Cats are fascinating creatures because they are very refined and affectionate. However, different breeds of cats each have their own distinct personalities. This is apart from the vivid difference of their color, coat, and overall physique. Cat breeders would categorize breeds of cats into two: natural breeds and cross-breeds. And in these two categories would be found around 34 different known breeds of cats.

How to select

How do you choose among the 34 kinds of felines? The answer depends on your preference and what you're generally looking for in a cat. This will have an impact on the amount of care your new kitten will need, or how much attention your new pet will require from you.

Contrary to common notion about the typical personality of cats, some cats are actually quite domestic and fearful. These cats need to stay indoors when without your company to avoid risking their safety.

Short-haired or long-haired?

If you're planning to get a new kitten, you may select from the natural or cross breeds, by coat (which is short and long) or by color. Some of the popular short-haired breeds include the Japanese bobtail, Burmese, Persian, Siamese, Cornish Rex, and the American short hair. Of course, there are more breeds of this kind.

The long-haired breeds may look cuddly and all, but their thick fur might need more brushing to keep them frizz-free. Some of the popular long-haired cats include the Siberian (a natural breed whose origin is at least a thousand years old), American Curl, Norwegian Forest Cat, Maine Coon, Selkirk Rex, Somali, Exotic, and many others.

Selecting by personality

Another way to select cats is by personality. Cat breeders are able to define each cat breed's personality and, hence, should provide you help when making your selection. Most cats are typically playful and thrive on your companionship, but some breeds may continue to display their ˇ°wild side. That is, they exhibit personalities synonymous to the big cats in the wild, which is hunting, territorialism, and the like.

This is not a cause for worry, though, since most (if not all) breeds of cats have been domesticated and earn the reputation of being purely indoor-cats. Yet, it is not uncommon for cats to stray away from your home especially during the mating season. Again, this behavior is governed by instincts which can only be done with by spaying/neutering your cat.

Cat personalities such as playfulness, adaptability, loving, intelligence, and being out-going are not present in all cat breeds. You may have to inform cat breeders of the specific personality you're looking for in a cat so they can suggest for you. If the cat or kitten is to be given as a present to little kids, keep your choices within cats that are playful to small children. Children's playfulness, such as tugging a cat's tail, can elicit an aggressive behavior in a cat. There are breeds which are known to be child-friendly house cats, such as the Turkish Angora, American Shorthair, RagaMuffin, Russian Blue, and Ragdoll.

Select by talent

It's not surprising that some pet owners view their cats to be lazy while their neighbor's cat has been dominating the annual feline contest. That's because some breeds of cats are just outright smart, active, and talented. These are the kinds that easily follow tricks taught to them or a physique apt for performing tricks. Such cats include the Siamese, Balinese, and Oriental to name just a few.

Hybridization has allowed cat breeders to experiment on a combination of two different breeds, so that it's not unusual for some breeds to have one or two features of a particular breed while stay consistent on its predominant color.

Cats are fascinating creatures, indeed, but it's not until you really own one that you appreciate these wonderful, friendly creatures.