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Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is universally admired among cat enthusiasts, and definitely looks as if it is a direct descendant of the African wildcat. This medium-sized breed sports a short, ticked coat, usually a ruddy or reddish color, but sometimes fawn, blue or other color. The Aby has large upright ears, a fine, thin neck, lion-like tail, and usually gold or green almond-shaped eyes. It is a lively and intelligent breed that makes a very loyal companion.

American Curl

With ears that gently curl backwards, this breed is one that is instantly recognizable even though it comes in a wide variety of coat colors. A medium-sized cat, the American Curl is fast gaining popularity due not only to its unique look but also in great measure to its steady and friendly disposition.

Balinese

Definitely did not come from Bali, there is no doubting that the Balinese is an otherwise outstanding breed. Actually, the "Balinese" is a Siamese with longer hair. This breed shares most of the characteristics of its ancestral stock, including a lively and fun-loving personality. Its beautiful long hair is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors, including blue, chocolate, lilac and seal-points. Eyes are blue.

British Shorthair

If you know you want a cat, but a teddy bear would be nice also, the British Shorthair is for you. With a face somehow suggesting a hint of Churchill, the Brit is a favorite on both sides of the Pond. Though the most common coat color is blue, this affable fellow comes in other colors as well, all plush as plush can be. Another distinguishing characteristic of the breed is its overall "roundness", a physical trait that only adds to its teddy bear quality.

Bengal

They do have a definite look about them that suggests their wild forebears. This breed sports leopard-like spots that supposedly are engendered by actual wildcat ancestors. But the wildness is only coat-deep... underneath is a playful, trustworthy pet.

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Chartreux

This breed, of French origin, has a long history, only the most recent parts of which have been particularly satisfying for the cats themselves. You see, the Chartreux has one of the most luxurious coats of any cat, and it was prized by 17th and 18th Century Frenchmen not as something to hug and cuddle, but as a nifty thing to wear. Fortunately, being turned into pelts is not a fate awaiting these wonderful, sturdy cats today. The Chartreux comes in strictly a bluish-gray color, with gold to copper eyes.

Cornish Rex

Now, if the Bombay is the prototypical Halloween cat, the Cornish Rex is an image straight out of Saturday morning cartoons. This elongated guy with the wavy coat, curly whiskers and big ears looks like no other, that's for sure. The C.R.'s coat is very unusual in that shedding is kept to a minimum. This breed has a distinctive personality, too., being a very inquisitive, smart and loyal companion. It comes in a wide variety of colors.

Egyptian Mau

From the land of the cat goddess Bast -- ancient Egypt -- came the original stock of this exceptional cat breed, one of the oldest in the world, and the only "naturally-spotted" domestic cat. While spots have been achieved on the coats of other cat types by selective breeding, the Mau proudly wears its direct lineage back to its African wildcat ancestors. Inside, however, lurks not the heart and soul of a predator, but of a sweetheart, a great family cat.

Havana Brown

This breed is another fairly recently developed type, having been systematically derived in the late 1940s in Great Britain. The Havana Brown is a medium-sized cat with a lustrous chocolate coat as its primary calling card. It has rather large ears and a slightly protruding muzzle, and usually glistening green eyes, all of which render it quite unique amongst the cat tribe. The Havana is typically rather quiet, but also ever-playful in wanting to be right in the middle of all the household activity

Japanese Bobtail

Well, it seems this breed does actually hail from Japan, and it does have a bobtail, so it is one of the cat breeds that is very accurately named. Bold and striking patterns of white, red and black are the preferred colors for this medium-sized, athletic cat. Though solid colors are also permissible. The bobtail is a naturally-endowed trait, though the tails do vary a bit in size and functionality between individuals. The Japanese Bobtail is a lively companion, usually quite "talkative."

Korat

This breed hails from Thailand, where it is respected as a "good luck charm" amongst many natives. It is strikingly handsome cat, shimmering a dark silvery-blue, with piercing golden-green eyes. The hair is not long and does not come off as easily as on some breeds. The Korat will usually develop a very close bond with its immediate family, but often does not enjoy intrusions or interruptions by others.

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Manx

The Manx is a very old English breed, distinguished by its stub tail, or in some cases no tail at all, which actually is preferred for show purposes. Aside from its rare rear, the Manx is a medium-sized cat with usually short (though sometimes long) and dense fur. The breed sports an overall rounded appearance and a family-friendly personality. It is generally not a highly active cat, nor is it extremely vocal. The Manx comes in a very wide range of colors and patterns.

Persian

Speaking of popularity, here is Number One insofar as pure-bred cats in the United States are concerned. Persian registrations dwarf all other breeds, and have for what seems like ages. Lovers of these cats just shrug and ask, "why wouldn't they be tops?" Definitely the Persian is a beauty, with a luxuriant coat (that comes in many colors and patterns) unmatched in catdom, and that cute little pinched face. Of course, the coat requires almost daily brushing to keep tidy... this is not the self-cleaning coat of the rugged Norwegian or Maine Coon. The Persian's affable, low-key personality also is a winner. It is the ultimate lap-cat, and its legions of fans are ecstatic with them right there.

Russian Blue

Supposedly an export of Russia, and very definitely always blue...whether it be a dark tone or silvery. The coat is plush but not long, and does not require constant grooming. This is a lithe and athletically-built, medium-sized cat, with large ears and usually golden-green eyes. Though curious, playful and loyal, it can be somewhat shy around strangers or in unfamiliar situations.

Siamese

The fabled Siamese cat deserves a nod of special recognition for its grand contribution to so many different breeds available today. Yet the Siamese is holding its own, as well, even in the face of stiff modern competition. Still perhaps the ultimate "people-cat", the beautiful Siamese is the essence of the communicative cat... never failing to explain exactly how it feels about a given situation. Two types seem to have developed -- the "original", elongated shape, and the "traditional", more rounded shape. Both carry the inimitable Siamese personality.

Siberian Cat

Another Russian import, this breed has only just arrived on American shores, but is already winning converts. A large, well-furred cat akin to the Norwegian and Maine Coon, the Siberian is adapted to a cold, harsh climate, but also shares the other Northern breeds' tractable temperament. Brown tabby is perhaps the most common color scheme, but many others are available as well. Look for this breed to continue to move upwards on the popularity scale.

Turkish Angora

This breed has an interesting history that trails back to Turkey and forward to the brink of near-extinction. Fortunately, the breed was rescued from that fate and now is again delighting cat fanciers worldwide. The breed sports a very luxurious coat, often pure white. These still relatively rare cats have an intelligent and pleasing nature about them as well.

Here are some Cat myths

Cats always land on their feet unscathed.
Cats should drink milk every day.
Cats have nine lives.
All cats become fat after being spayed or neutered.
Female cats should have one litter before spaying.
Cats misbehave out of spite.
It is impossible for cats to get fleas or rabies.
Cats spread disease and make people sick.
Cats are of great danger to babies.
Cats can't smell.