what is the best house cat to have?

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It's long been a running joke in the Britannica offices that we should compile a list of "best cats"—this is the internet, after all. Two intrepid and true cat-crazy editors have finally taken on this task for your enjoyment. After much considered debate, we present you lot a definitive list of best cats, according to u.s..

Polydactyl

polydactyl cat© ckellyphoto/Fotolia

Allow's be real, polydactyl cats give the all-time high-fives. Errr, loftier-sixes. Too known as "mitten cats" or "thumb cats," polydactyls have a genetic mutation that gives them more than than the usual number of toes on one or more anxiety. Polydactyl cats can have anywhere from half-dozen to 8 toes per paw. The actress toes sometimes brand them look similar their paws have thumbs. While polydactyly can happen in many unlike animals (including humans), it's arguably cutest in cats. Author Ernest Hemingway certainly idea so—he himself was a polydactyl owner, and the Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum is now home to some 50 polydactyl cats.
Snowshoe

Snowshoe cat© Jan S. /Shutterstock.com

With its white muzzle and anxiety, nighttime "points," and blue eyes, the Snowshoe looks similar what information technology was bred from: a Siamese with white "boots" that turned upward in the litter of a Siamese breeder in Philadelphia in the 1960s. The particular Snowshoe look is difficult to brood, so registered purebred Snowshoe cats are rare. But there are many cats in shelters who have some or all of its traits, such equally the white paws, night mask, and cute blue eyes—so if you're interested in this kind of cat, y'all can ever go "the look for less."
Calico

Ali's cat, MJAlison Eldridge

It is impossible to clone a calico cat with the same markings, because of the random activation of genes. The necessary traits for calico patterning are on the X-chromosome, therefore nearly all calico cats are female person. Male calico cats are few and far between, and tin can but exist equally a result of genetic defect.
British Shorthair

British shorthair© ZStoimenov/Fotolia

The British Shorthair is known for both its looks and its typically low-key and fun-loving personality. The appealing chunkiness of its face and body and its plush, thick fur match its sturdy temperament. The wide-cheeked faces of British Shorthairs announced to be smiling and more expressive than many true cat breeds', and information technology's said that they were the inspiration for the broad-grin Cheshire Cat of Lewis Carroll'south Alice'due south Adventures in Wonderland. British Shorthairs are reputed to be doglike in their readiness for fun and games, such every bit fetching.
Siamese

Siamese catJohn Gajda/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Who can resist the Siamese cat's pretty blue eyes? These cats have been valued for their unique patterning and outspoken personalities for centuries. Long a status symbol, Siamese cats have been given to dignitaries as gifts. They fabricated their U.S. debut in 1878 when one was given to President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife past an American delegate. These cats are especially known as existence very song—their loud meows are sometimes mistaken for babies crying!
Norwegian Woods Cat

Norwegian Forest cat, silvery patched tabby.
© Marc Henrie

If you similar hugging a cat who'due south a large armload of fur and can have what you dish out, then the Norwegian Forest Cat is for you lot. A big cat with large paws and lots of fur, the Norwegian is similar a Maine Coon cat's Viking cousin. The big, muscular, appreciating, and calm Norwegian has a dumbo and water-resistant double coat and tufted toes and ears, making it the perfect companion for snowshoeing, raiding neighboring countries, and standing atop the dragon head on the prow of a Viking ship.
Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail, mi-ke (tricolour).
© Chanan Photography

Japanese Bobtails are like cats on the front cease and rabbits on the back end. Just let that sink in for a minute. It's almost also cute to handle. Kitties with bunny tails? Sign me up. These adorable critters are native to Japan, and accept been around long enough to score appearances in traditional art. Unlike virtually dogs with "docked" tails, Japanese Bobtails come by their chubby tails naturally. The genetic mutation that causes the tail reduces the number of vertebrae present. And did I mention they like to play fetch?
Persian

Persian catAdstockRF

Fur, fur, fur. The Persians (called Longhairs outside the U.South.) are perhaps the quintessential "luxury" cat—that is, the true cat who expects to exist kept in the lap of luxury. They are, all the same, the most popular cat breed in the world. Although they are known for the pushed-in "Pekingese" nose that many are bred for, arguably the all-time part of these cats is their pettability. All that fur needs a lot of daily preparation, however, and Persians are decumbent to kidney disease, then they need frequent ultrasounds.
Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold catPsihopat

While his ears are relatively direct, net sensation Maru is a Scottish Fold, a breed of cat normally characterized past ears that fold forwards and down. The first Scottish Fold was a barn true cat discovered in 1961. For show, Scottish Folds are required to have the turned-down ears—but these are a effect of a genetic mutation, so non all purebred Scottish Folds accept them.
Gray Tabby

Lorraine's former cat, Lucy© Lorraine Murray

The proper noun "gray tabby" describes not a breed but a coat color and pattern. The sporty looks of the grayness tabby are peerless. Archetype tabbies can, of course, exist bred, but part of the fun of cats is in the genetic rock-tumbler that produces random combinations of coloration and patterns. The classic tabby markings are stripes and whorls all over the head, limbs, trunk, and tail, but mixed-brood tabbies tin have "dilute" or broken patterns and, quite oft, white chests, undersides and/or paws. The latter is an especially fetching combination and never more adorable than when the cat's fur is predominantly greyness; information technology's an understated, neutral look that goes with practically everything—especially a pink olfactory organ and a loving personality.