The term "cat" usually refers to domestic cats, but can also refer to wild cats. Domestic cats are often called "maomi" in modern society, while wild cats were often called "li" or "limao" in ancient times. In southwestern regions such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan, people commonly call cats "ma mimi." Today, cats have become one of the world's most popular pets, and numerous legends and stories about them abound. Which aristocratic cat breeds do you know? Or, which cat breed do you think has the most aristocratic air? We've compiled a list of the world's top ten aristocratic cat breeds, including the Bengal cat, Turkish Van, Persian cat, Russian Blue, Abyssinian cat, American Silver Tabby, and Birman cat. Which elegant and intelligent aristocratic cat do you like best?
1. Bengal cat
The Bengal cat, also known as the Bengal cat, originated in the United States. It is a new breed developed through crossbreeding with the Egyptian Mau, and was officially recognized as a docile breed with stable genetic traits in 1984. The Bengal cat is a medium to large breed with a wedge-shaped head, a slender body, and flowing muscle lines. Its coat is covered in beautiful leopard-patterned fur, with spots and marbled patterns. The Bengal's fur is both hard and silky, with a smooth, satin-like feel, making it very pleasant to touch. Internationally, the three main colors of the Bengal cat are recognized: golden, silver, and snow.
2. Turkish Van cat
The Turkish Van is a very ancient cat breed, originating from a mutation of the Turkish Angora cat, making it a unique branch of the Angora. Van cats are entirely natural, not the result of artificial breeding. Although they are very suitable for family life, as a national treasure-level rare breed, Van cats are extremely rare, if not almost nonexistent, in China. In Turkey, the local government has intensified its efforts to combat the smuggling and export of Van cats, resulting in a purebred Turkish Van fetching millions of dollars on the black market.
3. Persian cat
The Persian cat originated from the native long-haired cats of Afghanistan and the Turkish Angora cats. After over 100 years of careful selection and breeding in England, it was finally born in 1860. Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and their weight typically ranges from 3.5 to 7 kilograms. They are a common long-haired cat breed. With their endearing faces and long, luxurious fur, and elegant demeanor, Persian cats are often referred to as "princes" or "princesses" among cats. As one of the most beloved purebred cats in the world, the Persian cat holds a significant place in the cat breed hierarchy.
4. Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue, also known as the Archian Blue or Maltese cat, enjoys the reputation of being a "short-haired aristocrat" and a "winter spirit." Originating in the cold Siberian region, they are relatively rare in China due to their distance from the country. Most Russian Blue cats sold in the market are either impersonating other breeds or are offspring of crossbreeding with other cat breeds. A true purebred Russian Blue has a solid blue coat with smooth, silvery sheen. Although they are short-haired, their fur is like sealskin, smooth and delicate to the touch, naturally exuding a noble air.
5. Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian cat, also known as the Ethiopian cat, is nicknamed the "ballet cat" for its elegant gait. Its coat color resembles that of a hare, hence its alternative names "rabbit cat" or "ball cat" in Britain. The Abyssinian cat has a slender build, a dense coat that is typically tan in color, long and muscular, with a wedge-shaped head and large, bright eyes in shades of golden, green, and light brown. It has light cream-colored stripes on its chin, lips, and the corners of its eyes. Due to these stripes and the distinctive spots on its head, the Abyssinian cat's appearance is very similar to that of a small cougar.
6. American Silver Tabby Cat
The American Silver Tabby is a noble breed of cat, primarily characterized by its silver and black coloration. Unlike the common black and white mixed-breed cats, it is a new breed developed from the American Tabby. American Tabby cats include yellow tabby, golden tabby, black tabby, and red tabby, among others. American Silver Tabby cats are friendly and docile, and greatly enjoy their owner's attention and gentle petting. As a true working cat, the American Shorthair has a structure perfectly suited for work, without exaggerated anatomical defects. Generally, they are strong, well-balanced, sturdy, and proportionally proportioned, possessing good stamina and agility. They are also docile, intelligent, and able to live harmoniously with people.
7. Birman cat
The Birman cat, also known as the Burmese sacred cat, is said to have originated as a guardian cat of ancient Burmese temples, kept by monks. They were introduced to Europe in the 18th century and gradually evolved into the breed we know today. Birmans are relatively long-bodied, with primarily light golden fur. The fur on their face, ears, legs, and tail is darker, usually coffee or dark gray, while their paws are white. Birmans come in a variety of colors, including seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, cream, and tortoiseshell, and all colors can be combined with lynx markings. The fur on their chest and abdomen is wavy, a distinctive feature. Furthermore, the white tips of their paws, often referred to as "snow-covered paws," add to their noble appearance. Birmans are gentle, friendly, and have a melodious voice. They enjoy human contact and are also friendly towards other cats.
8. Oriental Shorthair Cat
The Oriental Shorthair is a lively, active, and curious cat that loves climbing, jumping, and playing with its owner. They are extremely loyal, brave, and not overly sensitive or afraid of noise or surrounding sounds. Compared to their Siamese ancestors, the Oriental Shorthair has a more stable temperament and is less prone to mood swings. They can sometimes exhibit strong jealousy, especially when ignored by their owners, and may even become irritable. If they are raised with their owners from a young age, their personality can become increasingly dog-like, even turning back to signal or seek permission when their owner is out of sight. The Oriental Shorthair is highly intelligent, far exceeding that of typical purebred cats; they are naturally active and always full of play and exploration.
9. Somali cat
The Somali cat is a medium-sized, elegant breed with a regal air. It resembles the Abyssinian cat but has semi-long fur. It weighs approximately 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms. Somali cats are lively but not overly enthusiastic. They are hardy, gentle, playful, and emotionally rich, highly dependent on their owner's attention, but less possessive than Abyssinian cats. They are very intelligent, perceptive, gentle, and understanding. Somali cats are agile, often moving with a monkey-like gait, and their way of handling food is also similar. Many Somali cats know how to turn on a tap because they enjoy playing in water. Their muscular build and serious expression give them a wild appearance; they have extremely well-developed motor skills, are agile, love freedom, and have a clear, loud voice, making them less suitable for apartment living.
10. Chartreux Cat
The Chartres cat, also known as the Chartres or Chartres cat, originated in France. It is said that this breed was developed by monks of the Chartres monastery in France, and it is considered one of the world's three major blue cat breeds, along with the Russian Blue and the British Shorthair. The Chartres cat has a rounder build, and its most distinctive feature is its blue-grey fur. Its fur is thick, soft, and elastic, with a captivating sheen; it is a slightly longer-haired breed. The Chartres cat has a slightly large, round head, paired with full cheeks, and bright, expressive golden eyes, making it appear both intelligent and adorable.
