When it comes to cats, there are so many amazing breeds to choose from. With different appearances, personalities, and characteristics, how do you pick the coolest cat for you? Here are some quick tips for figuring out the coolest cat breed:
– Consider your lifestyle and activity level. Active breeds like Bengals and Savannahs need lots of playtime and exercise, while more relaxed breeds like Ragdolls and Persian are calmer.
– Think about grooming needs. Long-haired breeds like Maine Coons require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Short-haired cats need less grooming.
– Decide if you want a talkative or quiet cat. Some breeds like Siamese are very vocal while others like British Shorthairs are more reserved.
– Determine if allergies are a concern. Hypoallergenic cats like Siberians and Russian Blues produce less Fel D1 protein.
– Choose based on your climate. Thick coats on Norwegian Forest Cats and Turkish Vans keep them comfortable in cold weather.
– Research health and genetic issues for breeds. Some pedigrees are prone to certain conditions.
– Consider adopting a fun mixed breed! You get a unique cat with hybrid vigor.
With all these factors to weigh, which breeds consistently top the charts as the coolest cats? Let’s explore some of the most popular pedigrees known for their wow-factor.
Bengal
The stunning Bengal cat breed features exotic spotted and marbled coats reminiscent of leopards and other wild cats. Their dazzling appearance is definitely part of their cool appeal. However, they also have energetic, athletic personalities to match.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Hybrid of domestic cats and Asian leopard cats in the 1980s
– Coat: Thick, soft, spotted or marbled
– Color: Brown, silver, snow, blue, and other colors
– Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Very high energy and needs interactive playtime
Bengals maintain a strong natural curiosity and love to play, explore, and even walk on leashes. Their intelligence enables them to learn tricks easily. They crave human interaction and affection but also enjoy having feline companions. With a Bengal, you’ll need to provide plenty of interactive toys and vertical territory like cat trees and perches. Their exotic appearance and playful attitude make Bengals one of the coolest cat breeds around.
Savannah
Part exotic feline, part domestic cat, the Savannah is an impressive breed with its tall and slender statuesque build. They intimidate with their size but are actually quite social and friendly. Here’s an overview:
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Hybrid of African servals and domestic cats
– Coat: Short, dense spotted tabby coat
– Color: Brown, silver, black, smoke, and more
– Grooming: Occasional brushing
– Activity Level: Extremely active and energetic
Savannahs thrive when they can run, jump, and play. They especially love interactive play with their human families. Puzzle toys, treat balls, and climbing structures are essential to keep their agile minds and bodies occupied. They walk on leashes, play fetch, learn tricks, and even play in water. With their height, you’ll need to cat-proof high spaces. Overall, the Savannah’s stunning look paired with its energetic personality makes for one awesome cat.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat is the gentle giant of the feline world. Their impressively large size and loving personality make them a popular pedigreed cat choice.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural breed from New England
– Coat: Long, soft, and silky
– Color: All colors and patterns
– Grooming: Daily brushing required
– Activity Level: Moderate energy
This calm and easygoing breed enjoys playing with interactive wands and chasing laser lights but they aren’t overly demanding. They tend to follow their owners around the house and always want to be involved in family activities. Maine Coons are highly devoted to their human families and are great companions for kids. Their shaggy coat does require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Their cute tufted toes and stunning flowing coat make the Maine Coon a majestically cool cat.
Turkish Van
With its unique color-blocked coat and love for water, the Turkish Van is definitely a standout breed. Let’s learn more about this unusual pedigreed cat.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural breed from Turkey
– Coat: Semi-long with cashmere-like feel
– Color: White with dark coloring on head and tail
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Playful and energetic
The Turkish Van’s cashmere coat is water-resistant so they enjoy splashing in fountains and pools. Their colorful appearance and aquatic-loving personality make them especially cool and unique. They have energetic, active temperaments and enjoy learning tricks, playing fetch, and exploring high spaces. Turkish Vans are devoted and loyal companions that get along well with other pets. Their love of water and striking coat pattern help them stand out as one of the most intriguing breeds.
Sphynx
Hairless cats aren’t for everyone but the Sphynx breed offers some significant cool factor. Let’s explore why.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural mutation in Canada in 1960s
– Coat: Almost completely hairless
– Color: Any skin color
– Grooming: Regular bathing and nail trims
– Activity Level: Playful, energetic, and mischievous
Lacking fur to keep it warm, the Sphynx loves to cuddle up in laps, under blankets, or in sunny spots. Their skin feels like warm suede. While not hypoallergenic, their lack of shedding helps some allergy sufferers. This highly social and intelligent cat breed aims to please its family. Sphynx cats play games of fetch, learn tricks, greet guests, and show strong loyalty. Their alien-like hairless appearance offers an element of uniqueness that makes them extra cool.
Toyger
The Toyger’s miniature tiger-like striped coat definitely generates cool points. But this newer pedigreed cat has more going for it.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Deliberate hybrid of domestic shorthairs, Bengals, and Tabby patterns starting in the 1980s
– Coat: Plush, thick, and striped
– Color: Orange, black, or gold stripes on light colored background fur
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Active and playful
In addition to its exotic striped pelt that resembles a mini tiger, the Toyger has an outgoing and friendly personality. They remain playfully kitten-like even into adulthood. Intelligent and curious Toygers enjoy playing fetch, learning tricks, and exploring surroundings. They get along well with cat-friendly dogs too. The Toyger’s mini tiger appearance and fun personality contribute to its ranking as a cool cat breed.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat’s good looks, adaptability, and devotion make it a cool pedigreed choice. Here’s an overview.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural ancient breed of Norway
– Coat: Long, thick and water-resistant
– Color: All colors and patterns
– Grooming: Heavy seasonal shedding requiring weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Playful and energetic
This breed’s alert expression, large size, and thick coat give it a wild natural look. Despite their size, they remain agile and love to play or explore. Their water-resistant double coat allows them to withstand harsh climates. Norwegian Forest Cats make devoted companions to their families. They tend to bond closely with their preferred human. Their adaptable nature, outdoorsy appearance, and loyalty contribute to the breed’s cool reputation.
Ocicat
With its wild ocelot-like coat, the Ocicat breed certainly earns high marks for coolness. But this breed offers more than just good looks.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Hybrid of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthairs in the 1960s
– Coat: Short, smooth, spotted coat
– Color: Tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Very active and social
In addition to its wild feline-resembling spotted pelt, the Ocicat has an outgoing, fun personality. They love learning tricks, playing fetch, jumping, and exploring new spaces. Ocicats thrive when they get lots of interactive playtime and mental stimulation. They make very social companions and get along well with other pets and children. The Ocicat’s exotic appearance coupled with its friendly, outgoing nature helps give this breed significant cool factor.
Russian Blue
With its shimmering silver-blue dense coat, distinctive green eyes, and sweet smile, the Russian Blue captures cool elegance. This breed also has a calm, gentle nature.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural breed from Russia
– Coat: Short, plush, dense double coat
– Color: Shimmering silver-blue
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Moderately active
While playful and social when young, Russian Blues become more reserved and discerning as they mature. They prefer consistent gentle handling and quiet environments. Most Russian Blues bond very closely with one special person. Their silver-blue coat sparkles due to its unique structure. Russian Blues make soothing companions that gracefully adapt to your lifestyle. Their futuristic gleaming look and tranquil nature give them an air of cool class.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian’s stunning “wild cat” ticked coat and energetic yet gentle personality make this an exceptionally cool breed.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Ancient natural breed from Ethiopia
– Coat: Short, silky, and ticked
– Color: Ruddy, red, blue, fawn
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Active and playful
While resembling wild cats like cougars, the Abyssinian acts docile and gentle. They love to play, explore high spaces, solve puzzles, and learn tricks. Abyssinians crave interacting with their preferred people. With their curiosity and agility, they thrive when provided climbing structures and interactive toys. No two Abyssinians have the same exact coat pattern. The unique beauty of each Abyssinian’s jungle-cat-like pelt contributes to the breed’s coolness.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail has some very distinguishing features that give this breed significant cool factor. Let’s learn more.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Ancient natural breed of Japan and Southeast Asia
– Coat: Short or medium in length, soft and silky
– Color: Mi-ke (tri-color) or solid colors
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Playful and moderately active
The most obvious unique feature is their pom-pom tail that resembles a rabbit’s tail. Genetically, Japanese Bobtails can have longer tails but the curled pom-pom is the breed ideal. They also typically have bright blue eyes. Their devotion, intelligence, agility, and playfulness make them adorable companions. Despite their name, Japanese Bobtails love to talk! Their distinctive stunted tail and frequent blue eyes give this breed definite cool points.
Minskin
A newer hybrid cat breed, the Minskin exhibits several cool features that make them stand out. Let’s learn more.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Hybrid between Munchkin and Sphynx first developed in the 1990s
– Coat: Sparse, short, soft downy fur
– Color: Any color or pattern
– Grooming: Minimal
– Activity Level: Playful and energetic
With its hairless or suede-like skin and short stubby legs like a Munchkin, the Minskin has a truly unique appearance. Despite their small size, Minskins have huge personalities. They love cuddling, playing fetch, learning tricks, and exploring. Their soft warm skin makes them extra cuddly. The Minskin’s distinctive look and affectionate nature give this breed substantial cool factor.
LaPerm
The LaPerm’s super cool plush, wavy coat helps it gain popularity. But this breed has more to offer.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural mutation discovered in Oregon in 1982
– Coat: Soft, wavy or curly coat, resembles a plush perm
– Color: All colors and patterns
– Grooming: Daily brushing to prevent tangles
– Activity Level: Active, playful, and social
Aside from its unique textured coat resembling curly human hair, the LaPerm has a friendly, outgoing personality. They enjoy playing games, learning tricks, meeting new people, and bonding closely with their families. LaPerms also get along wonderfully with cat-friendly dogs, children, and other pets. Their distinctive curly plush coat and social temperament help give the LaPerm breed substantial cool factor.
Lykoi
The Lykoi cat’s unusual partially hairless appearance earns it significant cool points. But this breed has other admirable qualities too.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Recent natural mutation in domestic shorthairs in Tennessee
– Coat: Thin sparse layer of wiry hair, resembles a werewolf
– Color: Black roan or black solid accepted colors
– Grooming: Minimal
– Activity Level: Affectionate, playful, and social
In addition to their partially bald and wolf-like visage, Lykois have remarkably sweet, docile personalities. They thrive on positive reinforcement and ample interaction with their families. Lykois enjoy playing games, snuggling, meeting strangers, and learning tricks. Their minimal shedding makes them easier for some allergy sufferers to tolerate. The Lykoi’s unusual werewolf-esque appearance coupled with their kind temperament help give them cool appeal.
Korat
With its distinctive silver-blue coat, sparkling green eyes, and playful but gentle nature, the Korat emanates cool. This is an overview of this lovely cat.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Ancient natural breed of Thailand
– Coat: Short, soft, dense single coat
– Color: Silver-blue only
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Playful and moderately active
Korats bond intensely with their families. In fact, a common Korat nickname is “good luck cat.” While playful and mischievous at times, Korats remain gentle. They thrive when provided puzzle toys and daily interactive playtime. Fun-loving Korats enjoy learning tricks and love climbing to high perches. The Korat’s stunning silver-blue coat and gentle personality give it an air of cool composure.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex’s wild, curly coat and lively, playful nature make this breed extra cool. Let’s learn more.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural mutation discovered in England in the 1960s
– Coat: Very short, soft, loose curls
– Color: Any color or pattern
– Grooming: Rub with chamois to prevent oil buildup
– Activity Level: Active, mischievous, and social
Beyond its unique curly coat, the Devon Rex has a funny, entertaining personality. They stay playful and kittenish even as adults. Devon Rex cats enjoy playing fetch, learning tricks, meeting new people, and exploring spaces. They thrive when provided plenty of interactive toys and quality time with their preferred humans. The Devon Rex’s distinctive curly fur and fun personality give this breed cool charm.
Serengeti
With its exotic spotted coat and energetic but gentle nature, the Serengeti breed possesses outstanding cool factor.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Hybrid between Bengal and Oriental Shorthair developed in 1990s
– Coat: Short, dense, spotted
– Color: Black, brown, or gold spotted coat
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Energetic but gentle
The Serengeti cat resembles wild African cats like servals and ocelots but has a loving domestic temperament. They enjoy playing fetch, learning tricks, meeting new people, and exploring surroundings. Serengetis need interactive playtime and cat trees or tall perches. Their devoted personality and stunning exotic coat make the Serengeti breed exceptionally cool.
Chartreux
The Chartreux has some very distinguishing features that give this ancient breed an aura of cool mystery. Let’s learn more.
Quick Facts:
– Origin: Natural antique breed from France
– Coat: Medium length, dense, and finely textured
– Color: Exclusively blue-grey only
– Grooming: Weekly brushing
– Activity Level: Calm yet playful
In addition to its muscular build and distinctive water-resistant coat, the Chartreux has captivating orange or copper eyes. They have quiet, yet engaging personalities and enjoy playtime. Chartreux cats aren’t overly demanding but do appreciate affection from their preferred humans. They also vocalize with unique chirping “birps” instead of meows. The Chartreux’s noble history, rare coloration, and quiet dignity give this breed an air of refined cool.
