There are so many cat breeds out there! Some are large, some are small, and some live a very long time. Of course, we love all of our kitties, no matter what’s in their DNA. However, if you’re looking for a new addition to your family at the shelter, it’s nice to have some idea of what you’re getting into.
Will that little kitten grow up to be an enormous adult feline? Will that lazy, sleeping kitty wake up later and need space to run like a cat out of heck? Knowing a bit more about cat breeds can definitely help you make the right decision when you’re ready to adopt.
(Photo by Dmitry SerebryakovTASS via Getty Images)With that in mind, here’s your daily dose of cat facts about breeds. Find out which cats are the largest, smallest, fastest, and more!
Largest Cat Breed: The Maine Coon
By common consensus among cat experts, the Maine Coon is almost certainly the largest cat breed. In fact, males can weigh up to 24 pounds.
The Maine Coon is a very old breed whose origins are shrouded in mystery. According to some, the breed came into existence when domestic cats mated with bobcats. This theory is supported by the fact that the Maine Coon has distinct tufts on the ears, not unlike bobcats.
The breed is a solid, muscular one and reaches full maturity at around the age of three to four years old.
Smallest Cat Breed: The Singapura
The Singapura is officially recognized as the smallest cat breed in the world. The breed is not a very old one, having been in existence for some 30 odd years.
Females can weigh as low as four pounds and males can reach six to eight pounds.
A Singapura is also characterized by their silky, sepia coat, large eyes that are usually amber or green in color, a slim muscular body, a cute little nose, and large ears.
These cats possess an alert and playful disposition.
Fastest Cat Breed: The Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a unique breed in many ways. They’re considered one of the progenitor breeds for our domestic cats.
They’re an intelligent and sensitive breed possessing a very musical voice. Perhaps their biggest claim to fame, however, is that they’re the fastest of all cat breeds.
They’ve been clocked running at approximately 30 miles per hour (48 km/hr).
Longest-lived Cat Breed: The Siamese
The Siamese is among the longest-lived cat breeds.
These cats originated in Siam — the Thailand of today. They’ve been around in the United States since the 19th century.
Siamese cats are extremely social, having traits like being warm and faithful, qualities that many people associate more with dogs.
A Siamese cat typically lives for 20 years and can even live beyond those two decades.
Most Dog-like Cat Breed: The Abyssinian
Abyssinians are a very social cat breed; in fact, these cats are often called the Border Collies of the cat world.
The Abyssinian cat breed is an old one, and they probably originated in Southeast Asia. These cats are loyal, people-friendly, energetic, and smart.
They’re adept at learning tricks, and some will also play “fetch” with their humans.
What other interesting cat breeds with claims to fame did we miss? Do you have one of these special kitties at home? Let us know in the comments below!
