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Abyssinian
This sleek-looking cat is athletic, agile, and affectionate toward humans. Abyssinians are very intelligent and highly in tune with the activities of their families. This breed enjoys heights, perching above the room, and surveilling everything. Of all the cat types, this one learns tricks quickly and will enjoy running a feline agility course. Generally, they're not lap cats but love getting petted or brushed. They also tend to enjoy the company of other animals and adapt well to most living arrangements.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Tall, pointy ears; wedge-shaped head; slender and muscular body
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Balinese
The Balinese is the longhaired version of the Siamese cat breed. They tend to be active cats that love to investigate everything their humans are doing. They're also chatty cats, often vocalizing their opinions. Keep this kitty active with puzzles or teaser toys and a big cat tree for climbing. This breed can learn to fetch, walk on a leash, and figure out tricks quickly. They're typically affectionate with their families but can get into mischief exploring their home if left unstimulated for too long.
Breed Overview
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Wedge-shaped head; slender body; blue eyes
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Bengal
The Bengal is perhaps best known for its exotic coat that resembles a jaguar or leopard. This breed originated from crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. Bengal cats are highly intelligent, athletic, and still a bit wild. They love to run, jump, climb, and play. They require ample space for exercise (especially vertical space) and mental challenges, such as puzzle games and toys. Its nimble paws are almost as good as hands. Some can turn light switches on and off, pluck out pet fish from aquariums, and pull out small items from drawers.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 16 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Sleek, muscular body; striped and spotted coat
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Burmese
The Burmese is an energetic and friendly breed that loves to engage with its people. These cats are clever, adaptable, playful, and trainable. Besides doing commands such as sit, roll over, wave, and come, this breed can fetch a small toy or walk on a leash. With early conditioning, car rides and vet visits will be a breeze. They thrive on socialization and prefer company, including other animals. A companion at home prevents loneliness and the boredom that often leads to mischief.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Round golden eyes; compact, muscular body
Continue to 5 of 10 below - 05 of 10
Cornish Rex
These cats are active and friendly, and some say they're rather dog-like in their play, even into their senior years. Many enjoy games of fetch or performing tricks like playing the piano. This kitty's long toes enable it to open doors and cabinets with ease, which means child safety locks might be an option to consider. This spry creature has the uncanny ability to vault to the highest point in the room. The most unique physical feature of the Cornish rex is its wavy coat.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Curved body; high cheekbones; large ears
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Havana Brown
The Havana brown is a beautiful cat with a silky, chocolate-colored coat. This is a relatively rare cat breed that originated from crossing the Siamese with several other breeds. They're typically intelligent, inquisitive, and chatty cats who love socialization with their families. They're moderately energetic and prefer interactive toys like teasers and puzzles to challenge them mentally and physically.
Breed Overview
Height: 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Deep brown color; green eyes; large ears
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Korat
The Korat, named for a province in Thailand, is another rare breed; it is considered good luck in its homeland. They're brilliant and attentive to the world around them. Korats are moderately energetic and enjoy interactive games, but they also love their naps. This breed can learn tricks, like playing fetch and walking on a leash. You can easily teach this cat the household rules if you reward it with praise or treats. This kitty loves its toys, and it's sometimes too stubborn to share with others. If you have plenty of toys, that should solve the problem. They thrive on attention and are typically affectionate with their families.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Heart-shaped head; somewhat stocky body
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Savannah
The Savannah is a rare and exotic breed with high intelligence. Developed by crossing wild African servals with domestic cats, this large hybrid kept some of its wild side in its appearance and attitude. They need lots of space to run, jump, and play. And they get bored quickly; they require sufficient interaction and environmental stimulation. This breed will take walks on a leash; seek out water to play in; and rummage through nooks, drawers, cabinets, and boxes. It can even turn on the faucet! Make sure you protect fine china and other breakables on shelves since this leaping kitty loves to climb and explore.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Tall, lean body; erect ears; golden coat with dark spots and bars
Continue to 9 of 10 below - 09 of 10
Siamese
One of the world's most popular and recognizable cat breeds, the Siamese is known for its beautiful coat, curious nature, and chatty tendency. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and energetic. They love to play and crave attention and company. Keep this kitty's brain busy with puzzles and teaser toys. If you can, get a big cat tree for climbing; this kitty would appreciate it. If bored, a Siamese will entertain itself by turning on faucets, opening cabinets, or rummaging where it shouldn't.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Sleek body; almond-shaped eyes; wedge-shaped head
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Singapura
As its name implies, the Singapura originated on the streets of Singapore. The breed came to the U.S. during the 1970s and is still considered rare. These small cats are generally playful, outgoing, and curious. And they love to be involved with what their humans are doing. They're rather active and love to climb, so make sure to provide plenty of vertical space. This mischievous kitty will climb curtains or leap up to your shoulder as you walk by for a ride. They can also chase small balls down the hall and tickle the ivories, too.
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 5 to 8 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Light beige color; compact body; eyes can be yellow, hazel, or green
Breeds to Avoid
Generally speaking, all cats are smart creatures, but some breeds are a little less impressive in the brains category, including Birmans, Persians, Himalayans, exotic shorthairs, and ragdolls. Still, most of these felines are affectionate, playful, and easygoing companions.
