Different Breeds of Cats

There are a number of different breeds of cats in the world, which are characterized by their temperaments, physical characteristics and their behavior. Read on to know more about the names of the different breeds of cats along with the information on some of the famous cat breeds.
"One must love a cat on its own terms." - Paul Gray

Independent and solitary, dignified yet playful, the smallest of the felines is certainly a masterpiece. With an uncanny habit of knowing what you want and utilizing it to fulfill its needs, cats are one of the most popular pets throughout the world. For years humans have bred these fascinating creatures to explore some of the unique traits of the different breeds of cats which include the physical characteristics such as the coat type, body of the cat and the cat behavior and personality. Around the world there are a number of cat registries that record and classify the pedigreed cat breeds. So how many different breeds of cats are there and what are their names? Take a look at some of the recognized cat breeds around the world and their characteristics.

How Many Cat Breeds are there in the World?

Different registries and associations recognize the breeds of cats. For example Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognizes around forty breeds of cats while the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA) recognizes 73 feline breeds. In addition to this, there are a number of non pedigreed cats such as the domestic cat, moggie or alley cats. Sometimes the cats may be classified based on the color and the patterns such as the tabbies, solid colored cats, tri colored cats and the torties.

Names of Different Breeds of Cats

Abyssinian Cats: Remember the sacred cats in the sculptures and paintings of ancient Egypt. Well, that is how the Abyssinian cat breed looks like. The intelligent eyes shining with vitality and a beautiful arched neck accompanies the graceful, muscular bodies of these cats. One of the most famous cat breeds around the world, the Abyssinian cats were registered as a cat breed in the 1890s. High-spirited and extremely intelligent, these cats are loving and love to have the attention showered on them. Do not worry in a few days they will teach you how to do it. Read more on the Abyssinian cat.

American Shorthair Cats: Healthy and hardy, these cats were once working cats in the barns and fields of the early Americans. This accounts for its gentle and even temperament that makes them wonderful pets for children. They are quite sociable and can easily adapt to people and other pets in the house. This popular cat breed is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns which range from the striking brown patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white cats or the beautiful shaded silvers to the flashy calico van

Birman Cats: These sacred cats of Burma are said to have originated from the country and were the companion cats of the Kittah priests. Recognized as a separate breed in 1925, the Birman cat breed is known for its long silky fur which has a light golden hue to it. Affectionate, gentle and compassionate, these cats have a gentle temperament and are quite people friendly. Read more on white cat breeds.

Maine Coon Cats: Beautiful with silky long hair, this is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. It has a muscular body and a broad chest along with a long tail of fur. This large cat is known for its amazing personality that is playful and loving. Its curious and intelligent personality makes Maine Coon cats one of the best known cats known to man. Read more on the large house cat breeds.

Persian Cats: Best known for its role in the Hollywood movie "Stuart Little", Persian cats are probably the best known breeds known to man for nearly 125 years. These long haired cats with a "squashed up" face are gentle and placid with a need for love and affection from its owners. Not to forget the incessant attention that this cat breed seeks with daily grooming sessions of the long fur and hours of being fussed over. Read more on the Persian cat personality.

Cat Breeds List From the long haired Persian cats to the "almost bald" Sphynx cats, different breeds of cats are marked by their distinct personalities and physical features. So while choosing a pet for your family, select the cat breed that suits your lifestyle and home.
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Published: 2/11/2010
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