1. Cats Are Independent

People tend to like pets that fawn over them and cannot live without their owner’s company. Cats do not fit that mould. This personality trait is not true for every single cat; there are some who are insecure and clingy. However, the average cat will be very self-possessed and will exert their own will over what their owner wants at any given time. Cats do not always come when called (although many do as long as it suits them), will hide when you really need them to go to the vet, and hate to be restrained in any way. Cat lovers learn very quickly not to hug their pets too closely and to always let the animal go when they do not want to be cuddled anymore. Even docile cats will scratch to escape a tight embrace. If you try and force a cat to stay in your arms that animal is less apt to come to you again. Cats are not pack animals like dogs and do not require affection to survive. They can definitely fair better when alone or homeless than dogs. Despite being independent and proud, cats still gift their owners with attention and love if the human is worthy.

2. Litter Boxes

The very idea of a litter box can tip the pet scale away from owning a cat. Many people simply do not want a box in their home where an animal goes to the bathroom. Unfortunately litter boxes have gained a bad rap because owners forget to clean them enough and the smell and mess becomes overwhelming. Imagine having to step into a filthy outhouse every day that has overflowed and then you can empathize what cats go through in full litter boxes. Also, people need to have one box per cat in the house hold to avoid power struggles amongst their feline roommate. When a cat out of necessity starts elimination in areas outside the box it can become a chronic issue. Cats are creatures of habit and often develop favourite litters, areas and even times of day to go in the box. Try not to disrupt the routine and keep the box clean so litter won’t be the reason your cat is an outcast in the home.

3. Scratching

Cats like to scratch and you will never stop them from doing this activity. The only hope of saving your carpets, furniture, staircases and curtains is to divert their attentions to acceptable scratching areas. The fact to remember is that cats do not scratch to make you mad or because they maliciously want to destroy your possessions; they scratch because it is natural for them to do so. Scratching exercises their muscles, sharpens their claws and takes off the old covering on their claws. The easiest solution to the scratching dilemma is to buy your cat a post and put it somewhere convenient for the pet. If the cat does not seem interested in the post try rubbing some catnip onto the post. You can also discourage the animal from scratching areas other than the post by employing a few proactive tactics. For example, the judicious use of a squirt gun when you catch the cat scratching might change their behaviour but this method will not work when you are not home. Another effective method for stopping the scratching is rubbing fresh orange peels or spraying bitter apple on sofa arms and carpet to scare your cat away; they hate the smell. If you cannot stop your pet from scratching ask for advice at your local pet store. There are many products designed to keep cats away from areas in your house. These anti scratching products use scent, sound and texture to keep cats at bay.

4. Hairballs

There are very few things in life as surprising and disgusting as walking through your home, especially at night, and stepping on a warm, mucus coated glob of fur with your bare feet. Even seeing a hairball can forever put people off owning cats. Hairballs are produced because cats lick themselves clean, sometimes spending a considerable part of their busy day grooming and chewing on their fur. Cats don’t swallow their fur on purpose; they have no choice because their tongues have little backwards barbs on them which do not allow the cat to spit loose hair out. Most of this ingested hair passes through the intestines easily but sometimes if there is too much hair it mats up and can get stuck. Cats need to regurgitate the hair ball or serious health issues like blocked intestines can result. The easiest solution to this potentially serious problem is to brush your cat regularly. This will reduce the amount of loose fur your cat ingests and be a pleasant bonding activity. You can also feed your cat petroleum jelly or butter to help lubricate the passage of the hair wad and make sure you buy high fiber cat food to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy.

5. Cats Seem Perverse

Cats have very strong personalities which can rub people the wrong way. They run around the house, careening off of furniture and walls, knocking valuables off of shelves for fun, leaping down from cupboard tops with no warning and then attack your feet when you try to change positions in your sleep. Sharing your home with cats can be like living in a minefield; you never know what the day might hold. Men in particular have a hard time with pets that cannot be controlled or at least intimidated and cats tend to be immune to disapproval. One of the most common complaints by non-cat lovers is that these pets seem to take delight in leaping into the laps of people who genuinely do not like them. This behaviour seems like a deliberate act designed to annoy but there is a reason for the cat’s actions. Cats are aggressive animals and will make eye contact, move towards and hiss at other animals when threatened. People who dislike cats tend to ignore them, avoiding both eye contact and physical interactions. Cats see this type of reaction as extremely friendly so they jump right up to make friends. They don’t know the cringing person does not like them.

6. Allergies

Many people are allergic to cats and tend to hate the little creatures that produce such unpleasant symptoms. A common misconception about cat allergies is that all that congestion and red eyes is caused by the cat fur. This is incorrect. Cats have a protein in their saliva which is put on the fur when the animal grooms itself. This protein can also be transferred off the fur onto couches, carpets and beds when the cat walks, plays, sleeps or rolls around. Allergens from cats also can be airborne for long periods of time so you need to utilize several strategies to control exposure. Rubbing the animal with a microfiber cloth can remove some of its dander; this is more effective (and safer) then bathing the animal. You can also keep the cat out of your bedroom completely to make it a dander fee zone and wash all your bedding (and chair covers) at least every two weeks in hot water. Getting a high quality HEPA air filter system and vacuum can remove a great deal of allergens from your home. The easiest way to minimize your symptoms, besides getting rid of the cat, is to wash your hands after petting the animal with a good antibacterial soap.

7. Attitude Based in History

Some schools of thought maintain that men dislike cats because of the subconscious association to witches and continuing historical prejudice. Cats went from being worshipped by ancient cultures such as the Egyptians to being despised for over 800 years after the 10th century. Accused witches were usually women who performed healing and midwife duties. These independent women were feared and persecuted and their cats were labelled as witches helpers in the dark arts. Cats were thought of as agents of the devil and many believed that witches could turn into cats to perform their wicked magic. Hundreds of thousands of felines (sometimes with their human companions) were burned, buried alive, drowned and otherwise put to death in the name of protecting the church or community. Cats, especially black ones, to this day are still thought to be bad luck if they cross your path. This fear and distrust is not logical but catching sight of glowing cat eyes in the middle of the night can bring a shiver down many people’s spines.

8. Cats are not Manly

Stereotypes are not acceptable in modern society but several still revolve around pet choices. Cats have gained a reputation as being somewhat feminine despite the obvious macho attitude that most cats tend to exude. This misconception might have its roots in the familiar story about old ladies and their many cat companions. Countless jokes are made about mature single women who start to accumulate cats as a defense against their lack of masculine companions. This feminine scenario has no place for a single man and his cat. Cats are only considered okay as a man’s pet if he acquired the animal through his wife or girlfriend. Otherwise he would have a big masculine dog to walk and throw sticks to in the park. Despite these prejudices cats are actually perfect for men because they require very little maintenance besides feeding them and cleaning the litter box. Cats are also very forgiving if an owner has to work late or has no time for cuddling.

9. Cats Rub Against Everything

Cats despite their well-deserved reputations for independence also like to rub their faces and bodies against people. Women tend to love this type of appreciation but men are not as enchanted by the shedding fur and inevitable cat behind in their face. Cats rub against their owners for many reasons including the need to be affectionate. Cats also rub against things they want to mark as theirs in a territorial manner. Basically cats have glands located all over their bodies that secrete different pheromones which are used for communication through scent. When your pet rubs against your legs these pheromones cling to you and tell other felines that you belong to a cat. Cats also like to butt their heads against you to produce a shared scent which is comforting to the animal. Anyone who has tripped because of a cat twining through their legs can attest to the fact that cats will rub up against their owner when hungry as well. No matter what your cat is trying to tell you, it is obvious that rubbing and cuddling are crucial to feline communication.

10. Cats Are Not Dogs

The most prevalent reason men don’t like a feline is cats are not dogs. People tend to fall into two camps when it comes to pet ownership: dog people and cat people. Dog people enjoy the loyalty, unrestrained affection and need to please that canines display to their owners. Cat people are proud of the quirkiness, personality and self-reliance that felines exhibit. Cats should not be penalized because they are hard wired genetically in a different way from dogs. Canines are pack animals that are submissive to their owner because that person is the “alpha” in the pack. They display loyalty and obedience because many types of dogs have these traits breed into them over centuries. Cats are not part of packs and are in many ways still relatively undomesticated. Cat and human relationships are often give and take scenarios where each receives a benefit from the other. Cats are fed, kept warm and dry while humans get the pleasure of the cats company and occasionally a dead mouse or two.

Unfortunately, there have been some not-so-ancient extinctions that we really should regret happening. Most of the species that have gone kaput in recent history have met their doom at human hands. And although, at the time, we thought we could do without these creatures, many of them could have helped us, or at least provided us with an interesting spectacle. The following 10 animals are all species that have died out in recent recorded history. And they’re all creatures that, for one reason or another, we should miss.

10. Dodo Bird

Dodos became extinct in the late 17^th century.

The dodo has become the symbol for species brought to extinction by human hands, and it must be included on any list dealing with the subject. Even if only for its entertainment value, the dodo is a bird that we should regret losing. Standing one meter tall with its characteristic hooked beak, tiny wings, and ruffled tail, the dodo was unlike any other bird known to man. It lived on the island of Mauritius, where it grew up to 50 pounds. Needless to say, this oddly shaped avian couldn’t fly; it nested on the ground and ate fruits and nuts.

Dodos didn’t have any natural predators on the island of Mauritius, so they thrived there until the arrival of humans. When people first settled the island, they didn’t hunt the birds often, but they did bring predators with them. The cats, dogs, and pigs that accompanied people to Mauritius killed the birds and destroyed their nests. Also, people gradually annihilated the forests where the dodos lived, making it hard for them to find protected nesting areas and appropriate food sources. About a century after humans first arrived on Mauritius, dodos died out. The exact date of their extinction is unknown, but it was likely before the year 1700.

9. Falkland Islands Wolf

The Falkland Island wolf became extinct in 1876

This species was the only native land mammal on the Falkland Islands and may have once been a companion animal to humans. Nevertheless, it was wiped out by humans in 1876. The Falkland Islands wolf is the only known canid species to have become extinct in historical times. The wolf was also known as the Warrah, a term based on a corruption of the native term for it. Sometimes, it is referred to as the Falkland Islands dog or fox too.

Darwin wrote about the wolf in his book, The Voyage of the Beagle. He commented that the species would probably be wiped out in a few years; at the time of his visit to the Falkland Islands, the numbers of the wolf had already dwindled. It was thought to be a threat to farmer’s sheep population, so it was often shot on sight. But other reports claim that the wolf was generally a docile animal that kept to itself and fed on birds and insects. Darwin even called it “tame.” So it seems like the wolf was destroyed for no good reason at all.

8. Steller’s Sea Cow

Steller’s sea cow was wiped out in 1768.

This large aquatic mammal was once a source of food and raw materials for many people living in the Northern Pacific region. Unfortunately, overhunting forced the species into extinction in 1768. Sea cows were first officially discovered by the German naturalist Georg Steller in 1741, although they had been a part of indigenous people’s way of life for perhaps thousands of years. Steller was traveling with the explorer Vitus Bering when he spotted a group of the cows near the Commander Islands. He was fascinated by them, and wrote about them in his journal. Fossil records show that at one time the animals lived all along the North Pacific coast, reaching as far south as Japan and California.

Sea cows were an important part of many native people’s lives. In addition to being eaten for food, sea cows’ skin was used to make durable boats. Also, their thick subcutaneous layer of fat made an ideal, odorless fuel. The regular hunting of the cows, however, reduced their numbers over time. And after Steller made them known to the European world, poachers quickly killed off the surviving herds.

Steller’s sea cows looked like a cross between a manatee and a seal, but they were much bigger than both these animals. Stretching 27 feet long and reaching estimated weights of up to 10 tons, sea cows were monstrosities in the water. Their characteristic whale-like tails and stumpy “arms” also set them apart from other water mammals. But despite their size and oddities, they were docile creatures, easy to track and kill. The cows couldn’t entirely submerge in the water and they usually traveled in groups, leaving trails of uprooted sea kelp. It wasn’t difficult for hunters to find them and, over time, kill them off to the point of extinction.

7. Quagga

Quaggas died out in the late 1800s

The quagga is a subspecies of zebra that was once found in great numbers throughout the dry areas of South Africa. It was something of an oddity, with markings like an ordinary zebra on the front part of its body and a rear that was entirely brown. The quagga was hunted into extinction in the 1870s, before it was even identified as separate from ordinary zebras. Quaggas were ruthlessly killed for their meat and hides and were also considered competition for livestock, who shared feeding areas.

Quaggas were the first extinct animals to have their DNA analyzed; after this was done, the very close relationship between quaggas and zebras was discovered. There is now hope that quaggas could be “resurrected,” in a sense, by breeding horses and zebras together. Of course, a horse-zebra hybrid wouldn’t be a true quagga, but the markings could be made to look similar.

6. Bali Tiger

Around 1937, the last Bali tiger was killed

The Bali tiger is one of two subspecies of Indonesian tiger that is now extinct, the other being the Javan tiger. Although the loss of both species is devastating to biodiversity, the Bali tiger was a particularly strong blow. It was the smallest of all tigers, measuring no more than seven-and-a-half feet long and weighing about 200 pounds.

Bali tigers only lived on the island of Bali, and when the forests began to be destroyed by people, their habitats were greatly reduced. With the population already waning, the tigers were hunted into extinction by Europeans during the Dutch colonial period. The last tiger was thought to be killed in 1937, although some tigers could have survived longer in the wild. It’s considered very unlikely that any still live today.

5. Golden Toad

The brightly colored Golden toad hasn’t been seen since 1989

Once abundant in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, the golden toad came to a sudden extinction in the 1980s, after its habitat was drastically altered due to climate change. No other amphibians are known to display the toad’s distinct color, which was described by its discoverer, Jay Savage, as “Day-Glo orange.” The toads’ skin was shiny and bright too, which only furthered the illusion that it had been dipped in paint. Only male toads had such bright coloring; females were, in fact, mostly black with a few orange spots.

Golden toads were seen frequently in the cloud forests after their discovery in 1966. But in the 1980s, they became less common. Since 1989, no one has seen a Golden Toad. For a long time people hoped the toads were burrowed underground, waiting for conditions to improve. But after no sightings were seen for years, the toad was placed on the extinct species list in 2004.

4. Aurochs

Aurochs, one of the ancestors of modern cattle, became extinct in the 17th century

We owe a lot to aurochs. They’re one of the ancestors of modern cattle, an animal which today supplies the world with meat and milk. Actually, aurochs and cattle are considered by many to be variations of same species. Some people would say it’s not fair to group aurochs with extinct animals, but since there are no longer any wild cattle in Europe, most scientists do consider aurochs to be wiped out. Aurochs also exhibited many features that aren’t found in modern domesticated cattle, like forward-bent horns and stripes down their backs.

Aurochs were first domesticated in Mesopotamia, but they remained prevalent in the wild of Northern Europe until the middle ages. Their numbers gradually dwindled due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Though they were fierce animals, aurochs eventually succumbed to the stress of being constantly hunted. The last of the aurochs lived in the early 1600s.

3. Great Auk

Great auks were once prevalent, but they were hunted to extinction in the 1800s.

Believe it or not, great auks were once called penguins before the modern bird took the title. But great auks and penguins aren’t closely related, despite their similar appearance. Great auks were the last surviving species of the genus Pinguinus, a group that once included many large, flightless birds. At one point, great auks were prevalent on many Northern Atlantic islands, including Greenland. They also wintered as far south as Florida!

Auks were always hunted for food and down by native people; they were evidently a valuable part of life for indigenous tribes, as multiple archeological items have been found made of their skins. It wasn’t until greater numbers of people moved to Scandinavia that they were sought out in large numbers for meat, eggs, skins, and feather down. The egg snatching was what sent the auks on the path to extinction; not only would hunters kill adult birds, but they would also collect the eggs for food. The last great auks lived in the 1850s.

2. Passenger Pigeon

Passenger pigeons became extinct in the early 20th century

North American passenger pigeons were once known as one of the spectacles of the continent. They flew in flocks that were billions strong, clouding the skies like locusts during their migration season. But massive killing campaigns wiped out the birds quickly; in a few centuries, the pigeon population that once numbered about five billion was completely destroyed.

Early flocks of passenger pigeons were sometimes more than a mile wide, taking hours to pass overhead. They were a huge threat to farmers, and their agricultural impact is part of what prompted the frenzied extermination of the species. Another reason they were killed in droves was for their cheap meat, which was sold to servants and slaves, two birds for a penny. Thousands of birds were killed at one time using poison, fire, and guns. The last flock of passenger pigeons, which numbered about 250,000 birds, was killed off in a matter of a few days in 1896; the killers had the distinct purpose of bringing the species to extinction. A few remaining birds were sighted through the early 20th century, but the species had entirely died out by 1910.

One good thing did come of the slaughter of passenger pigeons; their extinction led to an interest in the conservation movement. In part because of the passenger pigeon’s extinction, new legislation has helped other species survive in the United States.

1. Tahltan Bear Dog

Tahltan bear dogs became extinct after white settlers brought new dogs to America.

One of man’s best friends is extinct. Though it was not a species but a breed, the extinction of the bear dog comes as a big blow. The Tahltan bear dog was a canine companion to the American Indians in what is now Northern Canada before the arrival of European settlers. The dogs descended from those that crossed the land bridge to the Americas with people long ago. They were a huge part of native life; trained to stalk and hunt bears, Tahltans were fearless animals when at work, but they were loving companions otherwise. Reports indicate the bear dogs lived inside home structures with their human owners.

A bear dog’s defining characteristic was its tail, which was held upright with outward splaying fur. The dogs had thick, hard coats and were very intelligent. They were ritually bled before being led into the woods to hunt bears. When they found a bear, they would distract it long enough for the human hunters to find it and finish the kill. Tahltan bear dogs gradually became less common as white settlers brought other breeds of dog to the new world. Eventually, no pure Tahltans existed. But they will be missed.

10. Manx

Believed to have originated on the Isle of Man hundreds of years ago, the Manx is the only truly “tailless” breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. While the tail length on the Manx can vary from “rumpies” (no visible tail), to “stumpies” (small “stump” of a tail) and “tailies” (short tail) the breed standard for the Manx specifies that only “rumpies” can be shown. Manx mothers are often known to produce “rumpies,” “stumpies,” and “tailies” all within the same litter. Recognized by the CFA since at least 1920, the Manx can be long or shorthaired and comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. The Manx is round in appearance, with its hindquarters higher than its front end due to its long back legs. The Manx is beloved by its owners for its sweet expression and playful personality. Manxes are often described as “dog-like,” and their playful nature can lead them to retrieving and burying their toys. Because of their longer back legs and unusual hopping gait, Manxes have been said to descend from rabbits.

9. American Shorthair

Extremely popular for its longevity, gentle nature, and handsome features, the American Shorthair is truly “America’s breed,” reputedly having arrived in the United States on the Mayflower, where they were used to trap mice and rats. Though related to the British Shorthair, the American version is longer, leaner, and more athletic than its British counterpart. The CFA, which lists the American Shorthair among the first five breeds ever registered, recognizes over 80 colors and patterns of American Shorthairs, including tabby, smoke, silver, and calico. While many feral and alley cats may resemble and American shorthair in countenance, the true mark of a pedigreed American shorthair is its ability to pass on its own desirable color, markings, and facial traits to its descendants. True “working” cats, the American Shorthair has come to be beloved in America as much for its amiable nature and playful personality as for its skill in mousing. American shorthairs are known for being extremely affectionate with their owners, gentle with children, and easy-going with other household pets. Possessed of a generally quiet disposition, American Shorthairs are amongst the healthiest and most energetic of breeds.

8. Chausie

Never heard of a Chausie? You’re not alone. This exotic breed is the result of careful breeding between wild “jungle” cats and domestic cats. Chausies were first bred in the 1960s and 1970s as a safer alternative to keeping jungle cats in the home. The goal in breeding Chausies today remains the same as it was when they were first created: a breed that has the looks, grace, and size of a wild jungle cat, but the gentle disposition of a domestic cat. Today, the most common domestic breed used for producing Chausies is the Abyssinian, as it has the same look as a jungle cat but is significantly smaller. Because adult males can reach as much as 25 pounds, Chausies require large spaces and a lot of activity. Though Chausies are not recognized by the CFA, they were granted status in The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. Chausies are large and heavy-boned, with long slender legs and strong, muscled bodies. Their head is a “Chausies sport piercing oval gold or yellow eyes, and a modified wedge” head, meaning it should look like a triangle with three rounded corners. Male Chausies in the first and third generations are usually sterile, so only Chausies four generations removed from the wild cat ancestor are considered “show quality.” In addition to being extremely loyal to its owners, Chausies have a high energy level, are champion jumpers, and are extremely playful, making them an ideal companion for young children.

7. Turkish Angora

Considered a national treasure in its home country of Turkey, the Turkish Angora can trace its ancestry back to the Ankara region of Turkey to at least the 16th Century. Having most likely originated in the mountains, the Turkish Angora is believed to have developed its silky, medium-length coat as protection from the cold. Though the iconic Turkish Angora is white, breeders have increasingly developed them in different colors, including black, blue and tabby. The CFA currently recognizes more than 20 color varieties of Turkish Angora. In the early 1900s, the Turkish Angora was bred with Persians indiscriminately and almost ceased to exist as their own breed. Thanks to a controlled-breeding program in Turkey, the breed has continued to grow in numbers. However, every Turkish Angora registered with the CFA must be able to trace its lineage back to Turkey. The first Turkish Angora on record arrived in America in 1954, the breed quickly became popular for its beautiful-but-low-maintenance white coat, almond-shaped eyes, and large head. Playful and friendly, the Turkish Angora is extremely intelligent, good with children, and loves to provide entertainment for all comers.

6. Ragdoll

First created in the 1960s by a breeder in California, Ragdolls are known for their long silky coats and extremely relaxed and gentle temperaments. Indeed, Ragdolls are carefully bred for just such features. Larger than most other breeds, Ragdolls males reach between 15-20 pounds and the females weigh as much as 10-15 pounds. They sport a semi-long, silky coat and striking bright blue eyes. Due to their large size, Ragdolls mature at a slower rate than other cats, not realizing their true size until around 4 years of age. The CFA recognizes three variations of this “pointed” breed, two with patters containing white (mittened and bi-color) and one with no white at all (colorprint). As a result of careful breeding, Ragdolls are considered to be more interested in their human owners than some other breeds, often following their owners from room-to-room and enticing them to play “fetch.” Careful with their teeth and nails, Ragdolls are quiet and non-confrontational. Because of their relaxed and non-aggressive nature, Ragdolls should never be allowed outside unsupervised.

5. Toyger

In 1980, a breeder was attempting to clarify the mackerel markings on tabbies when she noticed tiger-like markings on the heads of two of her cats. This discovery prompted the idea of a domestic cat resembling a wild tiger, but suitable as a pet. In other words, a “toy tiger” that would inspire cat owners to care about the cause of preserving wild tigers. Though still not quite the final breed ideal, breeders hope to have achieved significant progress towards making this gentle and loyal companion further resemble a wild tiger by 2010. The ideal Toyger will have a large, muscular body, rounded ears, a long muscular muzzle, and vertical, tiger-like stripes. Though not recognized by the CFA, Toygers have been granted full status in TICA.

4. Persian Cat

Adored by cat fanciers across the globe for its thick, lustrous coat, the Persian is one of the oldest breeds of cat, having been imported from Persia to Italy in 1620. Despite a long, heavy coat that requires daily grooming, the Persian has become the most popular breed of cat in the world. While the flowing coat of the white Persian is probably most familiar to cat lovers, the CFA currently recognizes more than seven color divisions for show Persians. To keep its beautiful coat from being stained by dirt and other elements, Persians are best kept indoors by their owners The Persian’s extremely foreshortened muzzle In addition, its large eyes can tear excessively. Though a bit more high-maintenance than other cats, Persians are beloved by their owners for their sweet, gentle dispositions and loving companionship. Unlike some other cats who love to jump and play, Persians are happiest perched on the back of a sofa or window sill. Because of their laid-back nature and tiny little voices, they are wonderful companions for children and senior citizens.

3. Ashera

If you have allergies and an extra $22,000 lying around, you might be interested in the Ashera cat. Billed as a hypoallergenic cross of a domestic cat, an African Serval, and an Asian Leopard Cat, this breed is one of the latest “designer cats” to hit the market. Advertised as a mini-leopard, spots and all, the only Asheras produced for DNA testing so far were proven to be Savannah cats, another designer hybrid, with a new name and higher price tag. Alledgedly, the Ashera is highly intelligent, affectionate, and tips the scales at up to 40 lbs. With beautiful leopard markings and striking green eyes, there is no doubt as to the beauty of this alleged hybrid. However, until the Ashera is proven to exist, cat lovers may want to hold on to their checkbooks.

2. The Sandcat

Cat fanciers can be forgiven for falling instantly in love with the beautiful and sleek Sandcat. A gorgeous sand color with striking gold eyes, the Sandcat has large triangular ears that protrude from its long, flat head, making it especially good at hearing even the softest sounds. Alas, the Sandcat is not available for domestic ownership, residing in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. The Sandcat is especially well-suited for hunting in the desert; it’s sandy color helps it blend in with the, you guessed it, sand, and it sports hair between its toes that help it grip the sand and protects its foot pads from the hot sand and rocks.

1. Scottish Fold

There’s no denying the high adorability factor on the Scottish Fold. Beloved for their sweet expressions and equally sweet dispositions, Scottish folds have a tiny little voice that they rarely use. Called “Coupari” by some Canadian breeders, Scottish Folds have a naturally-occurring gene mutation that causes the cartilage in the ear to fold over, giving them their distinctive owl-like appearance. They are first known to have appeared in the Tayside region of Scotland in 1961 and were given full championship status by the CFA in 1978. Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with soft, rounded bodies, full whisker pads, and large, widely-spaced, curious eyes. Born with straight ears, Scottish Fold kittens begin to exhibit their trademark “fold” at around 3-4 weeks of age, though not every Scottish Fold actually winds up with a Scottish Fold ear. These hearty and strong cats are generally mellow and take life as it comes. For this reason, they are excellent companions in homes with multiple animals or children.