Types of Cats-Understanding,Caring for & Training Your Cat

There are many kinds of breeds or types of cat. Different breeds have different characteristics. For example, some breeds are long-haired, some are short-haired, and some grow to be large, while others stay small. Some cat breeds have long tails, while others have bobbed or short tails. A pure-bred cat times called a pedigree cat) is a cat that had parents and grandparents that belong to the same breed.

A mixed-breed cat has parents that belong to different breed. A mixed breed may display a mixture of characteristics from a variety of breeds. Whether you decide on a purebred cat or a mixed breed, learning about the characteristics of different breeds can help you choose a feline friend. One of the main ways to examine some of the different breeds is by comparing their coats or fur. The following breeds are some of the popular long-haired and short-haired breeds.

The Sphynx looks like it has no hair. However, people who own this Sphynx cat breed say this cat is not completely hairless. the Sphynx probably has the shortest hair of all other cat breeds,and obviously, does not need to be brushed. Like most breeds, the Sphynx likes attention, is very curious, and will often get into trouble. If you decide on this breed, you will find that your cat likes to cuddle up with you, especially on cold nights.

At first glance, you may think a Siamese cat looks a bit unusual. Its ears may look too big for its thin face. Siamese cats have narrow eyes, small mouths, and long skinny tails to match their long skinny bodies. Most of the Siamese's coat is tan or white. The darker coloring is in the cat's tail, feet, ears, and face. Many cat owners say that Siamese are noisier than a lot of ther breeds. Siamese like to "talk", which means they meow a lot. They also have a lot of energy.

Neither a long-haired nor a short-haired breed, the Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds in North America. It was probably first bred in Maine, and is actually Maine's official state cat. It was probably got its name from the fact that it has a bushy tail and coloring that sometimes resembles a raccoon's. A Maine Coon cat's coat is thick, but not as long as a Persian's or Himalayan's. The fur can come in a wide range of colors, from white to black, striped or spotted.