Cats 101: Cat Breeds

Cats, Cats and more Cats! With so many breeds of cats it can be hard to decide which type of cat to get. In this article, we are going to discuss the different types of cat breeds. To simply the concept, we have broken it down into Largest Cat Breeds, Smallest Cat Breeds, Hairless Cat Breeds, Longhair Cat Breeds and Short Hair Cat Breeds.

Of course, there will still be some overlap as some types of cats will fall into more than one category. For example, the American Shorthair will fall into both the Largest Cat Breeds and Short hair Cat Breeds.

Largest Cat Breeds

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American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is great for busy families. It ranks average on the energy levels, need for affection and intellengence.

Bengal

The Bengal has a natural immunity to feline leukemia (a huge plus.) It loves the water and looks like a wild animal. It comes in as one of the largest cat breeds available.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a very independent cat making it great for cat owners with a busy work schedule. It is a calm and reserved cat breed, which embodies everything you would except from a British cat.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is the comedian of cats. While they are also sweet and quiet cats, they have a fun loving personality great for families.

Chausie

The Chausie is a hybrid cat breed. It is a mix of jungle cat and domestic cat, although it is completely domesticated. Chausie males typically weigh about 10-22 pounds, while the females are a bit smaller.

Cymric

The Cymric and the Manx breed are so similar they are often lumped together. However, the difference in these cats are the length of the coat. The Cymric has slightly longer hair.

Exotic

The Exotic cat breed is a laid-back and loving cat. It will follow you around the house just to see what you are doing. It has a shorter coat than the Persian, which means it will require less frequent grooming.

Highlander

The Highland is extremely large and playful cat. It is basically a domesticated Lynx, although it is not much of a hunter. Instead, it will sit around the house waiting for attention.

Himalayan

The Himalayan is one of the most loving cats and will sit and allow their owners to groom it every day. This is good because Himalayan cats need lots of grooming.

Kirilian Bobtail

The Kirilian Bobtail gets along with kids and pets. In general, they are a large and loving breed. There are fluffy and very inquisitive, with high unique tails.

Maine Coon

Another fluffy cat, the Maine Coon is big and playful. Even though they are fluffy, their coats repel water, which prevents them from getting that soggy look.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Surprisingly, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a loving cat. They are a strong breed which loves just as strongly. They are not much on hunting though.

Pixiebob

If you want a cat to walk on a leash, the Pixiebob is the cat for you. They are among the most intelligent cat breeds even understanding a few human words and phrases.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is one of the laziest cat breeds around. They love food and being lazy. This makes them the perfect type of cat for kids and homes with other pets.

Savannah

The Savannah cat is the closest breed of cat to a dog there is. It can be trained to fetch and walk on a leash! Be careful though, this breed can jump 8 feet straight up.

Scottish Fold

A lap cat, the Scottish Fold is not. However, it does love its owner and will sit next to you throughout the day. They even will continue to play well into adulthood.

Serengeti

The Serengeti is shy but friendly. They are bred from wildcats and can leap an astonishing 7 feet high.

Siberian

Siberian cats are large and affectionate cats. They have few health problems, making them good pets for kids. However, they do have a fascination with water.

Turkish Van

Like the Turkish Angora, the Turkish Van is known for being swimmers. They love being active so keep this in mind. Additionally, they grow strong attachments with their owners and should not be separated from them for a lengthy period of time.
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Smallest Cat Breeds 

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American Curl

The American Curl is another intelligent cat which can pick up fetching. They are notable for their easy-going attitude and affection. They are high energy and will need lots of play time.

Balinese and Javanese

The Balinese and Javanese cat is an extremely vocal cat. Since they talk A LOT, they are not the best apartment cats. Owners will find besides being vocal, they will be very sensitive to your needs.

Burmese

As a playful cat, the Burmese cat breed is super curious and active. Owners can spend hours on end watching them play.

Cornish Rex

If you want an independent cat, stay away from the Cornish Rex breed. They will NEVER EVER leave you alone. They are playful, playful and if in the mood, they will play fetch.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex cat breed sheds less than other breeds. They are the “poodle” of the cat world. This makes them one of the cleanest types of cats to own.

Egyptian Mau

If you are looking for a loving hunter cat, the Egyptian Mau is for you. Once it becomes attached, it will want to be with its owner more than anyone else around.

Japanese Bobtail

Known as the singing cat, the Japanese Bobtail has a beautiful voice. They are intelligent, curious, and very adaptable. They make great family pets.

Kinkalow

The Kinkalow is a newer cat hybrid breed. It has distinctively curled ears and is considered a dwarf cat. It is derived from the Munchkin breed and has a similar personaility.

Minskin

The Minskin is a small hairless cat, which is very easygoing. They get along with everyone and are very smart.

Munchkin

The Munchkin is a breed of cat with a genetic mutation causing the legs to be very short. The Munchkin is generally described as a sweet-natured, playful, people-oriented, outgoing and intelligent cat which responds well to being handled.

Oriental

If you want an attention demanding snuggler of a cat, then the Oriental cat breed is for you. They are vocal but with a softer than the Siamese. They develop lifetime connections and demand attention always.

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is one of the few cats that will listen when you tell them “No.” However, they won’t forget you said it. They are a loving breed who are shy around strangers.

Siamese

Siamese cats are so vocal they do not make good apartment cats. While they pretend to be aloof, they are really seeking your attention and want you to play with them all the more.

Singapura

Singapura cats do not know what a stranger is. They love to be the center of attention and will play all through their lives. They are the basis of “curiosity killed the cat.”

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LonghairCat Breeds

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American Curl

The American Curl is characterized by their curled back ears. The ears can be damaged easily. Therefore, they do not make good pets for young children.

Balinese and Javanese

The Balinese and Javanese cat breed are part of the Oriental family. They have similar personalities to Siamese, which means they are vocal cats.

Birman

While the Birman used to be worshipped, they are now family oriented cats. They love showering family members and visitors alike in affection.

Exotic

The Exotic cat breed has the body and head type of the Persian, but has a short, plush coat. Like the Persian, the Exotic is a gentle cat with a soft voice. They have  sweet tempers and enjoy sitting on laps.

Highlander

Although the Highlander’s look is one mimicking power and grace of the big cat, these cats are fun-loving and good-natured cats. They constantly entertain their owners with playful antics which make them the center of attention.

Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail is a strong cat with a wild appearance, medium to large in size, brawny with strong substantial boning, but despite the Kurilian Bobtails looks they are very gentle. Non-aggressive and gentle, the Kurilian is a trainable and playful cat breed.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest breeds in North America. It is a large hunter with a gentle personality.

Nebelung

The Nebelung was bred to be a longer hair version of the Russian Blue. They attach themselves to 1 or 2 people and they are the humans for life.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is strongly built and is similar in size to the Maine Coon. This cat breed is very good at climbing and has a lifespan of 14-16 years.

Persian

The Persian will need lots of grooming to keep natural beauty. Therefore, if you cannot make a commitment to regular grooming, you should not adopt this cat breed.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll has blue eyes and a distinct colorpoint coat. The docile and floppy nature of the Ragdoll is a characteristic thought to be passed down from the Persian and Siamese breed.

Selkirk Rex

Combine the fur of a La Perm with the devotion of a Persian and you get a Selkirk Rex. They also have the playfullnees of an Exotic Shorthair while all the time remaining calm and reserved.

Siberian

The full name of the cat breed is the ‘Siberian Forest Cat’. They are considered one of the few hypo-allergenic cats which make them great for families.

Somali Cat

A curious breed, the Somali Cat loves to hang out wherever attention is happening. While they are not cuddlers or lap cats, they are affectionate and loyal.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is a very determined breed. If it wants something, it will stop at nothing to get it, especially attention from its owner. They’re very playful cats which love to swim.

Turkish Van

Since the Turkish Van comes from the Lake Van area of Turkey, it is no wonder they are kown for their abnormal love of water and swimming. During the winter, they develop a mane which sheds when the weather warms up. During the spring they have a cashmere feel to them making them adored by many.

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Hairless Cat Breeds

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Devon Rex

While the Devon Rex is not exactly hairless, has very short hair. It is known as one of the few hyper-allergenic cats. Therefore, it is listed in the hairless section. The typical Devon Rex is active, mischievous, fun loving, and extremely people-oriented.

Donskoy

The Donskoy is characterized by their large shell type ears, long strong legs and tail, and of course, the wrinkles. They are a very wrinkly hairless cat. In fact, some people say they are so ugly they are cute.

Minskin

Known as a dwarf cat, the Minskin is one the smallest cats around. Their ‘look’ remains kitten-like, even when fully grown. They are very people oriented and will want lots of love.

Peterbald

The Peterbald is a easy going and loving cat. It wants to be around people and even though they epitomize the feline form, they act more like a dog.

Sphynx

Of all the cat breeds, the Syphynx is the acrobat of the group. Despite the odd look, the Sphynx is an affectionate cat.

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Short Hair Cat Breeds

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Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is another non-cuddling cat. However, they love to be involved in their owner’s life. They are high spirited and high energy. So, plan on spending a good amount of time playing with the cat.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is the melting pot of the cat breeds. This type of cat has an average energy level, average intelligence and average affection level, which make them excellent family pets.

American Wirehair

The American Wirehair is an active breed of cat. However, they are not hyper. They are curious and love people.

Bombay

The Bombay is a type of cat which is perfect for kids. They follow you around and just want to be near you. If you are looking for an independent cat, this is not it.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is so adorable it shows up in cat shows on a regular basis. They have a stable character and take well to being kept as indoor-only cats, making them ideal for apartment living.

Burmese

Like many short-haired cats, the Burmese does not require grooming, although their easy going personality makes brushing a bonding experience. Be careful when introducing a Burmese to a multiple cat household. They can be quite aggressive in defending themselves against other cats.

Chartreux

Chartreux cats tend to be quiet, rarely making noises such as mewing or crying, and some are mute. The Chartreux is an intelligent cat and may figure out how to open screen doors and turn objects on and off.

Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a very intuitive cat breed. They often seek out their owners when they sense the owner feeling down. They make excellent therapy cats and will grow very attached to their human.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a genetic mutation that originated from a litter of kittens born in the 1950s. Unlike the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex is not known to be hyper allergenic, despite its extremely short coat.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is one of the few naturally spotted breeds of domesticated cat. These cats are very human conscious often greeting their owners at the door and are known for being lap cats.

Havana Brown

The Havana Brown needs lots of love to survive. While they are highly adaptable, if you cannot give this cat loads of attention, don’t bother adopting one. They just cannot survive without human contact.

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail has a short “bobbed” tail resembling that of a rabbit. They are active, intelligent cats, with a strongly human-oriented nature, are easier to train to perform tricks than most breeds. They are also known for their “singing.”

Korat

The Korat is a quiet cat until it comes to food. They it will let you know to feed it or share your food. They are also quite forceful when it comes to demanding attention. Overall, they are great for people cats.

Manx

The Manx is a great family pet. They do well with other pets (even dogs) and get along with children. Families looking to add a pet to their home will do well adopting a Manx.

Ocicat

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a ‘wild’ cat but has no wild blood. They are very outgoing and are often referred to as having the temperament of a dog. If you want to spend lots of time with your cat, then they are great!

Oriental

The Oriental is a cat breed which requires attention and constant love. If you fail to give the cat what they consider enough attention, they can become quite vocal. They are NOT quite cats, even their happy purr is loud.

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue has a silver-blue coat. While they are highly intelligent and playful, they can be quite shy and timid around strangers. They are known to play fetch and be sensitive to their human’s feelings.

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold has a genetic mutation causing their ears to fold over, thus the name. This gives them an owl-like appearance. Unlike other cats, they tend to sleep on their backs and have a wide range of purrs and meows.

Serengeti

The Serengeti is a relatively new breed of cat. It has no wild blood but has a wild look about it. Males are generally slightly larger and heavier than females and can weigh up to 15 lbs; females generally weigh between 8 and 12 lbs.

Siamese

The Siamese is one of the most recognizable cat breeds. They have a tendency to bond strongly with one person and are considered extroverts. Their baby like cries are also well-known as they use it to evoke attention.

Singapura

The Singapura is one of the smallest cats with big eyes and big ears. A full grown female usually weighs 5-6 pounds while the male weighs 6-8 pounds. Singapuras should be spayed quickly as they are prone to uterine inertia (problems giving birth.)

Sokoke

The Sokoke breed bonds so strongly with their owners, they have a hard time being adopted. They need people and want to be around people. Only adopt this breed if you plan on giving it a forever home. They just can’t handle being separated from their beloved human.

Tonkinese

As a breed, the Tonkinese cat is the most active of cats. They are highly adaptable and very playful. They fit in well in homes with children and other pets.
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Resources:

Wikipedia – List of Cat Breeds

CFA – Cat Fanciers’ Association

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