The American shorthair has a pedigree stretching back to early U.S. history. This breed’s claim to fame is its voyage on the Mayflower.
One glance at the backward-curled ears of this American cat breed, and you’ll understand how it got its name. These cats have a natural genetic mutation that results in the peculiar ear shape.
The Bengal cat was developed in the U.S. in the 1970s. The breed got its start when an African leopard cat was successfully crossed with a domestic cat.
The exotic shorthair looks like a Persian cat with a haircut. This American cat was deliberately bred to have a short, plush coat with the distinctive round, flat face of the Persian.
The Maine coon is known as a "gentle giant" of the cat world due to its large size and easygoing nature. The modern history of this American cat breed begins in Maine.
The ragdoll is a California original; this American cat breed was developed on the West Coast in the 1960s. Today, these cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature.
The Balinese shares many traits with the Siamese, but a luxurious longhaired coat sets this breed apart. Originally occurring as a natural gene mutation in a litter of Siamese cats,
The Selkirk Rex is another American cat breed that came about from a naturally occurring genetic mutation for its trademark curly coat.
This American cat breed was intentionally bred to look like a small black panther, but fortunately it proves to be a much more affectionate and sociable house companion.