Ancient Siam (now Thailand) revered Siamese cats, who dwelt in temples. Royals gave them as a gesture of respect. In the late 1800s, Europe embraced the Siamese breed.
The Persian cat has a centuries-long heritage. It is thought to have originated in Persia (now Iran) and was cherished by kings and nobility. The Persian cat became popular in Europe in the 1600s.
The Egyptian Mau is one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds and has been depicted in ancient Egyptian art. It is believed that the breed was worshipped by ancient Egyptians and was considered a symbol of divinity.
The Maine Coon is believed to be one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. It is thought to have descended from cats brought over by European settlers and developed in the harsh New England climate.
The Scottish Fold is a relatively new breed, developed in Scotland in the 1960s. It is known for its distinctive folded ears, which are caused by a genetic mutation.
One of the earliest cat breeds in the US, the American Shorthair, was brought over by the first immigrants. These cats were utilized on farms and ships to control rats because to their hunting prowess.
Abyssinian is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It is believed that the breed was brought to Europe in the 1800s and quickly became popular.
Manx is a breed of cat that originated on the Isle of Man. It is known for its lack of a tail, which is caused by a genetic mutation. The Manx has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1700s and has been a beloved breed for centuries.
The Bengal is a breed of domesticated cat that was created by breeding an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. The breed was developed in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity for its exotic appearance and lively personality.
Sphynx is a hairless breed of cat that was developed in Canada in the 1960s. It is known for its distinctive appearance and has a fascinating history that dates back to the discovery of a naturally hairless cat in Toronto.
Russian Blue is a breed of cat that is believed to have originated in Russia. It is known for its distinctive blue-grey coat and striking green eyes. The breed became popular in the 1800s and has been a beloved breed for centuries.
Burmese is a breed of cat that originated in Burma (now Myanmar). It is known for its outgoing personality and silky, short coat. The breed was introduced to Europe in the 1800s and quickly became popular.