1. Norwegian Forest Cat
Country of origin: Norway
This badass little kitty is as tough as nails. Any cat hearty enough to travel the high seas with the Vikings must be exceptionally energetic and fiercely loyal.
3. Devon Rex
Country of origin: United Kingdom
These sultry, devilish-looking cats are known for being pranksters. Their large eyes and pointed ears also help to give them an elflike allure.
4. Sphynx
Country of origin: Canada
Arguably the most bizarre-looking cat in existence, the Sphynx is actually pretty strong and surprisingly rare. If you've ever wanted to know what cats look like without their fur, this is as close as it gets.
5. Chartreux
Country of origin: France
These gorgeous kitties are equal parts intelligent and seductive. They won't complain to you the way some other breeds will, and will usually respect your personal space as long as you respect theirs.
6. Kurilian Bobtail
Country of origin: Russia and Japan
These ingenious mousers are such ruthless hunters, they've been known to bring down small bears when hunting in packs. No wonder they've become such a popular fixture in Russia.
7. British Shorthair
Country of origin: United Kingdom
These adorable cats are easy to groom and love being smothered with attention. It's easy to see why people fall head over heels for one of the (obviously) cutest breeds around.
8. Peterbald
Country of origin: Russia
Peterbalds may look weak and ineffectual, but they're anything but. In fact, their average body temperature hovers over 105 degrees, which helps them maintain a speedy metabolism to combat illness and disease.
9. Japanese Bobtail
Country of origin: Japan
These clever little kitties weren't just responsible for keeping the rodent population down in ancient Japan, they're also the inspiration behind the wildly lucrative Hello Kitty franchise.
10. Siberian
Country of origin: Russia
Although Siberians are known to be quite the shedders, this is as close to a hypoallergenic kitty as it gets. They lack the protein in their saliva that causes most people to sneeze and scratch their eyes out, so if you've ever thought about getting a cat but couldn't for this reason...you're finally in luck.
12. Manx
Country of origin: Isle of Man
The rumor of how the Manx lost its tail dates back to biblical times, with Noah slamming the door shut before it was able to jump (fully) inside the ark.
13. Colorpoint Shorthair
Country of origin: United Kingdom
While Colorpoint Shorthairs may not shed as much as their Siamese and Abyssinian relatives, they are known for being extremely high-maintenance. Try to avoid if you're a person who fancies quiet time to themselves.
14. Tonkinese
Country of origin: Canada
While most breeds can birth up to five kittens per litter, one Tonkinese mother was credited with up to 19 — the largest number ever recorded.
15. Singapura
Country of origin: Singapore
While they may resemble miniature cats, Singapuras are actually very lively and can live up to 15 years in a normal household. There's been some debate over their origins as of late, but many agree they're one of the most personable breeds around.
16. Scottish Fold
Country of origin: Scotland
These adorable, timid little kitties are ripe for kisses and hugs. Likened to an owl, their ears fold forward and downward — and surprisingly, it doesn't hinder their hearing in any way.
17. Korat
Country of origin: Thailand
Korats are so revered in Thailand that they're often exchanged as gifts during weddings — most likely because they're a symbol of prosperity, dating back to the 1300s.
18. Turkish Angora
Country of origin: Turkey
Turkish Angoras are purely majestic creatures. Nearly flawless in every way, their multicolored eyes are piercing, and their plush fur makes them a world-renowned pet. In fact, most long-haired cats probably owe their signature coats to this intrepid feline's ancestral genes.