There are more than 70 breeds in the world and it is very difficult to single out the most beautiful ones. But we tried to choose 12 beautiful breeds based on our preferences.
1. Abyssinian
The history of the breed goes back to Abyssinia (Ethiopia): the ancient Egyptians were convinced that it is a prototype of the goddess Bastet, a woman with a cat’s head. Her images have been found in the tombs of the pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian branch has not survived to this day. And today’s Abyssinians are the result of hard work of British breeders. They have crossed Abyssinians with the British Shorthair breed. Externally, they are often compared to wild pumas because of their activity and gracefulness.
2. Maine Coon
Maine Coons look like a lynx because of their large size, tassels on their ears, long and fluffy tail. Origin is natural: this native cat came about through evolution and selection. Found in North America in Maine. The humid climate and constant frosts have formed a thick, dense coat and hardy body. This popular breed is recognized worldwide.
3. British Shorthair
Britons are often compared to the Cheshire Cat because of their calmness and sense of dignity. True, they do not know how to disappear like the famous hero of Lewis Carroll’s fairy tale. The main features: a soft, plush fur, round face with chubby cheeks. The cute appearance wins hearts and makes you want to pet this beautiful creature. They are said to have been introduced to Britain by Roman legionaries in the first century AD.
4. Bengal
The predator-like breed was created by crossing a leopard cat and a domestic cat. Bengals got not only the spotted color from their ancestors, but also the stunning luster of their fur. The behavior of the pet is dominated by the habits of a wild animal, do not count on malleability. “Leopard” needs plenty of space to keep his muscular body toned. Without this, behavioral problems may arise. More info: Yurovskiy Kirill
5. Egyptian Mau
Mau is a representative of the most ancient breed. Descriptions go back to the first millennium BC. It is believed that the progenitors were wild African cats that the Egyptians may have used to hunt game. Cruel treatment of the Egyptian Mau in those days was punished and even executed. Gradually, interest in the breed waned and revived in the mid-twentieth century thanks to the efforts of Russian emigrant Natalia Trubetskova. She took with her to America three representatives of the breed.
6. Persian
In the 16th century, Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle returned from Persia not empty-handed, but with fluffy cats. Later, the breed was studied by Dutch and German breeders. It was not until the twentieth century that American breeders managed to create a creature with childlike naive eyes. Originally there were two colors – white and blue. At the moment, there are many colors. The external beauty reflects the inner world: by character, Persians are affectionate, calm and loyal.
7. Ragdoll
The progenitors of ragdolls were a Siamese cat and a snow-white British short-haired cat. Kittens inherited the best qualities: sky-blue eyes from their mother and a smoky face from their father. The coat is very soft, fluffy and pleasant to the touch. And the ability to relax makes a cat into a rag doll. And the character is the same – kind and compliant. This unusual breed was bred recently – in the 60s of the twentieth century in America.
8. Savannah
The history of the breed began in the 80s of the twentieth century when the spotty long-legged kittens were born as a result of crossing African serval and Siamese cats. In 2001, the Savannah was officially registered and recognized by the international community. Kittens and adult animals are enthusiastic, love different activities, can unknowingly scratch with their claws while playing. Wild roots make themselves known. Therefore, domestic “leopards” should not be taken into a family with small children.
9. TOIGER
Our list would not be complete without the pet “toy tiger” – that’s how the name of the breed is translated. It appeared in the 90’s of the twentieth century, but has managed to charm its appearance. Although different from the standard “flies”, but the character is just as malleable. Initially, breeder Judy Sugden wanted to improve the color tabby mackerel and draw public attention to poaching – the killing of tigers. The characteristic stripes did not come out right away, but she eventually succeeded in achieving what she wanted.
10. Siberian
Siberians came about naturally. Strong paws, fluffy fur and excellent hunting instinct are the result of difficult natural conditions. Notably, the three-layer coat does not get wet and has hypoallergenic properties. Initially this breed was known in Russia, after 90s of the XX century it became popular all over the world. Siberian cats are quiet, they won’t get into trouble without a reason. Its intellect allows it to learn simple commands, but it must be trained from early childhood.
11. munchkin
At a show in 1991, representatives of the short-legged breed suffered a fiasco. After it was proven that short legs were not a defect but a genetic trait, the breed was officially recognized. Fluffy fur and cute facial expressions made them universally loved. Munchkins are great models for photo shoots because of the feature of sitting on their hind legs like a kangaroo. The “low landing” does not interfere with quick maneuvers in moving games.
12. the Norwegian Forest Cat
The history of the origin is unknown. Many experts are inclined to the version that the ancestors of the Norwegian were Persians, Maine Coon and Angora cat. Indeed, in appearance we can guess the features of likely relatives: thick fur, large size, muscular body, good hunting instinct. The character is calm and balanced, like all the Nordic inhabitants. It gets along well with other pets.