| Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for | | | | They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive |
| their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful | | | | voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love |
| lines, and great disposition, these animals offer | | | | people and become extremely attached to their |
| companionship and entertainment to those who love | | | | doting owners. |
| them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but | | | | 6. Ragdoll |
| knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats | | | | A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has |
| may help. | | | | long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding |
| 1. Persian | | | | Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing |
| Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats | | | | animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate |
| and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran | | | | personalities, and a large body. These animals love |
| and were transported to the rest of the world along | | | | people and usually want to be close to their owners. |
| with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and | | | | The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular |
| owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions | | | | maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not |
| and quiet voices. | | | | require any special care. They were developed in the |
| Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because | | | | 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats |
| of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires | | | | and other free-roaming felines. |
| considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely | | | | 7. Sphynx |
| hardy and long-lived. | | | | The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the |
| 2. Maine Coon | | | | Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely |
| The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a | | | | without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to |
| marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders | | | | create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few |
| than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon | | | | health problems. |
| originated in North America and is known for its | | | | Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the |
| superb mousing ability. | | | | nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a |
| Also known for its loving disposition and keen | | | | friendly personality, and is very curious and |
| intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired | | | | attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this |
| breed. These cats are wonderful with children and | | | | breed, it requires bathing. However, some people |
| good with dogs as well. | | | | with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a |
| 3. Exotic | | | | Sphynx. |
| The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic | | | | 8. Birman |
| cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the | | | | Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred |
| Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic | | | | animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long |
| differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats | | | | hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, |
| have a short, easy-to-care-for coat. | | | | making it easier to care for than some other breeds. |
| Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make | | | | The personality of the Birman is considered nearly |
| excellent pets. They are not demanding but are | | | | ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once |
| playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature | | | | sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is |
| later than other cat breeds. These cats physically | | | | tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. |
| resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and | | | | The eyes of this breed are very round and blue. |
| make wonderful family pets. | | | | 9. American Shorthair |
| 4. Abyssinian | | | | Known for their spectacular disposition, the American |
| Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, | | | | Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful |
| the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted | | | | companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, |
| eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. | | | | long-lived, quiet, and good looking. |
| The extremely short hair of this breed makes it | | | | Records show that the American Shorthair, originally |
| distinctive and easy to care for. | | | | called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on |
| Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a | | | | the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years |
| personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat | | | | to ensure that these animals have the desired |
| breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are | | | | qualities for the breed, despite their physical |
| known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing | | | | similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals. |
| sensitivity, and personable attitude. | | | | 10. Oriental |
| 5. Siamese | | | | Devoted to their owners and interested in being a |
| Originally from Thailand, Siamese cats are easily | | | | part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. |
| identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The | | | | They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as |
| color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the | | | | to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails. |
| structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders | | | | Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 |
| strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped | | | | different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the |
| head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail. | | | | selection of these animals extremely diverse. They |
| The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take | | | | are also noted for their large, open ears and |
| care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. | | | | almond-shaped eyes. |