A Look at Cat Breeds

When cats first became domesticated, they were pretty much left to do their own breeding. Their primary purpose as human companions were to hunt and kill rodents. As often happens when humans come in contact, taking control of the breeding to produce breeds with specific characteristics. Today there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, all recognised through cat registries. There are short-haired and long-haired breeds, breeds with distinctive colourings and breeds with distinctive features.

Some breeds have deep roots in history, like the Japanese Bobtail, which can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. Beleived to be commonly found throughout Medieval Japan, the Bobtail is no longer found anywhere in the world. Then there is the Maine Coon cat which is believed to have been brought over to the New World by the Vikings or early European travellers then left to adapt to the harsh cold of New England winters.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, they hacve a reputation of being destructive and having a foul temper, a reputation my part siamese cat doesn't deserve. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expensive, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn't as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are often black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. My part siamese is a tabby in colour but carries the lines, face and eyes of the Siamese. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world are owned by cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs.

A cat can be aloof and independent one moment, demanding another moment or cuddly and loving the next. When you take a kitten into your home, you are making a commitment to love and be loved for many years to come.