They make wonderful companions, with a few learning to do tricks like dogs. They are fine and social to children and other pets. Some cats love to snuggle up on their owner's lap, and others like to climb to the high places about the house. Many of the breeds groom themselves easily, but some really require an intensive amount of grooming.

The Cat Fanciers' Association releases the world's most popular breeds annually. It comprises some breeds that you would no doubt expect, such as Siamese, and some you may not have heard about-like the Norwegian Forest Cat. Below, we'll take a closer look at the top 10...

10. Abyssinian cat

The breed seems reminiscent of ancient Egyptian cats, with a long neck, muscular body, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. They are truly one of the most ancient breeds of cats known to man and feature soft fur in different colors. They are intelligent, athletic, friendly, and curious-generally seen climbing to the highest point available in the room, be it the top of a refrigerator or shelf.

Breed characteristics of Abyssinians

• Weight/Size: 3-6 kg
• Height: 23-25 cm
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Coat & Color: Short coat in cinnamon shades
• Characteristics: Muscular body, large ears, arched neck similar to cats from ancient Egypt

9. Scottish Fold cat

Characterized by its round head and big, round eyes, the Scottish Fold cat is perhaps best known for its folded ears, which fold back toward the head in a tight cap-like manner, forming its endearing, rounded face. The Scottish Folds have a short, compact coat and a medium-sized body. This breed has a soft nature, soft voice, and an easygoing personality; thus, they do not require much to get them happy. They also do not require much grooming or exercise and have their companions' backs.

Breed characteristics of Scottish Fold

• Weight/Size: 3-5 kg
• Height: 20-25 cm
• Lifespan: 11-14 years
• Coat & Color: Short coat, predominantly grey
• Features: Folded or straight ears with round eyes and head. Gentle, loyal nature

8. Persian cat

Many people regard Persian cats as "the epitome of feline beauty". The breed arrived from Persia and Iran among precious spices and stones. Persian cats are quiet and endearing. As already mentioned, the breed has long flowing hair that requires daily combing and occasional baths to prevent matting. Persian cats have luxurious white fur with an imposing look. Even though Persian cats are laid back, they are supposed to have some form of daily exercise so they will be happy and healthy.

Breed characteristics of Persian

• Weight/Size: 4-7 kg
• Height: 20-25 cm
• Lifespan: 8-11 years
• Coat & Color: Long white, gray, and bicolor fur
• Description: Round head, small ears, large eyes, and long fur. It is quiet and good-natured

7. Ragdoll cat

The Ragdoll is another beautiful, blue-eyed cat that has topped the list of the most popular cat breeds according to CFA for four years in a row. With its long, plush coat and pliable nature, such a breed would be hard to miss. Known for being very affectionate, playful, and full of life, the Ragdoll also boasted of being a friendly breed-they do quite well with other animals and children. Due to its unique outer coat, Ragdolls do not shed as much as any other cats.

Breed characteristics of Ragdoll

• Weight/Size: 4,5 – 9 kg
• Height: 25-30 cm
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Coat & Color: A silky, long coat that may be gray, chocolate, and cream, while it features some darker points on the face, legs, tail, and ears
• Features: It has blue eyes with long, light-colored fur. The cat is good-natured, gentle, and friendly with animals and people

6. Siamese cat

The Siamese breed is very easy to recognize, with its silky, light-colored fur that provides a very strong contrast to the feet, tail, and face area. Its almond-shaped eyes range in color from deep blue to deep blue, while the ears are prominent. It is one of the smartest and most curious breeds, having a social personality and the typical kind of voice. Siamese cats like to spend time with their owner and require much mental stimulation, involving things like puzzle toys, to be happy. Grooming them is easy with a weekly brushing.

Breed characteristics of Siamese

• Weight/Size: 3-6 kg
• Height: 20-25 cm
• Lifespan: 10-20 years
• Coat & Color: Light-colored coat with darker extremities and face area
• Features: Medium-sized, short-haired cat with distinctive coat color and deep blue eyes, social and intelligent

5. Bengal cat

Bengal cats are domestic cats with vivid black spots and distinctive stripes, making them the only domestic breed to have rossettes identical to those of the leopard and jaguar. They are full of confidence and characteristically curious and energetic, possessing a soft, sleek coat.

Breed characteristics of Bengal

• Weight/Size: 3,5-7 kg
• Height: 18-22 cm
• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Coat & Color: richly colored, high contrast sports and stripes
• Features: active, playful, intelligent

4. Russian Blue cat

The stunning coat and brilliant green eyes set the Russian Blue apart from all other short-haired breeds. It is also intelligent, playful, and calm. Moreover, it has a short, silky coat that doesn't shed much and requires only periodic brushing. They are medium in size, watchful, and attached to routine. They get along well with children or other pets if they have ample opportunities for mental activity.

Russian Blue breed characteristics

• Weight/Size: 4,5 – 7 kg
• Height: 20-25 cm
• Lifespan: 10-20+ years
• Coat & Color: Short, blue and silver coat
• Features: Intelligent, affectionate, talkative

3. Sphynx cat

This breed is named after the ancient statue of Egypt. The Sphynx is recognized by its small head, large pointed ears, and hairless body. Their loose skin makes them more wrinkled. They are a medium-sized breed, definitely not too smart, and sometimes even clumsy. They are social; this mischievous breed does like people's attention and activity. They do need regular bathing every few months to remove the accumulation of oil from their skin.

Breed characteristics of Sphynx

• Weight/Size: 4-6 kg
• Height: 25-30 cm
• Lifespan: 15+ years
• Coat & Color: Hairless breed
• Features: Large ears, hairless body, outgoing personality

2. Maine Coon cat

Known to be the gentle giant, Maine Coon cat can weigh up to 20 lbs, thus is the largest of all the pedigree cats, according to CFA. The breed is a native American long-haired cat and the official cat of Maine. But the most famous thing about them is the shaggy fur which warms them up. The Maine Coon is a social cat that gets on well with children and also has a reputation for its high intelligence. They love to play in water and have well-guarded paws such that walking in the snow doesn't give them any problem. Their coat only needs occasional grooming to keep it silky and smooth.

Breed characteristics of Maine Coon

• Weight/Size: 5-9 kg
• Height: 25-30 cm
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Coat & Colour: Rough coat with three different lengths of fur and a long bushy tail
• Characteristics: Intelligent, gentle, social, with about 75 color combinations

1. Norwegian Forest cat

The large, Norwegian Forest Cat has a water-resistant double coat made up of thick hairs and a dense undercoat built for Scandinavian cold winters. They exist in numerous color combinations but the most common is tabby brown-white fur. They have large almond-shaped eyes and a triangular-shaped head. This breed of cat is very energetic and also needs toys for keeping the attention it wants. They are also adaptable and social. They are actually a gentle, calm breed but not considered "lap cats".

Characteristics of Norwegian Forest breed

• Weight/Size: 4,5-8,5 kg
• Height: 23-30.5 cm
• Lifespan: 13+ years
• Coat & Color: Waterproof double coat in many colors
• Characteristics Thick coat for cold Scandinavian winters; almond-shaped eyes; even-tempered