Regal and highly intelligent, the Abyssinian is best described in one word: busy. Not a lap cat, this insatiably curious breed is always on the move, except when eating or sleeping. A fascinating, gorgeous breed, the Abyssinian is a natural athlete, with a muscular body and no fear of heights. The Aby is an affectionate, loyal, people-oriented companion that is well-suited for families with children older than 6.
Confident and friendly, the American Bobtail is a highly intelligent breed with a clownlike personality. Looking much like a bobtailed wildcat, this rare and athletic breed can be taught to walk on a leash. The American Bobtail has two coat varieties, shorthair and longhair, and does not reach adulthood until 2 or 3 years old. A devoted family companion, this cat interacts well with people of all ages and is ideal with children.
The American Curl has distinctive curled ears that form a graceful arc, giving an alert, perky expression. This breed is known as the “Peter Pan” of cats due to retaining its kittenlike personality throughout life. The Curl has two coat varieties, shorthair and longhair. With her outstanding temperament, the Curl is a people-oriented breed that makes an affectionate soul mate and easily adjusts to other pets and children.
Ancestors of the American Shorthair hunted rats on the ships of early European settlers. These cats flourished alongside the pioneers, eventually becoming the native North American shorthair cat. A true working breed, the American Shorthair is strongly built. This healthy, long-lived cat stands out for her beauty and quiet disposition and makes an ideal companion for families with children and those having cat friendly dogs.
Distinguished from other breeds by its wiry, dense coat that is described as feeling like steel wool, the American Wirehair is considered a national treasure. This intelligent and highly adaptable breed is playful and keenly interested in her surroundings. Easy to care for, the American Wirehair has a relaxed, loving, sweet personality, making her an ideal companion for families with children 6 and older and having other pets.
A Siamese in every nature except for her long, silky ermine coat, the Balinese, also known as the Javanese, has a distinctive luxurious tail plume. This long, slender cat is lithe but muscular. An easygoing breed with a clownlike personality, the Balinese adores people. This regal, aristocratic, intelligent cat is talkative, though less vocal than the Siamese. A healthy breed, the Balinese can live up to 20 years.
The regal beauty and alluring charm of the Bengal make this feline one of the most popular breeds. Its richly colored, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling, similar to jungle cats, is stunning. A docile, civilized house cat, the Bengal enjoys playing, chasing, climbing, and investigating. This breed is affectionate and adores being wherever you are.
With her marvelous, social personality, the Birman doesn’t like being the only animal in the house. She is active and playful but quiet if you are busy. This healthy, long-lived breed has an outstanding semi-long silky coat that does not mat and a luxurious, long bottle-brush tail. Brilliant blue, almost-round eyes are prominent features of her sweet expression.
A people-oriented breed, the Bombay enthusiastically greets visitors. This easygoing feline is sweet, affectionate and curious. The Bombay enjoys playing fetch, going for leash walks and inventing entertainment. This breed is known for its beautiful gold to copper eyes and short, flat, gleaming coat that accentuates a solid, muscular body. A devoted companion, the Bombay gets along well with children and other pets.
The British Shorthair is affectionate without being clingy and enjoys curling up beside you rather than being a lap cat. The Brit is a healthy, hardy feline that matures slowly in three to five years. Playful, alert and intelligent, this cat loves children. Though reserved with strangers, this breed quickly warms up when love is given in return. The British Shorthair is compact, well-balanced and powerful, with a short, dense, plush coat.
An extremely people-oriented breed, the Burmese is frisky and mischievous well into adulthood. Craving close contact, she loves to cuddle in warm laps. With an almost doglike personality, the Burmese can be taught to retrieve. This breed is good with children and tolerates cat friendly dogs. Having a short, satinlike coat and compact body, this cat has large, expressive eyes that are one of the breed’s endearing traits.
Often called the smiling cat of France, the Chartreux has a sweet, smiling expression. This sturdy, powerful cat has a distinctive blue coat with a resilient wooly undercoat. Historically known as fine mousers with strong hunting instincts, the Chartreux enjoys toys that move. This is a slow-maturing breed that reaches adulthood in three to five years. A loving, gentle companion, the Chartreux forms a close bond with her family.
