What kind of cat do I have?
Here's a breakdown of some popular breeds across various categories:
Popular Breeds by Organization:
Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) - Recognizes 78 Breeds
Persian: Longhaired beauties known for their luxurious fur and gentle temperaments.
Maine Coon: Gentle giants with thick fur and a love for climbing.
Siamese: Vocal and intelligent with distinctive blue eyes and point markings.
Abyssinian: Active and playful with a ticked coat and alert expression.
American Shorthair: Adaptable and easygoing with a short, dense coat.
The International Cat Association (TICA) - Recognizes over 70 Breeds
Sphynx: Hairless cats with a unique wrinkled appearance and a surprisingly warm body.
Bengal: Spotted cats with a wild appearance and an energetic personality.
Ragdoll: Docile and affectionate, known for their "floppy" demeanor when picked up.
Scottish Fold: Adorable folded ears and a playful personality. (Note: Some organizations discourage breeding due to potential health concerns)
British Shorthair: Teddy bear-like with a plush coat and a calm demeanor.
Breeds by Coat:
Longhair: Persian, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Himalayan
Shorthair: Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Bengal, Siamese, Burmese, Sphynx, Egyptian Mau
Breeds by Temperament:
Playful: Abyssinian, Bengal, Siamese, Cornish Rex, Singapura
Affectionate: Ragdoll, Birman, Persian, Burmese, Sphynx (can be surprisingly cuddly)
Independent: Chartreux, American Shorthair, Singapura, Turkish Angora, Russian Blue
Breeds by Origin:
Asian: Burmese, Siamese, Korat, Tonkinese, Singapura
European: British Shorthair, Chartreux, Turkish Van, Norwegian Forest Cat, Russian Blue
North American: Maine Coon, American Shorthair, Sphynx, American Curl, Canadian Sphynx
Remember: This is just a small sampling! Research specific breeds that interest you to find the perfect match for your lifestyle. Consider factors like activity level, grooming needs, and potential health concerns.
Additional Resources:
Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA): https://ecat.cfa.org/
The International Cat Association (TICA): https://www.tica.org/
Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe): https://fifeweb.org/
Happy cat breed exploration!