Our beloved cats have an undeserved reputation for being aloof and uncaring, but cat lovers know better. While some cats certainly can be regal and proper, just as many are goofballs, cuddlebugs or any of a whole spectrum of personalities.
When it comes to cat breeds and personalities, there’s a fascinating blend of nature and nurture at play. Genetics and life experience both shape a cat’s temperament, but thanks to generations of breeding for certain traits, many common cat breeds share consistent personality types. Domestic shorthair cats, the most popular cat in the United States (followed by the domestic medium hair and long hair breeds), are technically mixed-breed cats. That means that their personalities are influenced by a whole variety of genetic lineages.
Curious about your cat’s quirks? Here’s a peek into the personalities of five of the most popular purebred cats in the United States. These cat breeds by personality might just sound familiar!
Siamese
When it comes to cat breeds and their personalities, Siamese cats are some of the most distinctive. These social butterflies absolutely love people—being around them, cuddling with them, and especially, talking to them. Siamese are known for their loud and lengthy conversations with their humans. Add in their intelligence, curiosity and energy, and you’ve got one of the most active cat breeds around. If you’re looking for a cat who’s more of a co-host than a pet, this is the one!
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are the ultimate gentle giants of the cat world. As one of the most common cat breeds, they’ve built a reputation for being charming and easygoing cats who also like to stay on the move. They love water, are easily trainable and often draw comparisons to dogs. This makes them an excellent example of how cat breeds and personalities can vary in the most delightful ways.
Persian
If peaceful vibes and plush coats are your thing, a Persian cat might be your perfect match. Persians are shy, sweet cats with loving personalities. They enjoy quiet homes and regular routines. While they’ll gladly play and interact with their owners, they’re equally happy lounging like royalty. Among the common cat breeds, Persians are the homebodies of the bunch—low key and loving, with a dash of diva.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls practically melt into your arms—mainly because they were specifically bred to have relaxed, sweet temperaments, making them laidback cats who don’t easily get upset. Ragdolls are soft-hearted sweethearts who just want to hang out and soak up your attention.
American shorthair
Not to be confused with the domestic shorthair, the American shorthair is a purebred cat who traces their roots to hardworking mousers. They are quiet, affectionate and good-natured, getting along with all members of the family, including other cats and dogs. If you're browsing cat breeds by personality, the American shorthair hits the sweet spot of friendly and easygoing.
Round out your knowledge of cat personalities with some facts about cat behavior at AskVCA, where our veterinary experts answer commonly asked pet questions >>
