Cats have been domesticated since prehistoric times, perhaps for 10,000 years; there is evidence (from a Neolithic grave on Cyprus) of some sort of association with humans dating back to the 8th cent. BC Cats have been greatly valued as destroyers of vermin, as well as for their ornamental qualities. The ancient Egyptian domestic cat, which spread to Europe in historic times, was used as a retriever in hunting as well as for catching rats and mice.

Cats vary considerably in size; males commonly weigh 9 to 14 lb (4.1-6.4 kg) and females 6 to 10 lb (2.2-4.5 kg). They have coats of varying length and a wide variety of colors: black, white, and many shades of red, yellow, brown, and gray. A cat may be solid-colored or have patches or shadings of a second color.

Some pictures of the recognized breeds of cats are below, just click on the link to visit that pages.
 

Cats I (Abyssinian - Birman)

Cats II (Blue Korat - Devon Rex)

Cats III (Egyptian Mau - Munchkin)

Cats IV (Munchkin - Random Bred)

Cats V (Russian Blue - Sokoke)

Cats VI (Somali - Turkish Van)

CatsVII (Misc Cats)