Although cats' appearances vary in terms of color, pattern, body, shape of head etc., it is essential not to confuse these with a specific breed of cat, as there may be cats that depict the features of a certain breed, without actually being it.
Certified breeds
As recognized by the United States greatest registry of pedigreed cats, the Cat Fanciers Association, there are 41 breeds of domestic cats. Out of these, 16 are so-called "natural breeds", thought to have emerged before people started breeding pedigree cats. The cat breed concept was issued in Britain, in the late 19th century.
The coat patterns define cats as Bicolor, Tuxedo, Van, Tabby, Tortoiseshell, Calico, Colorpoint, White, Smoke, and unless one knows a thing or two about cats body shape, it would be difficult to distinguish between an Oriental from a Foreign, a Semi-Foreign, a Cobby and a Semi-Cobby. However, crossbreeding in highly populated areas has made cats simply be identified as "domestic cats", people classifying them according to their fur's traits - "domestic longhair" and "domestic shorthair".
Among the most familiar cat breeds that people have at least once heard being mentioned, there are the Siamese, the French Chartreux, the Manx, the Birman, the Persian and the Egyptian Sphynx cat. Professional breeders compete to bring forth the ideal definition of each breed, trying their best to preserve certain genetic traits, through the process called selective breeding.
Adjustability to every household
The "Felis catus" species is different from other felines because of the body shape and adaptability to various domestic environments. Either in the countryside or city, this small human companion is a well-known vermin hunter and may easily become a member of the family, even where children are around. Though not radically different from wildcats, domestic cats have a sort of symbiotic relationship with humans - namely, each side benefits from one another - yet these animals are very capable of surviving in the wild.
According to superstitions, cats are supposed to have nine lives as they usually land on their feet and can survive a fall from great heights with little, if any injury. Basically, cats have very sharp senses, such as extremely accurate night vision, excellent hearing and an acute sense of smell; moreover, their whiskers provide aid to what sensation and navigation are concerned.
These pets are clean, very sociable, and their behavior is slightly similar to that of humans; even though they communicate through purring, hissing, growling or trilling, they manage to make themselves understood perfectly and to win their owner's heart instantly. If you treat them right and offer them the love they need, domestic cats will be perfect animal companions that will bring endless joy into your home.
