From Pharaoh’s Favorites to Loving Tabbies
Cats have been everything from tap companion to religious idol through the ages. Here’s the book on the best, brighеest, most elegant and most cuddy cats from which to choose when picking a pet.
Abyssinian: One of the oldest known breeds, their slender, elegant, muscular bodies were often featured in paintings and sculptures in ancient Egypt. Abyssinians have arched necks, large ears, almond-shapes eyes, and long tapered tails. The Abyssinians’s soft and silky medium-length coat is one of its most unique features. Each hair has two or three distinct bands of black or dark brown, giving the breed a subtle overall coat color and lustroгs sheen. Abyssinians also can have a rich copper red coat. They are particularly loyal and make good companions.
American curl: The name comes from the breed’s unique curled ears, which curl away from the head to make it look as if this cat is always alert. The American curl is moderately large, with walnut-shaped eyes. Its ears are straight at birth, and curl within 2 to 10 days. A relatively rare breed, the American curl usually weighs 5 to 10 pounds. Curls are short-haired, and their coats come in all colors possible. Even-tempered and intelligent with a playful disposition. American curls adore their owners and display affection in a quiet way. They adapt to almost any home, live well with other animals, and are very healthy.
American shorthair: The descendants of house cats and farm cats. American shorthairs are easy to care for and resistant to disease. They have big bones and are docile and even-tempered. The breed is strongly built, with an agile, medium to large body and big bones. They have a short, thick coat that ranges in colors from black to white to red to tabby.
American wirehair: Uniquely American, the breed began as a spontaneous mutation in a litter on a farm in New York in 1966. Its dense coarse coat is hard to touch and sets these cats apart from any other breed. Some also have curly whiskers. The breed is active and agile and has a keen interest in its surroundings. Although it is quiet and reserved, owners find the breed easy to care for.
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| If he thinks you merit his attention, he'll answer. If not, he'll be indifferent. White Persian, photo by Elena |
Balinese: Related to the Siamese, it has a long silky coat, but unlike most long-haired cats, its coat doesn’t mat. Endowed with a long, muscular body, the Balinese can come in several colors, including seal point, blue point, and chocolate point. The Balinese is intelligent, curious, and alert. It is as affectionate and demonstrative as the Siamese, but it isn’t as talkative and has a softer voice when it does speak up.
British shorthair: Perhaps the oldest natural English breed, the British shorthair is enjoying new popularity. These cats tend to be reserved, devoted, and good companions. Because of their dens coats, they also are easy to groom.
Burmese: Known as the clown of the cat kingdom, the Burmese thrives on attention and is very gregarious. It has a compact body and a glossy coat that comes in several colors including sable and champagne. Burmese live well with kids and dogs. They are smart, loyal, and devoted. Despite their hefty appetites, they seldom are fat. They are very expensive, though, costing as much as $2,000 or even more.
Cornish rex: Considered “ultra-refined”, the Cornish Rex has the body of a greyhound, huge ears set high on its head, and large eyes. It is surprisingly heavy and warm to the touch, with a very soft coat and muscular body. Not only do these cats fastidiously groom themselves, but they want to groom their human companions as well. If that’s not to your liking, you want another cat, because the problem may be impossible to eliminate. The Cornish Rex are highly intelligent and will adapt to almost any environment. They are skillful hunters, love children and dogs, and make superb pets. They generally like to be handled and are excellent choices for people who love cats but dislike cat hair, because they have an undercoat but no outer coat.
Devon rex: Devons are considered a mutant breed. The mature female averages 6 pounds; the male averages 7.5 pounds. Devons have a full, wavy coat, large eyes, a short muzzle, prominent cheekbones, and huge low-set ears, which make them look a bit elfin. They are concerned for their owner’s safety and are very curious. They refuse to be left out of anything, always knowing where they are going and what they will do there. People with allergies to cat hair can happily live with a Devon Rex because they do not shed.
Exotic shorthair: Sometimes called the “Teddy Bear” cat, exotic shorthairs require little maintenance because their medium-to-long coat does not mat. They are Persian-like in temperament and type but have an easy-to-care for plush coat. They will jump to your lap to take a nap, but generally prefer cooler places to sleep. They are very quite, but they will retrieve a toy until you get tired of throwing it.
Japanese Bobtail: The Japanese consider bobtails a symbol of good luck. They are medium-sized and muscular with a short tail which resembles a pom-pom or a rabbit’s tail. They have high cheekbones, a long nose and large ears. Born much larger than other cats, the sturdy breed learns to walk earlier than others and starts getting into mischief earlier as well. Active, intelligent, and talkative, their soft voices have a whole scale of tones; some people say they sing. They almost always speak when spoken to and enjoy a good game of fetch and ridding around on their human companion’s shoulders. Japanese bobtails are good travelers and good with dogs and children.
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| Photo by Elena |
Korat: They are quite rare, even in Thaïland, where the breed originated. The Korat’s oversized, luminous eyes have been called “dewdrops on a lotus leaf” The Korat is medium-sized with a hard body and a silverish blue coat. They have extraordinary powers of hearing, sight, and scent. They are cautious, and they dislike loud, sudden noises. They form an exceptionally strong bond to their human companions and enjoy being cuddled. They get along well with other cats, but might compete for the owner’s affections if there is another cat.
Maine Coon Cat: The Maine coon cat was chosen as best cat at the first cat show ever held in America. It is a native American long-hair. Originally a working cat, it is a very good mouser. The Maine coon cat is solid and rugged and can endure a harsh climate, like Maine’s. It has a smooth, shaggy coat and is known for its loving nature and great intelligence. The breed is especially good with children and dogs and has always been a popular and sought-after companion.
Oriental Shorthair: The extremely long Oriental shorthair is described by the Cat Fancers’ Association as “demonstrative and silly, as well as sinuous and sensuous. Its emerald eyes can gleam with wit, flash and arrogance.” These cats are medium-sized and are choosy eaters at times. They are easy to care for and make a practical pet. The Cat Fanciers’ Association says, “Their innate sensibility verges on psychic. Once communication is established, you’ll never need an alarm clock, or wonder where the cat is when you arrive home from work.”
