Toyger

Toygers are medium sized, muscular cats with striping that resembles a tiger. They have big bones, high shoulders, and a rectangular body. The name Toyger come from the combination of toy and tiger because it’s so small and it looks like a tiger. The life expectancy of a Toyger is 10 to 15 years, even though some have lived way longer. Males can weigh up to 15 pounds and females can weigh up to 10. Toygers are very friendly, outgoing, active, alert, and highly intelligent and very easy to train. They love to play fetch and can be taught to go on walks outdoors, so they can be trained to walk on a leash. These cats would also be very good for agility courses, with being highly intelligent and very agile it would be very easy for the cat to learn if you train him well. This cat can get along with other animals and is very good in family households. This breed is fairly active indoors so you don’t need to do any extra with this cat, it can keep itself entertained. If you notice a drop in activity that means there’s probably something wrong and you should take your cat to the vet because this cat is always active and when it’s not anymore then there could be something wrong with it. This short haired breed does not require any heavy grooming, just the occasional once a week brush would do nicely for this cat. Toygers are fairly healthy cats but there are a few ailments that are seen within the breed such as, heart murmur, rolled rib, flat chest cage, and feline infectious peritonitis (viral disease). So make sure that when you decide to own one of these cats you are prepared to take on the responsibility and make sure that your cat stays as healthy as possible.

The American Bobtail

The American Bobtail has a heart of gold and is devoted to his people. He loves following them around and loves to play with them and also likes going on walks. Yes, with proper training you can get this cat to walk on a leash and the cat loves it. This cat is not shy so when it comes to strangers he’ll do just fine. Although this cat only weighs 8 to 13 pounds its size and energy level are a bit more than you can handle. That’s why you have to keep this cat stimulated, toys, learning tricks, and playing fetch will keep this energetic cat at bay. This cat isn’t as vocal as some breeds, but he communicates by chirps, clicks, and trills. This cat is very adaptable so when it comes to a change of environment he’s completely ok with that, that’s why he would make a very good pet to travel with. For example trucker drivers would find him to be an excellent companion because he wouldn’t mind the long distant travel. These cats can also be used as a therapy cat because it’s loving and intuitive nature. Those same characteristics also make him a very good family cat and is suited to a variety of lifestyles. With having short fur this cat doesn’t need to be groomed very often. Just being brushed maybe once or twice a week will do, American Bobtails don’t ever really get any tangles or mats in their fur so if you don’t want to groom your pet at all that would be fine to. The reason why I love this breed so much is because its looks are very similar to that of a bobcat. With its short tail, tufted ears and toes, and powerful body it looks like a wild cat and I love it. The American Bobtail would make an excellent family pet, they love to play and they are very high in energy so it would be able to keep up with the kids. At the same time this cat cam be very calm and gentle so it knows when to be hyper and when not to be hyper. Just remember to supervise all children when around the cat though so they don’t hurt the cat by pulling its fur or tail. You can also bring other animals into the mix, the American Bobtail loves company and wouldn’t mind another feline in the house or a cat-friendly dog.   

Turkish Angora

 

The Turkish Angora is a small to medium-size cat weighing 5 to 9 pounds. This cat is absolutely beautiful and is very elegant. You will be surprised though at how athletic and intelligent this cat is, this cat is not only beautiful but it has brains as well. They love to climb so nothing is too high for them, the higher the better. These cats are also very sneaky because they can open doors so make sure you keep an eye on this cat you don’t want it to go anywhere you wouldn’t want it to go. Like most cats this cat loves attention and will do anything necessary to grab yours. Due to its boisterous and active nature its active nature Turkish Angoras will definitely keep you thoroughly entertained. No matter how old this cat gets it will never lose its kitten-like energy. When it comes to people the Turkish Angora loves its people the best. They aren’t too keen on strangers so when you’re looking to have guests don’t expect you cat to be all up in their business. This breed is very sociable with other animals so having other pets in the house with this cat would be fine. This breed loves to cuddle so as soon as you get home from work and sit down you will soon have a napping kitty in your lap. In order to live happily with this Turkey you should be very patient. Once one of these little guys get an idea in their head, it can be difficult to change their mind about what they should and shouldn’t do. This cat is an affectionate cat who is devoted to its family but due to its highly precocious intelligence and resourcefulness it may make it a challenge to take care of one of these. So if you aren’t up to the challenge please consider another breed. When it comes to grooming it’s only needed once a week since it only has one coat so grooming is not a hassle. As I said before the Turkey is very sociable and is comfortable with kids, which makes him a good choice for families who will supervise their children to make sure they pet the cat in a correct manner and don’t pull the cats fur. When it comes to other animals Turkey’s do not mind the company, a cat-friendly dog would make a very good friend for this cat but remember when introducing animals makes sure you do it in a safe and controlled environment.   

The Somali

The Somali lives life to the fullest. This cat loves to climb, jump, run, and play. Nothing escapes the notice of this highly intelligent and intrusive cat. This cat is a medium size cat weighing 6 to 10 pounds. This cat is on the go 24/7, it’s almost as if this cat never sleeps. This cat is always climbing onto something whether it be climbing up onto the window sill to look out at the birds and squirrels or jumping up onto the refrigerator to watch meal preparation. When you’re on your computer not paying attention to him don’t be surprised to get a smack across your hand because this cat loves attention and wants your attention to be all on him. This cat is very persistent and will do anything to achieve and maintain the status of having your attention revolving around him. As you have read this cat is very high on energy so obviously it’s going to love to play. Make sure to own a variety of toys for this cat because he needs to be stimulated at all times. You can also train this cat to do tricks as well as run a feline agility course. Somali’s love heights, and loves to be as high as possible and will definitely appreciate you having one or more ceiling height cat trees. If you are incapable of purchasing the cat tree he’ll take it into his own paws and find his own way. Somali’s fit very well into homes where they are loved and given plenty of attention. If you are not planning on being home for a good amount of time it would be best to have a companion for this animals, preferably another Somali or an Aby (somebody who can match his energy level). With a medium length coat the Somali needs a moderate amount of grooming. Groom your animal at least once or twice a week to prevent tangling and matting. Prime shedding season is in the spring so around that time you want to groom more than what you’ve been doing previously. You can also consider giving your cat a bath, if it will let you. When it comes to keeping these guys as an indoor outdoor cat the same answer still applies. Please keep your cat indoors for its own safety. Having an outdoor enclosure would be excellent for that cat so maybe consider doing that instead of letting it live outside freely. This cat is very active and social so it would do very well in a home with children. It’s also good with other pets so you don’t have to worry about having a one pet household. Just make sure that if you do get other animals that you introduce them in a calm environment and in an appropriate manner. You don’t want things to get out of control so be careful when introducing animals to other animals.

The Siberian

The Siberian cat is a very large sized breed that originated in Russia. These big cats can weigh up to 20 pounds, although this cat may seem big, its one gentle giant. Siberians love people and wants to be near them at all times. So when looking into adopting this breed be prepared to give a lot of attention and make sure you have the time to give that attention. Just expect to have a cat on your lap every time you sit down because this big, fluffy fur ball loves to cuddle. When it comes to strangers this cat is definitely not shy, so expect him/her to treat your guests exactly like it treats you. Aside from being very loving and attentive, the Siberian is also very energetic. They love to stay active and they love playing so when your cat wants to play it will let you know. Anything that rolls, sways, and flicks in the wind is fair game when it comes to play time so make sure jewelry and other items are out of its sight because he/she will want to play with those objects. This cat is also smart enough to learn tricks so if you want to focus all of his/her energy into something else why not make it into learning something new. The saying that all cats hate water is so untrue, the Siberian was born and bred to suffer through the elements so waters no big deal to this cat. Expect this cat to dump up onto the sink and play with the water coming out of the faucet or playing in the toilet bowl. As a working and hunting cat, their highly athletic so don’t be surprised if you see them balancing on beams in your house or climbing somewhere else that they shouldn’t be climbing. Although this cat can be energetic it can have a calm side as well. Siberians can also be used as therapy cats due to their calm nature around people. When it comes to grooming, make sure you brush this cat at least two times a week. Since its coat is extremely thick owners will have to brush it to prevent tangles and matting. As for shedding the cats shed seasonally in the spring and the fall so you may need to groom more frequently in those times. Giving this cat a bath isn’t necessary, with its coat being water resistant it wouldn’t help out a whole lot. Just leave the cleaning to the cat. Siberians love a clean litter box, as do all cats, so make sure to keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about their bathroom hygiene so if you don’t keep up with the litter box don’t be surprised if they go somewhere else. I know I keep saying this over and over again in my other posts but please consider keeping all your pets indoors. It will protect your animals from diseases, dog attacks, and any other dangers a cat might face while living outdoors. Keeping a Siberian outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone. If possible, consider building an outdoor enclosure for your cat, it’s safe for the cat and it will also allow him/her to do the activities that you don’t want them to do in the house. Due to the cats characteristics it would make a wonderful family pet. This cat will also get along with other pets so don’t be afraid to get another cat or dog. As long as the other animals know that he’s in charge everything will go smoothly.

Munchkin Cat

The Munchkin cat is a medium-sized cat with a long body and very short legs. Why does it have such short legs? Well, because of a mutation within the breed the legs of these cats became short and stubby, it’s one of the cat’s most recognizable feature. Having short legs definitely doesn’t hinder the cat’s ability to do whatever it pleases. This cat is extremely confident and not the least bit conscious of its unusual and adorable little legs. Like the majority of cats out there this breed loves to play and wrestle around with other animals. What’s cute about this animal is that it loves shiny things so whenever it sees something shiny it takes off with the object and stashes it away in its secret hiding place. Another thing unique about this cat is that it’s extremely curious so it will sit up on its hind legs like a little meerkat or rabbit to get a better view of the object that caught its attention. The Munchkin also has a hunter’s instinct so anything that moves is free game for it to chase and play with. But at the end of the day, after playing and wreaking havoc around the house it looks for nothing more than to snuggle into its owners nap. Other than the short legs this cat looks like any other normal cat. The natural mutation that shortened the leg bones is very similar to the one that gives Corgis and Dachshunds their short stature. Although both breeds of cat and dog have the same short legs their spines differ greatly. The cats don’t get the same spinal problems that the dogs do. Grooming comes easy and quick for these cats. The short haired Munchkins should be groomed at least once a week and for long haired Munchkins they should be groomed twice a week to get rid of the dead hair. This is a small breed so the biggest these cats are going to get are going to be between the weights of 8 to 9 pounds. Munchkins are very playful and maintain their kitten like personality well into adulthood. They are also easy to train and they are very affectionate and social. Despite the cats small stature it’s just like any other and would be a fantastic family pet.

Ragamuffin Cat

The Ragamuffin cat is known for its docile nature. It loves to be held like a baby and will completely relax into your arms when you pick it up to hold it. Female cats in this breed usually weigh from 10 to 15 pounds and some of the males of this breed can reach up to 20 pounds. Like its closely related cousin the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin is a very sociable and lovable cat that wants nothing more than to just follow its owner around and wait for the chance to jump into the owners lap for a nice cuddle. This cat is often called puppy like for having a friendly personality and a willingness to play fetch, learn tricks, and walk on a leash. Since this cat is very sociable it’s very good with other animals and is definitely not afraid of strangers. Ragamuffins love to play but are very good at knowing what to play with and what not to play with. This cat is very smart and know the difference between their jingling mouse toy and a soft plush couch. Another thing to add is its almost nonexistent for them to lay a claw on a person or to bite someone so if you are looking for a kid friendly cat, this is definitely the type of cat to go for. For being docile this cat craves attention so don’t get one of these cats if you have to leave it hours on end. The Ragamuffin’s soft coat is long, but its texture is tangle-resistant. So a weekly brushing or combing is all the cat needs to look beautiful. Keeping the litter box clean is a must. Cats are very particular about their hygiene so make sure you clean that litter box religiously. As for being an outside cat, that’s a no no. With its fearless personality, it’s not a good idea to let the cat go outside. Like I said this cat craves human companionship so letting it live outside wouldn’t bode well for this cat.  An interesting fact about this cat is that all of the kittens are born white and then develop their color or pattern as they mature into a full grown cat. The Ragamuffin cat is the ideal family cat. They don’t mind being held and carried around by small children or dressed up and pushed in a baby carriage. But remember to teach your children to hold and treat your cat properly, you don’t want to scare your poor cat away.