Update date: 11/16/2020 16:57:39 1942 Share:
Author: Diana Weissman
Cats are one of the most popular pets. Each breed has certain character traits. Not all felines are friendly and can get along with obsessive children and other pets. Cats relate to human society differently: some need communication constantly, while others tend to avoid it. You should know this before getting a kitten. Our article will help you make your choice.
Siamese cat
Features of appearance. Siamese cats have a unique color: a light body, muzzle, tail, paws and ears are dark brown or even black. Dense and short coat, almost no undercoat.
Interesting fact: the color of newborn Siamese kittens is different from adult ones; they are completely white. The final color is determined no earlier than six months.
Character. Contrary to popular belief that Siamese cats are very aggressive, these animals are quite friendly and affectionate. They become very attached to their owners and get along well with children.
They are very jealous and will not tolerate another animal in the house. Siamese cats are active and cheerful, they do not like loneliness.
Care. Siamese cats do not require special care.
It is enough to provide your pet with quality food and fresh water. Siamese often have problems with their teeth, so you definitely need to monitor their condition.
8. Ragdoll
If you need a cat that will constantly ask to be held in your arms and follow you everywhere, hoping to attract attention, then you won’t find a better pet than a ragdoll. One of the largest and fluffiest cat breeds got its name for its ability to relax and go limp in the hands of its owner like a rag doll.
These beautiful, kind and intelligent animals are highly valued for their gentle nature and ability to get along with small children. Even when playing, they do not release their claws.
Canadian Sphynx
Appearance. A distinctive feature is the absence of wool. The skin is pigmented, usually black, chocolate, white, light beige, lemon.
Character. These good-natured, intelligent, peace-loving animals are easy to train. They adore their owners and become very attached to them. Loneliness is contraindicated for them; animals become sad and show aggression.
Care. Close attention should be paid to your pet's skin. Sphynx cats sweat and turn brown.
The pet should be regularly wiped with wet wipes and given water treatments. Weak points are the eyes and ears; you should keep them clean.
What breed of cat is best to have in an apartment: selection criteria
When deciding which cat to get, you need to take into account the dimensions of your home. It is not worth having a large or very active cat in a cramped Khrushchev apartment. When considering the question of what breed of cat to choose, you need to remember that the animal will need care. If you don’t have time to comb the fur or wash it frequently, you can’t get a Persian or Sphynx.
Sphinx
To make it easier to keep an animal in a city apartment, it needs to be adapted to them. Experienced breeders and veterinarians recommend castrating cats and female cats to save both the owners and the animals themselves from unnecessary problems. It is important to remember that a castrated animal can greatly change its habits, becoming passive and lazy.
Russian blue
Appearance. The calling card of the Russian Blue is its unique wool.
She is short, with a dense undercoat. Color: all shades of blue. Cats of this breed have exclusively emerald eyes. Character. An affectionate, flexible animal, but you won’t be able to control it. Russian Blues don't like to be submissive. If the owner tries, he will be able to establish a trusting relationship with the pet.
These cats are very inquisitive and playful, they will happily frolic with children, but they will not tolerate other animals in the house. They tolerate loneliness calmly.
Care. The Russian Blue is a clean and fastidious animal.
You need to wash your pet's tray and bowl regularly. Cats do not require special care. Mandatory procedures: combing (once a week), cleaning ears and teeth.
4. Sphinx
This hairless, wrinkled wonder with large ears and pronounced cheekbones is one of the new cat breeds. The first Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966, and the lack of hair was a genetic abnormality that occurs approximately once every 15 years. This makes Sphynx cats one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.
Since that time, the Sphynx breed has become very popular, which was facilitated not only by the unique “alien” appearance, but also by the behavioral characteristics of these animals. Sphynx cats are definitely companion cats. They are energetic, kind and playful, and love to be the center of attention.
Since the Sphynx's skin is very susceptible to heat and cold, these cats must be protected from the elements. This doesn't mean they can't go outside; They just shouldn't live on the street.
Sphynx cats are also often called hypoallergenic cats, but this is not true. Particles from their skin and sweat can cause allergies.
Scottish Fold (Scottish Fold)
Appearance. The Scottish Fold is distinguished by small triangular ears that are pressed to the skull. The animal is quite large, squat, powerful with a luxurious “fur coat” and thick undercoat.
The variety of colors is amazing: black, white, brown, tortoiseshell, marbled and others.
Character. A calm and balanced, kind and affectionate pet will become a true friend to its owner. Scottish Folds express their love by purring; they willingly climb onto their owner’s lap and come to bed.
Get along well with children and other pets. They love to play and have fun. They are calm about loneliness.
Care. The Scots' weak point is their eyes; they need to be checked daily for discharge.
These animals are prone to obesity; you will have to monitor their weight to avoid health problems. Otherwise, care is no different from caring for other cats.
American Curl
These cats are very inquisitive, friendly and playful.
The American Curl is a breed of shorthaired cat that was first bred in California in 1980. They have unusual folded back ears. Outwardly, they resemble small horns. The most interesting thing is that when curls are born, their ears are completely normal, but they curl up only after several days of life. These cats are very inquisitive, friendly and playful. Curls are loyal and quickly adapt to their new home. The cost of a faithful friend with funny ears ranges from 1100 to 2000 US dollars.
American shorthair cat
Appearance. American Shorthairs are quite large in size. Distinctive feature: the length and width of the head are completely identical.
The coat is short and thick with a dense undercoat. The most popular colors are silver marble, white, black.
Character. The pet will delight its owners with its obedience and intelligence. They are clean, easy to train, and very smart.
Independent, do not suffer from loneliness. Cats are active, require attention, and love to play.
Care. The animal's coat is short, but requires constant care. It should be combed regularly and the pet must be bathed (without fanaticism, as it gets dirty).
Persian
A charming cat of a massive build, with a round head, a sweet expression on her face, an almost angelic character and a lush, “expensive” coat, has been extremely popular for many decades, since the very moment the breed appeared. The standards allow almost all existing colors, and we can say that the Persian looks luxurious in any color! The history of the appearance of Persians is long and rather vague, but breeding work in their modern sense began back in the 20th century.
British shorthair cat
Appearance. The British are called “teddy bears”; they have a powerful build, a wide chest, short legs, and soft fur. This cat breed has about 200 types of colors.
Character. Real aristocrats. An adult animal is serious, reserved, calm. They easily endure loneliness, but become attached to all family members. They know how to establish contact with children and other pets, especially dogs. They love attention.
Care. It is necessary to monitor the animal’s fur, comb it, and during the molting period - at least twice a day. The British love to eat, it is important to control their weight.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs come in medium and large sizes
British Shorthairs come in medium and large sizes. This breed was officially recognized only in 1984. Its representatives have a very beautiful and unusual color; the most popular option is considered solid (lilac, black, blue and chocolate). The British have an English aristocratic character; they are not alien to feelings of restraint and pride. As for girls, they are much calmer and not as gentle as boys. They don't need a lot of attention as cats love being alone. But when the desire to play arises, hold on, owners! The cost of one aristocratic British is 500-1500 dollars.
Ragdoll
Features of appearance. Large animals.
They have semi-long, silky hair that even grows between the pads of their toes. By the way, this is one of the distinctive features of the breed. Associations allow only three types of colors: colorpoint, bicolor and mitted. Ragdolls develop their color by the age of two.
Character. Calm and balanced animals, very reserved and lazy. They get along well with other pets and get along with children.
They love to play, but it is enough to devote a few minutes a day to this activity; the rest of the time cats prefer to lie down, doze or watch others.
Care. Do not require special care. The only required daily procedure is combing.
The calmest cat breeds
Scottish lop-eared
Rating: 5.0
A breed of cat with a characteristic ear structure: they are curved down and forward.
Scottish Folds have a calm, kind, balanced character. The lifestyle of representatives of this breed is quite measured. They don’t like games that are too noisy and fun - they would rather sit on the sidelines than join in the company.
Folds are sincerely attached to their owners and treat all family members equally warmly. They love to communicate using purrs and hoarse meows. Not always and not everyone is allowed to stroke themselves.
The movements of the folds are measured and unhurried. They rarely run, and their activity decreases with age. Favorite pastime is to sit on a couch, watch what is happening or take a nap.
Interesting fact: Scottish cats love to stand on their hind legs and stand in a gopher pose for a long time.
British Shorthair
Rating: 4.9
One of the most ancient, widespread cat breeds.
Smart, independent Britons easily tolerate loneliness - they can be left alone for several days. They know how to entertain themselves.
These four-legged animals require polite and attentive treatment. They will never impose themselves on the owners. They favorably accept affection if they are in the right mood. Otherwise, it is better not to touch the pet.
Up to a year, British cats are practically no different from other cats - they love active games and explore hard-to-reach places. With age, they become calmer - they sleep for 14-16 hours, the rest of the time they prefer to walk around their “possessions” and take care of their fur.
The British don't get angry or show dissatisfaction when strangers come, but they don't make contact either. They sniff the guest’s things for a long time and watch him warily. You can earn your pet's trust only after a long time.
An interesting fact: the commonly used name “British Fold” is incorrect: the British only have short- and long-haired hair, while the Scots have both fold- and straight-eared hair.
Persian
Rating: 4.8
A breed of long-haired cats.
Persians have a phlegmatic temperament. Instead of active games, they would prefer to relax on the couch and watch what is happening around them.
The long coat, reaching 15 cm, requires constant care. The Persians at this time behave calmly and pliantly. These creatures are very affectionate: they love to sit on the laps of their owners, caress and purr as a sign of their affection.
The voice of the Persians is rarely heard. They demand attention calmly and persistently: they sit near the owner and look intently into his face.
Long-haired pets are very peaceful. They get along well with other pets and do not offend poultry. Persian cats tolerate the pestering of children with dignity, but in case of extreme dissatisfaction they hide in a quiet place.
Interesting fact: a small upturned nose causes a lot of trouble: Persians have a harder time eating than other cats; while running and active games, they suffocate from lack of oxygen.
Ragdoll
Rating: 4.7
Large breed of semi-longhaired cats.
Ragdolls are very peaceful and affectionate animals. They love to spend time in the company of family members. Ragdolls literally hang in the hands of their owners, relaxing all their muscles. For this feature the breed is called a “rag doll”.
Pets show interest in all household chores. Loneliness is hard for mustachios to endure - they can refuse food and become depressed. Ragdolls are unpretentious and easily adapt to the external environment. Therefore, when going on a long trip, it is better to take your pet with you.
Representatives of this breed love silence and absolutely cannot stand loud sounds or screams. Ragdolls need peace, so it is important that the pet has its own secluded corner.
An interesting fact: ragdolls, unlike other felines, do not know how to land on 4 paws at once, they do not know how to group in flight.
Burmese cat
Rating: 4.6
A breed of semi-longhaired color-point cats.
Burmese cats have a balanced temperament: they are not as active as, for example, Toygers, but not as passive as representatives of the Persian breed. Burms can be quiet and calm when owners are busy with business, and energetic and playful when they take time to play with their pet.
The four-legged animals of this breed are very obedient and affectionate. They love to spend time on their hands or laps. They get along well with children, never bite or show their claws in games. Curious Burmese enjoy meeting new people who come to the house.
Holy Burmese cats are unobtrusive. They subtly sense the mood of their owners. According to the owners, if there is a quarrel in the family, the Burmese make attempts to reconcile everyone in order to improve the atmosphere in the house.
Interesting fact: Burmese kittens are born with snow-white fur and gradually darken in areas where blood circulation is poor. When exposed to the cold for a long time, the fur of animals can darken prematurely.
American shorthair cat
Rating: 4.5
A breed of domestic cat with over 80 different coat colors.
American representatives of the cat family are kind and peaceful, at the same time independent and self-sufficient. They will cuddle and purr only when they feel like it.
American Shorthairs are calm and even a little lazy. Most of the time they prefer to lie down, exploring the area, or nap in a cozy place. Despite this, cats always respond to the desire to play.
Cohabitation with dogs and other felines occurs in peaceful conditions, which cannot be said about rodents and ornamental birds. Cats with American roots have heightened hunting instincts; they will not miss the opportunity to hunt.
Fun fact: Americans love to hoard food by burying food in secluded places and, unlike dogs, never forget where treats are hidden.
Selkirk rex
Rating: 4.4
One of the youngest cat breeds, which appeared in 1987 in the USA.
Selkirks are known for their sociable nature. They treat all family members equally warmly, especially children. They never become aggressive. They love to settle on the owner’s lap, shoulders or desk, and are always ready to cuddle while listening to the background of their own purring.
Selkirk breeders claim that these are not couch cats, but also not crazy mischief-makers, but calm, kind, intelligent creatures.
Because of their sociability, cats have a hard time withstanding loneliness, which affects their psyche and general condition.
Interesting fact: the prefix “Rex” in the name of the breed appeared as a result of the presence of the curly hair gene. Such genetic variations are found in dogs, rabbits, horses, and rats.
Maine Coon
Appearance. The Maine Coon is easy to distinguish from animals of other breeds. It has gigantic dimensions: height up to 45 centimeters, weight up to 13 kilograms. Another feature is the tassels on the ears. Various colors: brindle, smoky, spotted.
Character. Maine Coons are quite friendly animals. They become strongly attached to their owners and tolerate loneliness calmly.
They are able to make friends with other pets, but only large ones. These cats have a highly developed hunting instinct, so they will perceive a rodent or bird as prey.
Care. Maine Coon fur requires careful care. Regular brushing and bathing when soiled should become mandatory procedures for the animal.
Representatives of this breed love to walk. The ideal environment for a Maine Coon is a private home with the possibility of walking.
9. Exotic shorthair cat
For several years in a row, this breed has been named the most popular registered cat in America by the CFA.
The exotic is a cross between Persians and American shorthair cats. They meet Persian breed standards in almost every way except one: coat. Exotic cats, unlike their Persian counterparts, have short, thick, dense fur, making them popular among people who love the Persian's personality but don't want to have to deal with the daily grooming of their pet's coat.
Exotic cats are also similar in character to Persians: they are affectionate, calm and playful. Exotics are known to show more affection and devotion to their owner than other cats and tend to follow people around the house.
Persian cat
Appearance. The animal is quite massive. A distinctive feature of Persians is their snub nose and thick fur, which can reach 12 centimeters in length.
Persian cats have a wool collar and “pants.” Cats can come in a variety of colors: black, white, tortoiseshell and even purple.
Character. The Persian cat is a loyal and calm friend. These animals love communication, are playful, and kind. They feel great in the company of children and other animals. They love their owners and are ideal companions.
Care. People who are prone to laziness are better off choosing an animal of a different breed. Persians need careful grooming.
The coat must be brushed every day and bathed at least once a month. Of course, we can't forget about cleaning. Persian owners must accept the fact that they will have to vacuum frequently, otherwise the entire apartment will be littered with hair.
The most sociable cats
There has long been an opinion that representatives of the cat family prefer to walk “by themselves” and do not need human company. But despite this, there are cat breeds that are distinguished by excessive sociability and affection for humans. It is these animals that we will talk about below.
Cornish Rex
Seeing a representative of this species for the first time, it is simply impossible not to admire the animal. Attention is immediately attracted by its unusual appearance, wavy, soft fur and piercing eyes. In addition, the animals also have a cheerful, flexible character. The pet will never refuse to play and spend time with its owner.
Representatives of this species require attention from people and love it when people give them time. Pets are not shy about expressing their love, and I do it with full dedication. The arsenal of animals of this breed has many sounds and intonations, which they happily demonstrate. Because of their excessive curiosity, cats will not leave any corner of the house unattended.
Cost of a kitten: from 10,000 to 100,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- unusual appearance;
- kindness and cheerful character;
- easy care;
- ease of education;
- hypoallergenic.
Flaws:
- do not tolerate loneliness well;
- high price.
Persian
Persian cats are considered one of the most popular and ancient varieties. Animals attract attention due not only to their exotic appearance, but also to their excessive sociability. Persian cats are loving and are completely unsuited to life on the street. Animals get along well with all family members and are distinguished by intelligence and restraint. They are very easy to train. But, despite many advantages, when giving preference to this breed, you should be prepared for the fact that keeping such a pet requires special attention. This is especially true for wool, which requires careful care.
Cost of a kitten: from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- sociability;
- attractive appearance;
- flexible character.
Flaws:
- requires careful eye and coat care.
5. Snowshoe
The Snowshoe is a beautiful breed of cat that arose as a result of crossing an American Shorthair cat with a Siamese. Translated from English, snowshoe means “snow shoe.” The species got its name thanks to the so-called white socks. By nature, snowshu are very kind and affectionate. These beautiful cats easily get along with children. Such pets cannot stand loneliness; they are very attached to their owners. Snowshoes do not require special care. They have a reduced sense of disgust towards water, so bathing them is a pleasure. This breed has two color types: seal point and blue point (with white markings).
British
The British cat is one of the most common types of pets. Pets are small, have short massive legs. The muzzle is slightly smoothed, the cheeks are thick and fluffy. The British have expressive round eyes of yellow, emerald or blue.
The name of the cat corresponds to its temperament. She is discreet, intelligent, smart, independent. If you treat her correctly, she won’t cause any mischief in the apartment.
The British cat does not tolerate disrespectful treatment and obsessive affection. Needs personal space and will protect it by all means.
Norwegian Forest Cat
t.balikh
This large cat seems to have jumped out of Kipling’s book and now walks wherever it pleases through the Norwegian forests. The fact is that this breed was left to its own devices for a long time, and it is quite difficult to “re-educate” independence in the blood.
However, this does not at all indicate the bad character of the Norwegians. Like true Scandinavians, they are simply restrained in showing their emotions. Long hair, strong paws and slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes. The color can be different: tabby, smoky, tricolor, bicolor.
Exotics
A breed that is now on the list of the most popular cats in the world. The main feature is the huge bulging eyes. Due to their thick, plush fur and round shape, exotic animals are compared to bear cubs.
This type of pet is playful, active, and has a gentle, sociable character. Exotics are not endowed with a sense of danger, so they often get into trouble.
An adult exotic cat is prone to obesity, so cats need to be taught a sense of moderation in food from an early age.
Burmese cat
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The blue eyes of the Sacred Burma are capable of charming anyone - both humans and cats, which is associated with a beautiful legend.
Once upon a time, these beautiful cats had the usual color for such animals - amber-yellow. One day, robbers attacked the monastery where one of the representatives of the Sacred Burma lived and tried to take sapphires from the eyes of the deity whom these people worshiped. The cat rushed at the bandit, and his fur suddenly acquired a bright blue glow. The bandits retreated in horror. The next day, the eyes of the savior cat became sky blue and never changed their color again.
The muzzle and tail of adult individuals are black, the hair is short. Loyal and devoted cats.
Oriental
The Oriental cat has a slender, elongated body, graceful limbs, and a very long tail. The cat's muzzle is triangular in shape, its ears are wide and sharp, and its eyes are green.
Orientals have a loud, shrill voice that not everyone likes. Although such a cat has a playful and friendly character. She simply cannot sit still, so it is advisable to provide the animal with toys and attention.
To choose a furry friend, familiarize yourself with popular cat breeds, their photos and names in advance. Each has its own character, which you need to focus on when choosing a pet.
Sphinx
This strange “naked thing” will not leave anyone indifferent. Sphinxes are either immediately loved or disliked. There is simply no other option. The body temperature of this breed is slightly higher than others, and the metabolism is more accelerated. They eat frequently and are prone to overeating and excess weight.
They have an affectionate temperament and are not prone to displaying anger or aggression.
Very energetic, playful and inquisitive. They follow their owner everywhere, ready to literally sit on his head. They can choose one favorite from family members. But at the same time, they do not ignore everyone else; they will definitely sit on the laps of your guests.
Sphynx cats are smart and quickly master the toilet. These cats require more careful care. They need to be washed more often, their ears and eyes cleaned, and try to be protected from drafts. Do not think that due to the lack of fur, these cats do not cause allergies. Allergies can manifest themselves to sebum, saliva and other cat secretions.
American Shorthair
Representatives of this popular breed of pets are very playful and carefree, but at the same time they always maintain their independence. They do not impose their society and demand the same from the owner. The cat loves to be around, but is extremely rarely held in your arms; this happens only at its request. Even in domestic conditions, the breed retains its predatory instinct and loves to hunt mice.
The American Shorthair cat easily survives the long absence of its owner. Such a four-legged friend is acquired by people who spend a lot of time at work and often travel on business trips.
Read more about the American Shorthair breed
Cornish Rex
The main feature of this short-haired breed is its coat, which is reminiscent of astrakhan fur in structure. The cat has huge bright eyes and large ears, which is why it is compared to an elf. The Cornish Rex can have either a solid or multi-colored color.
Cats of this breed are easy to care for. They are not prone to hereditary diseases, but have problems with overeating. Smart and easy to train. They resemble dogs in character; they can be taught to fetch a ball and perform other commands unusual for cats.
Abyssinian cat
The breed is endowed with strong muscular legs and a body of medium length. The head is rounded, with almond-shaped eyes framed by light fur with dark lines along the contour. The fur is soft and adheres tightly to the skin.
The Abyssinian cat is curious, tries to smell and look at everything, but is always close to the owner. The high activity of an animal can sometimes irritate, but this character trait in Abyssinians cannot be re-educated.
Abyssinian cats do not allow themselves to be picked up if they do not want to.
Bengal cat
© bengalloves / Instagram
A real leopard! Only very gentle and always active. This is an energetic and intelligent cat that came from a mixture of five breeds at once.
© bengalloves/Instagram
Interesting . Cats are very athletic and require constant activity. They need to run, play, do something. Therefore, do not think that such a breed will simply lie next to you and purr as you stroke its fur.
Siberian cat
siberian_kittens_
These luxurious, fluffy cats are incredibly popular in Russia. The weight of adults can reach six kilograms. According to one version, Siberian cats are distant relatives of Norwegian forest beauties. And they are really similar in appearance.
But the character of our Siberian women is much softer and friendlier than that of their Scandinavian “sisters”. Although Siberian cats don’t really like strangers in their home either – they won’t bite either!
Expressive green eyes are oval in shape, ears are covered with fur on the inside. There are solid and patterned ones. In the first case, black individuals are often found, in the second, they can be of any color.
Siamese
The physique of representatives of this breed is slender. The body is thin and long. The head is wedge-shaped with very large ears. The latter are wide at the base and, gradually tapering, pointed at the tips. If you draw invisible lines, you will get an equilateral triangle between the tips of your ears and your nose.
The eyes are large and slanted. In the Siamese they are almond-shaped with a bright blue iris. All this makes the look serious and a little sad, and also very piercing.
Cats have short fur and lie close to their body. The undercoat is not developed. Because of this, Siamese do not shed much and their guard (main) hair falls out. The tail is long, thin and whip-like. The tip is pointed.
The characteristic color for the color point Siamese. The whole body is light, the muzzle, ears, tail and paws are darker in color. After a year of life, the fur on the body may begin to darken. The older the animal, the less contrast between dark and light areas. Siamese kittens are born completely white. Dark areas appear later.
Among cats and their breeds, Siamese are one of the most wayward, proud and touchy. Despite all the devotion to the chosen person, if the pet doesn’t like something, he may even take revenge. But mostly they are active and playful creatures.
The family can choose a pet and show all their devotion and love to it. They prefer to communicate with a person for a long time, sleep next to him, and accompany him around the apartment.
This type of cat is not suitable for a family with small children. The animal values personal space and freedom of action. A child’s desire to pull a cat in his arms or pull its tail can be met with aggression.