Cat Breeds - Which One Is Right For You.

Just how many different cat breeds there are can vary, as new breeds are being recognised all the time.

Unlike dogs, many of them have not developed naturally but have been specifically created by cat breeders around the world.

Some breeds are developed for a specific purpose i.e. to catch rats and mice or to be able to cope with particularly harsh weather conditions, whilst others have simply been bred for their looks and temperament.

While most of us will have just a plain common moggy as a pet (we all know there is nothing plain or common about any of them), I thought that many of you may have an interest in other cat breeds.

Some May even be curious about their characteristics, or may be even be looking to give a particular breed of cat a place in your home and need to find out which breed would suit you and your family best.

I have therefore added this section to provide some of this information.

cat breed Cornish Rex picture by PJLewis What is a Pedigree?

A pedigree cat describes a cat that can track their parentage back over several generations and there is written evidence of this.

For instance a pedigree Siamese cat and a pedigree Persian cat could be mated and the kittens would be pedigree kittens also but they would not be classified as a new Siamese/ Persian breed until further subsequent litters are produced covering several generations.

The number of different cat breeds that are classified depends on the country and the particular cat organisations.

So where one particular breed might be recognised by one group it may not be by another. This will only really matter to you if you intend to show your cat at competitions.

Coat types and temperaments

Although in general terms there is only two recognised coat types, shorthaired and long haired, these two groups can encompass many different types of characteristics, such as thick triple layer coats to short wavy coats and even to hardly any fur at all.

The longhaired and medium length coats obviously need far more attention than short coats and will require a lot more attention from the owners of the cats. This should be one of your major considerations when deciding on a cat breed.

Although the personality of each individual cat will differ depending on its up bringing and life experiences, it is safe to predict that some cat breeds have particular characteristics or temperaments and can therefore be judged as to whether they will be what you are looking for in a pet.

Here are a list of the more popular cat varieties and some of their basic characteristics. Over time as I add more pages to this section, each one will have further details and information about the particular breed.

Abyssinian Cats - one of the oldest breeds on record, regal, sleek.

American Curl - ears curled back, likes attention.

American Shorthair - lithe, powerful bodies

Bengal Cats - energetic, athletic, affectionate

Birman cats - Gentle, loyal, non aggressive, enjoy being with humans, quiet

Bombay Cats - A cat with a sllek black coat and a sedate, affectinate nature.

Burmese cats - active, inquisitive, friendly, adaptable

Javanese - plume like tail, fuzzy britches, foxy look

Maine Coon cats - New England cats with coats designed to withstand the harsh winters, Gentle and strong

Manx cats - tailless, calm, active, loyal, intelligent

Munchkin Cats -Short-Legged

Norwegian Forest Cats - natural breed, charming and affectionate.