Despite them being renowned for being independent and enjoying time alone, humans can get quite attached to cats. They are the second most popular pet in the U.S., just behind dogs, with around 29% of adults in America currently owning a cat. Additionally, more than 50% of adults either own or, at some point in their life, owned a cat.
Cat lover or not, it is undeniable that the small furry pals win the heart of almost everyone they meet. This could be because of the many shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities they come with. Each cat is completely different from the next one, and it is more than certain that if you are looking to adopt one, you’ll find the just who is just right for you.
Most Common Cat Breeds
As mentioned, cats are incredibly popular in the U.S. Believe it or not, around 1 in every 12 Americans own at least three cats. Given that there are so many out there, it is normal to question how many breeds of cats there are. The short answer is: there are a lot. There are many different types of cat breeds, including long-haired cats, short-haired cats, small cats, medium-sized cats, cats with double coats, and cats with one coat of hair; the list is pretty big, and that is great for any potential pet owner looking for one.
Here is a small list of the most popular cats in the U.S. You might also want to check out Bengal cats, as they are the most google searched cats in the U.S.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are very popular in the U.S. because of their curiosity and intelligence. They are very sociable with other animals, kids, and even other cats. They even like to be around to see what is going on in their owner’s household. However, they won’t be looking for pets and cuddles directly from you.
Abyssinian cats like the attention and company of others. If you know, you’ll have to leave them alone for many hours at a time; it’s best to adopt another cat for them to play with.
American Shorthair
In the early days, American shorthair cats were sought out because of their ability to protect houses from rats and other animals. Now cat owners fall in love with them because of their great temper and their affectionate behavior. They still keep their old habits and love to play around with an excellent toy to catch.
Ragdoll
Known for their big size, blue eyes, soft coats, and their tendency to go limp when picked up, ragdolls have become a very common choice for cat owners across the country. Ragdolls are perfect for those who are looking to cuddle and pet their pets as much as possible.
Ragdolls tend to be on the lighter side of colors for their beautiful coat of hair, while the opposite is true for their extremities. A very interesting characteristic of ragdolls is the consistency in their beautiful blue eyes.
History of Cat Domestication
According to recent studies, humans domesticated cats at two different stages in time many thousands of years ago. The first time humans domesticated cats was in the fertile crescent, a region in the middle east, in the neolithic period, around 6,000 years ago. The second time period was in ancient Egypt’s middle kingdom, which ended in 1690 BC.
Many believe that cat’s spread around the world because of their rat-killing capabilities. Many sailors would bring cats on their ships to protect their food supply from the rodents that infested every ship at the time.
Common Black Cat Breeds
Going back to cat breed options for potential owners, here is a list of black cat breeds for those who aren’t afraid of superstitions.
American Bobtail
As one would expect, bobtail cats have a bobbed tail, which along with their soft black coat, gives them a unique appearance. They are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate with everyone, making them great for owners who are looking for a new friend for the whole family.
Bombay
Originally a mix of black American Shorthair and Sable Burmese, Bombay cats only have one possible color for their coats, black. Add to the mix a pair of yellow or copper-colored eyes, and you got yourself a beautiful, smart, and curious 13 inches buddy that will be ready to live with you or with the whole family.
Contact Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital for
Your Pet Emergency Care
If you notice your pet acting out of the ordinary or if you see them suffering from an emergency, don’t panic and call an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible. Here at Central Orange County Emergency Animal Hospital, we are ready to help your pet even at the latest hours of the night. For emergencies, call us at 949-261-7979. If you wish to schedule an appointment for a less urgent situation, you can contact us here.
