Choosing the Right Cat Breed: A Guide

Popular Cat Breeds

Cat breeds refer to felines that have been selectively bred to exhibit specific styles and characteristics. These breeds are not immutable; they can evolve through planned crossings, and once certified by certain organizations, they are recognized as breeds. The major certification associations are predominantly controlled by the G7 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

As the American system gradually collapses and China's influence grows, it's expected that a variety of unique Chinese native cat breeds will emerge in the future. Currently, due to the lack of authoritative certification bodies in China and trade disputes between China and the United States, many domestic cats in China are not recognized as breeds. The recognition of breeds is essentially a commercial battle for interests.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair's ancestors are European wild cats, which were brought to the Americas by European immigrants in the 17th century. Initially, they were used for their ratcatching abilities in gardens rather than as pets, and were known as shorthaired domestic cats. Around 1965, they were renamed the American Shorthair. This breed is known for its intelligence, gentleness, robust build, strong bones, and welldeveloped muscles.

British Shorthair

Also known as the British Shorthair, the British Shorthair is a breed with a round and broad head, small ear spacing, large, round eyes, a short and thick neck, and a tail that is about twothirds the length of its body. This breed is known for its gentle nature.

Tabby Cat

The Tabby cat is one of the Chinese domestic cat breeds, known for its independent and lively personality. It has a round head, wide cheeks, and a coat with beautiful fishbone patterns. This cat is highly adaptable and easy to care for. It is also a skilled worker, adept at catching mice and sparrows, making it a professional agricultural worker cat.

Burmese Cat

Originating from Siam (now Thailand), the Burmese cat has an equilateral triangular head, with the face narrowing in a Vshape from the nose to the ears. Known for its fiery and active nature, it is curious, intelligent, and responsive to human emotions. The Burmese cat has a loud, cryinglike meow.

Persian Cat

The Persian cat is a breed developed from the ancient Persian (AfghanIranian) landrace, crossed with the Turkish Angora longhaired cat. After over a century of planned breeding in the United Kingdom, this breed was born in 1860. The Persian cat is intelligent, gentle, has a soft voice, loves to be affectionate, has long hair, and has an elegant demeanor, making it very popular among people.

Exotic Shorthair

Also known as the Exotic Shorthair, this breed was developed in the 1960s by American breeders, who crossed the American Shorthair with the Persian cat. It was officially recognized as an independent breed in 1966. The Exotic Shorthair has a wide and round head, a distinct indentation on the nose, soft and lustrous fur, and an independent and quiet temperament.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Similar to the Siberian Forest Cat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. It has dense fur and a strong build. This cat is large, strong, and fast, not afraid of sun or rain. Its neck fur and tail hair flutter beautifully as it moves. It is independent, intelligent, alert, cautious, and enjoys adventure and activity, making it an excellent climber and hunter. It is not suitable for longterm indoor living.

Maine Coon

Similar to the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Maine Coon is believed to have been established as a stable breed around the 18th century. The Maine Coon has longer fur on its ears, especially with tufts at the tips. However, distinctions have become less pronounced as crossbreeding with the Norwegian Forest Cat has led to tufts on the ears of the latter as well.

Ragdoll Cat

Bred by Ann Baker in 1960, the Ragdoll cat was developed by crossing a male Birmann cat named Warbucks with a white nonpurebred longhaired female cat named Josephine. It was officially recognized as a breed in 1965.

Devon Rex

Also known as the Devon帝王猫, the Devon Rex was first discovered in Devon, England, in 1960. This cat has large eyes, a short face, prominent cheekbones, wide and lowset ears, short and fine fur, and a more curly, thinner, and coarser coat than the Cornish Rex.

How to Choose the Right Cat for You?

Should you choose a longhaired or shorthaired cat? The decision depends on you and your family's needs.

Pros and Cons of LongHaired and ShortHaired Cats:

LongHaired Cats: They have an elegant and graceful demeanor, but they shed more and require more time for grooming.

ShortHaired Cats: They are agile and lively, with less fur, requiring less care and attention.

Ultimately, you should make a comprehensive judgment based on your own and your family's situation. The best choice is the one that suits you best.

Should You Choose a Purebred or a Regular Cat?

What is your purpose for keeping a cat? Is it for competition, show, or resale at a high price? If not, there's no need to pursue purebred status unless you have the financial means to do so. The price is largely determined by supply and demand and does not necessarily reflect the true value. Remember that socalled pedigrees are manmade, and breed cats are also the result of crossings. The recognition of breeds is merely a commercial interest, and those with the most power have the most say.