Second only to their arch enemy the dog (or so the media and cartoons would have you believe), cats are the most popular pets in the United States, and cat lovers everywhere will know exactly why.
So, if you are interested in finding out more, then continue reading. Here are the six most common breeds of cats kept as pets in the US.
1. The Maine Coon
One of the most strikingly beautiful breeds of cat that are understandably often sought after by cat lovers is the Maine Coon. The Maine Coon loves to be around their human companions, but only on their terms, and are equally more than happy to spend a day in their own company, exploring the house or backyard.
Native to North America, one striking difference between Maine Coons and the vast majority of other breeds of cat is that they actually enjoy water and have a water-resistant and particularly dense coat.
Whether or not you choose to adopt a cat from your local animal shelter or else purchase a tiny kitten from a reputable and renowned breeder, it is essential that you register your new cat with a veterinary clinic immediately, such as saltwateranimalhospital.com as a good example of what to look for (which has an operation in Burien WA).
2. The Russian Blue
Believed to have been descended from regal and majestic cats kept by affluent Russian Czars, Russian Blues have gained popularity in the United States since their introduction in the 1900s and are now amongst the most popular breed kept as pets.
Russian Blues are most comfortable residing in a quieter and more relaxed home setting and tend to shy away from large groups and noisy owners. Russian Blues are always either silver or dark grey in coat color and are unusual in the fact that they have green-yellow eyes, which are particularly piercing.
3. The Bombay
If you were to imagine a black panther stalking its prey in the wild and then shrink it down to the size of a medium domesticated cat, you would get a Bombay.
Initially first bred in the late 1950s by American breeders who wanted to create a breed of cat with a Burmese body yet with bright copper eyes and a jet-black coat, Bombays were only officially recognized as an official breed in 1972.
For owners with lots of energy and enthusiasm and who love to play and bond with their cat, the Bombay makes for the ideal feline companion, as they tend to be remarkably easy to train and friendly with children, adults, and other cats alike.
4. The Siamese
Brought into mainstream popularity by the Walt Disney movie ‘The Aristocats’ in the 1990s, Siamese cats are the by far the most striking and distinctive breed of cat of them all, with their long triangular ears and piercing blue eyes.
Siamese cats always have grey-white-brown coats and short coats, making them the ideal feline friend for those who are allergic to long cats’ fur, and recently, official breeders have been looking to add different colors of coats to the Siamese breed.
Siamese are not used to spending prolonged periods of time alone and are therefore best kept with another bonded Siamese or else in a home with people who are usually there for most of each day. Furthermore, Siamese cats are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds of cats of them all.
5. The American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are amongst the most recognized breed of cat in the US, and with their well-rounded temperaments, alert dispositions, and loving personalities, it is not hard to see why.
American Shorthairs perfectly balance the need for human companionship, fuss, strokes, and love with a need for independence and exploration. With their muscular builds, they are more than adept at jumping garden fences to their heart’s content.
6. The Ragdoll
The sixth and final most popular breed of cat kept as a domesticated pet in the United States is the Ragdoll. Ragdolls are, quite frankly, absolutely beautiful and have fluffy, cuddly coats that require a significant amount of grooming every other day. Ragdoll cats are classed as a ‘pointed breed’ and as such have lighter-colored coats with darker tails and faces and piercing, bright blue eyes.
As well as being the ideal cat to curl up on your lap in the evening and replace the need for a hot water bottle, Ragdoll cats are extremely affectionate and love nothing more than a lazy day in the house.