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Popular Cat BreedsPersian Cats
Persian cats are among the most popular cat breeds. As the name suggests, Persian cats originate from Persia. Specifically, they come from the plateaus of modern day Iran, known as Persia in ancient times. Among the most popular show breeds, Persians are longhair breeds with thick fur. Their unique features also include short legs, wide heads, short foreheads, very short muzzles, large eyes and widely set ears.
There are a few varieties of Persian cats named very descriptively for their facial features. There are “doll faced” Persians, “snubby” Persians and “flat faced” Persians. They can have any markings or color, including tortoisehell, tabby, pointed and blue Persians. There is also a Silver Persian which breeders once wanted to establish as an entirely separate breed called the Sterling, but that never came to be. Because of their very small muzzle, Persian cats can have breathing problems. Also, their long, dense fur is very difficult for them to groom on their own, so they need to be bathed and brushed frequently. Persians are especially susceptible to a condition known as polycystic kidney disease, though breeders can screen cats for the gene. This breeds lives between 10 and 18 years.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair breed was first registered in 1901, but the name did not become official until 1966. Chances are you have or know someone who has an American Shorthair cat. The breed has been among the top ten most popular cat breeds for decades. American Shorthairs are generally strong and healthy. They are descendants of barn cats kept for hunting mice, so most American Shorthairs have excellent hunting instincts that you might notice in the way they play. They are also an intelligent and very trainable breed. Many American Shorthairs can be trained to obey commands…if they want to, of course.
A unique characteristic of many America Shorthairs that sets them apart from most cats is that they do not mind water. In fact, some like it and will play in it if allowed to! This breed also tends to be calm and patient, making them excellent house pets. Their short hair is, of course, a desirable feature for many human companions because it does not require as much care as the coats of longhair breeds.
Find books about cat breeds. More Cat Breeds: Abyssinian and Siamese
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