4Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.     See Cats Less Affectionate with Family3If you're going to share your home with a cat, you'll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you're a neatnik you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed, or relax your standards.   See Cats with Low Amount of Shedding2Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn't mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in.   

See Cats Prone to Health Problems4Some cats are perpetual kittens — full of energy and mischief — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates.   See Cats with Low Potential for Playfulness5Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant "conversation" drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.   See Cats with Lower Tendency to Vocalize3Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.   

See Least Kit Friendly Cats2Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat that needs daily brushing.   See Cats That Need to Groom3Some cat breeds are reputed smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. American Standard Sinks With LegsInteractive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep him out of mischief.   Puppies For Sale In New Brunswick NjSee Cats with Less Intelligence3Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Where To Buy Fire Retardant Curtains

Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.   See Least Pet Friendly Cats Use this scroller to find a cat breed (or type the first letter of a breed name to jump through the list) -- or browse cat breeds below. 10 at a time Abyssinians aren't for those who want decorative cats to match the rust-colored carpet, or for those who want cats that enjoy ... Read more about the Abyssinian cat breed. While the breed is still developing, breeders say that Bobtails are playful, energetic, and friendly, and possess an uncanny ... Read more about the American Bobtail cat breed. Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears to make them attractive pets. They are people cats that do not show any of ... Read more about the American Curl cat breed. When describing the American Shorthair, the expression 'happy medium' springs to mind. These all-American cats are medium in ... Read more about the American Shorthair cat breed.

Wirehairs are people cats that crave human attention and affection. They are active without being hyper, and affectionate ... Read more about the American Wirehair cat breed. Balinese cats are smart, sweet, and fun to be around. Like the Siamese, they are known for their ability to communicate vocally, ... Read more about the Balinese cat breed. The Bengal may look like a wild cat, but breeders insist that the Bengal is as lovably friendly and docile as any full-blooded ... Read more about the Bengal cat breed. Birmans are affectionate, gentle, and faithful companions with an air of dignity that seems to invite adoration by their human ... Read more about the Birman cat breed. If an aloof, independent cat is what you're craving, this breed isn't for you. Bombays are attached to their family, and tend to ... Read more about the Bombay cat breed. If you're looking for a cat that will loot your refrigerator and swing dizzily from your chandeliers, then the British Shorthair ...

Read more about the British Shorthair cat breed. Breeders and fanciers report that Burmese are amusing, playful, and super-smart, the perfect interactive cats for home, office, ... Read more about the Burmese cat breed. Known for their hunting prowess, Chartreux cats may have been taken in by those monks long ago to rid the monastery of vermin. Read more about the Chartreux cat breed. Cornish Rexes are good for folks who like having their lives run by active, inquisitive, gazelle-like felines that love a good ... Read more about the Cornish Rex cat breed. The personality of the Cymric has won a strong following despite the breeding challenges. Cymrics are intelligent, fun-loving ... Read more about the Cymric cat breed. Devons have been compared to pixies, elves, and, of course, space aliens for their jumbo-sized satellite-dish ears, large, ... Read more about the Devon Rex cat breed. While fanciers might at first be attracted to the Egyptian Mau's beautiful spotted coat, most become enthusiasts because of the ...

Read more about the Egyptian Mau cat breed. Some folks who don't appreciate that laid-back, mellow personality label Persians and their relatives 'furniture with fur', but ... Read more about the Exotic Shorthair cat breed. More distinctive than the muzzle, ears, or minklike coat is the Havana Brown?s personality. Although still quite rare and for ... Read more about the Havana Brown cat breed. Himmies, as fanciers call them, are perfect indoor cat companions. They are gentle, calm, and sweet-tempered, but they possess a ... Read more about the Himalayan cat breed. Bobs make outstanding companions. They're curious, bold, intelligent, and alert, and easily adjust to new people, situations, ... Read more about the Japanese Bobtail cat breed. Javanese cats, like their Balinese relatives, are playful, devoted, and always eager to tell you their views on life, love, and ... Read more about the Javanese cat breed. Korats are not as vocal as their Siamese comrades;

they have other ways of getting their wishes across. At dinnertime they'll ... Read more about the Korat cat breed. No breed has a monopoly on love and affection, but there's got to be some good reason that the Maine Coon has clawed his way up ... Read more about the Maine Coon cat breed. The Manx's personality is probably the reason the breed has won such a strong following despite the physical difficulties and ... Read more about the Manx cat breed. For their part, Munchkins, oblivious to the controversy surrounding them, go on being just what they are, cats; Read more about the Munchkin cat breed. Nebelungs are mild, soft-spoken, and gentle. They are generally reserved around strangers, ranging from hiding-under-the-bed ... Read more about the Nebelung cat breed. Natural athletes, Norwegian Forest Cats love to investigate counters, bookcases, and the loftiest peaks of their cat trees. Read more about the Norwegian Forest Cat cat breed.

Ocicats may look wild, but they are actually affectionate, curious, and playful, and possess a very strong devotion to their ... Read more about the Ocicat cat breed. The personality of the Oriental is as distinctive as the multicolored exterior. They are natural entertainers, full of ... Read more about the Oriental cat breed. If you want your cats bouncing around like hyperactive popcorn, don't buy a Persian. Persians are perfect companions, if you ... Read more about the Persian cat breed. Docile, mild-mannered, and congenial, Rag-dolls make ideal indoor companions. One of the nicest features of these cats is their ... Read more about the Ragdoll cat breed. Russian Blues are gentle, genteel cats, and are usually reserved, or absent, when strangers are around. When they're with their ... Read more about the Russian Blue cat breed. Scottish Folds are intelligent, sweet-tempered, soft-spoken, and easily adaptable to new people and situations.

They are very ... Read more about the Scottish Fold cat breed. Selkirks are fun-loving, mellow cats with a generous measure of love and affection for their human companions. Read more about the Selkirk Rex cat breed. Some cats seem to think that a purr or a friendly rub speaks louder than words. Siamese are not of this school of thought and ... Read more about the Siamese cat breed. Siberians are affectionate cats with a good dose of personality and playfulness. They are amenable to handling, and breeders ... Read more about the Siberian cat breed. Singapuras, happily unaware of the controversy surrounding them, go right on being what they are: pesky people pleasers. Read more about the Singapura cat breed. Breeders brave enough to take on the Snowshoe challenge find that the cat pays back the effort in love and affection. Read more about the Snowshoe cat breed. With all the virtues of the Abyssinian and adorned by a gorgeous semi-long coat, the Somali is a beautiful and lively addition ...