What is a Calico Cat? What Every Prospective Owner Should Know

Calico cat stretches in the sunlight — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be calico, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

6 Cat Breeds

Only show breeds available for adoption near me

Japanese Bobtail

Playful and inquisitive, Japanese Bobtail cats love to engage with their owners. They love to be fawned over and cuddled and can spend their days climbing and playing. They’re human-oriented and get along well with other cats if introduced carefully. 

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American Shorthair

Easygoing and adaptable, the American Shorthair cat is a good companion cat. They love attention but are independent. They are more inclined to sit next to you than to be on top of you. Quiet and balanced, they are calm cats and thrive in similar environments. 

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British Shorthair

For classic cat antics, look to the British Shorthair cat. They’ll steal your jewelry, jump off your tables, and then come running to you for affection. They are attention hogs but aren’t constantly underfoot and often keep a low profile, playful but not excessively so. Quiet, even-tempered, and British in demeanor, they can be aloof with strangers. With owners, however, they are faithful and devoted companion cats, always seeking love and attention. The more you give to them, the more they give back. These confident and calm cats do have a mischievous streak, but for the most part, are happy just to be near their owners and observe whatever they are doing. They tend to love on an entire family, not just one person and can be more independent than other cat breeds despite loving the spotlight. British Blues are not vocal cats and squeak rather than meow. However, their purrs are some of the loudest, resembling motorboats. 

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Maine Coon

These chatty companions are America’s second-most popular breed for a reason—they dole out love and affection in spades. Devoted to their families and incredibly intelligent, these cats are basically kittens in big catsuits. Gentle giants who are playful well into old age, Maine Coons are clever and form strong bonds with their households. Most want to be near you but not on your lap. Maine Coons are true family members and participate in all family routines, whether watching you channel surf from the comfort of the couch or following you from room to room. As befits a former seafarer, Maine Coons are fascinated by water, perhaps because their thick coats are water-repellent and won’t become annoyingly soaked as easily as a thinner coat would. Some will join their humans in the shower briefly, or at least walk around on the wet floor after you get out. They prefer to stand on the edge of the tub, however, and touch the water with a curious paw.

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Persian

Less life of the party and more stay-at-home and read, the Persian is a sweet, placid, and even-tempered cat. They enjoy regally lounging about, observing their owners, and getting in small bursts of energy through gentle games. They are intelligent but not as curious as some other cat breeds and are fiercely devoted to their humans, albeit selective in bestowing that honor on them. Trust and love must be earned, but once they are, they bond strongly. They crave attention and love being fussed over like a newborn baby but won’t beg for it like other breeds will. 

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Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cats can be vocal and love chatting with their owners. Sweet but often relentless in their pursuit of play and attention, they can be stubborn. They’re unable to sit still until their enrichment needs have been met. When bored or trying to get your attention, they’ll do things like turn on faucets or knock things off shelves. Some Turkish Angora cats love to swim. 

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