▲These striped studs are intelligent and sociable, and will surely get along great with everyone in the household. These cats are also low maintenance, as their short coat means little shedding and brushing required.

▲Sweet tempered and highly adaptable, these fur balls are set to adjust to your routine in a heartbeat. These cats do require frequent grooming, though.

▲Don't led their short legs fool you. These babies are playful and agile! They are good with kids and even better with dogs, making this a great house cat for families. They are pretty vocal, however.

▲These fluff balls are highly affectionate, but they do not fair well under stress, which means they aren't great in a household with children or other animals. Additionally, Himalayans are known to suffer from some health conditions.

▲Curious and loyal, American wirehairs adapt easily to both kids and dogs. They are also known for being a healthy breed that can live up to 18 years if cared for properly.

▲Energetic and affectionate, LaPerms are great with people and love to be petted. They do require quite a bit of grooming and general maintenance.

▲These bicolored stunners are energetic and friendly, set to please every member of the family. However, these kitties are known talkers, so be prepared for some meowing around the house.

▲These short-tailed love balls are playful and gentle, though they tend to vocalize some. In addition, American bobtails are also known to suffer from illnesses and other health conditions.

▲These elegant cats are curious, adaptable, and healthy, though they do shed, which can be curbed with proper nutrition.

▲These long-haired beauties are good with kids and other animals, though they are known vocalizers. Additionally, Balinese can suffer from health conditions that require extra care.

▲These colorpoints are affectionate and social, though they also tend to suffer from health conditions.

▲This ancient breed is known for being loyal and friendly, though they sometimes pick a favorite member of the family to be forever friends with. They are energetic cats that need stimulation.

▲These cats are adaptable, affectionate, and naturally energetic, so they are great for active people willing to play around with them.

▲These beautiful blue cats are good with kids and other pets, but they require regular grooming.

▲These distinctive cats known for their elegant, wispy ears are people-oriented and remain playful throughout their lives. As an added bonus, they are also generally healthy and low maintenance.

▲These stubby-tailed studs are actually an ancient breed that has been around for centuries. They love people and want to be around them. However be warned that they can be quite vocal, though their voice tends to be on the soft side.

▲Easygoing and playful, these cats are a great match for households with kids as they are active and may even play fetch!

▲These lustrous and muscular cats are good with kids and dogs, as they have high levels of energy that will keep them looking for the next person or animal to play with.

▲Intelligent and loyal, maus are known to play fetch and learn new tricks, so they are perfect for families, including those with kids and dogs.

▲These elegant cats are dependent and gentle, but they prefer adults to children as their energy levels are moderate. They tend to be a little shy around strangers but are great with their own humans.

▲Curious and playful, the Tonkinese make great family pets. If they get bored or lonely, they might resort to mischievousness.

▲These beautiful long-haired cats are sweet toward basically anyone. But their silky coats mean they need regular grooming.

▲Birmans have wonderful personalities. They are friendly, yet self-assured, and are known to follow their humans like puppies. They need regular grooming and will shed.

▲These striking-looking cats are intelligent and affectionate. They are known for becoming very attached to their families, so they require an equally loyal set of humans as well, as they don't adjust well to re-homing.

▲This intelligent breed is highly creative and will play with whatever is available. They are loyal and require loyalty back.

▲Despite their aloof and sophisticated appearance, these cats are extroverts that see every event as an opportunity for adventure.

▲These charming little fellas adapt easily to new environments and love the company of people, including children.

▲This breed is among the most popular for a reason. They simply love people. However, they are not as friendly toward dogs or small children, so they are best suited for adults or a household with children older than six.

▲These interesting-looking creatures are sweet-natured and inquisitive, boasting lively personalities.They're also low maintenance, considering they have very little hair.

▲These are among some of the oldest breeds around. Active, social, and vocal, these babes are perfect for active families who love to play.

▲Gentle, friendly, and boasting robust health, the American shorthair is a great addition to big families, dogs and all.

▲Mild-mannered and attention-seeking, the British shorthair is perfect for a household of kids and even other pets. They tend to be predictable, which is a good trait in a family pet.

▲Low-maintenance and generally healthy, ragdolls are are patient with children, but they generally prefer calmer environments.

▲Adaptable and intelligent, Maine coons are famous for their large size, which has earned them the nickname of "gentle giants." They are sociable and highly trainable, making them great house companions.

▲Persians are adaptable and affectionate towards their humans as well as strangers. They do, however, have low tolerance for boisterous children and other pets, although they are perfectly fit to be around children who have been taught to respect their space.

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These short-muzzled cuties are perfect for the home, as they are known for their even-tempered nature and exceptional gentleness. Despite their calm disposition, they are also playful and curious, making them great with children. Exotic shorthairs dislike solitude, so they need a family who spends a lot of time at home.

Sources: (Business Insider) (Catbreedlist.com)

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Cat breeds aren't as well-known as their canine counterparts. That's mainly because there aren't as many. As Business Insider reported, there are 190 recognized dog breeds in the US compared to only 42 cat breeds. One of the reasons for the disparity is that dogs have traits that people have historically considered useful, so humans continued to develop them to make them better hunters, herders, and guard dogs, for example.

Cats have been admired over centuries for many different reasons, but few of them required genetically modifying them. However, cat breeds do exist and a lot of us have a mixture of them at home without even realizing it. And as many may not realize, they have different traits as well.

Browse the gallery and discover which breeds make the best house cats, as ranked by the website Cat Breeds List.