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