Are you interested in getting a cat for a pet, but don’t know which one to get? Here are some interesting facts about six of the most popular cat breeds in the world that might help you make that decision.

Siamese

• They are considered one of the oldest breeds of cats.
• There are two types of Siamese cats – Old Siamese and Modern Siamese. They only differ in build and head shape. Their coloration is identical.
• They appeared and sang in the Disney movie, “Lady and the Tramp”. Watch Si and Am perform their Siamese Cat number. 
• They are born white but change their colors later when exposed to lower temperatures.
• A lot of them had crooked tails and crossed eyes before. However, breeders gradually tried to breed out these traits when they were considered to be undesirable by a lot of people. 
• They are very friendly and affectionate. Know more about them here. 

Photo by Pixabay

Persian

• They were Queen Victoria’s favorite cats.
• These cats were in the very first cat show in 1871.  
• They are considered the most popular pedigreed breed in the US and were one of the first cats registered when the Cat Fancier’s Association was formed in the US.
• The traditional Persian cats were doll-faced. It was only in the 1950s when a mutation caused a litter of kittens to have a scrunched feature that the new “peke-faced” look became popular. Breeders then selectively bred for the new look leading to the modern Persian cats now.
• They come in a variety of colors – orange, gray, black, white, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla gold, and shaded silver. 
• Learn more about Persian cats here. 

Maine Coon

• They are huge and muscular which is why they are often mistaken for bobcats. Despite their looks though, they are very gentle, intelligent, and sociable. 
• They are considered “dogs of the cat world”. They play fetch, they’ll follow you almost everywhere, and they can even walk on a leash.
• Unlike most cats, they are fine with taking baths. They like the water and are considered strong swimmers. 
• In the Harry Potter movie, Argus Filch, the castle caretaker, had a Maine Coon cat called Mrs. Norris. She was dressed up by makeup artists to look ragged and messy. 
• They have a dominant gene for polydactyly or extra toes. So, if you get one that has extra toes, don’t be surprised. 

Photo by RODNAE Productions

Ragdoll

• All purebred Ragdoll cats have distinctive blue eyes. Those with other colors are considered to be mixed or not pure.
• They are a large breed of cats. They place in the top 5 heaviest cat breeds, averaging 5.0 kg when fully mature. Some individuals even reach 9 kg. 
• They also exhibit dog-like behaviors such as being able to play fetch or waiting patiently for their owners to come and then greeting them enthusiastically, or even carrying around their favorite toys in their mouths wherever they go. 
• They are not very vocal. They seldom make any noise even when they are in pain.
• They are also born pure white. They change color 1-2 weeks after birth. 
• They are a slow-maturing breed. They won’t be considered fully grown until they turn 4 years of age. Some individuals are still growing by the age of 5.
• Check out a few more interesting bits about these cats here.

Photo by Omar Ramadan

American Shorthair

• They were believed to be descendants of the working cats that the Pilgrims brought to the US (European pioneers that journeyed to America in 1620). These ancestral cats were deliberately kept to catch rodent stowaways in the Mayflower.  
• Despite their hunting skills and high prey drive, they are affectionate and endearing to their owners. 
• They are easy to care for because they are self-sufficient, less needy, quiet, and easy-going. If you are out for work most of the day, then this breed is perfect for you.
• They come in a wide variety of colors – White, Blue, Black, Cream, Blue cream, Red, Silver, Tortoiseshell, Chinchilla, Golden, Brown, and Cameo – and in different combinations too. 
• They were previously referred to as the Domestic Shorthair.

Sphynx

• These cats are not as hairless as they look. They have fine hair that makes their skin feel like suede. 
• Their “hairlessness” is a result of natural genetic mutation. 
• Despite not having a thick coat, the Sphynx can still be allergenic to some people because of its saliva and skin secretions. 
• Without thick fur to absorb its oily skin secretions, the skin oil that the Sphynx produces forms a greasy film over its body. This makes regular weekly bathing a requirement for this breed. 
• They may be “naked”, but their skin pigments can still produce different colors and pattern variations. 
• Although they can spend time outside, they are mostly indoor cats. The absence of thick fur makes them vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Compared to other breeds, these cats can easily get cold or even get sunburnt.  
• They have a high metabolism. This is why they eat more than your average cat, and also why they are a few degrees warmer than others. 
• Check out a few more interesting information about the Sphynx breed here. 

Frequently Asked Question

Which cat breed is the most hypoallergenic?

Allergic reactions to cats are mostly brought about by the allergenic protein Fel D1 found in their saliva, skin secretions, and consequently their coat. Among the various cat breeds that were tested for Fel D1 levels, the following breeds took the spots for the lowest levels of the allergenic proteins:

• Balinese
• Oriental Shorthair
• Sphynx

Which cat breed is the most common?

The most common cat breed is the Domestic, otherwise known as the alley cat. About 95% of all cats in the US and Canada are Long or Shorthair versions of Domestic cats. They are not an officially recognized or pedigreed breed, but they can be every bit as lovable and fun to take care of as their purebred cousins. They are also a lot more self-sufficient and resilient to diseases. 

What breed of cat is Garfield?

Garfield is a Persian cat. To be more specific, he is a Tabby Persian. The Tabby Persian is just one of the many hybrid variations produced when the Persian cats were crossed with Asiatic cats. Both Garfield and Nermal are considered to be Tabby Persians, just of different colors. 

Which cat breed is considered the friendliest?

Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, these cat breeds are considered to be the friendliest and also safest for families with kids.

• Maine Coon – the gentle giants
• Siamese – the original lap cats
• Ragdolls – the dog-like cats