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In this article, you will discover 10 popular cat breeds that are suitable for various types of households. Whether you have children or other pets, there is a breed that will fit perfectly into your lifestyle and home environment. These breeds have consistently ranked among the top breeds in the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s list due to their friendly, affectionate, and playful nature. Each breed has its own unique personality, so it’s important to spend time with individual cats to find the perfect match for you. So, read on and get ready to find your new furry companion!
10 Popular Cat Breeds for Many Types of Households
These are the ten most popular cat breeds for every type of household that Beaconpet recommends for you, so you can find the right cat breed to suit your lifestyle and home environment. Some of the cat breeds listed consistently rank in the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s list of top dog breeds due to being quite friendly, affectionate and playful. Many dog breeds can adapt to a variety of household situations, including living with children and other pets. However, some people are more active and may need more social time, while others do not. Read on to find the furry new companion that fits your personal lifestyle!
American Shorthair
The American shorthair, the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair, is a fairly low-maintenance pet. These cats are hardy, easygoing, and largely tolerant of whatever life throws their way. And if they receive proper socialization from a young age, many American shorthairs can get along well with children, strangers, and other pets. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 10 to 15 pounds. The American Shorthair is known for their athletic build and short, dense coat.
British Shorthair
The British shorthair is considered to be the oldest natural cat breed from England. While moderately active, British shorthairs are ideal household cats and can be comfortable with children and other pets. They’re generally not lap cats, but most are quite affectionate and prefer to be near their favorite humans. They have a height ranging from 12 to 14 inches and weigh between 7 to 17 pounds. The British Shorthair is known for their large head, round eyes, and well-balanced body.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian, also referred to as the Aby, is a lively and active cat. Many Abyssinians even love water, and most will spend their days climbing and exploring in your home. Be prepared to provide plenty of interactive play for an Aby, and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of loyalty. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 8 to 12 pounds. The Abyssinian is known for their tall, pointy ears, wedge-shaped head, and slender and muscular body.
Exotic
The exotic has been dubbed “the lazy man’s Persian” because it’s similar to the Persian cat in its sweet looks but has a coat that requires much less maintenance. Brushing or combing once a week is typically all it takes to keep the coat free of tangles. Exotics tend to be laid-back, loving lap cats, but they have a playful side, too. They have a height ranging from 10 to 12 inches and weigh between 10 to 12 pounds. The Exotic is known for their short legs, rounded body, and short nose.
Maine Coon
Contrary to folklore, the Maine coon isn’t the result of a cat breeding with a raccoon. It’s most likely a cross between an American domestic cat and a longhaired foreign cat. Maine coons have a “gentle giant” reputation and are generally comfortable around children and other pets. They are highly affectionate and engaged with their favorite humans, but they typically don’t demand attention. They have a height ranging from 10 to 16 inches and weigh between 10 to 25 pounds. The Maine Coon is known for their muscular build and thick, heavy coat.
Persian
With their flowing coat, sweet face, and affectionate disposition, it’s no wonder Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds. Persians prefer a calm, predictable environment and do best in quiet households. Their coats must be combed daily to prevent tangles as well as bathed weekly to keep them shiny and clean. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 7 to 12 pounds. The Persian is known for their long coat, short, stocky legs, and large, round eyes.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats got their name because of their tendency to relax and go limp in a person’s arms. These cats adore their humans and will follow them from room to room. They are often very tolerant with children and other pets, and they can be quite playful. They have a moderate energy level, and many are even willing to walk on a leash for exercise. They have a height ranging from 9 to 11 inches and weigh between 8 to 20 pounds. The Ragdoll is known for their blue eyes and semi-longhaired coat.
Scottish Fold
While the Scottish fold typically has ears that fold forward (a genetic mutation), the occasional kitten will have straight ears. In fact, all Scottish fold kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to bend forward after a few months. These cats are generally affectionate and easygoing, and they can adapt well to various living situations. They prefer to be around their favorite humans and love a good game of fetch. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 6 to 14 pounds. The Scottish Fold is known for their round body, large, round eyes, and folded ears.
Siamese
Siamese cats, fondly known as “Meezers,” are one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds. These cats tend to be curious, intelligent, and rather chatty. They will “talk” to their humans day and night to express their opinions and demand attention. They also need lots of entertainment from interactive toys or even on-leash walks, or they might seek out their own games, such as turning on faucets. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 8 to 10 pounds. The Siamese is known for their sleek body, almond-shaped eyes, and wedge-shaped head.
The Sphynx is another highly recognizable and popular cat breed, thanks to its hairless body and prominent features. These cats tend to be intelligent, curious, and easygoing. They often love meeting new people and can do well with children and other pets. But they do need to be kept warm due to their lack of coat, and their skin needs regular bathing to remove excess oil. They have a height ranging from 8 to 10 inches and weigh between 10 to 12 pounds. The Sphynx is known for their hairless appearance, wrinkled head, and lean build.
It’s important to remember that every cat has a unique personality within its breed. You can find many of these popular cat breeds at animal shelters, where you’ll be able to spend time with individual cats and get to know their temperaments. So, whether you prefer an active and playful cat like the Abyssinian, a low-maintenance and easygoing cat like the American Shorthair, or an affectionate and calm cat like the Persian, there is a breed out there that is perfect for you. Take the time to research and interact with different breeds to find your ideal feline companion.
