Cat Breeds

We’ve written extensively on dog-related products in the past. And while it’s clear that dogs are popular pets, there are actually more cats in American homes than dogs. A rather surprising stat, as dogs are considered “man’s best-friend.” Yet, cats reign supreme in absolute numbers.

A cat is a uniquely different pet compared to a dog. Those seeking what some would say a more intelligent companion in the home, potentially less-loving from a behavioral perspective, but infinitely more independent and easier to care for, cats are a wonderful option. As many cat owners will attest to, nobody really owns a cat. They do what they want, when they want, and if you’re on board, good for you. Cats have been living with humans for over 12,000 years. Much of that time was not intentional by the human, but rather the cat entered the home and established its presence.

Yet, as dogs became more and more domesticated, cat fans sought to do the same. There are an estimated 90 million domesticated cats in the States. The cat services and products industry is valued in the billions, and cat breeding is big business. Some breeds have been around for centuries, while we have created others. Let’s walk through some of the more popular breeds you can find today.

Siamese

The Siamese cat traces its roots to modern day Thailand. Formerly known as Siam, this breed helped to form offshoot breeds like the Himalayan, Sphynx and the Oriental Shorthair. You can spot a Siamese cat due to its “points.” These are markings or coloration patterns on their tail, feet, face or ears. One variety of Siamese come with an “apple” shaped head, while the other has a slightly larger head. Siamese cats have made their way onto the big screen due to their beauty, and they’re a sought-after breed, no doubt about it.

Persian

Persian cats are lovingly referred to as the “smushed-face” cat. Available in nearly every color imaginable, if you’re not a fan of cat hair, this is a breed to ignore. Persian cats have beautiful fur coats, but it doesn’t all stick to them. These coats require regular grooming, and matting will occur if you’re not diligent about it. Another issue with Persians is they are susceptible to diseases like cardiac and renal problems.

Maine Coon

You might not have heard of this breed, but you’ve likely seen them everywhere. Maine Coon cats are big cats with thick fur coats. They derive from Maine, and were hunting cats centuries ago. Their fur coats and general stature is what sets them apart, and another interesting feature are spare toes. Maine Coon cats have a trait known as polydactylism, which are essentially spare toes. It’s a handy feature when you’re hunting down prey in thick snow.

Bengal

If you’re looking for a cat that looks like it just stepped out of a safari, look no further. Bengals are some of the wildest looking cats on the planet. As their name suggests, they have a Bengal tiger feel to them, and these are very active cats, so get ready to play and have them hopping around the house. Bengals come in an array of colors and patterns and were originally bred from wildcats and more docile domestic cats. It’s a beautiful breed, and understandably, quite popular.

There’s plenty more where these came from. Cats make for wonderful pets, but never