Cat Breeds – Everything You Need To Know About – The Ultimate Guide!

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Cat breeds ultimate guide

Who says that dogs are a man’s best friend? Cats can be loving and playful pets too! Our guide is designed to tell you all about some of the most famous cat breeds. These felines are not favorites because of their beauty or their price tag. They make genuinely good pets and extremely love.

However, we understand that choosing which cat to buy can be a bit confusing. This is why our detailed guide will give you all you need to know about these popular breeds, and you may be able to make a better decision after reading it!

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1- Siamese Cats

A Siamese kitten is resting over the flowers

What do Siamese cats look like?

Siamese cats are one of the most famous cat breeds out there. Even if you are not a specialist in felines, you must have heard of or seen this breed somewhere around. The appearance of these cats is one of the factors that make these cats extremely popular. These cats have a cream or white-ish coat with darker colors over it.

Their face, tail, and feet are almost black, and these darker shades provide such a stark contrast that it looks as if they have been specially painted that way. These cats can range from 8 to 10 inches long and are lean but muscular. You will be surprised to know that these cats are found in a range of different shades.

For instance, other than just the typical cream color, you will find Siamese cats in shades of lilac and blue as well, such that the darker points on their coat appear to be gray-pink and gray-blue rather than just black. If you do a quick Google search, you will see all of these shades and see which ones you like best.

Some fun facts about the breed

Siamese cats are one of the most popular pets on the American continent. So much so that some Siamese cats have even lived in the White House! This is true since President Jimmy Carter’s daughter had a Siamese cat for a pet who lived with the President’s family in the White House.

Moreover, Siamese cats were also used by professional breeders for creating other breeds, such as the Burmese and the Balinese. This is because Siamese cats are extremely beautiful and possess a range of positive qualities that breeders want other cats to have.

What is their temperament like?

A woman is caressing her Siamese cat

Siamese cats are demanding in terms of attention. If you own one, be ready to hear quite a bit of meowing from them since they want their owners to play with them and pet them. This does not mean that Siamese cats will create problems for you; it’s just that you will need to take care of their needs.

You shouldn’t leave Siamese cats alone since they are fun-loving, social animals and like to have people around them all the time. Other than that, Siamese cats have a very docile nature. They mesh well with old people and children.

Moreover, some people even compare Siamese cats to dogs! While other cats are famous for being aloof and not too expressive, that is not the case with the beloved Siamese.

They are very expressive and like to show their owners how much they love them. You will never get bored with a Siamese cat either since these felines are like balls of energy.  They love participating in physical and mental games and are more than willing to join any activities you may have planned for them.

Are there any health issues you should know about?

Fortunately, Siamese cats are pretty healthy! This means that there are not too many health issues that you should be concerned about, and the general life expectancy of these pets can range up to 20 years. This means that if you adopt a Siamese kitten, these cats will probably grow up with your kids.

However, as is the case with all felines, there are some health conditions you should stay on the lookout for. These include liver diseases and dental problems. If you see that your cat is agitated or in pain, visit your vet immediately. Moreover, make visits to the vet more frequent as your cat grows up since the tendency of developing diseases increases with time.


2- Sphynx Cats

A Sphynx cat is sitting on black fur

What do Sphynx Cats look like?

The appearance of the Sphynx cat is not everyone’s cup of tea. This is because, unlike your average cat, the Sphynx cat is hairless or naked! Some people even say that the appearance of these felines is “clown-like” since they have very sharp faces and big eyes, and these features stand out because of the lack of hair on the cat.

These felines come in a range of colors, from chocolate brown to cream and even black. The “skin” of these cats can often be pigmented as well, which means that there can be patches of other colors on their skin as well. These cats also have a lot of wrinkles on their skin. This does not mean that these cats are old or aged.

All other cats also have these wrinkles; it is just that they do not appear that prominently on them since they have a lot of fur covering their bodies. These cats are not too bulky and can generally range from 6 to 14 pounds. Our survey tells us that the appearance of these felines can be a bit divisive. Many people do not prefer them as their ideal pets since they do not fit into the traditional cat framework that we have in our minds.

However, once you get past their appearance and their large, lemon-shaped eyes, you will fall in love with them. These cats are playful, funny, and incredibly loving and make great pets that fit in easily with large families. Their height can range up to 10 inches, meaning that they are not too tall and have a life expectancy of up to 15 years.

What care do they need?

While Sphynx cats are hairless, many people think that they do not need much upkeep. That is not true. If anything, these cats need slightly more maintenance than your average cat. Since this breed does not have fur, its skin is even more sensitive to the environment than other breeds.

Whether it is winter or summer, the lack of hair on this breed means that it is more sensitive to temperature changes in its environment. If you look closely enough, you will see that it often prefers to sit in the warmer or sunnier parts of your house. Some people even say that a Sphynx cat is a hypoallergenic cat since it does not have fur.

The lack of fur means that they do not shed, and people with cat-related allergies can sit relatively at ease near Sphynx cats. However, the lack of fur does not mean that you do not have to keep a Sphynx cat clean. The skin of these felines tends to get a bit oily or greasy, which means that regular bathing is a must for them.

Moreover, you should consult your vet regarding the shampoo and products you should use for your Sphynx cats since they can be a little sensitive. In addition to this, make sure that your Sphynx stays clean and tidy since they can start to smell if they are not properly maintained! Cut their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent germs from building up.

What is their intelligence like?

Playing with a Sphynx kitten

Sphynx cats are extremely intelligent. This is a good thing for most pet owners since it means you can engage in more games with your beloved feline. So our advice for ensuring that your Sphynx cat stays in top form is to fill its day with plenty of puzzles and exercise.

Invest in many toys and a scratching post if you are planning to buy a Sphynx cat. Laziness does not suit this agile feline, so be sure to give it plenty to occupy itself with.

What about social needs?

In terms of their social needs, Sphynx cats are pretty friendly. They thrive when they are in company, so we would not suggest leaving these cats alone for an extended period. They fit in easily with large families and demand quite a bit of attention from their owners. So be sure that you spend plenty of time with these felines since they do not like to stay isolated.

A girl and a boy, with their Sphynx cat

This is why we often tell prospective cat owners that they should think twice before adopting a Sphynx cat. We understand that their demanding needs are not everyone’s cup of tea, so only adopt them if you can maintain them. However, if you love a Sphynx cat, it will love you back too and stand by you like a loyal friend.

Now that you know almost everything about the Sphynx cat, you might be convinced to adopt or buy one. While we advise people to adopt cats rather than shop for them, at times, you may not get your favorite breed through adoption.

If you want to buy a Sphynx cat, be prepared to spend quite a bit of money. This is because this breed is considered rare, and any good breeder can sell them for up to 2000 dollars.


3- The Devon Rex

Some details about the Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a bit of a fan-favorite cat. This feline breed is preferred by many as their first cat because of its playful and friendly nature. The Devon Rex breed is most famous for its looks.

While it looks similar to the Cornish Rex, it possesses some characteristics that truly make it stand out on its own. These felines have extremely high cheekbones, a slightly longer neck, a narrow face, and large eyes. Some people say this cat looks like an elf. However, we have also heard of these cats being compared to clowns and even aliens for their looks!

Are these cats hypoallergenic?

 These cats also have a slightly wavy coat of fur. This means that their cream, chocolate, or brown fur is in waves on their body rather than being completely straight. This luscious coat of hair is very thick and keeps the Devon Rex warm in chilly weather. In addition to this, their wavy coat brings good news for people who are allergic to cats.

Even though the Devon Rex does shed its fur, the waves hold in any loose fur, ensuring it does not stick to your clothes or the carpeting in your house. So even though this cat is not exactly hypoallergenic, as compared to other cats, it is relatively less likely to trigger any cat-related allergies.

In terms of its size, the Devon Rex isn’t a very bulky feline. It can grow up to 12 inches in height and weighs up to 9 pounds on average. This makes it a perfect-sized pet for new cat owners since it is relatively easy to handle.

What is the temperament of the Devon Rex?

Trust us; if you do not feel that the Devon Rex looks like a clown, its behavior can undoubtedly be clownish at times! These cats have an extremely playful temperament and love to entertain the families that they are living with.

A Devon Rex kitten is sitting in front of a mirror

You will often see these felines playing around, or perched on high places, to entertain you. Moreover, these cats are extremely good at learning new tricks, which means that you can even train them to do special things.

When interacting with families and other pets, few cats are as easy to get along with as the Devon Rex. Due to their friendly nature, these felines do not have trouble settling in with the other pets in your household.

This can be an important consideration if you have a multi-cat household. In addition to this, Devon Rex cats also get along well with children, and your toddlers will have a blast playing with these cute cats.

What kind of care and attention do they need?

The Devon Rex is not a very loud or talkative cat. This means that you will not hear them meowing too often until and unless it’s for something important. However, that does not mean that these cats do not like attention. The Devon Rex is happiest in the company of people, so we would not suggest leaving it alone for too long.

A man is kissing his Devon Rex cat

In terms of their physical care, we suggest keeping the Devon Rex plenty of things to occupy itself. This is because this particular breed of felines is extremely agile and active. To ensure that they remain physically and mentally fit, give them puzzles and toys which engage their curiosity?

Moreover, do make out the time to play with them yourselves since they perform well in interactive games. The Devon Rex is not an extremely high-maintenance cat when it comes to grooming. These cats do not shed too much and need only the regular weekly bath since they tend to get a bit greasy. Other than this, keep their ears and teeth clean, and you should be good to go!

Some fun facts about the Devon Rex

When we say that the Devon Rex is a loved breed, we are not kidding. These cats were in the middle of a custody battle as well. Musician Marilyn Manson and his partner owned two Devon Rex cats that they both loved equally. One of these cats even appeared in Manson’s video.

However, when the couple decided to separate, they fought a custody battle over who keeps the animals! They wanted to live without each other but not without their felines. In the end, both of them ended up getting the custody of one of their Devon Rexes each. In addition to this, The Devon Rex even has cute little tufts of hair in its ear. Some people think that these tufts make the cat look like it’s wearing earmuffs.

Given that this feline already has a strange appearance adding ear muffs on top does not feel like an addition! You will also be surprised to know that the remakes of one of our all-time favorite films, Lady and the Tramp, actually feature two animated Devon Rexes. However, as a bit of a play on the name, the two cats were named “Devon” and “Rex.” Cheeky, right?

If you are looking to buy a Devon Rex, know that these cats are not extremely common. While they are not super expensive, their price can go up to $1,000 if you go to a good cat breeder.


4- American Bobtail Cat

Two cute bobtail cats

A Brief intro to the American bobtail

The American Bobtail cat is one of the best pets in the feline world. These cats have, you guessed it, a “bobbed” tail. Their tails are usually soft and furry, unlike those of other cats. These cats are a relatively naturally occurring breed, which means that their breeding did not occur through professional breeders, at least at first.

These cats can come in a variety of colors, from golden, to chocolate and beige. The American Bobtail has large eyes and an athletic body. These felines can be a bit hefty as well, weighing up to a whopping 16 pounds as well! However, the most noticeable characteristic of these breeds is their extremely small tail.

This trail is approximately one-third the size of an ordinary cat tail and is thick and stumpy. This particular cat breed is also very athletic, and the fact that it has long back legs help it in its athletic activities.

Are these cats hypoallergenic?

If you look at the American Bobtail closely, you will see extremely thick and long fur. As a pet owner, you will love to run your hand through the smooth coat of the American Bobtail. Unfortunately, this also means that the bobtail is not hypoallergenic. They can be considered the opposite of hypoallergenic.

This is due to their high shedding rate; any person with cat allergies who comes near them is likely to have a flare-up. The fur of these cute little felines can stick to your clothes and furniture. If you feel like you are suffering from an allergic reaction, contact your doctor to see what kind of medication you can get.

What is their nature like?

American bobtails are great family pets. They are often called “golden retrievers” of the feline world! This is because this cat breed is dog-like in terms of its nature, playfulness, and interaction. These cats can also be taught a range of tricks so that you can teach them basic household rules and manners as well.

A boy is holding his bobtail cat

In addition to this, the American Bobtail loves to interact with other people. So we would not suggest leaving these felines at home for a long period since they are not great at staying alone for long periods. However, if you are a frequent traveler, you should consider taking the Bobtail with you. Believe us when we say that these felines are pretty good travelers and won’t give you much trouble on a journey.

Overall, the nature of a bobtail is very calm and relaxed. You don’t have to expect a lot of noise from them. Even their meowing isn’t too loud! Moreover, they are fantastic felines to cuddle with and talk to. Many therapists even suggest the American Bobtail as a therapy animal as it can have a soothing yet loving presence in your life. They also get along with children, pets, and large families.

Some fun facts about them

We already told you that the American Bobtail has a very short tail. Well, you will be surprised to know that some of these cats are born without tails at all! Yes, this is true, and such American Bobtails are also referred to as “rumpies.” In addition to having a dog-like nature, this particular breed of felines also displays some qualities similar to dogs’.

For instance, these cats wag their tails, just like dogs, when they are happy. You can also teach these cats how to walk on a leash, so they are a lot like dogs. Once you train your American Bobtail how to walk on a leash, you can even take them out for walks more easily.

American Bobtails are a relatively new breed of cats. While their professional breeding began somewhere in the 60s, they were officially recognized in the US in about 2000. Since they are not yet a very common breed, you should be ready to spend a bit of money when you are thinking of buying a Bobtail since their average price range is $600-1000. However, once you do adopt or buy these felines, you will fall in love with them!


5-The Birman Cat

A Birman cat with fantastic blue eyes

What does this cat look like?

While the Birman cat is not one of the most popular breeds in this guide, they are still extremely popular with cat lovers and make great pets. They are one of the cutest breeds on this list, and you are sure to fall in love with these cuddly cats. This breed can be a little bulky and can weigh more than 16 pounds!

In addition to this, their face is triangle-shaped. However, because of their thick and long fur, the actual shape of the face is hidden, and it looks more rounded. They usually have white colors fur on their feet and striking blue eyes, which are even considered their most prominent feature.

What is their nature like?

A Briman kitten is sitting in a basket

Unlike the other felines mentioned in this guide, the Birman cat is slightly more private. This means that rather than interacting with everyone in the family on an equal footing, the Birman cat is likely to have one favorite person in particular. These cats demand quite a bit of attention, too, and can get slightly restless if they do not get it.

However, do not be afraid; these cats are not dangerous or aggressive! It is just that they do not like to be ignored by the people they are attached to. This is why we think that these cats make great pets for couples and small families who can devote quite a lot of time to them.

They will be a great company, and you will similarly be able to focus your attention on them. These cats are not like a ball of energy, and they will need a bit of rest after some play. This is why they are great for people who have a calm personality since you can mesh well with them.

What kind of care do they need?

The Birman cat is on the heavy side. This is why we suggest that their owners integrate a lot of physical activity into their daily routines so that they do not get overweight. In addition to this, their long and luscious fur also requires daily brushing.

This will prevent their fur from becoming matted and take out tangles early on to avoid breakage down the line. In addition, if you feel like your Birman cat is not feeling too great, do not hesitate to take it to the vet. These cats have a very relaxed attitude, so they will not be a hassle while going to the doctor.

Fun facts

The history of the Burmese cats is one of the most intriguing things about them. Legend has it that the beautiful looks of these cats were gifted to them by a goddess. She was being attacked in a temple when one of the temple cats intervened. In a gesture of thanks, she gave these cats white paws and blue eyes, making them look pure and the source of their beauty.

The glamorous appearance of these cats also makes them popular pets with designers. One of the most famous Birman cats out there was owned by the world-famous designer Karl Lagerfield. This beloved Birman traveled on private jets and has even been known to star in quite a bit of advertisement.

She is known to have inherited a significant portion of the designer’s estate after he died and is looked after by his housekeeper. What a life for a cat! Another fun fact about these cats is that they are separate breeds while sounding similar to the “Burmese” cat. While they are cousins, they have different characteristics and origin stories. 

Since these cats are considered relatively rare, their price can be a bit on the steep side. While you may be able to get a Birman cat for $600 from a less famous breeder, some famous breeders sell this particular breed for almost $3000 as well. It all depends on how much you want to spend and how much value you give to the breeder’s reputation.


Closing Words

We hope that our detailed guide could shed some more light on the characteristics and nature of these famous felines. Adopting a pet cat can be a bid decision for any family, which is why it is necessary to have all the facts before you make a decision.

Our list contained those felines which are famous as good pets, and now that you know what distinguishes them from each other, you may be able to pick a cat that is more suited to your living style.

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