From the cameo-smoke Maine Coon to the lavender-silver . Oriental Shorthair, there are approximately 50 hue and pattern variations of fur among the 33 breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. But differences other than the decorative are important to prospective owners. Personality, price, size and even voice guide selection. The following short alphabetical catalogue of standard and exotic breeds demonstrates the spectrum.
Probably the first domestic to appear in a painting (circa 2000 B.C., Egypt), the ruddy-coated Abyssinian is a playful and spirited shorthair. It is also one of the most expensive: a pet-quality red Aby kitten can cost $800, and one promising to become a grand champion can fetch $3,000. The American Shorthair is sometimes incorrectly called the alley cat. Muscular and intelligent, plain or tabby-patterned, it is to most people the essence of the feline, a cat-cat, the kind that shows up for breakfast and moves in with the children. In the purebred version, shorthair kittens cost $300 to $500. The Egyptian Man, a fairly new breed, is extremely rare—a mere 51 are C.F.A.-registered. The only spotted domestic in existence (in pewter or bronze for high-tech décor), the usually aloof Mau favors water and often surprises owners by joining them in the tub. The quiet Korat from ancient Siam is one of the oldest breeds. A silver-blue shorthair, this uncommon cat is prized for its smooth curves and big luminous eyes. The rugged Maine Coon, with a bushy, ringed tail, first entered contests in the Pine Tree State in the 1860s. Its winter-ready, snowshoe-like feet are matched by a wry personality, perfect for dozing in a country store. It is also a bargain in purebreds, at $150 for a pet. Although it looks docile, the fluffy Persian insists on attention. It also poses regally, a large, long-haired decorating accessory. About 50% of the purebreds sold in the U.S. are Persians. The breed comes in 34 colors and patterns, such as silver-mackerel tabby and dilute calico. Equally exotic is the price. A pet-quality animal can run to $350, and a kitten promising a grand-champion future can go for $2,500. The controversial Ragdoll may resemble a long-haired Siamese in color but not in temperament. Unlike the Siamese, it is docile. The C.F.A. refuses to register Ragdolls because it feels they are not genetically unique. The Rex resembles a rat with a 1940s permanent wave. Small, lean and docile, these little kings are bred without a topcoat (guard hairs) and have a downy, curly undercoat. The Russian Blue, which originated in Archangel in northern Russia, is a thick-coated, green-eyed, gray-blue cat of some popularity. Blues are shy, retiring and fond of winter. The Siamese came to the ancient royal family of Siam from somewhere else. No one knows where. This most neurotic, intelligent and wonderfully expressive feline made its U.S. debut with Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes in the 1870s. The spirited, assertive Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian with agouti coloring—each hair is individually striped with brown or black. With its habit of pacing back and forth, it often resembles a miniature mountain lion.