There’s nothing like coming home at the end of the day to your adoring four-legged friends. If you feel like you’re missing out, why not get a cat?
If you’re new to owning a cat it can be hard to know where to start. There are thousands of breeds out there, all with different temperaments and needs.
We’ve put together this piece to help you find your perfect breed by talking you through some of the world’s favorite cat breeds. Here are 5 popular cat breeds you should own:
Maine Coon
If you like cuddling then you need a Maine Coon in your life. Maine Coons are the largest breed of domesticated cat in the world (they are on average 1m from nose to tail). They are also one of the oldest natural breeds.
Whilst Maine Coons are very independent and like to spend some of their time outside, they make really great family pets. Main Coons like to be involved in the life of the pack. They are very chatty and often try to join in conversations. They love to be groomed, and love to spend time near their owners.
They are very calm cats and can deal with being left alone all day.
Ragdoll Cat
It’s hard not to fall head over heels for the breed the first time you see them. Ragdolls are a gorgeous and gentle designer breed.
The breeding of Ragdolls began in the 1960s, and since then they have become one of America’s most popular breeds of cats. Ragdolls have medium length white hair, and startling blue eyes. They often have grey patches on their face and ears.
Aside from being drop-dead gorgeous, these cats have become so popular because of their temperament. Rag Dolls have a reputation for being gentle, patient, and docile. They make great indoor cats. If you’re nervous about getting an indoor breed, check out Animals A2Z. They have the answers to every cat-related question you could possibly have.
Ragdolls are also very friendly and can be quite dependant. They make excellent company for those who live alone or work from home.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats are one of the most iconic cat breeds in Pop Culture. They’re famous for being a hairless breed. Whilst this tends to scare and worry people who don’t understand the breed, there really is nothing wrong with these cats.
A hairless breed like the Sphynx cat is hypoallergenic, meaning that even if someone is allergic to cats they can own this breed. Plus, no hairballs!
Despite being called Sphynx cats, the earliest record we have of humans keeping hairless cats is the Aztecs.
This is a highly inquisitive breed of cat, how loved to be involved in their owners’ lives. They will sit with you (or most likely on you) whenever possible. They are very talkative and love to play.
These are indoor cats, and in the colder months may need a small jumper to keep them warm.
Bengal
Bengal cats are one of the few breeds that could challenge Rag Dolls in the looks departments. Often mistaken by small children for leopards, the Bengal has a very similar coat to the big cat.
These stunning cats are descended from some of North America’s finest wild cat breeds. They still have the soul of wild cats and do like to spend at least some of their day out in the wilds of your back garden.
Like the other cats on this list, Bengals are incredibly social and like to be the center of attention in their household. They’re not afraid to answer back, particularly when you tell them to stop climbing things.
Whilst they do not need to be regularly groomed, Bengals to loved to be pampered. They will also enjoy being able to spend that quality time with you.
Persian Cat
Persian cats are considered to be cat royalty by many breeders. This breed is the oldest surviving natural breed in the world. Hailing from Persia originally (now known to us as Iran) this breed has been companions to royalty, bond villains, and office workers alike.
These cats have been known to have a long lifespan, and are indoor cats. In many ways, they are very similar to the Rag Doll breed. Persians clearly think very highly of themselves but love to be around people for most of their day.
They are slow-moving, calm cats that like a routine. They are incredibly loyal and have been known to very possessive over their owners. They are long-haired and need regular groom, but you won’t see them complaining.