Breed Tips

Top 10 Best Cat Breeds Of All Time

Key Points
  • Siamese cats are intelligent and sociable, often compared to dogs in behavior.
  • Maine Coons are large, friendly cats wellsuited for families.
  • Scottish Folds are playful with distinctive folded ears.
  • Persians are gentle and affectionate, known for their luxurious coats.

Cats can be described as independent, ambivalent and aloof. The relation of cats and humans go way back. There are findings that first domesticated cats were around 12,000 years ago. That’s a very long time. Today, cats are one of the most petted animals across the globe. Originally, they were meant to kill rodents. This is the reason why the first settled humans who started agriculture had cats in the houses. From that, they are now being used as companions and even for therapy. And they have done all those tasks very well. They say that cats are careless and not very affectionate but that’s a myth. Cats have a lot of feelings and attachment towards their owners and some breeds are even very much vocal about it. Not only affection but cats also display jealousy like dogs do when their owner starts giving attention to someone else.

These beautiful creatures with a population of over 370 million in the world come in different sizes, colors, appearance, etc. just like us humans. And each breed has their own unique characteristics. Talking about cat breeds, there are around 60 recognized breeds around the world. The breeds can be differentiated in terms of their looks, origin, personality, development purpose, etc. Now not like there is some competition amongst cats to become the best breed out there, but there are just some breeds which are better suited and liked more by humans. This may be for several reasons like their calm nature, exotic looks, energy levels, etc. Keeping those things in mind, here’s a list of top 10 best cat breeds out there –

1. Siamese

Siamese
  • Average Weight: 9 to 15 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 8 to 10 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

  • Origin – Thailand

One of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America, the Siamese breed is highly intelligent, talkative and sociable one. Known for their dog-like personality, they are very much active and love playing with their owners and show affection openly.

2. Maine Coon

Maine-Coon
  • Average Weight: 15 to 20 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 10 to 15 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years

  • Origin: United States

With a long, shaggy coat that lays close to the body, a bushy long tail, tufted paw pads and large ears, Maine Coons are a perfect choice for families with children. These are affectionate, playful and have a tendency to follow commands as well.

3. Scottish Fold

Scottish-Fold
  • Average Weight: 9 to 13 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 8 to 10 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years

  • Origin – Scottish

The breed with folded ears, the Scottish fold finds its name in one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Nature wise these are happy, energetic and attention seeking. These aren’t very demanding in general and get along happily with other cats and dogs, as well as children.

4. Sphynx

Sphynx
  • Average Weight: 8 to 12 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 8 to 10 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

  • Origin: Toronto

One of the most beautiful and unique looking cats, the Sphynx breed is a hairless one. Chamois leather like skin, very large ears, prominent cheekbones, muscular body, etc. are all the features of this rare breed. These can be mischievous and silly and at the same time affectionate, curious and playful.

5. Devon Rex

Devon-Re
  • Average Weight: 6 to 9 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 10 to 12 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

  • Origin – England

Created in the 1960s in Devonshire, England, the Devon Rex is just like a little clown. It will keep delighting the parents by giving enchanting playful performances. With slender bodies, wavy coat, and large ears, they have a unique appearance which attracts quite a popularity. You may also be interested in the Selkirk Rex.

6. Birman

Birman
  • Average Weight: 8 to 12 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 8 to 10 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

  • Origin – Burma

With a slightly long haired, color-pointed cat, the Birmans are known for its deep-blue eyes and contrasting white-glove like paws. They are quite easy going and patient which makes them great for families with children.

7. The Persian

Persian
  • Average Weight: 7 to 12 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 10 to 15 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years

  • Origin: Iran

The beautiful white breed of cats, the Persians are one of the most popular in the world. With a soft, long coat and gentle temperament, the Persians are a well-behaved breed. The royal demeanor of these cats is what makes them so attractive.

8. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair
  • Average Weight: 8 to 12 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 10 to 12 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

  • Origin: United States

A very calm and friendly breed, the Exotic Shorthair is basically a short-haired version of the Persian. They are livelier and more energetic than their Persian ancestors and show more affection and loyalty than most breeds. The steady nature also fits perfectly for them being an excellent lap cat.

9. Abyssinian

Abyssian
  • Average Weight: 6 to 10 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 12 to 16 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

  • Origin: Southeast Asia

The models of the cat world, Abyssinians are elegant and regal looking. They are known as ‘The Cat of the Blue Nile’ owing to the fact that ancient Egyptians used to worship them. Not really a lap cat but they are very loving and affectionate. They possess curiosity and playfulness which makes them explore their surroundings.

10. Ragdoll

Ragdoll
  • Average Weight: 8 to 20 pounds (male and female)

  • Average Height: 9 to 11 inches (male and female)

  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

  • Origin – United States

With a distinct color point coat, blue eyes and a soft silky coat, the Ragdoll was created by a Persian breeder, Ann Baker of Riverside, California. Along with having a dog-like devotion towards the owners, these cats are very gentle, calm and sociable. The name ‘Ragdoll’ is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up. It’s the mesmerizing eyes that people usually fall for.

Studies have shown that cats have a calming effect on the owners, from the soothing action of petting to purring being an aid in falling asleep. Cats can even play a part in lowering your blood pressure and risk of a heart attack. They say that ‘Dogs are man’s best friends and cats are cats best friends.’ But looking at the facts, irrespective of which breed you own, you would definitely feel like owning a best friend in the form of a cat.

Happy Mood and Health to your Cat and a Lots of Purrrrs to you!

Sources

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