For households with dogs, choosing a cat breed likely to get along well with canine companions is essential. Certain cat breeds are known for their dog-friendly nature, displaying traits like adaptability, sociability, and a calm demeanor, making them more likely to form positive relationships with dogs. This article will delve into ten cat breeds known for their compatibility with dogs, explaining what makes each a good fit for a mixed-pet household.

1. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the most dog-friendly cat breeds, known for their laid-back and friendly nature. They are large and robust, which helps them hold their own with dogs. Maine Coons are playful and friendly, often engaging in play and companionship with canine housemates.

2. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are known for their gentle and easygoing temperament, making them ideal dog companions. They are often unfazed by the presence of a dog and can form close bonds with them. Their laid-back nature makes them less likely to be startled or stressed by a dog’s more boisterous behavior.

3. Birman

With their gentle and affectionate nature, Birmans tend to get along well with dogs. They are calm and adaptable, able to coexist peacefully with other pets. Birmans enjoy companionship with humans or animals, making them a great addition to a household with dogs.

4. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are active and playful, often matching the energy levels of dogs. Their curious and adventurous nature makes them likely to play with a canine companion. Abyssinians are social and confident, which helps them integrate well into households with dogs.

5. American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are known for their adaptable and easygoing nature. They are sturdy and can handle play with a friendly dog. Their laid-back attitude and ability to adapt to different situations make them well-suited to living with dogs.

6. Siamese

Siamese cats are outgoing and social, which bode well for relationships with dogs. They are vocal and communicative, which can be intriguing to dogs. Siamese are also playful and can often engage in interactive play with their canine housemates.

7. Burmese

Burmese cats are affectionate and people-oriented, often extending their friendly behavior to dogs. They are known for their playful and curious nature, which can lead to positive interactions with canine companions. Their social and engaging personalities make them suitable for households with dogs.

8. Norwegian Forest Cat

With their robust build, Norwegian Forest Cats are not easily intimidated by dogs. They are calm and composed, traits that help them coexist peacefully with other pets. Their playful and adventurous spirit can lead to camaraderie with dogs in the household.

9. Siberian

Siberians are known for their fearless and playful nature, making them good dog companions. They are sturdy and athletic, able to engage in play without being easily overpowered. Their friendly and confident demeanor helps them build positive relationships with dogs.

10. Bombay

Bombays are known for their dog-like characteristics, including enjoying play and dog companionship. They are affectionate and friendly, often seeking interaction with their canine counterparts. Their confident and adaptable nature makes them well-suited to living with dogs.

Conclusion

When selecting a cat for a household with a dog, considering a breed known for its dog-friendly nature is crucial. The species highlighted in this article are known for their adaptability, friendly personality, and ability to form harmonious relationships with dogs. This compatibility can lead to a peaceful and enjoyable dynamic in a multi-pet home, ensuring a positive environment for the cats and dogs involved.

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While cats are generally less noisy than dogs, some breeds are especially known for their quiet demeanor. Quiet cat breeds tend to be more reserved or less vocal, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more peaceful and low-key companion. Here are 7 cat breeds that are known for being particularly quiet.

1. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are known for their unique folded ears and tranquil personality. They tend to be very soft-spoken and rarely meow loudly. Scottish Folds are content with simply being in the same room as their owners, making them perfect for those who prefer a quiet and undemanding pet.

2. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are not only prized for their beautiful blue coat but also for their quiet and shy nature. They are known to be more reserved and are less likely to vocalize compared to other breeds. Their gentle demeanor makes them suitable for a calm household.

3. British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are renowned for their calm and composed nature. They typically do not make much noise and are content with lounging around the house. Their quiet, laid-back attitude makes them excellent companions for those seeking a serene environment.

4. Persian

Persians are among the most popular breeds known for their luxurious fur and quiet personality. They usually communicate with their expressive eyes rather than with vocalizations. Persians prefer a peaceful environment and are ideal for homes where a silent companion is desired.

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

Despite their large size, Norwegian Forest Cats are known to be very quiet. They are gentle and prefer to express themselves through soft chirps and trills rather than loud meows. Their calm and majestic nature makes them well-suited to a tranquil home setting.

6. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the most giant domesticated cat breeds and are known for their friendly but quiet demeanor. They do make soft chirping sounds, especially when interacting with their favorite humans, but they are generally not loud or overly vocal cats.

7. Birman

Birmans are known for their striking appearance and gentle, soft-spoken nature. They tend to be quiet and are likelier to follow their owners around or use subtle body language to communicate. Birmans are ideal for someone looking for a calm and affectionate feline companion.

Conclusion

These 7 cat breeds are known for their quiet nature, making them excellent pets for those who live in apartments or prefer a more tranquil companion. Their soft vocalizations and calm demeanor contribute to a peaceful home environment, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the quiet company of a feline friend.

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For active owners looking for a feline companion that matches their energy levels, certain cat breeds stand out with their energetic and playful nature. These breeds are often characterized by their curiosity, love for play, and desire for interaction, making them perfect companions for owners who enjoy engaging actively with their pets. Here are 7 cat breeds known for their energetic and lively personalities.

1. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are often regarded as one of the most active and energetic cat breeds. Known for their curiosity and playfulness, they love to explore their surroundings and engage in interactive play. Abyssinians are ideal for owners who can provide them with ample stimulation and playtime.

2. Bengal

Bengals are known for their wild appearance and high energy levels. They are athletic and love to climb, jump, and explore. Bengals require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, making them suitable for active owners who can match their playful and adventurous nature.

3. Siamese

Siamese cats are vocal, social, active, and playful. They enjoy interactive games and can be quite mischievous. Their high energy levels and need for social interaction make them great companions for owners who are looking for an engaging and active pet.

4. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are known for their playful and energetic nature. They are agile and enjoy interactive games that challenge their athleticism and intelligence. Despite their elegant appearance, Russian Blues can be quite active, making them suitable for owners looking for a lively companion.

5. Turkish Van

Turkish Vans are not only known for their love of water but also for their high energy levels. They are athletic and enjoy interactive games, making them perfect for active households. Their love for swimming is a bonus for owners looking for a unique feline companion.

6. Maine Coon

Maine Coons, one of the giant domesticated cat breeds, are known for their playful and kitten-like behavior. They remain playful well into adulthood and enjoy interactive play. Their size and playful nature make them excellent companions for active owners who want to engage with their pets.

7. Turkish Van

Turkish Vans are energetic, agile, and love to play. They are known for their love of water and often enjoy swimming, which is rare for cats. Turkish Vans are active and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, making them great for owners who have an active lifestyle and can provide plenty of play opportunities.

Conclusion

These 7 cat breeds are ideal for active owners due to their high energy levels and love for play. They thrive in environments where they can explore, engage in interactive games, and receive plenty of attention and stimulation. These breeds offer the perfect mix of energy, intelligence, and affection for owners seeking an active and playful feline companion.

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While all cats can show affection uniquely, certain breeds are mainly known for their loving and cuddly nature. These breeds often seek human companionship and enjoy being close to their owners. Here are 10 cat breeds that are renowned for their affectionate temperament.

1. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are often at the top of the list regarding affectionate cat breeds. They are known for their gentle and calm disposition, often seeking physical closeness with their owners. Ragdolls are named for their tendency to go limp with relaxation when picked up, reflecting their easygoing and affectionate nature.

2. Maine Coon

Maine Coons, one of the largest domestic cat breeds, are not only known for their impressive size but also for their affectionate and friendly personality. They enjoy being part of the family and are often called “gentle giants” due to their friendly and loving nature.

3. Siamese

Siamese cats are known for their vocal and outgoing nature. They form strong bonds with their owners and often express their affection vocally. Siamese cats enjoy being the center of attention and are known for their playful and loving temperament.

4. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds, recognizable by their unique folded ears, are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They enjoy being around people and often follow their owners around the house. Scottish Folds are gentle and enjoy both giving and receiving affection.

5. Birman

Birmans are beautiful cats known for their striking blue eyes and affectionate temperament. They enjoy being with their human companions and are often described as sweet-natured and gentle. Birmans are sociable and tend to be good with children and other pets.

6. Persian

Persian cats are known for their luxurious fur and laid-back personality. They typically enjoy being petted and will often seek out their owner’s lap. Persians are gentle and affectionate, making them popular for those seeking a loving and calm feline companion.

7. Burmese

Burmese cats are affectionate, social, and enjoy being part of the family. They are known for their dog-like behavior, often greeting their owners at the door and seeking physical affection. Burmese cats enjoy cuddling and can be quite playful and interactive.

8. Sphynx

The Sphynx, known for its hairless appearance, is extremely affectionate and loves human attention. They often seek out warmth and enjoy snuggling with their owners. The Sphynx’s loving and outgoing personality makes them a great companion for those who want an interactive pet.

9. Devon Rex

With their unique appearance and large ears, Devon Rex cats are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They enjoy being close to their owners and are often described as ‘people-oriented.’ Devon Rex cats are active and enjoy interactive play, making them loving and entertaining companions.

10. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthairs are similar to Persians in personality but have shorter coats. They are affectionate gentle, and enjoy spending time with their owners. Exotic Shorthairs are known for their easygoing and loving nature, making them great pet for families and individuals alike.

Conclusion

These 10 cat breeds are known for their affectionate and loving nature, making them excellent companions for those seeking a close bond with their feline friend. Their desire for human interaction and tendency to show affection in various ways, from cuddling to vocal communication, make them particularly endearing to cat lovers. While individual personalities vary, these breeds are good for those looking for a loving and friendly cat.

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The lifespan of a cat can vary significantly across breeds, with some known for their exceptional longevity. Certain cat breeds are predisposed to live longer due to genetic factors, breed-specific health predispositions, and overall robustness. Here are 10 cat breeds renowned for their long lifespans.

1. Siamese

Siamese cats are one of the longest-living cat breeds, often living into their late teens or early twenties. This longevity can be attributed to their overall robust health and active lifestyle. Siamese cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, contributing to their mental well-being and long life.

2. Manx

The Manx, famous for its tailless appearance, is known for its longevity. These cats often live into their late teens, with some reaching their early twenties. The breed’s genetic pool is relatively robust, although they are prone to specific health issues related to their taillessness.

3. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are known for their calm and peaceful nature and tend to have a longer lifespan, living well into their teens. Their relaxed demeanor may contribute to a lower-stress lifestyle, positively impacting their overall health and longevity.

4. Burmese

Burmese cats are known for their youthful vitality, often maintaining a kitten-like demeanor well into adulthood. They typically live into their late teens, with many reaching their early twenties. The breed’s general health robustness contributes to their extended lifespan.

5. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are not only known for their beautiful blue coat but also for their longevity. They often live into their late teens and are known for their good health and lean physique, which may contribute to their extended lifespan.

6. Bombay

Bombay cats, known for their sleek black coat, tend to have a long lifespan, living into their late teens or longer. They are generally a healthy breed with few hereditary health issues contributing to their longevity.

7. Sphynx

The Sphynx, known for its hairless appearance, is also recognized for its long lifespan. These cats often live into their late teens, with some reaching their twenties. Despite their unique appearance, they are generally healthy, although they require specific care due to their lack of fur.

8. Balinese

The Balinese, a long-haired variety of the Siamese, shares the same longevity as its Siamese counterpart. These cats often live into their late teens or early twenties. Their friendly nature and active lifestyle contribute to their overall health and longevity.

9. Savannah

Savannah cats, known for their exotic appearance and large size, are also noted for their long lifespan. They can live into their late teens, attributed to their hybrid vigor as a relatively new breed with a diverse genetic background.

10. Persian

Persians are famous for their long, luxurious fur and distinctive face, and they also tend to have a long lifespan. With proper care, including regular grooming and attention to their specific health needs, Persians often live into their late teens.

Conclusion

These 10 cat breeds are known for their potential to live long and healthy lives, often surpassing the average lifespan of many other species. Their longevity can be attributed to genetic factors, breed-specific health considerations, and lifestyle. Proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a nurturing environment are crucial in helping these breeds reach their full lifespan potential.

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What is one of the more common facts people know about cats? Felines don’t like water. And while it’s true most cats don’t care for bathing or swimming, there are some cat breeds that enjoy time spent in water. But why do cats generally dislike water?

Co-founder of Cat Person and foster parent to over a dozen cats who’ve since found their forever homes, Lambert Wang explained, “Cats groom themselves with constant regular licking, which stops oils from building up on their fur.”

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Meaning they have their own built-in bathing mechanism which keeps them from needing the soap water showers that get humans clean. Unless they’ve gotten themselves involved in some sort of catastrophe of a mess, which is bound to happen from time to time thanks to cat curiosity.

But because cats don’t require much liquid for their bathing, “their coats are not very waterproof so they can get very cold and feel heavy when wet, which is why many of them don’t like it!”

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There are domesticated felines who take after their big cat cousins and don’t mind a good dip though. “Cats that do like water may be those with more water-resistant fur, or those that had early exposure to water as kittens.”

These 11 cat breeds are those known to enjoy some water fun!

Eleven Cat Breeds that Like Water

#1 – Abyssinian

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Georgia Veterinary Associates lists the Abyssinian as an “alert, curious, and busy” breed that loves to show off and has a propensity for escape. Their curious nature and intelligence make it no surprise this beautiful cat might enjoy investigating a water source. And during shedding season, these busy cats might just love a warm bath!

#2 – Bengal

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Bengal cats love water, simple as that. These highly active cats love bath time, hanging by the pool, and might even follow you into the shower. To give a Bengal cat some much-craved time playing in water, Fluffy Planet recommends “Fill up the water tub up to a few inches and watch your kitten let it loose in the water.” Don’t let the water get too hot or too cold though!

#3 – Maine Coon

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Another cat who will join you in the shower is the Maine Coon. These large fluffy cats “have thick, dense as well as water-resistant coats that can keep them warm in freezing temperatures, and keep them dry when walking through snow or ice,” according to Maine Coon Expert. So thanks to the waterproof fur, Maine Coons find water to be a fun adventure for their exploratory natures. Plus, these gentle giants have a natural “instinct to splash or swirl the water in their water bowls in order to check its freshness.”

#4 – Norwegian Forest Cat

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These “fairy cats” are rumored to be the descendants of the mighty felines that kept rats at bay on Viking ships, but what has been proven about the Norwegian Forest Cat is their love of water. Their double-layered coats help to keep them dry when tempted by the occasional swim.

#5 – American Bobtail

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When it comes to the American Bobtail cat, VetStreet.com warns of mischievousness, “Don’t be surprised if you find the American Bobtail dunking his toys in his water bowl. You’re going to have to stay on top of this busy cat who doesn’t find water to be a problem when its in their path!

#6 – Japanese Bobtail

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Like their cousin the American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail also has a fascination with water. But you’ll find them a bit more reserved, maybe only dipping in a paw to investigate what they can find in your water glass. And because this playful cat is smart, “they can often turn on a water faucet by themselves to have their fun.”

#7 – Manx

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The Manx cat hails from the Isle of Man and in their DNA, they remember padding the salty shores. Many people consider the Manx a cat for dog lovers thanks to their willingness to ride in cars and go for a swim.

#8 – Savannah Cat

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Looking like their serval ancestors, Savannah cats love to swim as one way to keep entertained. Get this intelligent and high energy cat their own small wading pool to keep boredom at bay. You’ll think you have a mini-big cat pouncing around your place!

#9 – Turkish Angora

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Drawn to the sound of running water, the Turkish Angora loves to swim. In fact, Adventure Cats reports, “Outdoor Turkish Angoras have even been known to paddle in shallow ponds and streams.” But don’t worry about their long, silky coats turning into a tangled mess. With regular combing, Turkish Angora cats will keep the silkiest of fur even if they can’t say out of the water!

#10 – Turkish Van

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Native to Lake Van in Eastern Turkey, it makes sense the Turkish Van loves to swim. These silky coated fluffs are born swimmers thanks to long and lean bodies “with muscularly broad shoulders and chests”. But keep the bathroom door shut as these wily cats will flush toilets and turn on faucets.

#11 – Siberian Cat

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Native to cold and snowy Russia, Siberian cats are suited to the climate “with their very dense, medium to long, water repellent triple coat,” according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. And its a good thing they enjoy water play as their fluffy fur could benefit from bathing to keep it from tangling. Bath will be beneficial and fun for the Siberian.

H/T: www.marthastewart.com
Feature Image: @final_design_of_bengalivo/Instagram

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Werewolves are real! Well, werewolf cats anyway…

And these moon-howling felines are considered a newer breed in the cat world. The Lykoi breed was first recognized in 2011 and began thanks to a genetic mutation. Caused by a recessive gene, the first Lykoi were discovered in a feral cat colony and testing revealed the mutation responsible for the unique appearance was unrelated to other hairless cat breeds.

The term ‘lykoi’ is a rough translation for ‘wolf’ in Greek and its an aptly chosen name.

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The sparse fur really does give these cats a lupine quality, but it’s not because they’re caught in the transformation from cat to wolf or vice versa. A natural mutation causes the Lykoi cat to lack an undercoat, leaving their skin exposed beneath a wispy topcoat. And while the coat appears wiry, it’s quite soft and silky.

And Lobo the Lykoi cat is all these things! Plus, he’s a purrfect model for his dad and professional photographer, Martin.

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This Werewolf Cat is a Family Man

Along with dad Martin, Lobo lives with his mom, Talana, and Sphynx brother, Dobby.

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And they love their wolfy boy, no matter what internet haters have to say. Talana said, “Some people think he has mange or is sick or has another kind of skin condition.”

They don’t understand the Lykoi kitty is just like other cats. Besides being uniquely handsome, he loves his family, enjoys playtime, digs catnip, and relishes a nap.

@spynx_dobby_lykoi_lobo/Instagram

@spynx_dobby_lykoi_lobo/Instagram

“There are different reactions when people see him for the first time, from confused to scared to curious to in love.”

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And about falling in love, when the couple met the bare-chested lad, Talana reported, they fell “head over heels in love with the little fuzzy wolf.”

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“His personality is that of a cat mixed with a monkey and mixed with a dog.”

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Exposed Skin Means Extra Care

Lobo’s brother is a Sphynx cat, so Dobby requires special care to keep him in good shape. As Lobo sports a partially bare look himself, he also needs extra attention, but not quite as much as his brother.

@spynx_dobby_lykoi_lobo/Instagram

@spynx_dobby_lykoi_lobo/Instagram

Still, “he needs a bath every couple of months and ear and nail cleaning.”

And while all cats need nail trims and ear care, bathing isn’t usually necessary when a cat has a full coat. Hopefully, Lobo loves his baths because bathing a cat is hard enough without him having the added flair of being known as a ‘werewolf cat’.

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Which leads to the question, if Lobo gives you a nip, would you become a werewolf cat too?

Here’s hoping!

H/T: www.dailymail.uk
Feature Image: @spynx_dobby_lykoi_lobo/Instagram

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The term ‘poodle cat’ can sound like an oxymoron on first hearing it. After all, a poodle is a dog not a cat, right?

Surprise! Within the cat realm, there exists a cat with the curly coat seen on poodle dogs. And of course, the curly kitty cats are fantastically adorable.

While called ‘poodle cats’, the actual breed name is the Selkirk Rex.

If you’ve never seen one, you’re not alone. They’re a relatively new breed in the cat world, but one folks go crazy over. From their unique cat curls to their loving personalities, the Selkirk Rex is a great family cat that will spark curiosity in everyone who meets them.

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A Spontaneous Quirk of Genetics

The first poodle cat was born in 1987 at a Montana animal shelter near the Selkirk Mountains of Wyoming. At the time, the show Moonlighting was a hit across the nation and the kitten’s curling fur resembled receptionist Agnes DiPesto’s hair on the show. Miss DiPesto the kitty cat garnered loads of attention as well as the curiosity of cat breeders.

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Persian cat breeder, Jeri Newman, adopted and bred Miss DiPesto with her black Persian tom. Most of the kittens from their litter sported the kinky fur, making it easy to assume the gene responsible for the unusual curls was indeed a dominate trait.

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As no other of these poodle cats existed before, Miss DiPesto’s curly fur came from a mutation considered spontaneous. But from this first Selkirk Rex came generations of curly-coated cuties. Currently, the line is nine or ten generations deep.

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When the breed was declared by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in 2012, the curly cat was dubbed the Selkirk Rex in honor of the region of Miss DiPesto’s birth. The Selkirk Rex joined the already established Cornish Rex and Devon Rex within the Rex breed. One of the defining factors of Rex cats is their curled or wavy fur. The genetic quirk also gives Rex cats the potential to have wild curly whiskers too.

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The genetic twist in the Selkirk Rex applies to fur texture and not coloring or patterning. Meaning curly hair cuties can be any color of the cat rainbow.

Unusual Appearance, Loving Hearts

The International Cat Association likens the Selkirk Rex to a teddy bear, one “you just want to pick up and hug.” Also known as “a cat in sheep’s clothing”, poodle cats are as lovey as they are cute. TICA profiles the breed as:

• Loving
• Patient and tolerant
• Laid-back
• Playful
• Great for families

While sporting a low-maintenance personality, their fur is anything but. The “tousled” look of a poodle cat comes from its thick, textured fur, which means grooming is a must. Poodle cats are good for families with who will commit to keeping their kitty brushed and mat-free.

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Sadly, Selkirk Rex cats aren’t recommended for those with cat allergies or even slight sensitivities. All that luscious fur can wreak havoc on the nose.

But, even if cats make you sneeze, you can still enjoy pictures of poodle cats thanks to the internet populous’ obsession with the curly-furred cutie cats.

H/T: www.ladbible.com
Feature Image: @stacie_lawrence/Instagram

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The snow falls gently on a field of white and from the trees wanders a magnificent creature. A cat so large your eyes can’t be seeing the feline right. But no, the cat is that large and padding easily through the wet blanket of slush on paws like snowshoes. The falling flakes bother the cat little, his thick fur flowing as the snow melts away.

You’re spotted by the awe-inspiring cat, wondering if a small grey tiger with fluffy fur has found you. But the kitty pricks an overlarge, pointed ear and greets you with a trilling chirp. Suddenly, you understand…

This is no fuzzy tiger in shadowy shades, but a Maine Coon cat.

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Maine Coons stand apart from their cat brethren for a number of reasons. Shall we review them with a photo array of magnificent Maine Coon cats?

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Maine Coon Cats are Massive

The large cats can literally stand head and shoulders over other kitties. On average, females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, while males range from 13 to 18 pounds. The typical house cat weighs ten pounds. Whoa…that means a lot of cat food…

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The lengths Maine Coons grow to is impressive as well. The average Maine Coon measures out to a little over three feet. Ludo the Maine Coon holds the record for longest cat, measuring in at 118.33 centimeters, or a little over 45 and half inches. The average six-year-old human stands at that height. That’s a big cat!

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To illustrate the varying, yet still towering stature of Maine Coon cats, Lotus and her kitty cat friend stand on a fence to show how big their kind can be…

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Gentle Giants with Big, Ol’ Paws

Their paws are no joke either. Usually white in color, the large span of their feet makes for easy walking in snow as the breed is adapted to cold climates. In fact, Maine Coons are sometimes called Snowshoe cats. Often, their big paws are made bigger by the addition of toes or the thumb possessed by polydactyl cats.

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Extra toes or not, a Maine Coon could easily hold your hand with her enormous paws.

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Thick, Luscious Fur You Want To Bury Your Face In

Because the Maine Coon hails from New England, the breed possesses a coat of fur responsible for keeping them warm in the snowiest of winters. While their fur is dense, it doesn’t mat into snarled tangles and requires little brushing.

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In addition to allover shaggy fur, the Maine Coon wears a thick ruff, or mane, around the neck which thickens further in winter months. The tips of their ears boast a tuft of fur drawing them further into a point.

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Plus, their glorious tails set the standard in fluff.

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Vet Street reports, “The Maine Coon coat comes in an amazing variety of colors and patterns, including a wide range of solids, tortoiseshell, tabbies, tabby with white, and parti-color (two colors).”

@mainecoon_of_ig/Instagram

@mainecoon_of_ig/Instagram

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By the way, the Maine Coon is believed to hail from Maine by way of France, hence the name.

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Maine Coons are the Chillest Cats Around

Cats gets a bad rap for being temperamental, but the Maine Coon can dispel the notion with their adoring personalities.

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Maine Coons are an excellent cat breed for homes with kids, dogs, and other cats. According to Vet Street, “This is one of those cats who gets along with everyone, including dogs and other cats. He enjoys playing fetch and is willing to learn to walk on a leash, making him a great choice for anyone who travels frequently and would like to bring a feline companion along.”

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The gentle giants are curious by nature and need toys which will stimulate their intellect. They do love to play, but won’t require you to fall over them with attention. Give them a window and they’ll happily entertain themselves watching the world go by.

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A Fascination with Water

Since their fur is suited toward winter weather, beyond its thickness, Maine Coon coats are water repellent to keep snow and ice from soaking them. This allows their natural curiosities to investigate water, a usual cat no-no. “They like playing with the water in the water bowl, they love lying in the shower when it is still wet,” says Purr Craze. Many Maine Coon kitties even enjoy a good swim, just like Tissy the Maine Coon.

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@mainecoon_kitten_insta/Instagram

Maine Coons are enormous cats with hearts just as big. Their personalities make them a great fit for families as the large cats are full of affection and intelligence. If you need a whole lot of cat in your life, then a Maine Coon cat may be just what you need!

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The post About Maine Coon Cats: Gentle Giants, Rulers Of Hearts appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Cats are known for being relatively low-maintenance pets, but that isn’t always the case. They’re often much more affectionate than many people expect them to be, which means they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, like one may think. Others are prone to health problems or require extensive grooming. Granted, if you know what to expect when adopting one of these breeds, they make very rewarding companions.

#1 – Norwegian Forest Cat

Image source: Dick Smit

The Norwegian Forest Cat has a long, dense coat to protect itself from the harsh Norwegian winters. The coat has a water-repellant top layer with a thick, woolly undercoat. The breed requires weekly or every-other-day brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming and causing discomfort and injury. These cats are very social, intelligent, and are known for acting more dog-like than cat-like.

#2 – Persian

Image source: relark

The Persian is another long-coated breed that requires regular grooming. When it comes to the Peke-faced Persians, the cats with flatter faces, there are some health problems associated with the breed. They are prone to eye problems as well as breathing difficulties due to their shortened skulls. These ailments, accompanied by the grooming, can be time-consuming. However, these cats are extremely affectionate towards their owners and make loving companions.

#3 – Sphynx

Image source: Amy

The Sphynx is a hairless breed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it requires no grooming. In fact, their skin’s natural oils can build up and collect dirt, which means weekly or bi-weekly baths are a must for these kitties. They require sweaters and heaters when the weather is cold and are prone to sunburn if allowed outside. However, the cats are extremely extroverted and love being around people.

#4 – Munchkin

Image source: Stacey Taylor-Kane

Munchkin cats are adorable and come in a variety of coat lengths. Although the long-coated cats need more brushing than the short-coated ones, they both are prone to certain ailments. The genes that create the short-legged feature of these cats are quite complicated and are sometimes linked to spine and chest problems. However, these little cats are just as playful and friendly as other breeds and do very well in a variety of homes.

#5 – Maine Coon

Image source: Matthew Cunnelly

The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds and its coat is just as impressive. Their long, thick coats are a trait from their heritage in Maine, where the breed originated. They require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Maine Coons are a generally healthy breed and are known as gentle giants. They are not typically lap cats but enjoy the company of their owners and do well with other cats and even dogs.

Feature Image: Dick Smit/Flickr

The post 5 High-Maintenance Cat Breeds appeared first on iHeartCats.com.