10 Best Domestic Cat Breeds (Short/Long Haired)

Cats from far and wide are irresistibly drawn to a seemingly insignificant plant. If you’re having trouble deciding what kind of feline friend to have in your home, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s count down our picks for the top 10 domestic cat breeds. For this list, we ranked cats based on their behavior, body type, responsibility levels, how good they are around people other than their owners, and their popularity among the people adopting them. Now grab some catnip and let’s meet some kitties –

10. Bengal Cats

This type of cat may not be the best on this list in terms of cuddling, but it’s still a very adoring breed that loves attention. Bengal cats are extremely smart and athletic felines. Generally, they’re pretty gentle creatures and are inherently domestic cats despite their rather wild-looking spots and leopard-like bone structure. If you’re inclined to take your cat out for walks on a leash, this may be the breed for you.

9. Oriental Shorthair and Longhair

One of the cats breeds that similar to dogs in terms of behavior. This type of kitty is also similar to the Siamese cat. How so, Orientals can be very social and demanding felines, though they’re definitely quieter and reserved than the Siamese who they’re related to by the way. But what separates the Oriental from their post peers is that they’re available in more than 300 different color combinations and come in both long hair and short hair form.

8. Birman

Likely originating from Burma, where they’re believed to have been the protector of temples in the country, these cats are very playful, which a good thing is if you have kids or other pets around. But they’re also good at keeping themselves busy that said they’re usually fine with guests at your house and they’re flexible creatures as well, which are traits you don’t usually expect from other domestic cat breed. On top of all that, you don’t have to groom them much either.

7. Sphynx

You may tend to associate this breed with Mr. Bigglesworth from Austin Powers more commonly, but this cat is definitely more than just a movie star. They’re almost hairless, and their unconditional love towards their owners as well as their love for cuddling, makes them well worth owning. Its sensitivity is what really makes it a domestic cat breed, but it’s also quite good around strangers and doesn’t like being alone for too long. So maybe you should consider getting two sphinxes.

6. Abyssinian

Friendly, lively, and very attractive – what more could you want from a domestic cat breed? Thin and slender in their body type and very elegant looking, the Abyssinian is one of the more active breeds of cats known for how much they love to play games whenever they get the chance. Not only are they extremely active and intelligent felines, but they’re also great around kids. So young parents looking for a feline friend to join their family might want to consider having one of these around their home.

5. Ragdoll

Named as such because of how they go all floppy when you hold them in your arms. This breed is a very affectionate and loving one both towards its owners and towards children. However, this is very literally a domestic cat breed as ragdolls are not particularly good at defending themselves. That said, they are loyal cats in the sense that they’ll follow you around wherever you go so much so that they might remind you of a dog.

4. Siamese

Aside from the fact that they crave routine, this domestic cat breed can sometimes be accused of being demanding of their owners and craving attention. But otherwise, the Siamese or cats who will give you all kinds of love and affection. But they’re highly social and athletic demeanor. They might not be the most suitable kind to have if you’re not home that often. But at their best, they are one of the most loyal types of feline friends to have.

3. Exotic Shorthair

A bit like a short-haired Persian cat more on the long-haired kind of Persian later but maybe even more loyal and friendly. Exotic Shorthairs are also perfect cuddle partners. These domestic cat breed are sometimes known as the lazy man’s Persian because their coats are easier to care for. They’re laid-back and chilled out felines but can still be energetic when they want to be. If you want the best of both worlds, in other words owning a Persian without having to groom them so much, the exotic Shorthairs are right up your alley.

2. Maine Coon

They are the largest of the American long-haired cats. They come in about 75 different color combinations. With their smooth coat, various colors, and strong bone structure, these cats are great ones to have at home. They do well in winter with heavy snowfall since their fur, and big paws make them very durable in those kinds of weather conditions.

Native to the state of Maine in the United States, they are large, weighing up to 18 pounds on average. But also gentle creatures that may have a thick coat, but they don’t need to be groomed often. Which is all the more reason to consider owning this domestic cat breed?

1. Persian (Best Domestic Cat Breed)

They’re very laid-back and easygoing. You know they’d follow you around almost like a dog. Their long fur wide eyes and pudgy faces bring their cuteness up to insane levels. They’re gentle but colorful nature makes them ideal domestic pets. Though the early Persian cats are believed to have originated in the 1600s in the region that would eventually become an Iran, the more modern ones may have come from Western Europe.

Either way, these domestic cat breed are loving, relaxed, and make fantastic companions. The only downside they are fairly high maintenance cats and that their long thick fur needs to be groomed every day. They need to take baths often, but with these kitties its well worth all that trouble.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite cat breed of all time?