Top 10 cat breeds

ARE YOU A CAT PERSON?

For every type of person in the world, there is a breed of cat that will suit his or her tastes and lifestyle. Active or laid back, fluffy or lean, massive or petite, there are so many cats to choose from that even "dog people” will find a cat that fits. There are several suitable breeds that will make your heart purr.

If you're thinking of going all the way and investing in a purebred feline friend, you have come to the right spot. Here is our look at the top 10 cat breeds, which include cats not known to cause allergies.

The Oriental

Related to the Siamese, this cat has big pointed ears and an inquisitive personality. The Oriental cat is smart and social and will bond deeply with its owners. The cat can be a loyal and playful companion. Its sleek body is more muscular than it would appear. It can be quite vocal and demanding--a very "dog-like" cat.

The American Shorthair

This athletic cat was descended from the British Shorthair but is larger, leaner, and more powerful than its across-the-pond counterpart. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and is also a very long-lived kitty, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years not being out of the ordinary. The American Shorthair is great with kids and even gets along well with dogs, too. The American Shorthair is healthy, gentle, easy going, and low maintenance--grooming is not an issue with this breed.

The Birman

This beautiful cat is thought to have originated from Burma. Legend has it the Birman cat was the protector of the Burmese temples. It's a large, long, sturdy cat with long silky hair (which isn't as thick as a Persian's) that does not mat. This cat is known for its blue eyes, dark points on its ears, face, legs and tail, and snow-white boots on all four paws. This is a loving, gentle cat that loves to play, but can stay quiet and out of the way when you're busy.

The Sphynx

We're not talking about the legendary Egyptian monument or myth, but an exotic cat breed. The hairless Sphynx isn't completely hairless--it actually has a fine peach-like fuzz over its body, which makes it very sensitive to the sun and elements. This sensitivity is also the reason the Sphynx should only be considered an indoor cat. It is warm to the touch, cuddly, energetic, and affectionate. The Sphynx will even snuggle under the covers with you. With its big pointy ears and curious nature, the Sphynx is a fun addition to any family.

The Ragdoll

Thus named by a breeder in the early 60s because the cat was very relaxed and floppy when picked up, the Ragdoll is a gentle and affectionate cat, often following its owners from room to room like a puppy. This kitty is not good at defending itself and shouldn't be allowed to roam the streets alone. In fact, it is careful not to use teeth and claws during play, which makes it ideal around kids. The hair of the Ragdoll is full and plush, requiring regular grooming, and although it is not as large as its coat would suggest, it is, nonetheless, one of the bigger cat breeds. This is a placid cat that really is satisfied with a relaxing lifestyle.

The Siamese

Don't let the bad kitties in the film The Aristocats leave you with a bad image of this beauty. Yes, they can be verbally demanding in wanting attention, but it's also a very loving, social and affectionate cat. The Siamese can be sensitive and nervous and is a creature of habit and routine--so if you're an international jet-setter that needs a cat that can travel, this is probably not the one for you. The Siamese comes in a number of colors, but the points--the dark patches on the face, ears, paws and tail--are integral to the breed.

The Abyssinian

One of the oldest breeds of cat, the Abyssinian resembles an ancient Egyptian cat with its lithe build, large pointy ears, and slender legs. This is a wilful, smart, and extroverted cat that loves to explore and play. Its love of games is only matched by its love of water, so watch out for unsolicited bath partners in the tub! Despite its curious nature, the Abyssinian is generally shy and timid around strangers--if you are in search of a show cat, this breed is probably not the best choice. The Aby is most comfortable in a home environment that best suits its loyal and people-loving nature.

The Exotic Shorthair

This is the short-haired version of the Persian. With its squashed face and rounded ears, the Exotic Shorthair looks more like a cuddly teddy bear than a cat. While having a similar temperament to its long-haired cousin, this cat is a bit more lively and inquisitive, but still very much calm and laid back. The Exotic Shorthair is a great choice for someone who wants a Persian but doesn't have the time or desire to devote to grooming.

The Maine Coon

This beautiful cat is a native to Maine and also the largest of the domestic cat breeds. It looks very feline and takes three to four years to reach full physical maturity. It has very thick fur with a waterproof layer, large wide paws that act like snow shoes for walking easily across snow, and a long, thick tail used to wrap about its face during harsh weather. The Maine Coon is not only a popular breed because of its temperament, but it's also a great mouser. Plus, it's also healthy and hardy, and is great with kids and other animal, including dogs.

The Persian

Everyone knows the Persian cat. Renowned for its long, silky fur, expressive eyes, and squashed face, the Persian is also one of the oldest cat breeds. Calm and sweetly affectionate, this cat loves habit and serene environments. Persians are the quintessential indoor cats; it is best to keep this breed exclusively indoors. The Persian does require regular baths and daily grooming, as its fur is too long for it to self-groom thoroughly and it is prone to matting. For Persian fanciers, grooming is but one of the many pleasures of having this cat as a companion.