Cats are amazing animals that were considered sacred in ancient times. From history it is known that for more than 10 thousand years, cats live with humans, and the ancient Egyptians tamed them. Currently, these animals have become the most popular among pets. Many families cannot imagine their life without this charming creature. Today there are many breeds, and all of them are unique in their own way. In this article we will consider only the most famous cat breeds that have won the hearts of people.
Maine Coon
This cat is considered the largest among all domestic breeds. This giant was bred more than 150 years ago in North America, Maine. There are several legends of the breed, however, the exact origin is still unknown. Most likely, this breed was obtained by breeding local shorthair and long-haired cats, and they got their appearance, muscular body and endurance due to the harsh nature of the habitat.
Representatives of this breed have a very thick coat of medium length, which can have a different color. Their pride is a muscular body, powerful legs and a long fluffy tail. Also, one cannot fail to notice the tassels on the ears of these giants. On average, cats weigh 6-10 kilograms, and cats are 1-2 kilograms less. However, some representatives reached a weight of as much as 15 kg. Their fur, despite its thickness and length, does not require frequent care.
Maine Coon character
Meykun is a cat that attracts attention at first glance. Surprisingly, despite its impressive size, it has a very soft and friendly character. Maine Coon is very devoted to his master and will become a good friend to him. However, he also likes to retire to some secluded place, thereby showing his independence. Cats of this breed are very energetic and playful, so they need to be given freedom to play. They have high intelligence and proud nature, which is why they will never ask you for anything, much less steal from the table. Another make-up is that the cat is very smart and easy to train. It gets along well with children and dogs, and also loves water. These very cute and friendly creatures perfectly join the family and delight their owners with melodic purrs throughout the entire time.
Russian blue cat
The first breed of domestic cats, which gained immense popularity with the beginning of the felinological movement, is Russian Blue. Distinctive features of the breed are blue coat color. The cleanest individuals have crystal clear green eyes, as well as an incredible silver tint that can be seen from afar. It is noteworthy that on the inner side of large ears there is practically no hair. The eyes are almond-shaped and widely set, as well as very large and expressive. When cats look into their master’s eyes, they obviously want to say something by this.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that among cats there are both neat and not very clean ones. As for this breed, all individuals differ in that they can be washed all day. They carefully monitor their delicate and thin short hair. After several years of research on blue cats, it was noticed that they very peculiarly show love and devotion to their master. This is most often expressed by standing up on the hind legs and hugging the feet of the owner. The initial habitat made the animal very active and loving to hunt from time to time. If you like short-haired individuals, characterized by activity and love for the owner, then your choice is blue cats. The breeds have a certain standard that determines the degree of purebred individual.
Persian cat
These purebred cats are very popular among pets. Considering the description of a cat of this breed, it is safe to say that it has a very long coat. Even a person who does not understand anything in the variety of breeds will be able to recognize the “Persian” by its face. It is flattened and shortened, so it is always striking. If we consider the most famous breeds of cats, then the "Persian" will certainly be on the list. Oddly enough, they earned, oddly enough, not for their appearance, but for devotion and love for the owner. It is difficult to say something specific about the origin. The only thing the researchers agree with each other is that this breed appeared in Persia (Iran). Around the 19th century, the “Persians” filled the knees of all cat fans almost all over the world.
The British, together with the Americans, worked on crossbreeding, but information about the successes was lost. That is why it is now impossible to say unequivocally who discovered this breed. In the UK, the "Persians" were called long-haired or hairy Persian. Many people are afraid that this breed requires careful care. This is due to extremely long hair, which sometimes reaches 3 inches. Every day you need to comb out the wool and spend a little time for games and caresses. Most of all, these purebred cats love coziness. If they feel comfortable, then they have a feeling of complete safety, as a result of which the cat will have a good tone.
English cat
This breed has long been very popular among residents of Russia and other countries. We often use the name British Shorthair, more often - “British”. Despite the fact that the breed belongs to the domestic one, these cats are considered one of the most independent, therefore, they can do a lot in spite of their master. Surprising variety of colors. The most popular colors are blue-gray and smoky. You are unlikely to be surprised if you find out that these thoroughbred cats are the most popular in England, because it was there that they were bred. They practically do not require leaving, which is due to the short hair, as well as the unpretentiousness of existence. But the immunity of this breed is very weak, so vaccinations must be done on time, and give vitamins and minerals regularly.
Quite often, the "British" are called the "cat for businessmen." This is due to the fact that, unlike Maine Coons or "Persians", they perfectly tolerate loneliness. Almost always, an English cat finds something to his taste for the whole day. However, despite this, they miss their master if he is absent for a very long time. Although they show affection in a peculiar way and do not particularly like it when they are picked up or stroked for a long time. Another distinguishing feature of the "British" is that they do not trust strangers. Such a cat will never go into the arms of the first comer and will stay at a distance until it is convinced of its safety.
Abyssinian cat (short-haired)
The exact origin of this breed is still unknown. One thing is for sure: these cats first appeared in Egypt. Obviously, there they were very appreciated, as, in fact, any other representatives of the cat. The body structure is so proportional that you can look at the "abyssin" for a very long time. This is a slender and graceful cat. All shorthair cats are very popular, Abyssinian, of course, too. The most common breed in the United States. The neck is long, but neither thin nor thick, and looks very beautiful. Pure individuals have slanting eyes and high-protruding ears rounded at the end. The hair of such cats is very silky, usually of medium length, very soft. It is attractive that, in addition to the main color, there are several others that cross the body across.
Many say that the Abyssinian cat has some similarities with the cougar. This is due to the fact that the eyes are summed up with a dark outline and have a very unusual color. Most breeders agree that this breed is able to change eye color depending on its physical and psychological state. The muscles are very developed, most cats of this breed simply adore an active lifestyle. They constantly run around, catch something or do something else. But despite such activity and even some savagery, they desperately need the attention of their master. These shorthair cats just love to play and learn new things.
Ragdolls and their features
Now we will consider a description of a cat of this breed and see what these animals are remarkable for. They are considered one of the largest among pets. A strong body, as well as a large and slightly flattened muzzle harmoniously combine with the powerful legs of the animal. It should be noted that the eyes are almost always blue, but the coat is of several colors. The most popular one is two-tone, but color-point and “gloves” also occurs quite often and is not considered a marriage in the breed. Despite the fact that the coat is slightly longer than average, it does not require daily care, but it is advisable to allocate time for combing out a couple of times a week. The largest ragdolls registered to date weigh about 10-11 kilograms.
This name of cats is perhaps one of the most interesting. Now you will find out why. The fact is that “ragdoll” literally means “rag doll”. Most likely, this is due to some muscle inhibition, which is inherent in all individuals of the breed. Therefore, the owner often has the opportunity to do whatever he wants with the pet. Even if you put the cat the way you want it to, it will remain in that position. If the animal does not want to be picked up and you do it, then it will not resist anyway. Such an animal can be taken with you to bed and used as a heating pad. It is noteworthy that the cat always prefers communication with people, and not with other animals.
A little about who the Sphinx is
Many probably think that this breed was bred in Egypt, but this is not so. Sphynx cats are often referred to as naked Canadian or Mexican. Of course, one cannot fail to say about the distinguishing feature - the absence of wool. But if you come closer, you can see that the fur is still there, but it is very, very short, flesh-colored and a bit like suede. In fact, this is the exact opposite of the Persian, because the hair is thin and short, and the muzzle is elongated. This is perhaps one of the most human-dependent breeds. This is due to the fact that you can’t get warm with such wool in the winter, so the sphinxes prefer to stay as close to their owner as possible. At night, they often climb under the covers in search of warmth. Caring for this breed is also quite simple. All that is required is to periodically clean your ears and trim your nails. Since the Mexican cat is very fond of water, you can occasionally delight your pet by arranging a bathroom.
Exotic Shorthair Cat
This breed is one of those that happened completely by accident. In fact, scientists are simply engaged in the improvement of short-haired pets. The main goal of the experiment was to make the bone somewhat larger and the color more diverse. It was decided to cross a shorthair cat with a Persian one. But no one expected an exotic to appear. These are rather large and thick-legged individuals who have incorporated all the best from their ancestors. The skeleton and dimensions came from the Persians, the same applies to the good nature. As for the hair, then the short-haired genes are visible. But not one breed had such an unusual appearance, which has an exotic.
It is noteworthy that it is the
exotic shorthair who most often tries to make friends with dogs and, as practice shows, she does it very well. These are quite active, but at the same time calm animals. They are very curious and often persistently follow their master and watch what he does. Apparently, there is a certain degree of pride in the character, since the exotic rarely prefers to meow, for example, when the owner ignores all attempts by the cat to attract attention. For hours they can sit on their knees and purr gently. But we can say that if we list the most famous cat breeds, then the exotic shorthair is very popular, especially in the USA, England and Germany.
Conclusion
Here we have examined the most famous cat breeds, photos and names of which are pleasing with their diversity. We can say with confidence that this list can be continued indefinitely. For example, Burmese cats or manxes are also very popular. The latter is noteworthy in that it does not have a tail. This repels someone, saying, like this, a cat without a tail. Others do not pay any attention to this, especially since the absence of a tail is not the result of surgical intervention. By the way, it will be useful to know that farmers most often start manks, usually several individuals at once. This is due to the fact that this breed is ideal for hunting rodents. Already at a young age, Manx is able to strangle a rat.
Now you know the most interesting and popular cat breeds. Prices here are different everywhere. For example, English Shorthair will cost 2-3 thousand rubles, but Maine Coon - one of the most expensive pets - will cost at least 20 000 rubles. In any case, the purchase must be done in a licensed cattery, where you can buy a purebred cat. Of course, all domestic cat breeds, photos and names of which can be found in the corresponding encyclopedias, have their own character and lead a different lifestyle. Some individuals like to lie more, while others prefer activity. Some without problems may for some time be ignored, while others love the owner is vital.