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Cat Breeds
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Breed Description in Alphabetical Order |
| Breed |
Description |
| Abyssinian |
Abyssinians, or ''Abys,'' enjoy people and are very loyal. The regal-looking Aby has a very distinct appearance that is both elegant and wild looking. |
| American Bobtail |
Recently, new Bobtail breeds have been discovered around the world, but the American Bobtail was the first of this breed to be recognized. |
| American Curl |
American Curls are easily distinguished by their ears, which curl back in an arc giving the cats an alert, perky, surprised expression. |
| American Shorthair |
American Shorthairs are generally limited to the U.S. and Canada. While they share some characteristics with domestic mixed-breed cats, breeders are quick to point out the differences between the Shorthair and the common alley cat. |
| American Wirehair |
American Wirehairs look and act a lot like American Shorthairs. The main differences between the two breeds is a mutated gene that causes the hair to be kinky. |
| Australian Mist [a.k.a. Spotted Mist] |
The Australian Mist are known for their moderate appearances and great temperament. Formerly known as the Spotted Mist, these cats are very popular with first time cat buyers. |
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| Balinese |
Balinese were once called the ''Longhaired Siamese.'' They look very similar to the Siamese, but with a longer coat and a plumed tail. |
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| Bengal |
The Bengal, with its wild looking striped or spotted coat, looks much like a small leopard or jaguar. While still rare worldwide, their popularity is growing rapidly. |
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| Birman [a.k.a. Sacred Cat of Burma] |
The beautiful ''Sacred Cat of Burma'' has a long, silky pointed coat and looks very similar to a Balinese. These cats are known for their charming temperament. As their popularity and demand increases, they are becoming more difficult to acquire. |
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| Bombay |
The Bombay is a close relative of the Burmese. The Bombay is noted for its shiny black coat and copper eyes. |
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| British Shorthair |
British Shorthairs, or ''Brits,'' are large, tough-looking cats. Because of their masculine appearance, Brits are often favored by men. |
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| Burmese |
The modern Burmese was developed in the 1930s. The Burmese are divided into two categories, the Burmese and the European Burmese. The Burmese seen in North America is more rounded than the Oriental-looking and angular European Burmese. |
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| Burmilla |
The Burmilla came about from an accidental mating of a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. |
| California Spangled Cat |
This beautiful cat resembles a wild leopard from the plains of Africa. Not just beautiful, this cat also has a wonderful temperament and the demand for them is consistently growing. |
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| Chantilly [a.k.a. Tiffany or Foreign Longhair] |
This breed was originally called Tiffany; however, the longhaired Burmese is often spelled ''Tiffanie'' as well, so this breed is now specified as Chantilly/Tiffany. |
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| Chartreux |
This breed existed in France for centuries before being imported to the United States in 1970. |
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| Colorpoint Shorthair |
First cousins of the Siamese, the Colorpoint Shorthair are very similar to the Siamese with the exception of their different ''point'' colors beyond the four Siamese colors. |
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| Cornish Rex |
The most distinctive trait of the Cornish Rex is its curly coat, which can be wavy or rippled. |
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| Cymric [a.k.a. Longhaired Manx] |
The Cymric is a longhaired version of the Manx. Except for the length of the fur, the Manx and the Cymric are identical. |
| Devon Rex |
Avid supporters of the Devon Rex rave about its wonderful temperament. For those allergic to cats, the Devon Rex makes a perfect pet. |
| Havana Brown |
Havana Browns are elegant brown cats with sleek coats as smooth as glass. The Havana in the U.S. is different from that in Britain. |
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| Himalayan [a.k.a. Colourpoint Longhair (UK)] |
The Himalayan, affectionately referred to by some as a ''Himmy,'' is essentially a Persian with the colorpoint pattern of the Siamese. In Britain, the Himalayan is known as the Colourpoint Longhair. |
| Japanese Bobtail |
Once only owned by Japanese nobility, this friendly cat is now known as the ''Family Cat'' of Japan. In addition to being a pet in many homes, figurines of them are kept in stores as a good luck symbol. The Japanese Bobtail’s most distinguishing trait is its short tail, which, unlike other short-tailed breeds, occurs naturally. |
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| Javanese |
It is very difficult to define this cat, other than to say that it is a beautiful longhaired cat very similar in appearance and temperament to the Siamese and Balinese. The name ''Javanese'' also refers to different things depending on the region you are in. |
| Korat |
The ''Si-Sawat,'' as the Korat is called in its native Thailand, has been around since at least the 14th century. It is known for its sleek silver-blue coat, luminous green eyes, and its reputation for bringing good luck. |
| LaPerm |
Like other Rex breeds, La Perm has a unique curly coat caused by a mutated gene. In addition to their exceptional appearance, La Perms are known for their affectionate, loving and gentle personalities. La Perms can be either short or long-haired. |
| Maine Coon Cat |
The great American Maine Coon combines the strength of a working cat with the beauty of a champion. The breed is one of the largest in size of all domestic cats. |
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| Manx |
The Manx’s most distinctive characteristic is its tailless profile. This calm, affectionate breed is also knows for having the shortest body of all domestic cat breeds. |
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| Munchkin |
Named after the ''Munchkins'' from the classic film The Wizard of Oz, this unusual looking cat has very short legs, much like the Dachshund dog breed. It is a very new breed and has not yet been recognized by most associations. |
| Nebelung |
This elegant looking cat is very similar to the Russian Blue, although with a long, soft coat. Its silver-tipped hairs give the coat a luminous, misty affect, hence the name ''Nebelung,'' which in German means ''creature of the mist.'' |
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| Norwegian Forest Cat |
These large fluffy cats are very similar to the Maine Coon. They are prized for their exceptional hunting abilities, and are one of the largest of all domestic cat breeds. |
| Ocicat |
The Ocicat is named after the wild Ocelot that it resembles. This new breed is rapidly growing in popularity as more and more people want a wild-looking cat with a tame disposition. |
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| Oriental Longhair [a.k.a. Angora (UK)] |
Known as the Angora in the UK, the Oriental Longhair is the semi-longhaired variety of the Oriental Shorthair. |
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| Oriental Shorthair |
These slender and elegant cats, often called simply ''Orientals,'' are very similar to Siamese, both in appearance and temperament. |
| Persian [a.k.a. Longhair] |
Persians, once symbols of prestige and status, are the most popular felines in the United States. Their silky and luxurious coats make them highly recognizable. In Britain, they are still referred to by their original name, ''Longhairs.'' |
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| Peterbald [a.k.a. Oriental Hairless] |
The Peterbald is the newest hairless breed. They are unrelated to the Sphynx as different genes cause the hairlessness. |
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| Pixie-Bob |
Legend has it that Pixie-Bobs are the result of matings between wild bobcats and domestic cats. |
| RagaMuffin |
RagaMuffins are large cats with sweet personalities. They thrive on attention, and due to their gentle nature, are perfect for families. |
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| Ragdoll |
Ragdolls are named for their unusual habit of lying limp in your arms. These cats are very loving and make excellent pets. |
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| Russian Blue |
The Russian Blue breed is most well known for its coat, which is a striking silvery blue. The fur is very dense; when touched, indentations are left in the coat. |
| Savannah |
The Savannah Cat is a hybrid cat, a result of a mating between a Serval Cat and a domestic cat. |
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| Scottish Fold |
The Scottish Fold is known for its unique ears that are folded forward to the head, giving it a round profile. The ears and profile give the cat the sweet, innocent appearance that has won many admirers. |
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| Selkirk Rex |
One of the newest breeds in America, the Selkirk Rex has curly fur, a well-proportioned body, and a sweet personality. |
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| Siamese |
The Siamese breed has changed a lot since its beginnings in Thailand centuries ago. In fact, the original Siamese would be disqualified from competition today. Selective breeding, however, has altered them into beautiful, feisty felines that many regard as the most intelligent cats in existence. |
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| Siberian |
The Siberian, or ''Siberian Forest'' cat, is a longhaired cat native to Russia. It can grow to be quite large; twenty pounds for a male is not uncommon. Born and bred to withstand Russia’s harsh winters, the Siberian can tolerate cold climates and simply sheds much of its fur in warmer weather. Although the Siberian can live in warmer climates, it appears to be much happier where it is cooler.
Potential buyers should make sure that their desired cat is truly a Siberian, and not a longhaired imitation. |
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| Singapura |
The Singapura, named for its homeland, Singapore, is one of the rarest cats worldwide. At four to nine pounds, it is most definitely the smallest breed. Called Sepia Agouti, the Singapura’s only coat color is brown on ivory with only the face and inner legs showing markings. |
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| Snowshoe |
The Snowshoe cat, a hybrid (mix) of the Siamese and American Shorthair, was initially an error in cross breeding. However, it is one of the most eye-catching and beautiful felines currently being bred. Its blue eyes are striking, and its fur is soft and smooth. The classic, or ''mitted,'' Snowshoe is known for its dark extremities and white paws, with a minimal amount of white on the face. Both attractive and affectionate, the Snowshoe is a wonderful pet to have in your home. |
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| Somali |
The longhaired version of the Abyssinian cat, the Somali is an athletic feline that needs a lot of freedom to be happy. Although exotic sounding, its name does not reflect the Somali’s history. Rather, the breed was so named because Somalia is close to Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia), and the Somali and Abyssinian breeds are extremely similar. |
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| Sphynx |
Contrary to popular belief, the Sphynx is not a hairless cat. Its skin is covered with suede-like peach fuzz that, to the touch, feels like moss. This unique velvety appearance makes it one of the most unusual cat breeds today. Also known by the descriptive names of the Canadian Hairless Cat and the Moon Cat, the Sphynx is one of the newest cat breeds. Its wrinkled texture and large ears make it easily distinguishable from any other cat. Owners of these felines celebrate not only their uncommon appearance, but also their devoted and friendly personalities. |
| Tiffanie |
These winsome creatures are born a pale café au lait which darkens with maturity. |
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| Tonkinese |
Cross-bred from the Burmese and Siamese, this gorgeous breed makes a wonderful housecat. The Tonkinese is one of the most intelligent cats, with an air of condescension and an extremely playful, sociable nature. Although they need a fairly warm climate to thrive, the Tonkinese are very easy to care for, requiring only an occasional combing of their soft, medium-length hair. They are a great choice for a family pet. |
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| Turkish Angora |
The Turkish Angora is a beautiful cat, whose coat comes in many luxurious colors. One of the most rare types of Turkish Angora is the ''odd-eyed white,'' an entirely white feline with eyes of two different colors. In general, the Turkish Angora is a very family-friendly cat breed. They are considered very intelligent felines, and are gentle and sweet—a perfect choice for a family with children. |
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| Turkish Van |
Although independent, the Turkish Van is a feisty feline that is sure to be at home with any family. Their silky, beautiful coats are a pleasure to groom, and their playful love of water provides much entertainment. |
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