Cats, on the other hand, don't get the same respect. Instead of being called out as loyal, lovable or clever, kitties are most often described as aloof and independent. But don't dismiss pedigree! Just as in dogs, breed can help determine a cat's personality. American shorthairs, for example, are affectionate; sphynxes are known mischief makers.
Established in 1906, the Cat Fanciers' Association culls an annual list of the most popular cat breeds based on kittens registered each year. Persians, the breed that took the top spot in 2008, have been the most registered breed for decades. The Exotic, who many describe as the lazy man's Persian, overtook the Maine coon to strut into the number two spot. And Oriental shorthairs, with a selection of over 750 colors and patterns, continue to lock in 10th place.
Cat Breeds
Persian
Posh-looking Persians may be best known for eating Fancy Feast out of crystal goblets, but the regal-looking breed is surprisingly undemanding. Rather, Persians are gentle and playful with quiet, sing-songy voices. Their long hair and large eyes do require regular cleaning, but if you introduce them to baths when they are young, they'll acclimate quickly.
Exotic
Here, "Exotic" is a noun, not an adjective. Sometimes called "the lazy man's Persian," this shorthair has the qualities of a Persian without the high-maintenance hair. Since Exotics mature later than most breeds, they remain very playful as adults, and some are so friendly, they'll even sit on your shoulder and hug you while you pet them.
Maine Coon
After a Maine Coon named Cosey won the first National Cat Show in 1895, the breed exploded in popularity. Named for its mouse-catching skills up North, Maine Coons are ideally suited to New England weather, harsh winters and all. These gentle giants are extremely intelligent and loving, making them a great companion for children and dogs.
Siamese
Disney's animated feature The Lady and the Tramp famously spotlights two Siamese cats named Si and Am that sing, "There is no finer cat than I am." Many agree: The breed – easily recognized by its slanted, deep blue, almond-shaped eyes – is the quintessential "people" cat. They bond quickly and love to lounge on their owners' laps.
Abyssinian
The ancient Abyssinian is a muscular cat with large "bunny" ears. Widely considered one of the most intelligent breeds, Abyssinians love to be around people – although not necessarily on their laps. Instead, they like to follow their owners around and see what they're up to. Once they've detected your schedule, it may seem as though the Aby has you trained instead of vice versa!
Ragdoll
For those who want a cat that's more like a dog, the Ragdoll is an optimal choice. These canine-esque felines will run to greet their owners at the door, follow them around the house, and sleep with them. Most can even be taught basic dog tricks like "Come" and "Fetch." Another benefit: shedding is minimal – and in turn, so is grooming.
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Sphynx
After the discovery that hairlessness is a natural mutation in cat genes, it wasn't long before a lineage of bald cats was bred. Now called Sphynxes, these felines may lack fur, but they more than make up for it in personality. Natural-born mischief makers and performers, Sphynxes will always keep you entertained -- but they're not much for snuggling.
Ardea / Retna
American Shorthair
Originally called the Domestic Shorthair, this breed received its new national name to represent its "All American" attitude. Indeed, these cats are low-maintenance, easygoing and affectionate. Although they can grow as large as fifteen pounds, they're extremely healthy and live longer than most other breeds, making them a great companion for kids and dogs.
Birman
If you prefer your pet a bit more divine, consider the Birman, long considered sacred in its home country of Burma. The silky-haired Birman is an extremely perceptive cat that happily adjusts to its owner's schedule: It will stay quiet and unobtrusive when you are actively busy, and snuggly and playful during your downtime.
Oriental
Those seeking an around-the-clock companion need look no further than the Oriental. This tall, slender cat will stick its nose wherever you are – whether trying to snatch a scrap of dinner or dive into your laundry machine. In fact, Orientals become so attached that if left alone for a long stretch, you may return to a cold shoulder. But don't worry -- they'll always forgive you; their loyalty is unmatched.
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- AKC's Top 10 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. in 2009
kitty rock
I love cats. I have 4 of them. However, I love none better than my 15 year-old female Siamese!!! She is EXTREMELY aloof with those she does not know and will go so far as to "protect" me. She is MY snuggly Baby though. I am barely swinging my legs into bed at night before she is trying to perch on my hip. She gets "mad" at me if I am out too long--and won't sit with me on the couch, walk around with me, OR come to bed. She IGNORES me--LOL. BUT, she's so NEEDY she really can't stand it herself & comes crawling into the bed to cuddle when she is CERTAIN I'm sleeping!!! She's got LOTS of personality & is still so playful, flexible & energetic. In NO way does she resemble any 15 year-old cat I'VE ever met before!!!
I have three cats of my own and four cats if you count the one that belongs to my roommate. I am also an active foster house for abused and disobedient cats as well as a local pet sitter. I have found within reason that any cat can become a well trained cat as long as it is loved and shown a bit of discipline. A home without proper training gives the cat a sense of insecurity which it seeks to find on its own, often getting into trouble and expressing itself with undesirable behavior. All of my cats have at one time lived in a negative environment where abuse was present and all with love and discipline have come around greatly. Now they no longer fear humans and actually are considered by all my friends (even those who claim to hate cats) as the best cats they have ever known.
I, too, have fostered abused and feral cats and found the same thing. People who come to my house are amazed at how well they listen to me. My cats are better behaved than many children.
I have found that you get exactly what you expect with a cat. If you expect and treat them like a stupid animal, that's what you'll get... a cat that eats, sleeps, uses the box, and occasionally acknowledges your existence.
On the other hand, if you treat them like intelligent companions, that's exactly what you'll get. I started fostering with the rescue while trying to have a child for 12 years. My cats behave like toddlers with their mommy. They are anything but aloof or independent. In fact, I once joked with my stepfather that if my cats were any less aloof and independent I'd never get anything done. Yes, they do sometimes jump up where they should not be. Then I walk in the room, snap my fingers and point at the floor, so they complain and jump right back down. I can call any one of them from anywhere in my house, and she will come. They cuddle with me every time a part of me is horizontal enough. I often even have one on the back of the couch behind my head, one on my lap and one on my chest when I sit down to watch television.
all my fends like my cats 2 even cat haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
My cat bites me for no apparent reason What can I do?
"I am a product of Siam, there is no finer cat than I am"...so true,
SIAMESE RULE.
yes i agree,i have a choc point.its a shame that the idiots at the association refuse 2 agknowedge the apple head siamese as the true siamese.the skinny ugly ones are considered the "papered" breed/wtf is up with that.its sad.if i wanted a papered rat id go 2 the vermin store!
I love cats. I have 4 of them. However, I love none better than my 15 year-old female Siamese!!! She is EXTREMELY aloof with those she does not know and will go so far as to "protect" me. She is MY snuggly Baby though. I am barely swinging my legs into bed at night before she is trying to perch on my hip. She gets "mad" at me if I am out too long--and won't sit with me on the couch, walk around with me, OR come to bed. She IGNORES me--LOL. BUT, she's so NEEDY she really can't stand it herself & comes crawling into the bed to cuddle when she is CERTAIN I'm sleeping!!! She's got LOTS of personality & is still so playful, flexible & energetic. In NO way does she resemble any 15 year-old cat I'VE ever met before!!!
Since when did the comments section become a place for you people to tout your goods?!
Birmans rule over all cats!!!!!!!!
SurMichaelsBirmans.com
my persian cat has two different color eyes and she is all white,my problem is that she has huge hair ball around her face and is afraid to get fully comb.how can i end this problem?
I have a Maine Coon... Abby Rose, she is everything the breed is claimed to be. And she loves to be groomed, we do it daily while watching TV. When people come to call, Abby Rose greets them as if they came to see her, and she is polite and loving, and quiet. Abby Rose likes other pets, too. Dogs are her favorite, she grew up with an Irish Wolfhound, now passed-on, he was her 'dad dog'. Very funny to see a giant cat and a giant dog couching around together. We have had rescue cats, one recently died, he was 17 years old, a classic short-haired tabby named Grover (RIP "Grover" ;-). Our Maine Coon always treated him with kindness and respect as the senior cat in the family. While Grover was ill, Abby Rose took good care of him, and groomed him daily.
www.ElizabethEaganCox.net
I just got a Maine Coon about 6 weeks ago. His name was Dollars, when I got him, but he comes when I call, "Fluffy," "Dollars," or "Kitty." He is just precious and so gentle. He's probably 2 years old. He weighs 10#. He has the neatest little trick. He sits on his hind legs and rubs his two front paws together when he wants to get my attention or wants petted. He is just adorable. He follows me all over the house. I may have had other Maine coons, because my first kitty, that I got while just in grade school was long haired and tiger striped with a Big M on her forehead, therefore, I named her Big M. I had never heard of the Maine Coon breed, until I checked out a cat site right after bringing Dollars home, to see if I could find out anymore information and decided he must be a Maine Coon, because he fit the whole description, from the tufts of fur in his ears, to the mane-like fur around his neck. He also has a white throat and white on the tips of all his paws. Also, none of my other kitties (mostly all female) were ever as big as he is. I'm also wondering if my Tuxedo marked cat was a Maine Coon. He was all black with white markings on his throat and on the front of each of his paws. He was a bigger size, too, but maybe that's because I was mostly used to the size of female cats.
Birmans Rule over all cats
www.SurMichaelsBirmans.com
Our Persian looks much like the #1 photo on this site (white with big eyes, short ears, pudgy legs, beautifu tail), she is handsome and loving. However, the search for a sire, not to own, but to send her to, has been fruitless. Any suggestions on how to locate a "husband" for her? She has great papers, and that would be a requirement for the male. We are in Contra Costa County, California. Thank you for any suggestions!!
Get your cat SPAYED! It's obvious you have no idea what you're doing! I really hope no one is dumb enough to provide your cat a "husband".
Thank you, Sarah! It never ceases to amaze me that people still want to have litters of kittens (or puppies, for that matter), when thousands upon thousands of animals are euthanized every day in shelters. I have four rescued kitties (all spayed or neutered of course) and I wouldn't trade any of them for a "superior" purebred. I also hope that no one takes up this lady's request for a "husband" cat. More kittens to find homes for..yay!
Birmans Rule over all cats!
www.SurMichaelsBirmans.com
yes birmans are in a class all thier own,i got mine cause the woman had allergys and couldnt keep him.she thought he was a long haired siamese lol! i got him for nothing!!! omg!!!! hes the best,named him teddy,he looks like a little lion w/his maine,deffinetly devine!