| There are about 100 million pet cats in the | | | | cats. They are called Ragdolls because when |
| Western world. The most popular is a | | | | you pick one up, it goes completely limp in |
| combination of different breeds - the | | | | your arms! They are another large breed with |
| domestic shorthaired cat. The Cat Fancier's | | | | males growing anything up to 20 pounds and |
| Association (CFA) holds the largest registry | | | | females 15. They have blue eyes and |
| of pedigree cats in the world. A pedigree is | | | | mid-length, silky fur. They are |
| the product of two parents from the same | | | | extraordinarily affectionate and will follow |
| breed. | | | | you everywhere. |
| | | | |
| Let's take a look at the top ten most popular | | | | They are so docile that it can be dangerous |
| cat breeds of 2006, according to the CFA. | | | | for them to go out as they wouldn't defend |
| | | | themselves if another animal attacked them. |
| 1. THE PERSIAN | | | | |
| | | | 7. THE BIRMAN |
| Number one since the CFA first started | | | | |
| keeping records in 1871! Although Persians | | | | This blue eyed cat also glories in the name |
| are high-maintenance and need grooming every | | | | of the Sacred Cat of Burma! They have |
| day, this is more than compensated for by | | | | characteristic white paws, making them look |
| their affectionate and loyal personality. | | | | as if they are wearing little white boots. |
| | | | They have even temperaments, and are known |
| 2. THE MAINE COON | | | | for adjusting to your daily routine. A |
| | | | Birman will often be waiting for you when you |
| This enormous all-American cat has been in | | | | get home from work (as do Siamese and |
| second place since 1992. Maine Coons are one | | | | Orientals). Although their fur is long and |
| of the biggest domestic breeds. Males | | | | silky, they don't require much grooming. |
| average 12 to 18 pounds in weight and females | | | | |
| are usually 10-14. They are hardy, gentle | | | | 8. THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR |
| and loving with long fur but don't need as | | | | |
| much grooming as a Persian. | | | | These look like regular tabbies but true |
| | | | American Shorthairs are pure-bred. These |
| 3. THE EXOTIC | | | | cats originally arrived in America on the |
| | | | "Mayflower" with the pilgrims. They are good |
| These are also known as exotic shorthairs and | | | | hunters, have a loving nature, general good |
| are rounded and solid in appearance. This | | | | health, a quiet temperament, and they are |
| cat is like a Persian but with short fur. | | | | great with children. They come in a |
| Some people call them 'a Persian in pyjamas'! | | | | multitude of color combinations, the most |
| They have the sweet personality of the | | | | popular being silver. More than a third of |
| Persian but only need combing twice a week. | | | | all American Shorthairs have this coloring of |
| | | | black 'stripes' on a beautiful silver |
| 4. THE SIAMESE | | | | background. |
| | | | |
| These cats are very communicative, yowling in | | | | 9. THE ORIENTAL |
| a rasping voice for attention or just to | | | | |
| chat! They are slim and athletic with large | | | | This breed looks and behaves just like a |
| ears. Their fur is short and lies close to | | | | Siamese but is available in two different |
| their skin. They love to be stroked, and are | | | | hair lengths and over 300 different color |
| extremely loyal and close to one person. They | | | | combinations. They also have very sweet |
| are very intelligent and loving. | | | | natures, and have many of the characteristics |
| | | | of Siamese, though they don't quite talk as |
| 5. THE ABYSSINIAN | | | | loudly. But they are very affectionate and |
| | | | loyal, very people-oriented. |
| It is said that these pretty cats are | | | | |
| descended from those worshipped by the | | | | 10. THE SPHYNX |
| ancient Egyptians - but no one knows for | | | | |
| sure. Their coat is ticked with colors. | | | | This extraordinary naked cat has a rather |
| Abyssinians are very active, busy and | | | | bizarre appearance. Strangely, they are |
| playful, and they love people. | | | | available in a multitude of colors, albeit |
| | | | skin colors rather than fur! They are lively |
| 6. THE RAGDOLL | | | | and athletic, and enjoy climbing. They are |
| | | | loyal, loving and constantly demand |
| Ragdolls, or 'Raggies' are extremely cute | | | | attention. |