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What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?
By Amy Nutt

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners.
Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great
disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment
to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy,
but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open
faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported
to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine
jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their
gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their
long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable
maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less
a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural
selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is
known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence,
the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are
wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat
breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all
areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its
higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short,
easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent
pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics
are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These
cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal
and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the
Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent
ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of
this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that
is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated
enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable
intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by
their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on
their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is
also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a
wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and
tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of,
making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate
communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language.
Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their
doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long
hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat
breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed
coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These
animals love people and usually want to be close to their
owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but
otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They
were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic
longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a
cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders
have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and
has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail,
or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and
is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair
on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with
cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the
Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the
Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for
than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by
many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful,
and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light
color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round
and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair
is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also
extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the
“Domestic Shorthair,” came to America on the Mayflower. Cat
breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have
the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical
similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all
daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be
curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful,
distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different
patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these
animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large,
open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

About the Author: Cat breeder directory features free and
premium listings for cat breeders and other pet related
websites. When looking for quality information on cat breeds,
refer to Cattery Index. http://www.cattery-index.com/directory

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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