What Types of Cats Are There?
Many different breeds of cats are recognized today. Unlike dogs, which have been bred for specific jobs, cats are bred mainly for physical traits like fur length and color.
Different breeds of cats can show unique behaviors. For example, Abyssinians are active and energetic, while Persians and Scottish Folds are usually more relaxed. Siamese cats are known for being smart and vocal, often meowing loudly if they feel ignored.
Mixed-breed cats are often categorized by their fur length, as either domestic shorthairs or domestic longhairs. Cats with longer hair need more grooming to avoid tangles. Some breeds, like the Devon Rex, have curly and shorter fur because of a genetic change. Others, like the Sphynx, don't have any fur at all.
Cat breeds can look very different
Cats come in a variety of colors, including gray (often called "blue"), black, brown, white, and orange. Their coats can have different patterns, such as solid, tabby, or tricolor (like calico or tortoiseshell).
The difference in weight between the smallest and largest domestic cat breeds is only about 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kilograms).
How Long Does a Cat Live?
Cats age much faster than people. The first year of a cat's life is equal to about 18 human years. After that, each cat year is about 3–5 human years.
As cats grow older, their care needs change:
Kittenhood (birth to 1 year old): Kittens need regular vet care, including vaccinations, sterilization (spaying or neutering), microchipping, and control for parasites. They become sexually mature at about 6 months old.
Kittens need to learn appropriate ways to play, so give them safe toys (without small parts to chew off) to play with, and teach them not to nip at you by not using your hands or feet to play with them.
It's also important to keep your home safe by removing things like string and small objects which can harm your cat if swallowed. Also be aware of poisonous household items like certain plants and antifreeze.
Kittens should be rewarded (such as with small treats) when introduced to people and other pets so that their interaction is positive. They also should get used to being petted and become comfortable with being inside their carrier for travel.
Young adult (1–6 years old): Even if young adult cats look healthy, regular vet checkups are important to monitor their weight, dental health, and behavior.
Mature adult (7–10 years): Mature adult cats start to become less active, and they can develop chronic health problems. The vet might check your cat's blood pressure and perform regular blood and urine tests to catch problems early.
Senior (10–14 years) and geriatric (14 years and older): Older cats should visit the vet more often, at least every 6 months. They can develop problems like dental disease or high blood pressure. Cats often hide their health problems, so watch for signs like weight loss or changes in behavior. Make sure your cat's essentials, like litter boxes and food, are easy to reach.
Cats can live into their 20s or even longer if they're taken care of well, but illness or pain can affect their quality of life. Talk to your vet about how to assess your cat's well-being.
