Cats make great companions. Just like dogs, they can do many tricks, play with you, and are ideal for keeping you company.
There are different breeds of cats. Some would like to curl up in your lap to get comfy while you may find other cats jumping around your house. Some breeds are fairly easy to groom while some take a while before being well-trained. So, if you’re considering adopting a cat, you should know their characteristics, temperament, energy levels, and most importantly, their life expectancy before you adopt one.
Most Popular Cat Breeds
- Siberian
Dating back a thousand years to Russian wild forests, they’re considered a “natural treasure” in Russia. And that’s the reason they cost anywhere between $1200 – $4000. As their name suggests, they’re native to Siberia – a Russian region known for its long, harsh weather. That’s why they undergo seasonal shedding to withstand the cold weather.
Their long, multi-layered, water-resistant coats come in different colors and patterns, which adds to their cute, smooshy look. They have high energy levels, are playful, and get along with kids, pet parents, and other pets. Though not very vocal, Siberians quietly mew and chirp when they are in a good mood.
| Height | 10 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 12 – 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 8 – 10 years |
| Intelligence | High |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | Chocolate / Brown / Tan / Black / Gray / Lavender / Silk / Lilac / Red / Orange / White |
| Other Traits |
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- Abyssinian
Considered one of the most popular cat breeds globally, the Abyssinian is one of the ancient Egyptian cats. The Abyssinian coat is the most unique feature. The coat is in a lighter shade at the body and then alternates between darker and lighter bands till the tip of the tail. Large, forward-facing ears, wedge-shaped almond eyes, and a long and slender body add to the grace of the Abyssian cat
They’re sociable, intelligent, and know how to get attention. They’re also active and exploratory in nature. You’ll often find them jumping from the highest point in your room, like the top of a bookshelf or a fridge.
| Height | 8 to 10 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 years |
| Intelligence | High |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | Red / Orange / Chocolate / Brown |
| Other Traits |
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- Ragdoll
Captivating blue eyes, long fluffy coats, and their imposing size distinguish Ragdoll cats from other cats. These kitties are known as the most social breed of cats. They tend to follow you around – room to room, sleep with you and run to greet you at the door. Their playful nature, striking beauty, and loyalty to pet parents make them a great choice for adoption.
They shed less than other cats because of the softer outer layer of body hair. However, you should groom them during the shedding season to maintain their long, silky coat.
| Height | 9 – inches |
| Weight | 10 – 20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13 – 18 years |
| Intelligence | High |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | Black / Gray / Blue / Chocolate / Tan / Cream / Beige / Red / Orange |
| Other Traits |
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- Exotic Shorthair
Want a Persian cat but don’t have time for their high maintenance? Well, look no further. This squishy, cuddly, and soft exotic shorthair looks like a Persian cat but has a short coat that’s like a breeze to maintain. You can brush it once a week, which makes these kitties ideal if you have a tight schedule.
The round, flat-faced breed is often quiet but is laid-back and a fun pet to be around.
| Height | 10 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 10 – 12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 8 – 15 years |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | Chocolate / Brown / Cinamon / Black / Gray / Lavender / Silver / White / Red / Orange |
| Other Traits |
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- Persian
Known as the “epitome of feline beauty,” Persian cats are the most adored cats on earth. And rightfully so, as it’s hard to resist their attractive silky, flowing coats and smooshy faces. This gorgeous cat comes in a variety of colors and color combinations. They’re calm, quiet, friendly, and get along with humans and other pets as well.
As beautiful as this kitty is, it needs daily exercise to keep healthy as well as daily brushing, and frequent baths to prevent hair tangling. So, if you can put in the work, you cannot find a more loving companion than a Persian cat.
| Height | 10 – 15 inches |
| Weight | 7 – 13 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | White / Chocolate / Brown / Black / Gray / Lavender / Fawn / Silver / Lilac |
| Other Traits |
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- Russian Blue
What makes Russian Blue stand out is not its long, silky coat. Rather, this kitty is famous among shorthair breeds for its beautiful green eyes and silver-blue coat. Hence the name, Russian Blue. They are sharp, friendly, playful, affectionate with their owners, and love having their routine.
They also get along with kids and other pets. You’ll often find them rushing to greet you at the door, which makes them a great addition to your family. As far as their maintenance needs go, Russian Blue doesn’t shed too much and is low-key maintenance.
| Height | 9 – 11 inches |
| Weight | 7 – 12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years |
| Intelligence | High |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | Gray / Blue |
| Other Traits |
|
- British Shorthair
Romans are first thought to have brought British shorthair to England. They’re by far one of the ancient English cat breeds and are popular for their strength and hunting skills. Their fur comes in a variety of colors and patterns and their thick coat is blue-gray. British shorthair with blue coats have bold orange eyes. However, kitties with different color coats may have copper, blue, green, or amber eyes.
They’re easy-to-please, calm, and fun-loving animals. As for their maintenance, brushing their coats once a week does the job. However, if you’re planning on adopting this cat, you should do extra brushing during fall and spring shedding.
| Height | 12 –14 inches |
| Weight | 7 – 17 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years |
| Intelligence | High |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | Blue / Black / Gray / Chocolate / Brown / Red / Orange / White Beige / Cream |
| Other Traits |
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To Summarize
Cat’s behavior depends on the type of breed they belong to. Therefore, if you do not want certain traits in your pet cat, make sure you do in-depth research on a potential pet before you adopt one.
