6 Cat Breeds That Make Excellent Outdoor Cats
Cats make for wonderful pets, but not all cats are meant to be kept as indoor cats only. Each breed has different characteristics, and some are better suited than others for any lifestyle, including the outdoor type. Here are the top 6 cat breeds that can make great outdoor pets.
Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are lovable, cuddly, and loyal. They can be great pets for people with allergies and other health issues.
A full-grown Maine Coon weighs about 12-25 pounds. The breed's long fur is a luxurious, easy-care plush that comes in more than 100 colors and patterns, although chocolate, fawn, red (or "amber"), black, white, brown tabby (or "ticked"), blue/gray tabby (or "blue [or grey]"), and occasionally lynx point (a tabby with a small amount of white on the back of its neck and tail) are the most common color variations.
Maine Coons are intelligent, adaptable companion cats that get along well with everyone in the family, including kids and dogs (if they're properly introduced). They enjoy being with people and do exceptionally well if you take them for regular visits to the vet for snuggles and a petting session or two. These big cats love attention and will greet their owners at the door when they get home from work or school every day. They tend to be less high-strung than other breeds of cats and aren't as likely to run off or hide when new people come over.
Bengal
Bengal cats are playful, affectionate, and intelligent. They love to play and get attention from their owner. They are high-energy and need plenty of playtime, but they will also follow you around the house like a dog.
A typical adult Bengal cat weighs between 12 and 20 pounds. Bengal cats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including red, brown, black, silver, golden, and cream. They are medium-sized cats with broad bodies and muscular legs. One interesting feature of the Bengal's coat is its ability to reflect light like a prism; this gives it a shimmering effect that some breeders refer to as "flame points."
Bengals are usually very active. They have an extremely high prey drive, so they love to chase things such as feathers on a stick or small toys attached to strings. Their intelligence allows them to learn tricks often faster than other breeds of cats. Bengal cats need a lot of stimulation and attention from their owners. They love to be petted, brushed, or combed for long periods of time for them to feel loved and satisfied.
Norwegian Forest
Norwegian Forest cats are gentle, outgoing, and intelligent creatures that thrive on companionship. They love to play and are very sociable with strangers.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a wedge-shaped head, scimitar-style tails, a thick coat, and furry paws that act like snowshoes in deep snow. Two striking colors are the most common: black with white paws; and chest or brownish-black with creamy undertones. The medium-sized cat weighs anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds.
Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train with positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Norwegian Forest cats enjoy working for rewards and will excel at agility training, problem-solving games, or even tricks! They are also extremely vocal, letting you know when they want something or want to go out. Norwegian Forest cats tend to be very mellow and calm, and they enjoy cuddling with their owners, but at times may become demanding of attention.
Savannah
Savannahs are high-energy, intelligent, affectionate cats that need lots of stimulation to prevent boredom. They are known to be friendly towards people and other pets. It is said that Savannah cats get along with everyone!
The average adult male Savannah weighs 14 and 18 pounds, while the average female weighs about 22 pounds when fully grown. The Savannah cat has a very unique coat. While their heads, legs, tail, and underside are covered with short hair that resembles that of a domestic cat; their backs, sides, necks, and shoulders are covered with longer hair similar to that of an African Serval Cat. As the Savannah cat grows older; their longer hair will form into beautiful marbled patterns on their body.
Most Savannahs love to play fetch and enjoy walking on a leash. They are very observant and love watching people. They seem to enjoy being around people more than other cats do but don't really like being held or cuddled. Savannahs quickly form strong bonds with their owners and like to spend most of the day interacting with them. Though they're affectionate toward their owners, they're not needy or clingy.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are known for their curiosity, intelligence, and even temperament. They make excellent lap cats and love being carried around the house in their favorite person's arms.
Fully-grown Abyssinian cats weigh about 12 to 18 pounds. Tawny with black tips on the ears, tail, legs, and the characteristic "M" pattern on the forehead, Abyssinian cats have blue or green eyes. The Abyssinian has a medium-length coat that requires brushing to keep it well-groomed.
Abyssinians tend to be very active, which is probably why they were given the nickname "The Clown of the Cat Fancy". Abyssinians love to play and amuse themselves by stalking or chasing objects around the house, and they can be trained to walk on a leash. They are also very playful with other pets in the household. They are social animals and like to be around people. It is not uncommon for them to follow their owners from room to room. They love attention from their owners, especially cuddling, petting, and scratching behind the ears.
European Shorthair
European Shorthair cats are known for their grace, intelligence, and great hunting skills. They are friendly, loving, and affectionate toward people.
They weigh between 11 and 18 pounds. They have paws that are round and firm, with five toes on each foot. Their eyes are blue, green, or odd-eyed (two different colors, such as one green eye and one blue). They have soft, silky coats that come in all colors.
European Shorthair cats are very playful, with a tendency to pounce on toys and other objects. The independent nature of European Shorthair cats makes them less likely than other breeds to follow their owner from room to room. Instead, they tend to do their own thing, which includes keeping an eye out for predators or anything else that might threaten their territory or owners. While they can be vocal at times, they don't typically meow excessively throughout the day.
