10 Best Breeds Of Cats (2023 Guide)

Cats make great companions and there are a variety of breeds to choose from. Here is a guide to the 10 best breeds of cats for 2021.

Table of Contents

Siamese Cat

The Siamese is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable cat breeds in the world. These beautiful, blue-eyed cats are known for their unique appearance and loving, social personalities. If you’re thinking about adding a Siamese to your family, read on to learn everything you need to know about this wonderful breed.

History

The Siamese is one of the oldest recognized cat breeds, with a history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest recorded mention of Siamese cats comes from 1350 CE, when they were described in a book called The Cat Poem by an unknown author. In this poem, the author compares the beauty of a Siamese cat to that of a young woman.

The first known written description of the Siamese breed comes from 1758 CE, when French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, wrote about them in his Histoire Naturelle. Buffon described the Siamese as “the most beautiful and best shaped” of all cats.

Siamese cats first came to Europe in the late 19th century and quickly became a favorite among royalty and the upper class. Queen Victoria was particularly enamored with these elegant cats, and her love for them helped to make them one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Today, the Siamese is still one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are known for their svelte bodies, striking blue eyes, and loving personalities. If you’re thinking about adding a Siamese cat to your family, read on to learn everything you need to know about this wonderful breed.

Appearance

The Siamese is a medium-sized cat with a long, slender body and pointed features. Their most distinctive feature is their face, which is triangular in shape with large, almond-shaped eyes that are blue in color. Their ears are also large and pointed, and they have a long, thin tail.

Siamese cats come in two different coat types: seal point and chocolate point. Seal point Siamese have dark brown points (or “seals”) on a light cream or white body, while chocolate point Siamese have rich brown points on a milk chocolate-colored body. There are also blue point Siamese, which have slate gray points on a pure white body.

Personality

Siamese cats are known for their loving and social personalities. They bond closely with their human families and love spending time with them. They are also very vocal cats and will often “talk” to their humans using a high-pitched voice.

Siamese cats are active and playful, and they enjoy playing games like fetch and chasing toys around the house. They are also intelligent cats and can be trained to do tricks like fetching or walking on a leash.

Health

Siamese cats are generally healthy and have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, there are some health conditions that are more common in this breed than others. These include amyloidosis (a disease that affects the liver), kidney disease, hip dysplasia (a condition that causes abnormal development of the hip joint), and asthma.

Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan is a hybrid cat breed that is a cross between a Siamese and a Persian. They are known for their striking blue eyes and long, silky fur. Himalayans have a reputation for being independent and aloof, but they can also be affectionate and loving cats.

Himalayans are relatively active cats and enjoy playing games and climbing. They also like to be around people and will often follow their owners around the house. Himalayans require regular grooming to keep their fur from matting.

If you are looking for a beautiful and regal-looking cat, then the Himalayan may be the perfect breed for you!

Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. They are known for their large size, intelligence, and gentle disposition. Maine Coons are also one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. The earliest mention of them was in a local newspaper in 1871. They are named after the state of Maine, where they were first seen.

Maine Coons are very social animals and love to be around people. They are known for their playful nature and their ability to get along with other pets. Maine Coons are also very good at using their paws to open doors and cabinets.

Maine Coons are very intelligent cats and can be trained to do tricks. They are also good at using the litter box and rarely have any problems with it.

Maine Coons are very loving cats and make great companions. They are also very loyal and will defend their family if they feel threatened.

Maine Coons are one of the best cat breeds for families with children. They are also good with other pets, such as dogs.

Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with a sturdy body, large frame, and long, thick fur. The Ragdoll gets its name from its tendency to go limp when picked up, like a ragdoll. Despite their large size, Ragdolls are gentle cats that enjoy spending time with their humans. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and intelligent, and they make great companions for families with children and other pets.

Ragdolls are not high-energy cats, but they do enjoy playing and will keep you entertained with their antics. They are also very loving and enjoy cuddling with their humans. When it comes to grooming, Ragdolls only need occasional brushing to keep their fur looking its best.

If you’re looking for a laid-back companion that will shower you with love and affection, the Ragdoll cat is the perfect breed for you!

British Shorthair Cat

The British Shorthair is a muscular, stocky cat with a broad face and short muzzle. The head is large and round, with wide-set eyes that are round or almond-shaped, depending on the variety. The ears are short and set far apart. The body is thick and sturdy, with short legs and a thick tail. The coat is dense and plush, with a soft undercoat. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, black, white, blue, red, silver, and cream.

The British Shorthair is a friendly, laid-back cat that gets along well with other cats and dogs. It is an affectionate cat that enjoys spending time with its human companions. It is not overly active, but it does enjoy playing and will often bring its toys to its owner to play with. The British Shorthair is an excellent choice for families with children and other pets.

Persian Cat

The Persian is a beautiful, regal cat with a long, thick coat. They are one of the most popular cat breeds and are known for being gentle, loving, and affectionate. Persians come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and they have a reputation for being high-maintenance due to their need for regular grooming.

If you’re considering adding a Persian to your family, read on to learn more about this popular breed.

History

The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds in existence, with roots that trace back to ancient Persia (now Iran). It is believed that the longhaired cats were brought to Europe in the 16th century by Italian traders, and they quickly became a favorite among nobility and the upper class. In the 19th century, the Persian was introduced to North America and rapidly became one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Appearance

Persians are best known for their long, thick fur, which can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They have large, round heads with short noses, small ears, and big, round eyes. Their bodies are compact and muscular, with short legs and long tails. Males typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, while females usually weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.

Grooming Needs

Because of their long fur, Persians require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Daily brushing is recommended, and they will also need to be bathed once or twice a month. It’s important to use a mild shampoo made specifically for cats to avoid irritating their skin. In addition, their fur should be trimmed regularly to keep it from getting too long.

Personality

Persians are best known for being quiet, gentle cats who enjoy spending time with their families. They are generally laid-back and easygoing, but they can also be playful when they want to be. Persians tend to be very affectionate with their owners and love to be petted and brushed. They typically get along well with other pets and children.

Health Concerns

Persians are generally healthy cats, but there are a few health concerns that are more common in this breed than others. These include polycystic kidney disease, respiratory problems due to their short noses, eye conditions such as tear duct blockages and entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), and heart disease. Because of these health concerns, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder when adding a Persian to your family.

Sphynx Cat

The Sphynx cat is a hairless breed of cat known for its unique appearance and outgoing personality. Bred in Canada in the 1960s, the Sphynx was developed from a natural mutation that occurred in a domestic shorthair cat. Although they may look fragile, Sphynx cats are actually quite hardy and can live long, healthy lives with proper care.

Sphynx cats make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are outgoing and inquisitive by nature, and love to play and explore their surroundings. They are also very people-oriented, and enjoy being the center of attention. If you’re looking for an affectionate and interactive pet, the Sphynx cat is definitely worth considering.

While they may not have fur, Sphynx cats still require some basic grooming to keep their skin healthy and free of irritation. It’s important to gently bathe them on a regular basis (about once a week), using a mild shampoo designed specifically for hairless pets. Their skin also needs to be protected from sunburn, so it’s important to use sunscreen when taking them outdoors.

Overall, the Sphynx cat is a unique and loving companion who will bring joy into your life. If you’re looking for an active and social pet, this may be the perfect breed for you.

Scottish Fold Cat

If you’re looking for a laid-back, affectionate kitty, the Scottish Fold may be the perfect fit for your family. This unique breed is recognizable for its folded ears, which give it an alert yet sweet expression. Scottish Folds are relatively calm cats, and they enjoy spending time with their favorite people. Although they don’t require a ton of exercise, they do enjoy playing from time to time.

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat, and it typically weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. The coat is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, calico, and solid black. The most distinguishing feature of the Scottish Fold is its ears, which are folded forward at the tips. This characteristic is caused by a genetic mutation, and it’s what gives the breed its unique look.

Exotic Shorthair Cat

The Exotic Shorthair is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the 1960s as a result of a cross between the Persian and American Shorthair. The Exotic has since become one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States.

Exotics are known for their round faces and short, thick coats. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are typically very affectionate and good-natured cats.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, cuddly companion, the Exotic Shorthair may be the perfect cat for you! Read on to learn more about this unique breed.

History

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the 1960s as a cross between the Persian and American Shorthair. The goal was to create a cat with the gentle personality of the Persian and the low-maintenance coat of the American Shorthair.

The first Exotics were born in 1966, and the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1967. The ExoticShorthair quickly became one of the most popular cat breeds in America.

Today, the Exotic Shorthair is still quite popular, ranking as the 11th most popular cat breed in the United States according to the CFA.

Appearance

The Exotic Shorthair is best known for its round face and short, dense coat. These cats are typically medium to large in size, with males typically being larger than females. They have broad chests and strong legs, and their tails are relatively short.

Exotics come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black, blue, brown, cream, golden, red, silver, and white. Patterns include bi-color (two colors), calico (three colors), pointed (one color with lighter markings), tabby (striped), and tortoiseshell (patched).

Personality

The Exotic Shorthair is typically a very affectionate and good-natured cat. They enjoy spending time with their human companions and are typically quite sociable. They tend to be relatively quiet cats, making them ideal for apartments or other small spaces.

While they enjoy spending time with their humans, they also appreciate having some alone time and are not overly clingy or needy. They typically get along well with other pets in the home, although they may need some time to adjust to new animals.

Care

The Exotic Shorthair is a relatively low-maintenance breed. Their short coats only require occasional brushing to remove dead hair and help distribute natural oils throughout their fur. They should also be bathed once or twice a year to keep their coats clean and healthy.

Because of their short noses, Exotics can be prone to respiratory problems. It’s important to make sure they have plenty of fresh water available at all times and to avoid exposing them to smoke or other airborne irritants.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up with routine veterinary care including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine check-ups