There are about 100 million pet cats in the Western world. The most popular is a combination of different breeds – the domestic shorthaired cat. The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) holds the largest registry of pedigree cats in the world. A pedigree is the product of two parents from the same breed.

Let’s take a look at the top ten most popular cat breeds of 2006, according to the CFA.

1. THE PERSIAN

Number one since the CFA first started keeping records in 1871! Although Persians are high-maintenance and need grooming every day, this is more than compensated for by their affectionate and loyal personality.

2. THE MAINE COON

This enormous all-American cat has been in second place since 1992. Maine Coons are one of the biggest domestic breeds. Males average 12 to 18 pounds in weight and females are usually 10-14. They are hardy, gentle and loving with long fur but don’t need as much grooming as a Persian.

3. THE EXOTIC

These are also known as exotic shorthairs and are rounded and solid in appearance. This cat is like a Persian but with short fur. Some people call them ‘a Persian in pyjamas’! They have the sweet personality of the Persian but only need combing twice a week.

4. THE SIAMESE

These cats are very communicative, yowling in a rasping voice for attention or just to chat! They are slim and athletic with large ears. Their fur is short and lies close to their skin. They love to be stroked, and are extremely loyal and close to one person. They are very intelligent and loving.

5. THE ABYSSINIAN

It is said that these pretty cats are descended from those worshipped by the ancient Egyptians – but no one knows for sure. Their coat is ticked with colors. Abyssinians are very active, busy and playful, and they love people.

6. THE RAGDOLL

Ragdolls, or ‘Raggies’ are extremely cute cats. They are called Ragdolls because when you pick one up, it goes completely limp in your arms! They are another large breed with males growing anything up to 20 pounds and females 15. They have blue eyes and mid-length, silky fur. They are extraordinarily affectionate and will follow you everywhere.

They are so docile that it can be dangerous for them to go out as they wouldn’t defend themselves if another animal attacked them.

7. THE BIRMAN

This blue eyed cat also glories in the name of the Sacred Cat of Burma! They have characteristic white paws, making them look as if they are wearing little white boots. They have even temperaments, and are known for adjusting to your daily routine. A Birman will often be waiting for you when you get home from work (as do Siamese and Orientals). Although their fur is long and silky, they don’t require much grooming.

8. THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

These look like regular tabbies but true American Shorthairs are pure-bred. These cats originally arrived in America on the “Mayflower” with the pilgrims. They are good hunters, have a loving nature, general good health, a quiet temperament, and they are great with children. They come in a multitude of color combinations, the most popular being silver. More than a third of all American Shorthairs have this coloring of black ’stripes’ on a beautiful silver background.

9. THE ORIENTAL

This breed looks and behaves just like a Siamese but is available in two different hair lengths and over 300 different color combinations. They also have very sweet natures, and have many of the characteristics of Siamese, though they don’t quite talk as loudly. But they are very affectionate and loyal, very people-oriented.

10. THE SPHYNX

This extraordinary naked cat has a rather bizarre appearance. Strangely, they are available in a multitude of colors, albeit skin colors rather than fur! They are lively and athletic, and enjoy climbing. They are loyal, loving and constantly demand attention.

Back to ancient times, cats are already around. Today, we can assess any owner of a cat. There are no restrictions at all on their owners, unlike other pets that require high maintenance and are subject to state or federal regulation.

A cat can also help you forget an exhausting day at work or school. She can caress you and purr. Any cat lovers, it does not need a reason or a question of ownership. However, for those who do not have a chat in May that they believe is an enormous task.

In fact, cats are the easiest to own pets. A simple set and some training sessions may be dispensed to treat the problem of dirt, especially for indoor cats.

Getting Your Own Cat. Having a cat in the house will certainly be an experience you do not want to miss. Again, they can be easily updated in the household; there is no need to worry.

All you have to do is choose a type that best suits your personality. There are many breeds of cats there to choose, not to mention those who have been raised on the cross.
Each race has its own characteristic and personality. This can affect how they behave, how they play and even if they require more maintenance.

The best thing to do is choose the best breed for you. Here are the top 10 breeds to choose from.

1. Persian cat

They are known for their long and fluffy hair that can measure up to 3 inches. They also have beautiful colors ranging from white, black, gray, orange or a combination of these colors. Persian cats require more maintenance depending on their hair. They also need a comfortable environment and they feel secure.

2. Siamese Cat

Siamese are also very popular. They have brands in the hair that make them very distinct. They also have thin bodies and very elegant posture. They tend to be too noisy or cry a lot if they want to attract your attention.

3. Manx

Manx cats are very different because of their own back end this in a short tail. Their structure gives them a very rounded which makes them more adorable and cuddly.

4. Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are known for their proportions and their fur. Some even claim their furs are hypoallergenic, although this is yet to be confirmed. They are almost like dogs in their personality.

5. Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat, or as some would say Mancoon cat, is one of the oldest breeds of cats. Throughout the world there is one, you will find, because they can withstand warm and even cold climates. One will be a very faithful family. They are fun-loving. Their good-natured personality will be very hard with the children.

6. Ragdoll

Another wonderful breed for soon to be pet owners is the ragdoll. This cat is medium length hair. They are very sweet, easygoing and affectionate. They must be kept indoors, away from the aggressiveness

7. Burmese Cat

The Burmese cats are shorthaired. Burmese cats tend to be like the Siamese voice. Draw the hair is enough for grooming. They can really make a bonded and trust with their owners.

8. Somali Cat

Somali cats are long-haired cats that wee of the Abyssinian race. They are ideal for homeowners who want an active, intelligent and playful animal. They have little hair and throw it ideal for those who do not want too much time grooming.

9. Russian Blue

This breed of cat is blue to blue-gray coat. They usually have green eyes or black. They also bond very well with their owners, but they are very shy to strangers.

10. American Bobtail

American Bobtails are clearly recognized for their tails are shorter than the ordinary type and look like it has been specially bobbed. They may have short or long coats.

Conclusion:

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world.

The term “exotic pets” leads many people to think of expensive, hard to manage and maintain animals that try hard to escape and want only to eat your family. This is not necessarily true; the category encompasses a whole lot of much smaller, and family friendly pets. Cats and dogs are nice family pets, but are not always a real viable option. Apartment dwellers might find it easier to keep a small, exotic pet, and in fact, in some buildings certain types may be the only ones allowable.

Some of the best and most popular exotic pets for children are some of the simplest to care for. Look for the animals that are most child friendly, which would rule out any potentially poisonous, feistier than average or Houdini-esque pets. Keep to the ones that have at least a modicum of the cute factor to them, and always keep in mind that you are going to potentially be adopting this animal in a few weeks.

A great starter pet is a Guinea pig, especially for an older child, as long as the child is capable of dealing with some simple rules. A quiet, gentle child will find a guinea pig becomes fairly easy to handle with regular handling and they rarely bite unless frightened. Guinea pigs are also fairly inexpensive, needing only a basic cage, some clean fresh bedding and an easy to find diet. They do require Vitamin C because they are prone to scurvy, but can get that from the same fresh fruits and vegetables that your family is already eating.

Other rodents are fairly good choices as starter pets, but each have their own benefits and drawbacks to consider. Rats might creep out some family members, but are remarkably intelligent and have been known to bond with their human keepers with consistent, gentle handling. Some rodents are best kept in a pair, while others are better kept as single pets, so make sure you know which is which.

If buying a rodent for a pet is just more than you can really handle, there are other exotic pet options that are still small and relatively easy to care for. Smaller birds like the finch and parakeet are very good starter animals, although are a lot more fragile than the rodent groups. Birds are best left for the older child. Another option is lizards and snakes. Some are kind of hard to maintain and need a lot of work to care for. Remember, the larger the reptile or amphibian, the larger the cage and the more intensive the “zoo-keeping.” Keep in mind the snake’s diet before you allow him to slither home with you.

Finally, if you truly want a low maintenance, nearly hands off pet, consider the hermit crab or the Madagascar hissing cockroach. Neither really needs a lot of human interaction, both only need a small space and will not pout if their keepers ignore them for days on end.

Back in the ancient times, the cats are already around. They are even placed in elevated positions in civilizations like Egypt.

Today, any one can enjoy owning a cat. There are no restrictions at all in owning them, unlike other pets that require high maintenance and are subject to state or federal regulation.

A cat can also help you forget an exhausting day at work or at school. It can cuddle up to you and purr. It makes you feel protective over the cat.

Caring for a Cat

Any cat lover out there does not need any reason or question for owning one. Yet, for those who do not have a cat they may think that this is a tremendous task.

Actually, cats are the easiest pets to own. Cats are the perfect companions. They do not require much from the owner. They only have to be regularly fed. They also need a shelter.

Cats can be toilet trained too. A simple tray and a few training sessions can dispense with the problem of dealing with their dirt, especially for indoor cats.

Getting Your Own Cat

Having a cat in the household will definitely be an experience you do not want to miss. Again, they can be easily maintained in the household, so there is no need to worry.

All you have to do is to pick one type that will best suit your personality. There are a big number of cat breeds out there to choose from, not to mention those that have been cross-bred.

Each breed has its own distinct characteristic and personality. This can affect how they will behave, how they play and even if they will require further maintenance.

The best thing to do is to pick the best breed for you. Here are the top 10 breeds that you can choose from.

1. Persian Cat

The Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds in town. They are known for their long and fluffy hair that can grow up to 3 inches. They also have beautiful colors that range from white, black, gray, orange or a combination of these colors.

Persian cats require more maintenance in terms of their hair. They also need comfortable environments and they have to feel secured.

2. Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are also very popular. They have markings in their hair that make them very distinct. They also have slender bodies and very elegant posture.

A Siamese cat always wants to be the center of attention. They want to be cared for. They tend to get too noisy or cry a lot if they want to call your attention.

3. Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon Cat, or as some would say Mancoon cat, is one of the oldest breeds of cats. Everywhere in the world, there is one you will find as they can withstand warm and even cold climates.

One will be a very loyal addition to the family. They are fun-loving. Their good-natured personality will make them very safe with kids.

4. Ragdoll

Another wonderful breed for soon-to-be pet owners is the ragdoll. This cat has medium length of hair. They are very gentle, easy-going and affectionate.

They are perfect for any household. They only have to be kept indoors, away from the aggressive animals.

5. Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are shorthaired. They have big yellow eyes and very satiny hair. Stroking their hairs are enough for grooming.

Burmese cats tend to be vocal like the Siamese. They only have softer voices. They can get really bonded and trusting with their owners.

6. Manx

The Manx cats are very distinct because of their peculiar backs that end in a shortened tail. Their structure gives them a very rounded look that makes them more adorable and cuddly.

Manx cats are very intelligent and playful. They are even considered as social cats as they love people very much. They can even be playful even around water, making it easier to groom them.

7. Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are known for their proportioned bodies and their furs. Some even claim
that their furs are hypoallergenic, although this is still subject to be confirmed.

These cats are intelligent, loyal and very affectionate. They are almost dog-like in their
personality.

8. Somali Cat

Somali cats are long-haired cats that wee from the Abyssinian breed. They have fluffy hair and bottle-brush tails.

They are perfect for owners who want an active, intelligent and playful pet. They can also get very curious. They also shed little hair and thereby perfect for those who do not want too much grooming time.

9. Russian Blue

This breed of cat has blue to bluish-gray coat. They usually have green or dark eyes.

Russian Blues are very playful and intelligent. They also bond really well with their owners but they are very shy to strangers.

10. American Bobtail

American Bobtails are distinctly recognized for their tails that are shorter than the ordinary type and look like it has been specially bobbed. They can have short or long coats. Their eye colors can also vary.

Conclusion

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world. They are the beloved pets in most households and neighborhoods. So get your own cat now.

Dogs and cats are great pets, but they require an awful lot of work to keep them healthy, happy and well adjusted. Food, shelter, veterinary costs, plus time, grooming and whatever extras you factor in can really add up quickly, making some people question whether pet ownership is really worth it in the long run. For some people, the lessons that a child learns through pet ownership are worth a lot, but not quite as much as the effort to raise dogs or cats, so a smaller, simpler pet is the solution that they seek. But, what are the best choices?

Although the thought will give many people the creeps, the rodent family offers quite a few nice, starter pet options. These are relatively easy to keep, do not take up a lot of space and if handled carefully can be actually very affectionate. Guinea pigs are probably the most popular in the group, and with their slightly larger sizes, may be easier for a child to handle. They do need daily vitamin C, but can get that from fresh fruits and vegetables. Other options are the rats, the mice, the hamsters and the gerbils. Each has their own advantages as well as their drawbacks, so do your research before bringing one home.

If the rodents still sounds like too much work for you, consider the lizards or small snake group. (Of course, with snakes, you will still be dealing with rodents, but as a food source.) Not very affectionate, or interactive, these pets are interesting to watch and only need minimum hands on care to remain healthy. They do need a specialized diet and some pretty intensive habitats, so expense might be an issue in their case. And remember, the bigger the snake, the bigger the home it will need to live in.

Small birds are a good choice, but are still fairly involved on the maintenance scale- they need their cages cleaned daily, fresh food and water and can sometimes be impossible to tame down. But for a child who is more intent on a watching their pet rather than petting them, a bird is a perfectly fine choice.

Possibly the best, low maintenance pet is the fish. True, a fish will not walk with you or eat your broccoli under the table, but they are beautiful to watch as they swim about in their tank and there is a never-ending array of accessories that can be added to their tank. Each new addition will be greeted with curiosity, and the child can see which item brings out the most activity in their fish. A daily feeding, or a weekly feeding tablet is about the only real maintenance a good set up will require. Minimize initial expense with your tank choice by buying many of the items used, and as always make sure that you know exactly what you are bringing home. Remember, some pets eat everything in sight, including their own roommates!

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.