9 Common Cat Breeds & Their Personality Traits Revealed

By Susan Dickson

9 Common Cat Breeds & Their Personality Traits Revealed thegearhunt.com

No one who has ever owned a cat can deny that they are their own individual and that each cat has its own distinctive personality. However, with that being said, some of the most common cat breeds seem to be ingrained and wired to have certain personality traits. There are exotic cat breeds and then there are common cat breeds, and many cat owners would be surprised to find that the most common cat breeds actually make up 95 percent of the cats in the United States.

If you are a cat person, who is thinking about getting one of the most common cat breeds, then you need to know a little about their personality traits before you make a final decision. Factors like whether you have children, how often you are going to be home to be with the cat, the type of lifestyle you lead, and even your living arrangements need to be taken into consideration, before you decide to bring home a kitten, or even a cat, as a pet. This blog will cover the top most common cat breeds and their personality traits to help you make an informed decision on which of these lovely creatures to bring into your home. Kitty-in-a-Blanket

Domestic Short and Domestic Longhairs

This breed of cat, lovingly known of as alley cats, or sometimes even “that” cat, aren’t a recognized or pedigree breed at all. As a matter of fact, 95 percent of the house cats in America are domestic cats. This type of cat comes in a variety of different colors and sizes and might have long or short hair. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, this cat loves to do tricks and play. The most popular and the most loved, these cats are here to stay!

Personality Traits

Domestic cats are more intelligent than they often let on. They have a high aptitude for learning and a really good memory as well. You may find your domestic cat watching you, and they are usually observing everything, even when they are asleep. Don’t think that the simple games you can teach them, means that you are training your cat. All of the times they are watching you, usually means they are studying how to best train you, not the other way around. They are a very lovable breed and make great lap warmers, as they love to curl up on their human’s lap and purr the day away. If you are searching or a lovable cat, this one is the right choice for you.

Persian Cats

Persian cats have been given a bad name in some circles, as being aloof and temperamental. While they can be a bit aloof, this breed is truly a gentle cat. The only bad thing about Persian cats is that they have to be brushed quite often. If they aren’t brushed on a regular basis, they will become matted and look horrible. Their hair is long, so it becomes matted easily. These animals need to go to a gentle household as they can be quite sensitive. So, if you have rowdy children or toddlers, this might not be the best choice. With a lifespan of 15 to 20 years or more, this cat is perfect for many cat lovers.

Personality Traits

As previously stated, Persians are laid-back and love people, not the aloof, temperamental creatures that they have often been called. They easily adapt to different environments and love to be cuddled. If you are looking for an indoor cat, that never sees the outdoors, then a Persian is the cat for you. They do not do well in outdoor conditions, so they are perfectly happy to stay inside with their humans.

Siamese Cats

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest breeds out there and is very vocal about what they need and want. They are a medium size cat and have a lifespan of 16 to 20+ years. The short-haired cat is often unpredictable in their behavior, but are always ready to be loved.

Personality Traits

Often portrayed as villains in many animated movies, because of their sleek appearance, these felines are anything but. Though their behavior can be unpredictable, they are basically loving cats that seek affection from their owners. With the Siamese, most people either love them or hate them, no in between. They are very vocal about what they want, and how they want it, and don’t mind telling their owners over and over again, in a loud voice. They are very social and very intelligent animals, meaning they love a good petting but are quick to learn how to manipulate their owners into giving them what they want. If you’re looking for a cat that might be more intelligent than you are and is very active, the Siamese is certainly the cat you should choose to make your own, or maybe she will make you her own, instead.

Maine Coon Cats

The maine coon cat is a pretty awesome cat, just because they often have an extra joint in their paws, making their paws more like snowshoes. This is good because they have thick fur that makes them perfect to have in colder climates. These cats are large, weighing in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds and living from 12 to 15 years. They are the perfect cat to have on a farm, as they are fast and strong and great mousers.

Personality Traits

This cat is well-known for its gentle disposition and the fact that it does well around children and even dogs. They love to be around people but don’t mind being on their own. They can curl up on your lap for a long winter’s nap or run around the farm all day, they don’t care. They are the perfect cat for a new pet owner and other than having long fur that needs to be brushed, they are the very definition of a low-maintenance, happy-go-lucky cat. If you are looking for a cat that is gentle, and happy to go wherever you go, or not, then the Maine coon cat is one you will want to check out for sure.

The Abyssinian Cat

The Abyssinian cat is unique and is actually one of the only cats out there that love to play in the water. A medium size cat, with short hair, they are known for their colorful personalities and have a lifespan of 9 to 15+ years. They are easy to spot by their large ears and unusual ticked fur that sets them apart from other cat breeds out there.

Personality Traits

These cats are known to really love humans. One of the smartest cat breeds out there, these cats have been known to train their human, instead of the other way around. Though they don’t warm up well to strangers, they are extremely loyal to their human, sticking to their “chosen” person like glue. They aren’t really the type of cat, that climbs up in their human’s laps, but they do like to be close to the person that has chosen as their own.

Exotic Shorthair Cats

Silver-Tabby-Cat A short-haired version of the Persian cat breed, this cat resembles the Persian in every way but one. They have short hair instead of long hair. This is great for a cat owner that wants a Persian but doesn’t want to have to brush a long-haired cat every day. The exotic shorthair does need to be brushed on a weekly basis, however, so it is a medium maintenance breed. They are a medium to large cat, with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

Personality Traits

With all the gentleness and calm personality of the Persian, this breed is great for someone who wants a gentle, calm, laid back cat. They do great with kids and other pets and would make the perfect cat for an elderly person. They are a little more active and playful than the Persian breed but make excellent mousers as well. They like to be around their owners, so leaving them alone isn’t a great idea. If you are home most of the time, then this could be a good breed for you to adopt.

Burmese Cats

Considered one of the most intelligent cats in the world, the Burmese cat is short haired and has a lifespan of 18 to 20 years. They are an elegant breed and though they grow to medium frames, they are heavier than they look, earning them the nickname of, “the brick wrapped in silk.” Featuring a satiny soft coat, this short haired cat requires no grooming, so is perfect for those who want a cat that is no fuss.

Personality Traits

The Burmese have no problem telling their owners what they want and are highly intelligent. Known to be the closest to acting like dogs of the cat species, this cat is of a medium size with a lifespan of 18 to 20 years. If you want an active cat, you will want to go with the female Burmese, if instead, you want one that is less active, the male is your best shot. Although they are people-centric creatures, they have no problem slinking into a corner and sulking if they are displeased with something their owner has done to them.

Ragdoll Cats

Yes, yes, there is really a breed of ragdoll cats out there. These cats actually look similar to a large house cat and are very mild-mannered. These cats are actually a cross between a long-haired angora cat and a Burmese, Birman mix. The cat came into existence in the 1960s and is now the sixth most popular cat breed in America today. With a medium to large build, these cats have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years and make the perfect cat for a family to love and pamper.

Personality Traits

Named the ragdoll cat because of the way they droop when they lay across something, these cats are relaxed, super friendly, and smart and happy. They love food and are very adventurous eaters to boot. They are quiet and mild-mannered and are just as happy laying in a patch of sunlight from the window taking an afternoon nap, as they are curled up on your lap while you watch TV.

Himalayan Cats

Like their Persian brothers and sisters, the Himalayan cat has to be brushed on a daily basis. Their fur mats easily, because it is thick and long, so requires human combing once a day to keep their coat shiny and mat free. Known best for their short, smushed in faces, these cats are actually descendants of the Siamese. They are also playful, outgoing and love their humans. They grow to medium to large sizes and have a life expectancy of between 14 and 15 years. This is the perfect pet for an elderly person who is low-key and wants a cat that is independent but still loving.

Personality Traits

If you are looking for a mild-mannered, laid bad snuggler that is happier laying up on the couch asleep than chasing a ball across the floor, then you’ve come to the right place. The Himalayan cat is all of those things and more. Not to say that this cat doesn’t like to play, it’s just happy laying around at certain times as well. These types of cats are best suited for a home that is laid back as well, where the residents aren’t overly active.

These are just nine of the most common cat breeds and the personality traits that recommend them. Study the list, take in your type of lifestyle, and then choose the one that best fits your needs of being loved.