Read profiles below, or browse the complete index. Each reading page contains up to 18 full profiles.
Abyssinian
An athletic shorthair distinguished by banded, ticked hairs rather than bold body stripes. The Abyssinian often combines close interest in people with a strong desire to explore; affection need not take the form of prolonged lap sitting.
Appearance & size
The overall outline is medium-sized, muscular and relatively light on its feet, not bulky. Large ears, almond-shaped eyes, a gently wedge-shaped head and a long tapering tail contribute to the alert appearance.
Coat
The short ticked coat occurs in ruddy, cinnamon, blue and fawn, with color terminology varying between organizations.
Typical behavior
Many are sociable, affectionate, inquisitive and highly active.
Activity
Climbing opportunities and interactive hunting games fit the described exploratory behavior. Rotate safe toys and offer elevated observation places rather than expecting a lively cat to occupy itself without enrichment.
Care
The coat is short, but it still sheds and needs gentle maintenance. Household planning should give at least as much attention to engagement and safe climbing routes as to grooming.
Sources & credits
- Abyssinian cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
American Bobtail
A substantial domestic cat with a naturally shortened tail and muscular appearance. Its wild-looking outline does not imply wildcat ancestry.
Appearance & size
Medium to large in outline, with a broad chest, rectangular body and prominent brow that gives the eyes a focused expression. The shortened tail remains an individual feature, varying in outline.
Coat
Both short and longer coats occur within the breed. Numerous colors and patterns are permitted, making coat length or tabby markings unreliable shortcuts to breed identity.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are affectionate, intelligent and interactive cats that can also entertain themselves.
Activity
Allow room for movement and let an individual choose how to participate. An adaptable reputation is not permission to introduce unfamiliar animals abruptly or handle a reluctant cat repeatedly.
Care
Regular brushing or combing removes loose hair from both coat lengths. Adjust attention to the actual coat density and seasonal shedding.
Sources & credits
- American Bobtail · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
American Curl
Recognizable by ears that curve backward, the American Curl comes in both short and semilong coats.
Appearance & size
A medium-sized, elegant but muscular cat with a softly wedge-shaped head and large expressive eyes. Curl kittens initially have straight ears; the eventual curvature develops during kittenhood.
Coat
Both coats are soft and silky, with relatively little undercoat. The longer form has a more pronounced plumed tail, while the shorthair retains the same basic body and ear type.
Typical behavior
Curls are often described as retaining a playful manner into adulthood.
Activity
Interactive toys, safe perches and simple reward-based learning fit their inquisitive nature. A cat that investigates cupboards needs a home arranged around that curiosity.
Care
The relatively light undercoat generally makes coat maintenance less demanding than that of a dense-coated longhair. Handle ears gently and do not manipulate them to demonstrate the curve.
Sources & credits
- American Curl · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
American Shorthair
A sturdy pedigree shorthair developed from working domestic cats in North America. It should be distinguished from the descriptive label domestic shorthair, which applies to many non-pedigreed cats rather than to one registered breed.
Appearance & size
The breed has a strong, balanced body with muscular limbs and a broad head. Its build reflects a capable hunter rather than an extreme long, narrow or unusually flat-faced type.
Coat
The coat is short and dense, and numerous colors and patterns occur. Silver tabby is familiar, but it is not the only breed color.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are affectionate, relatively easygoing cats that appreciate company while retaining some independence.
Activity
Interactive chasing and pouncing games put the historical hunting tendency to useful household work. Give the cat opportunities to use scratching surfaces and investigate safe toys.
Care
A short coat simplifies handling but still leaves seasonal loose hair to manage. Gentle brushing and observation of coat condition are preferable to treating the cat as maintenance-free.
Sources & credits
- American Shorthair · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
American Wirehair
A North American breed defined by crimped, springy hair and often bent whiskers.
Appearance & size
A muscular body and developed muzzle resemble the American Shorthair outline. Large round eyes add to the open expression.
Coat
Texture varies substantially between cats, from softer, dense or woolly hair to a harder, sparser feel. The coat’s hairs may bend or crimp, and whiskers and ear furnishings can show the same effect.
Typical behavior
Some show considerable curiosity about drawers, cupboards and toys.
Activity
Hunting-style play and exploratory toys fit the breed’s relationship with working shorthairs. Make interactive sessions responsive to the cat rather than using a fixed exercise quota.
Care
Protect the coat’s natural texture rather than trying to brush it smooth. Gentle grooming still needs to account for loose hair.
Sources & credits
- American Wirehair · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Balinese
A fine-boned, pointed cat with a flowing coat and blue eyes, developed from longhaired Siamese offspring.
Appearance & size
The body is long, muscular and refined, with a wedge-shaped head, large broad-based ears and almond-shaped eyes. The coat follows rather than conceals this outline.
Coat
The silky coat is relatively close-lying and does not have a thick downy undercoat. Point color is concentrated on the cooler extremities.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are intelligent, affectionate, interactive cats that commonly communicate vocally.
Activity
A socially responsive home, climbing places and interactive play suit the described combination of agility and people-interest.
Care
For everyday care, consider periodic combing or brushing to remove loose hair. The relatively light coat is generally less prone to tangling than a heavily undercoated longhair, but individual texture and condition still matter.
Sources & credits
- Balinese cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Bengal
An athletic pedigree cat with spotted, rosetted or marbled markings, developed through domestic-cat and Asian leopard cat ancestry. A modern registered Bengal should not be confused with an Asian leopard cat or with an early-generation hybrid.
Appearance & size
The body is muscular and powerful without losing agility. A broad nose, prominent whisker pads and expressive eyes help create the characteristic face, while relatively smaller ears distinguish the look from some other athletic breeds.
Coat
The short, soft coat can carry contrasting spots, rosettes or flowing marbling. Brown spotted tabby is especially recognizable, but it is not the only appearance.
Typical behavior
Many are curious, active and strongly interested in household activity.
Activity
Plan for active play, climbing and opportunities to investigate safe objects. A visually striking coat does not compensate for an environment with little to do.
Care
Light regular grooming with a soft brush removes loose hair. Observe skin and coat condition even when the short coat is not prone to mats.
Sources & credits
- Bengal cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Birman
A blue-eyed, colorpointed longhair known for white feet and a softly flowing coat.
Appearance & size
The body is not the extremely slender outline of a Siamese. Blue eyes and pale body color contrast with darker points and the characteristic white feet.
Coat
The silky longer coat has relatively little undercoat. The gloves and hind-foot markings are important identifying features, but visual similarity alone does not demonstrate registered Birman ancestry.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are sociable, moderately active and people-interested cats that often participate in household routines.
Activity
Offer interactive toys, comfortable climbing options and shared play rather than assuming a calm companion needs no enrichment. Choose activities that let the cat alternate movement with rest.
Care
For everyday care, consider weekly combing for the relatively light-undercoated coat. Inspect areas where longer hair rubs against the body, and adapt frequency to shedding and the individual’s tolerance.
Sources & credits
- Birman · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Bombay
A sleek black domestic breed whose rounded outline and copper-to-gold eyes evoke a miniature panther. The resemblance is visual: the American-type Bombay was developed from domestic breeds rather than by crossing cats with panthers.
Appearance & size
Medium in size, with a solid muscular body that can feel heavier than it looks. The head and muzzle have rounded contours rather than an elongated wedge.
Coat
The very short, dense black coat lies close to the body and is particularly glossy.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are intelligent, playful and outgoing cats with a strong interest in toys and companionship.
Activity
Offer hunting games and safe objects to investigate. Simple puzzles and retrieval may appeal to a receptive individual.
Care
The short sleek coat generally needs light grooming. A soft rubber brush can help remove loose hair.
Sources & credits
- Bombay cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
British Longhair
The longer-coated British type shares the substantial, rounded body associated with the British Shorthair.
Appearance & size
The British outline is sturdy and muscular, with a broad chest, rounded face and round eyes. Longer furnishings soften the silhouette without making this an elongated, lightly built oriental-type cat.
Coat
Longer hair creates fuller furnishings than in the British Shorthair, while retaining the substantial British-type body.
Typical behavior
An individual may prefer nearby companionship to constant carrying.
Activity
Offer play that suits the individual’s enthusiasm, with comfortable routes between resting and observation places. The appearance of a plush, calm cat can conceal interest in chasing toys.
Sources & credits
- British Shorthair · Wikipedia contributors, British Shorthair · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
British Shorthair
A solidly built pedigree cat with a rounded face and exceptionally dense short coat. Blue is the familiar color, but the British Shorthair is not limited to blue and should not be equated with every blue-gray household cat.
Appearance & size
A broad chest, muscular limbs and substantial torso create a sturdy outline. The head, eyes and cheeks are rounded, with ears set relatively widely apart.
Coat
Short, resilient and dense, the coat stands away from the body rather than lying sleekly flat. Colors and patterns include more than the familiar solid blue.
Typical behavior
Quiet, observant cats that are affectionate toward their families without necessarily wanting to be carried or to remain in a lap.
Activity
Offer interactive toys even when the adult seems settled. Short, responsive games can provide opportunities to stalk, chase and pounce.
Care
For everyday care, consider a brief weekly combing or brushing routine, with attention to loose hair from the dense coat. Seasonal shedding can change practical needs.
Sources & credits
- British Shorthair · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Burmese
A muscular, short-coated and strongly people-oriented cat with roots in Southeast Asian brown cats.
Appearance & size
A surprisingly solid feel is characteristic of the muscular build.
Typical behavior
Many are affectionate, inquisitive and interested in interaction with their people.
Activity
Interactive games and companionship deserve priority in household planning. A compact cat can still be agile, inventive and eager to investigate.
Care
Light brushing removes loose hair from the fine, sleek coat. Routine bathing is not automatically needed for every pet.
Sources & credits
- Burmese cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Burmilla
A silver-shaded or tipped cat combining Burmese and Chinchilla Persian ancestry.
Appearance & size
The body is medium-sized, muscular and moderate in outline, without the extremely cobby type of a Persian or the long narrow form of a Siamese. Rounded and sculpted head contours, expressive eyes and dark outlines around the features contribute to the characteristic face.
Coat
The pale base contrasts with color near the ends of the hairs. Tipping and heavier shading describe different distributions of that color, not unrelated breeds.
Typical behavior
Many are curious and friendly, balancing playful activity with a relatively easygoing manner.
Activity
Provide opportunities to explore without requiring constant high-intensity movement. Personality and confidence should guide how quickly an individual encounters new pets or unfamiliar rooms.
Care
For everyday care, consider regular weekly grooming for both coat forms, using appropriate combing or brushing to remove loose hair. A longer coat should be checked where tangles are likely to begin.
Sources & credits
- Burmilla · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Chartreux
A blue-coated French breed with a substantial body, relatively fine limbs and a woolly double coat. Its smiling-looking face and quiet reputation are distinctive, but neither blue color nor a placid expression is sufficient to identify a pedigree Chartreux.
Appearance & size
The broad shoulders and muscular body contrast with comparatively fine-boned legs and feet. A broad head narrows toward the muzzle; prominent whisker pads contribute to a smile-like expression.
Coat
The short blue coat has a dense insulating undercoat and a woolly feel. Blue here describes a diluted gray color, not literal blue pigment.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are affectionate, observant and adaptable cats, often with a relatively quiet voice.
Activity
Some individuals enjoy retrieval or supervised harness activity. Those possibilities should be offered according to the cat’s confidence rather than treated as required or guaranteed behaviors.
Care
Seasonal shedding can make spring and autumn maintenance more demanding. For everyday care, consider attention to the dense undercoat with a suitable wide-spaced comb.
Sources & credits
- Chartreux · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Colorpoint Shorthair
A Siamese-shaped, blue-eyed cat recognized by CFA in point colors beyond its traditional Siamese palette.
Appearance & size
The outline is long, slender and muscular, with fine limbs, a long tapering tail and a wedge-shaped head. Large ears continue the head’s triangular lines, and the eyes are almond-shaped and blue.
Coat
The short, close-fitting coat has paler body color and darker extremities. Point color is temperature-sensitive and can change in appearance with age and conditions.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are intelligent, vocal and strongly people-oriented cats.
Activity
Provide interactive play, climbing and learning opportunities rather than assuming the fine-boned appearance means fragility. A socially engaged cat may prefer games involving a person to a permanently available pile of untouched toys.
Care
Gentle hand grooming or a soft rubber brush removes loose hair from the short coat. Routine bathing is not automatically necessary.
Sources & credits
- Colorpoint Shorthair · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Cornish Rex
A lightly built, highly interactive cat with a short waved coat and a distinctive arched outline. It is distinct from the Devon Rex despite a superficially similar curly appearance.
Appearance & size
An arched back, long limbs, large high-set ears and an egg-shaped head create a recognizable silhouette. Its shape differs clearly from the broad, rounded Selkirk Rex.
Coat
The short coat forms close waves and lacks the protective guard hairs found in many conventional cat coats. Softness and curl are important features, but density can vary.
Typical behavior
Many individuals are active, affectionate, inventive cats with a strong desire to stay involved with people.
Activity
Offer climbing, jumping and interactive hunting games in a secure environment. This is not a breed to choose solely for minimal grooming if the household has little time for engagement.
Care
Regular combing is not needed for the delicate waved coat, but some cats require attention to oily skin or ear buildup. The reduced protection of the coat makes temperature and sun exposure relevant household considerations.
Sources & credits
- Cornish Rex · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Cymric
Some other registries treat longhaired Manx within the Manx breed, so this is a coat-related identity whose classification depends on the organization.
Appearance & size
The Manx-family outline is rounded and substantial, with a short back and hind legs longer than the forelegs. The rear can appear higher than the shoulders.
Coat
Longer, dense hair creates a fuller outline than in the short-coated Manx. The coat relationship is explicit, but it does not mean that Cymric is merely an alternate spelling of Manx.
Typical behavior
Individual social confidence and handling history remain important.
Activity
Interactive hunting games and retrieval may appeal to a receptive individual. Observe comfortable movement and let the cat set the pace rather than treating the rounded body as a reason to avoid play.
Care
The dense longer coat needs regular inspection and grooming, with particular attention where furnishings can tangle.
Sources & credits
- Cymric cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
- Manx cat · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Devon Rex
A short-coated cat with broad-set ears, a distinctive face and soft waves in its coat. Its playful reputation and unusual outline should be considered alongside the attention needed by a delicate, variable coat.
Appearance & size
Large ears, wide-set eyes and conspicuous cheekbones give the face a distinctive appearance. The body is relatively slender and muscular, with long limbs.
Coat
Soft waves cover the body, with density and coverage varying between individuals and over time. A Devon’s coat should not be assumed to match the Cornish Rex genetically or texturally.
Typical behavior
Exceptionally people-interested, playful and intelligent cats that often follow household activities closely.
Activity
Offer varied toys, safe climbing routes and responsive interaction. A curious cat may investigate places that seem inaccessible, so enrichment and household safety belong together.
Care
Handle the waved coat gently rather than using heavy grooming intended for a dense longhair. Coat and skin condition should guide maintenance.
Sources & credits
- Devon Rex · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
