Home

>

Cat Breeds (A-Z)

Learn Cat Breeds (A-Z)

Updated on March 20, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates
DVM
different cat breeds sitting together

Long hair, short hair, wavy hair, no hair—there certainly are many different cat breeds. As much variety as there is between different kinds of felines, there are physical and personality traits to suit just about every cat lover out there. But most of the kitties we love and welcome into our homes don’t fall into a specific breed category.  

 In fact, most domestic cats are mixed breed. Some pet parents like the idea of having a purebred cat, as they can reasonably expect many members of a cat breed to share specific behavior, personality and physical appearance characteristics. However, there’s no guarantee that all breed members will look or act a certain way, and individual cats can be very different from what we think of as the breed standard. Additionally, purebred cats have a higher risk of genetic health issues than mixed-breed cats.  

 With this in mind, many pet parents are happy to adopt a cat who’s a mix of different cat breeds. Whether you prefer a purebred feline or a one-of-a-kind mix, read on to discover some of the most beloved breeds of cats that pet parents adore bringing home. 

 If you’re the proud new parent of a purring feline, check out our guide to Bringing a New Cat Home.

CFA recognized breeds 

The Cat Fanciers Association—or CFA, for short—is the most comprehensive registry for purebred cats in the USA. It is over 100 years old and currently recognizes 45 pedigreed cat breeds. The CFA also recognizes mixed breed cats, which in the parlance of this organization are called Companion Cats. Under CFA rules, Companion Cats can even enter show competitions in the Household Pet class—so don’t let the lack of a pedigree stop your favorite feline from showing the world how wonderful they are.

 Abyssinian 

Fur length, color and condition can vary widely between different cat breeds, and an Abyssinian cat’s fur is unique in its way. The hairs that make up an Abyssinian’s coat each have varying bands of color, almost giving these kitties the appearance of a small wildcat. Members of this breed tend to be friendly and highly active.  

 They also tend to be at increased risk for health conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia and amyloidosis.  

abyssinian cat breed

 British Shorthair 

The fur of British Shorthair cats is short but thick. This—along with their wide face and stocky, slightly large build—gives British Shorthairs a cuddly appearance. Their quiet and friendly personality suits their good-natured look. Perhaps the most distinctive color of this breed is the hue known as British blue, which appears as a smoky blue-tinged grey. However, British Shorthairs can also be found in a range of other colors.  

 This is considered one of the healthier breeds of cat, but they have an increased risk of polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 

cat sitting on hardwood floor

Devon Rex 

One of the most visually distinctive rare cat breeds, the Devon Rex has perky ears, a pixie-like appearance and a short curly or wavy coat. Even their whiskers are curly. These attributes come from a genetic anomaly that makes their hair fragile and hinders the normal spread of natural oils through these cats’ coats. As a result, Devon Rex felines typically have oily coats and are at an increased risk of skin problems. They may need frequent baths and ear cleanings to combat skin issues.  

 However, their atypical fur has given the Devon Rex the reputation of being one of the best cat breeds for allergies, but keep in mind that no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. Along with skin conditions, Devon Rex cats are at increased risk for Devon Rex myopathy, polycystic kidney disease, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.

white cat sitting on bed

Exotic Shorthair 

The Persian and the Exotic Shorthair are different cat breeds—but in terms of appearance, the Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian cat with a shorter coat. For pet parents who love the Persian face and personality but don’t want to deal with maintaining all that long fur, the Exotic Shorthair is one of the best cat breeds to suit their preferences.  

 Because this breed—like the Persian—is brachycephalic, they experience some of the same health issues. These may include dental disease, difficulty breathing, runny eyes and eye injuries. Persians and Exotic Shorthairs are also at higher than average risk for polycystic kidney disease.  

cat next to window

Maine Coon 

Different cat breeds each have their own claim to fame. The Maine Coon’s most impressive trait is their sheer size, which looks even more magnificent paired with their long, shaggy coat. They are typically muscular, and some weigh upwards of 20 lbs., but they are known as gentle giants. Maine Coons are smart and friendly, but they can be quite insistent when they want attention. In fact, their personalities are sometimes described as dog-like.  

 Maine Coon cats are at increased risk for such health conditions as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, pyruvate kinase deficiency and spinal muscular atrophy.

cat portrait

Ragdoll cats 

Ragdolls are large, longhaired cats and are known as one of the friendliest breeds around. They have a reputation for being somewhat sedentary, preferring to lounge around looking lovely rather than expending a lot of energy—you can see how they got their name—but this characterization is not true of all breed members. Some Ragdolls are quite playful and energetic.  

 All purebred cats are more likely to have genetic disorders, and for Ragdolls, there is a heightened risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease.

cat sitting on bricks

Persian 

Persians are one of the best cat breeds for pet parents looking for a cuddle buddy. They’re quiet and highly affectionate, happily spending quality time on their pet parents’ laps. Persians have distinctive flat faces, a stocky build, long, luxurious hair and a thick undercoat. The Persian coat can be high maintenance, so be prepared to spend some time on grooming if you bring home a cat of this breed.  

 Because of their brachycephalic—or short-skulled—facial structure with its flattened snout, Persians often experience dental disease, difficulty breathing, runny eyes and eye injuries. They’re also at increased risk of polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia and alpha-mannosidosis. 

cat sitting next to window and flowers

Domestic mixed-breed cats 

Though there are plenty of rare cat breeds to admire, the most popular types of felines are mixed breeds. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of feline pets are not purebred. Rather than being classified by a breed name, mixed breed cats are usually categorized by their fur length—for instance, domestic shorthair cats, domestic medium-hair cats and domestic longhair cats. Because of their mix of traits borrowed from different breeds, the personalities of domestic mixed breed cats can vary dramatically between individuals. Their strength lies in their uniqueness and lower risk of genetic disorders compared to purebred cats.  

 Whether purebred or mixed, rescued or purchased, kitten or senior, your new kitty deserves the best care you can give them. Use our New Cat Owner Guide: New Cat and Kitten Checklist to help you get ready to welcome them home.

cat sitting on couch

FAQs about cat breeds

What is the best cat to parent?

Arrow up icon

The best cat for you is one that fits your lifestyle, preferences and needs. While cat-loving pet parents tend to appreciate specific characteristics that draw them to these delightful companions—such as small size, lower exercise needs and more self-sufficiency compared to many dogs—each household looks for different characteristics. One pet parent may fancy a tabby, while another is attracted to black cat breeds. Some people prefer longhaired cats and others gravitate toward shorthairs. And personality matters even more than appearance, with some individuals inclined toward highly affectionate and “dog-like” cats while others prefer a feline with a more independent nature. Another important factor to consider is whether a cat gets along with kids, dogs, other cats or any other family members that might make up your household.    Though some breeds of cats may match many of the characteristics you value most, one of the best ways to welcome home a kitty who is the right blend of all the traits you most admire is to adopt a mixed breed cat. Mixed cats often bring the best features of their parent breeds together and have a lower chance of developing breed-specific genetic diseases. And mixed breed cats can be as different from one another in size, shape, coat color and personality as different cat breeds are from each other.

How many breeds of cats are there? 

Arrow up icon

The number of breeds of cats in existence depends on which registry you ask. The Cat Fanciers’ Association—the USA’s definitive domestic feline breed registry—currently recognizes 45 breeds of cats. The International Cat Association—a global registry—lists over 70 breeds of cats as being show-eligible.    And that’s just counting pure breeds. Even greater diversity comes from the cat world when you count crossbreeds and mixed breeds—kitties with two or more pure breeds in their lineage. The potential combinations of fur length, fur type, size, ear shape, tail length, eye color and personality seem nearly endless when attributes of different cat breeds are brought together in each beautifully mixed breed feline.

What is the least popular cat breed?

Arrow up icon

When it comes to cat lovers, there’s not really such thing as an unpopular breed—simply a rare one. Rare cat breeds may be uncommon due to factors like cost, availability and care requirements. Some breeds you may never have personally encountered include the Sphinx, a hairless breed covered in nothing but a short, fine down. Or the Lykoi, a partially hairless cat often described as looking like a werewolf. You may also want to research the American Curl, a cat with ears that curve backward.    Sadly, some cats seem less prominent simply because of their color. Black cats—though extremely common—often get overlooked when it’s time for some superstitious pet parents to adopt a pet. For this reason, black cat breeds such as the Bombay may be less frequently seen.    No matter how rare or popular, all cat breeds deserve consistent, quality parenting. Use our Cat Care Sheet to review ways to treat your feline like royalty.    

What is the most beautiful cat?

Arrow up icon

Like humans, beauty in cats is subjective, as different pet parents value varying physical attributes in their felines. Some of the distinctive characteristics pet parents might find particularly pleasing can include the long, lovely fur of a Persian, the bright eyes and sweet face of a Ragdoll, the striking spots of a Bengal or the sleek body of a Siamese.    Some pet parents value unusual features like the Scottish Fold’s folded ears, the Devon Rex’s curly coat, the Sphinx’s velvety hairless body or the Japanese Bobtail’s bobcat-like puffball of a tail. While all breeds of cats have beautifully distinctive qualities that set them apart, some of the most striking felines are mixed-breed cats that display visually unique attributes from more than one breed.

Filed Under

Sponsored