardly get sick. Their tousled fur can be of many different colors. There are brindle, white hair or a combination of several colors.

6. Persian

The Persian breed is majestic and graceful, and is that the cats of this breed are very large. In addition to their long and abundant coat, they can be the size of a small or medium dog.

Her personality is very calm, although she also likes to play. Like most cats, it can spend much of the day sleeping and only getting up to eat, drink water, and perhaps play a bit or get pampered. This breed of cat is a favorite to have around the house.

7. Angora

Angora cats are often mistaken for Persian cats. The difference is that Angora cats are only white, with large blue eyes and a somewhat "flattened" face structure.

Angora cats are extremely intelligent. They have been shown to recognize up to 10 words and still receive and execute commands. Due to their abundant fur, they require constant brushing, which they like very much.

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8. Scottish fold

The Scottish fold breed has a very peculiar structure. They have strong musculature, rounded legs like their head, and a short, thick tail. They have short hair close to the body, but due to their wide structure they look "fluffy".

They are very calm cats, although they will never refuse to chase a light or a toy mouse. You have to be very careful with their mating, because sometimes the offspring have congenital defects.

9. American shorthair cat

The American shorthair cat is a very healthy cat. As its name implies, it has short hair and the most common color is speckled silver. However, there is a great variety of colors and combinations in this breed.

It is a very sociable and affectionate cat, but also independent. Also, it is one of the healthiest breeds. For many, she is the perfect pet, as she has no problem living with children or other pets and living indoors.

10. Egyptian

The Egyptian cat is very peculiar as it is a hairless breed. Although their appearance is strange, they have become a highly sought-after breed, and they have a docile, intelligent, and loving personality.

It is a breed that should preferably live indoors. It is important to find out about its care, because as it does not have hair, special attention must be paid to its skin. The Egyptian cat has dazzled cat lovers also with its eccentric behaviors.

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Bibliographic references

• Case. L. (2003). The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health. Iowa State University Press.