16 Best Cat Breeds in 2022: To Bring Home Today

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Amir Ali

Founder at Zippy Pet

Hey there, I'm Amir Ali. The author of this post and the Founder of Zippy Pet. I have been researching and writing content on cats for more than a year now. I am here to help you make the lives of their fluffy babies safer, healthier and happier.

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Published on- Jan 09, 2021| Updated on March 27, 2022

Yesterday, I was on my bed, browsing on my lappy and suddenly,  an idea rose into my mind—Hey, why don’t I write an article on the best cat breeds? After all, there is a large group of people who are planning to own a cat.

The one who keeps scurrying around you to bestow her love and affection. 

In short-  If you ask yourself,” Which is the best cat breed for me to own?” Then this article is for you.

In the world of dogs, cats have proudly secured their position as the second most popular pet, according to Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Centre’s survey (Not bad hmm).

Also, About 23% of the pet owners have a Cat as their pet, which is the second-highest after the dogs(33%). But, many people have a wrong belief that cats are not as loyal and friendly as dogs are. Really?

That’s too bad! Too bad for them. As the cats can be the cutest pet that they can ever have in their home(you can disagree). But, as you are here. I’m assuming that you are also standing by my side.

And.

We are working as PR agents for our favourite pet. Lol

Jokes apart, but seriously. There are several amicable and friendly breeds of those scampering furballs, which you can keep and cuddle without worrying about the claws. Let’s have look at the number of cats and dogs in India.

Now, without wasting our time let’s directly jump to the list of the coolest cat breeds in the world.

Top 16 Cats Breed: That You Can Own Now

1. The Most Beautiful Cat Breed: Persian Cat: The Layback Princess

Quick Breed Overview Table

‘The Queen of Every Household’

Yes! I am talking about our favourite breed ‘The Persian Cat’. Persians are one of the most independent cat breeds. And, also a breed that you can leave alone at home.

They won’t give a damn! Whether you are in the house or outside since all they care about is the uninterrupted sleep(lazy girls).

Origin

A common misunderstanding about Persian cats is that they are from Persia(now Iran). However, their exact origin is contradictory. Some evidence proves that they were sold in the sooq(market) of Persia. While there are other two groups of evidence that indicate their origin to Khurasan and Egypt.

Whatever!

Its immense popularity around the world needs no evidence. Undoubtedly, this dignified cat breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. 

Size

Persians do look bulky at a first glance but they are not! They are medium-sized cats. Their length ranges from 14 to 18 inches while the weight is up to 5.5kg. 

Personality

Gracefulness is the ornament of this beautiful breed and it reflects not only by their appearance but in their habits also.

They aren’t very active and agile. I won’t be wrong to say that they really want their owner to keep’em like a princess. Soooo cute, isn’t it?

Our favourite breed might take some time to adapt to a new environment but once they set themselves, then there is no one who can take them out of the house. Because they are super lazy and want to spend time indoors.

THIS MAKES THEM ONE OF THE BEST BREEDS TO KEEP INDOORS AND IN APARTMENTS.

But…

If you are looking for a cat breed that is very lively and energetic. Then I won’t recommend you go with Persians.

Colours

The most famous colour of Persian cats is white. Yet you have a wide range of options such as as- Blue, Brown, Red, Creme, and Black. When it comes to patterns she can have tabby(mackerel and classic), tortoiseshell, bicolour, calico,  dilute calico and tortie., tortie and calico in combination with white patterns.

Eye Colour

Just like the spectrum of colours, Persian cats can have a range of eye colours too. Their eyes can be blue, deep blue, green, copper and various other shades of blue and green. Plus, they can also have odd-colour eyes.

2. The Largest Pet Cat Breed: Maine Coons Cat: The Coon Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

You may get an impression like- these giant cats might not be good to keep with children. But guess what?

You are wrong!

Surprisingly, it is…

‘THE BEST CAT BREED TO KEEP WITH CHILDREN.

And well as the most loyal cat breed in the world. That sticks(like a sticker) to their owners.

Origin

Maine coon is the largest domestic cat in the world. Got their name from a state in the USA called Maine. However, the exact origin of this breed is unknown(who cares?).

Size

They are large and heavy up to 30 pounds. In 2010, a male Maine coon named Stewie was entitled as the longest domestic cat in the world. 

Personality

But don’t go on their giant appearance. Surprisingly, they are very social and lovable cats who enjoy the company of humans.

They are not at all clingy and are also known as ‘GENTLE GIANTS’. Due to their large size and friendly nature.

Another name given to them is “Vocal Cats”. You know, ‘why this?’. Obviously, due to their yowling or howling, trilling, chirping, and variety of sounds they make. 

Colours

They could have medium to long length fur in a plethora of colours either solid or in combination. The texture of the fur depends on the colour. Its solid colours include white, black, red, grey, brown, creme, blue, and fawn, lilac. Along with solid colours, the Maine Coon also exhibits a large number of patterns and they are so many that I can’t write the name of every pattern here. Some of them are solid, striped tabby, spotted tabby, classic tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, tuxedo, bicolour, van, torbie and more.

Eye Colour 

The officially accepted eyes colours of the Maine Coon are blue, green, copper, and green-gold. If she has odd eyes then she must have a white coat to get formally registered. 

3. The Oldest Domestic Cat Breed: Siamese Cat: The Meezer

Quick Breed Overview Table

‘These beautiful cats’ are famous for their almond-shaped blue eyes, recognizable brown for on fur on their tails, limbs, and face, short-haired smooth coat, and low shedding.

All these features add to their beauty.

Origin

Siamese breed primarily belongs to Thailand, Asia(earlier known as ‘Siam’). Siamese cats are one of ‘THE OLDEST PET CAT BREEDS’ along with Egyptian Maus.

Size

Siamese cats are medium-sized up to 14 inches in length and can weigh anywhere 8 to 15 pounds(3.5 to 6.5 kg approx.).

Personality

It is a great companion to have in your house. And a perfect one for you. If you are looking for an affectionate and social cat. Who keeps scuttling around you.

You should also work on your massage giving skills as they can come to rest in your lap anytime.

Siamese cats get attached to their owner so much that they sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. If left for long durations.

Because of this love, they are regarded as one of The MOST AFFECTIONATE CAT BREEDS in the world.

Colours

The beautiful Siamese are known for their light colour bodies with darker extremities. They can’t be completely solid or tabby hence they can have only colourpoint patterns. However, the pattern on their points can be a solid colour as well tabby, tortie or torbie. The commonly seen patterns of the Siamese are blue point, seal point, lilac point, chocolate point, red point, tortie point, lynx point and torbie (tortie and lynx).

Eye Colour

The formally accepted Siamese can only have blue eyes of different shades like deep blue, sky blue, sapphire blue or aqua blue.

.

4. The Most Intelligent Cat: Somali: The Genius Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

This table gives an overview of the Somali cat breed

Somali is basically a longhaired version of Abyssinian cat. ‘.But her head is less triangular and her ears are shorter than the Abyssinian cat. These playful and Super-Smart cats are also known as ‘the close cousins of Abyssinian cats. Somali is one of the most intelligent and active domestic cat breeds walking on the planet. She likes to leap, run, chase balls and play with toys. Don’t be surprised seeing her doing those stunts which you never expect to be performed by a cat.

Origin

The exact origin of the Somali cat is unknown but one thing is sure she’s not from Somalia. This name is given to her due to her similarity in looks with an Abyssinian cat. Some people say that she originated in Southeast Asia however there is not strong evidence available. It was officially accepted as a breed in the 1960s. You will love their furry fox-like tail due to which they have given the name of the ‘FOX CAT’.

Size

Somali are also medium-sized cats. They can be 7-11 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh in the range of 8-12 pounds(3.5 to 5.5 kg).

Habits

These cute cats are amicable, friendly, social, and lively. They keep annoying you(all day ) with their mischievous acts. Such as climbing to the top shelf or jumping here and there and even sitting on your lap while you want to work.

They love to hang out with kids and even with other cats.

Colours

The Somali cat is similar to the Abyssinian with long hair. So, she can’t be solid though she looks. The only pattern the Somali cat can have is ticked tabby. 

However, their time coat can have various colours like ruddy, red, blue, and fawn. These can also have different combinations with sorrel, blue-tortie, fawn, chocolate, lilac, and silver.

Eye Colour

Their eye colour can be intense green,  blue and rich copper.

5. The Best Cat Breed for Cuddling: Abyssinian Cat: The Clown of the Cat World

Quick Breed Overview Table

Abyssinian is one of the most energetic cat breeds accepted by most of the breeders. Interestingly they have won the title of ‘the clown of the cat world’ due to their playful nature.

They are well-known for their ASTOUNDING INTELLIGENCE. They are recognisable by their plush and shimmering coats and long pointed ears.

Origin

Abyssinians are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. As the name suggests, it is an indigenous cat breed of Abyssinia(Ethiopia). Modern days Abyssinian was bred in Britain when British soldiers who went to North Africa brought these cats to Britain from Abyssinia

Size

They are also medium in size, medium in length and their weight can be anywhere between 12-16 inches (excluding the tail)  and 6.5-12 pounds(3 to 5.5 kg) respectively.

Personality

Abyssinian is one of the most popular cat breeds, and why shouldn’t it?
They are easy to care for, joyful, affectionate cats. Abyssinians have no attitude problem. They are one of the friendliest, as well as ‘the most cuddly cat breeds’.

You can easily keep them in your home. Firstly, because they are very friendly and love to play with anyone they found to play with. They are also famous for dog-like bonding with the owners.

Colours

An astonishing feature of their appearance is the SHINY and SILKY SMOOTH fur. They cannot be completely solid as the unique characteristic of the Abyssinian is her ticked fur. Among the ticked patterns, the most common colours are ruddy, red, blue, fawn, and cinnamon.

Eye Colour

The Abyssinians’ eye colours include copper, green, gold, and hazel.

6. The Most Friendly Cat Breed: RagDoll: The Docile Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

The name given to them is completely justified. They are really like ‘rag dolls’ known for their cuteness and lovable nature.

Ragdoll will follow you like your shadow wherever you go. Make sure to prepare yourself to tolerate some nuisance(sometimes). Because she never cares for your work and keeps seeking your attention when you are working.

Origin

Ragdoll is comparatively a new breed. It is the result of cross-breeding between a Persian Cat and Birman Tom. It was first bred by Ann Baker in 1960 in the state of California, USA.

Size

Ragdolls have their place in the large pet cat families. Their length is between 16 to 20 inches(not including the tail) and their weight is around 3.5kg to 8kg.

Personality

These cuties are the nicest cat breed that glued to their owners and follow them wherever they go. Because of their friendly nature, calmness, and affection, Ragdoll is the best cat breed to keep with children.

Pet owners also call them puppy-like cats due to their docile nature. Hence, having a ragdoll will give you a feel, as if you have bought a puppy and not a kitten.

Colours

The Ragdolls specifically can only have a points pattern. However, the points themselves can be of solid colours or patterned. Some commonly accepted patterns of the Ragdoll cats are Seal point, chocolate point, blue point, flame point, lilac point, tortie point, tortie point,  cream point, mitted and dilute of all.

Eye Colour

He Ragdoll can strictly have only blue eyes but different shades of blue are allowed such as sapphire, deep blue, sky blue and aqua blue.

7. The Best Cat Breed to Keep in a Busy family: Birman: The Sacred Cat of Burma

Quick Breed Overview Table

Birman is one of the least maintenance cat breeds. This long-haired colour-pointed cat breed is sweet and lovable.

They have a distinctive rectangular body with a fine pale coat. Their eyes are sapphire blue and the most attractive feature is ‘the roman nose’. You will certainly notice the ‘white gloves’ or ‘socks’ on its limbs.

Origin

The actual origin of this breed is a mystery. Yet, they were first recognised in France(as a Burmese breed). Later, the French called them the ‘Sacred de Birmanie’ which is a French phrase meaning ‘The Sacred Cat of Burma’. The same phrase got shortened over the years and now we call them ‘Birman’.

Size

This Large cat breed with short legs and big bodies can have a big and long body. Their length can be anywhere between 17 to 21 inches(excluding the tail) while their weight falls in the range of 12 to 17 pounds (4.5kg to 8kg) which makes them stand in the group of large pet cat breeds.

Personality

THEY ARE DAMN SWEET!

Honestly, their calmness, quiet nature, and adaptable behaviour will make you fall in love with them.

And as matter of fact, their behaviour helps them to adjust to any kind of environment. No matter how rude and egoistic the fellow pet is.

Birman cats are pretty independent and want outside space. When not at the home, you’ll find them doing a little roadwork.

It is one of the best breeds to keep in a busy family. Also, it doesn’t give a damn about the presence of other pets. These are quiet, playful, and enjoy playing with their toys.

Colours

Like the Himalayan, Ragdoll and Siamese the Birman also can’t have solid colours. However, a huge variety is found in their colourpoint patterns like seal point, blue, lilac point, chocolate point, cream point, flame point, tortie point, lynx and mitted in combination with all colour points.

Eye Colour 

The purebred Birmans can only have blue eyes with different shades such as aqua blue, sky blue, and sapphire.

8. The Best Cat Breed to Keep In Apartment: Exotic Shorthairs: The Cat Bred for Cities

Quick Breed Overview Table

Exotic Shorthairs has obtained most of the features of their body and temperament in legacy.

Legacy?

Yes, legacy, from its ancestor(Persian Cat). But it does have some energy and agility due to the sparky genes of the American Shorthairs.

Origin

Exotic Shorthairs didn’t see the world until the 1950s. In the late 1950s, some breeders in the USA cross-bred Persian with the American Shorthair. To improve the Persian breed. And the result was ‘Exotic Shorthairs’.

Size 

They are medium-sized cobby cats having their body close to the ground. They can grow up to 10 to 12 inches(excluding the tail) in length while their weight can be 12 to 17 pounds (4.5kg to 6kg). The exotic shorthair has a short tail and legs but in proportion with the overall body.

Personality

Exotic shorthairs is a very cute, loving, and playful breed, that likes to play with toys. They are easy-going and like to follow their owner and you can’t leave them alone for long hours. Especially, males attach to their owners more.

You will also find them seeking some space in your lap and might ask you for petting. This breed is friendly with children but it takes some time to get comfortable with the guest.

Their calm, sweet and steady nature makes them- The BEST CAT BREED FOR APARTMENTS

Colours

The Exotics are among the cats they come in the largest number of colours and patterns. You may find Exotics in as many as 80 colours and patterns. Some of the prominent colours are White, black, grey, red, creme, brown. Chocolate, fawn, lilac, silver, golden and more. Similarly, their common patterns are all tabbies, various colour points, bicolour, tabby and white, tortoiseshell, tortie and white, calico, dilutes of calico and tortie, lynx, torbie and caliby.

Eye Colour

Their eyes can be blue, green, copper, brown, hazel and odd-eyes.  

9. The Most Energetic Cat Breed: Bengal Cat: The Miniature Leopard

Quick Breed Overview Table

Bengals have all the energy, agility, and attitude of a leopard yet they are cute and adorable. Having a Bengal is like having a little wild cat in the house.

And yes, you often find them perching on the shelf or at the top of the cupboard don’t blame them for that as it is in their genes. They are famous for their rough and tough muscular body. Their rare limbs are a bit longer than usual cats which help them to jump and climb.

Bengal is known for its unique colours and facets. Having a Bengal as your pet you can proudly enjoy being different from the rest.

Origin

Bengal is a hybrid between Egyptian Maus and Asian cat Leopard. It got its name from the scientific name of leopard(Prionailurus bengalensis).

Bengal Cat breed was first developed in 1963 by Jean Mill of the USA, but, it was only perfected in the mid-1980s.

Size

Bengal is a medium-sized cat breed. Their length is about Length:10 to 12 inches(excluding the tail). As far as the weight is concerned they can be 8 to 15 pounds (3.5kg to 6kg approx.)

Personality

They are lively, talkative, confident, and brilliant cats. They enjoy the company of humans(even of other cats).

Your Bengal cat would need a lot of exercise and outdoor space. Well, obviously, it has to meet its temptation derived from the “big daddy”(the leopard).

If you could able to arrange a cat tree for them then they’ll be more than happy with you

Colours

This elite cat breed is one of the most beautiful cat breeds and the only breed that has facets.

These marks could be in various forms such as spots. rosettes, arrowhead marking, and marbling. Their background colour can be grey-brown, sandy-brown, tawny-brown, sorrel, silver. And the most unique feature is the distinctive plush that makes them stand out of the queue. 

Eyes Colour

The basic colours of the Bengal eyes are green, blue and gold but they can have different shades. Some of these eye colours are hazel, copper, sky blue, blue emerald, grey-tawny and others.

10. The Cutest Cat: British Shorthair: The Puss in Boots’s Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

Do you know where have you seen the British Shorthair?

Yes, You are right! It is the same clever feline of ‘Puss in the Boot’ and the inspiration to Lewis Caroll for ‘Alice in Wonderland.

The British Shorthair is one of the cutest cat breeds along with the Persian and Scottish Fold. They are so sweet that you can’t resist loving them.

Origin

This classic cat breed has an interesting history. Although, it is the oldest cat breed of England yet it is a migrant. This breed came to England from Egypt in 43A.D. when the Romans invaded England.

Size 

They come in the category of medium to large-sized cats weighing around 8 to 17 pounds (3.5 kg to 7 kg approx.). Also, they can grow in length anywhere between 12 to 15 inches. The British Shorthair has a strong build, with broad- chest, head, and cheeks. Powerful rounded paws and blunt-tipped tail.

Personality

The British Shorthair is not a ‘lap cat. But don’t make wrong assumptions that they are rude and arrogant.

Not at all!

In fact, they are pretty easy-going dignified, and sweet-natured ladies(or gentlemen). Who like to be with their owner. But it doesn’t mean that you would pick them up and carry them anywhere you go.

THEY SIMPLY DON’T LIKE IT AT ALL!

British shorthairs are another very good breed to keep in apartments.

Colours

Plush textured coat with a crisp look instead of fluffy because she has only one layer of hair instead of double coats. When it comes to colours, you will find them in a range of colours like black, blue, white, cream, red, golden, silver. Cinnamon and fawn are the most recently accepted colours. The Look of the coat is dense and plush rather than woolly. You will also notice a firm crisp pile as they move.

Eyes Colours

The point patterned British Shorthairs have blue eyes. Those who have solid colours and other patterns can have eyes including n but not limited to gold, brown, green, gold, copper, and aqua. 

11. Himalayan Cat- The Himmy

Quick Breed Overview Table

We talk about cats and don’t take the name of Himalayan, that can’t be possible. Known as “Himmy’ this long-haired cat is a crossbreed between the Persian and Siamese Cat. Look wise they resemble Persians so closely that most people commonly think that they are Persians.

Himalayan can be even larger than Persian cats with longer hair, blue eyes, and round eyes. Himalayan (like Persian) is laid back cat breed with a little more energy than the Persian cat. She loves to stay calm and mind her business.

New cat lovers also get confused in differentiating between the Himalayan and Birman as both breeds look very similar to each other.

Origin

Breeders have been trying to cross-bred Persian with Siamese to get the attributes of both cats(physique of Persian and colour points of Siamese) as long as the 1920s.

The first successful attempt was made by Brian Sterling-Webb in the year 1955 in the U.K and he called it Longhaired Colourpoints which was recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).  After two years Margaret Goforth in the U.S.A had similar success and this time he named it ‘Himalayan’ due to its similarity in colourpoints with the Himalayan Rabbit.

Size

When it comes to size, th Himalayan can be 17 to 19 inches long and their weight can be 3.2 kg to 5.4 kg.

Personality

Himalayan is a calm, peaceful and sweet cat breed that loves to keep itself near the owner. Often she would find her palace in your lap while you would be watching T.V.  

On the other hand, she’s a bit shy as far as strangers are concerned and takes time to accept them in her home.

Himalayan likes Serene environment and don’t like changes much. Her preferences are perfectly complemented by her disciplined personality. 

If you want to have a cat but are sceptical about the mess she might create then Himalayan is the breed for you. As she doesn’t like to jump, climb and test her muscles a lot because of her heavy physique and loves following the rules set by you.

Colours

Since the Himalayan is the point version of the Persian therefore no solid colours are accepted in Himalayan. So, what colours can they have? Many actually, their coat can several beautiful patterns all them are different variations of the basic colourpoint pattern. These patterns can be Blue-point, seal point, lilac point, chocolate point, red point, cream point, lynx point and tortie point and more.

Eye Colour

The Himalayan can have only blue eyes though different shades of blue are allowed

THE HIMALAYAN CAT IS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE TO PERSIAN. IF YOU WANT A CAT THAT LOOKS LIKE PERSIAN BUT WHO IS MORE PLAYFUL THAN HER.

12. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Skogkatt

Quick Breed Overview Table

Norwegian Forest Cat is also known as Skogkatt in Norway is another long-haired cat breed with a very thick dense coat(almost waterproof) and athletic body. She has a triangular head, jutted eyes, a long bushy tail(like ragamuffin), and a broad chest. However, don’t expect her to be very playful and energetic. 

This is a great breed to keep if you live in the colder regions. In India, people who live in the Northern States can keep this breed. However, I wouldn’t recommend you to own her if you live in the Central, Deccan or the South Indian states.

Origin

As the name suggests this breed originated in Norway but its exact history is still unknown to the world. Some of her possible ancestors could be Siberian Forest Cat, Turkish Angora or British Shorthair.

At once, this breed had almost become extinct. Fortunately, by the efforts of breeders, it made a remarkable comeback in the 1970s. The American Cat Fanciers Association accepted this breed in the year 1994.

Size

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large longhaired cat breed. Therefore you can expect her to be 12 to 18 inches long and 10 to 19 pounds (4.5 kg to 9 kg) in weight.

Personality

She also has an athletic body and a very friendly personality like Maine Coon therefore she’s also known as Gentle-Giant too.

She loves to play, run, climb, jump and perch on the cat trees, cupboards and kitchen tops. 

She loves to be around the members of the family but doesn’t like to welcome guests and strangers.

If you have children and dogs in the household and you are doubtful about whether to bring a cat or not? Don’t worry, go ahead and bring her she is good to go with both children and dogs as long as they accept her in the same way.

Norwegian forest cat is another great breed to keep in a busy family due to her habit of entertaining and taking care of herself.

Colours

The Norwegian Forest Cats can be white, cream, red, black, brown, blue, cream and silver, fawn lilac, beige and tan and several patterns and shadings Tabby, bicolour, tricolour, tortoiseshell, calico and various shading but no colour points(think of Siamese).

Eyes Colours 

The colour of their eyes can be green, gold, copper, blue or they may have odd eyes

NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT IS  FOR THOSE WHO WANT LONG-HAIRED CAT BREEDS THAT LOOKS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM PERSIAN.

13. Turkish Angora: The Ankara Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

Turkish Angora(AKA Ankara) is a  beautiful Cat Breed with distinctive characteristics such as semi-long & silky coat, fine bones, slender body,  and tapered tail. She has an active and loving personality. Because of her playful nature and elegant appearance she is known as Ballerina of the Cat Fancy. 

Origin

Turkish Angoras has a rich history. The breed originated in central Anatolia. 

There is some evidence that the breed originated in Anatolia which is a large region comprising major parts of modern-day Turkey along with some parts of Russia and Persia(Iran)  from long-haired cats in Turkey, Russia and Persia. However, its actual origin is contradictory. Due to its association with Ankara(capital of Turkey), it got its name as Ankara cat. Nowadays, this breed is widely accepted by almost all the major associations of the world such as CFA, TICA, ACFA

Size

Turkish Angora is a medium-sized cat breed with a slender body and semi-long hair. She can grow up to 14 to 16 inches and 7.5 pounds to 12 pounds (3.5to 5.4 kg) in weight.

Habits

Turkish Angora is the lightning of the cat world. She’s super active, full of energy and loaded with all the arsenal she needed to lift the household on her head. She loves to welcome the gets; likes the company of other cats, and tries everything to get human attention.

She’s one of the healthiest breeds and lives a long life. 

Colours 

White is the most loved colour of this cat. Yet, it has a range of different colours, shades and patterns. White, dense coal black, blue cream, black, blue various solid colours which the Turkish Angora can have. Her patterns include Tabby, solid colours in combination with silver, tabby and white, calico dilute calico, tortoiseshell, dilute tortoiseshell, torbie, smoke, and shadings.

Eye Colour

The Turkish Angora can have a wide range of eye colours such as blue, sapphire, aqua blue, sky blue, green, gold, copper, green-gold and odd-eyed.

14. Scottish Fold: The Lop-Eared Cat

Quick Breed Overview Table

Scottish fold(earlier known as lop-eared cats) is one of the most unique and cutest cat breeds when it comes to looks. Scottish Fold kittens are at the pinnacle of cuteness.

Their folded hair, chubby body, owl-like rounded eyes, and rounded face make them look like a living toy. Don’t Ibe surprised if they remind you of an owl. LOL.

Their kittens have normal ears at the time of birth. Then gradually, their ears begin to fold when they become three weeks old. Their ears also differ on the basis of folds. Some cats of this breed can have loose folds while others have strong folds. Likewise, some Scottish Folds have single folds while the others may have double or triple folds.

You’ll be surprised by knowing that the Scottish fold is not recognised as a separate breed in Scotland because of health concerns.

Origin

Do you like stories? Of course, you do. After all, we’ve grown up listening to them. And guess what, Scottish Fold has a very interesting story behind her becoming an established breed. 

Back in 1961, in Scotland, there lived a shepherd named Wiliam Ross. He had a unique cat with folded ears. Her name was Susie. Susie worked as a mouse cat in Willam’s barn.

After that Susie gave birth to a male kitten, Snook. When ‘Snook’ turned into an adult he had another male kitten who was later bred with British Shorthair cat and that gave birth to a new breed that we know as ‘Scottish Fold’. 

Interesting, isn’t it?

Size 

Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats. Their length can be in the range of 8 to 16 inches while the weight can be around 8 to 14 pounds(4 kg to 6.3 kg).

Personality

It is another cat breed that loves to be with its owner. They love their owner so much that there is a danger of developing separation anxiety if you leave them for longer durations. 

That’s why this breed is not for you if you have to leave her alone for a long time. If you still want to have her then convince or hire someone to do cat sitting for you.

The rest of the things about her are great. She is loving, playful, friendly, intelligent and happy to live with humans, other cats and even dogs.

Colours 

They may have White, silver, cream, black, blue, cameo, brown, red, fawn, lilac, chocolate

lavender, ebony and beige. On the other hand, their patterns can be tabby, tabby and white, shading, bicolour, calico, dilute calico, caliby(calico and tabby), tortoiseshell, and colourpoints. 

Eyes Colours

The two most common colours of the Scottish fold are brilliant gold and copper. However, they can also have blue, green, hazel, brown, aqua blue and brown colours.

15. American Shorthair

Quick Information Table

The American Shorthair (ASH) is a low-maintenance, medium-sized, and long-living cat breed with very strict conformation standards. 

They are affectionate, easy-going and friendly cats who prefer to be around their owners. 

Origin

When the early European settlers sailed to America from Europe they brought with them cats to kill the rats on a ship in order to protect the cargo.

When these cats landed on the new continent and bred with the native cats eventually gave rise to a new cat breed called Domestic Shorthaired cats. Later, American car registries put strict conformation standards on these cats and renamed them as American Shorthair to keep alive her American identity and differentiate it from other Short-Haired cat breeds.

Size

Their length can be length 8 to 10 inches and their weight can be more or less 10 to 14 pounds(4 kg to 6.5 kg). Males are significantly larger than females and weigh higher too. 

Personality

As said above American Shorthairs are a healthy, easy-going, affectionate, very intelligent, social and easy-to-trained cat breed. 

They don’t need much of your time for grooming them. Thanks to their short hair. If you don’t like cats that are too vocal then this is a breed for you since they only open their mouth when needed.

Colours

American Shorthair cats have as many as eighty combinations of colours and patterns. Some American Shorthairs from Siamese ancestry can even have points but they are not allowed to be shown in cat shows. 

Some of the common colours of this breed are white, black, silver, cream, red, cameo, brown, red, chocolate and beige. They also come in many different patterns such as tabby, tabby and white, shading, bicolour, calico, dilute calico, caliby(calico and tabby), tortoiseshell, colourpoints, chinchilla, smoke and shading.

Eye Colours

The American Shorthaired can have blue, gold, copper green, amber and odd-eyed.

16. Ragamuffin

Quick Breed Overview Table

Ragamuffin is a close cousin of ragdolls. In fact, both ragdolls and ragamuffins are descended from the same cat.

This beautiful longhaired cat breed has a royal appearance, friendly personality, rabbit-like fur and a large, muscular body. 

Unlike Ragdoll which can only have blue eyes, ragamuffin can have eyes of any colour. Until 1994 they were not other than a variant of ragdolls but registered as a separate breed due to a controversy.

At the time of birth, their kittens are white and gradually develop a colour pattern as they grow old.

Origin

Long story short. Ragamuffin was developed from a domestic longhaired white cat named “Josephine” who was either Persian or Turkish Angora in the 1960s. Initially, Ann Baker developed a breed by purchasing a kitten of Josephine and named that breed ‘Ragdoll’. She also registered her cat association called IRCA.

In the 1960s, a regular, non-pedigreed, white, domestic long-haired cat named Josephine (of unknown Angora or Persian stock), who had produced several litters of typical kittens, eventually produced a litter of unusually docile kittens. When the subsequent litter produced more of the same, Ann Baker (an established cat breeder) purchased several kittens from the owner and set out to create what is now known as the Ragdoll. But when she imposed a strict standard on cats to be sold under ragdoll names, some of the members of her group separated from her and registered a new breed with the name Ragamuffin in 1994.

Size

Ragamuffin is a large and strong domestic cat breed. They can grow as long as 20 inches in length (excluding tail) and about 15 inches in height. A fully grown ragamuffin male can weigh up to 9 kg or more.

Colours

Ragamuffin is recognised in every colour, pattern and eye colour. Some of the common colours are white, black, blue, brown, chocolate, red, cream, cameo, lavender, lilac, fawn silver, cinnamon, platinum and chestnut. You may find this beauty in solid, colourpoints, tabby, shading, smoke, tortie, tortie and white, bicolour, tricolour and mitted patterns.

Eye Colours

Ragamuffins’ eyes can be blue, aqua blue, green, hazel, brown, gold, and odd-eyed.

Frequently Ask Questions(FAQs)

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of this blog post. I tried my best to present before you the most authentic information about ‘the best cat breeds’. So if you are planning to become a cat owner, you can choose the best breed according to your preference, region, budget, and available time.

With an immense hope, that now you have found what you were looking for I’ll stop typing at this point. If you do not agree with any of the choices or find some questionable information then don’t hesitate to contact me. I will respond to you ASAP. 

If you liked the article then kindly do let me know in the comments. And, yes don’t forget to share in your social groups. So which cat are you gonna bring home?