Cat Breeds: Browse and Compare 40 Profiles

Abyssinians are active, observant cats that tend to seek out high places and interactive play. They usually prefer company and an enriched indoor environment.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

American Bobtails have a naturally short tail and an athletic build. They are often described as interactive companions who enjoy play and shared routines.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

American Curls are recognized by their backward-curling ears and often retain a playful, kitten-like interest in people and toys into adulthood.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

The American Shorthair is a sturdy companion breed known for a balanced temperament. Many enjoy play and family life while remaining comfortable with quiet time.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Balinese cats combine a fine, flowing coat with the social and vocal style associated with Siamese-type cats. They commonly seek interaction and active play.

Coat

Long

Shedding

Low

Bengals are athletic cats with a distinctive patterned coat. Their high activity needs make enrichment, climbing, and interactive play especially important.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Birmans are semi-longhaired cats with color-point markings and white feet. Many prefer calm company and regular family interaction.

Coat

Long

Shedding

Moderate

Bombays are compact, muscular cats with a glossy black coat. They often enjoy close contact and play, and may be happiest with regular company.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

British Longhairs have the broad build and composed manner of the British type with a full, dense coat that needs consistent upkeep.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

British Shorthairs are solidly built cats with a plush coat and a generally unhurried style. Many enjoy being near people without needing constant handling.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Burmese cats are muscular, social companions that often stay playful as adults. They tend to value company and interactive routines.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

The Chartreux is a blue-gray cat with a dense coat and a quiet, observant temperament. Individuals can be playful while remaining relatively unobtrusive.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Cornish Rex cats have a fine wavy coat and a light, athletic build. Many are active indoor companions who enjoy warmth, company, and climbing.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Devon Rex cats have large ears, a wavy coat, and an active, people-focused style. They often seek warm places and close interaction.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Egyptian Maus are naturally spotted and fast-moving cats. They often bond closely with their household and benefit from active indoor enrichment.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

The Exotic Shorthair has a plush coat and a calm, companionable manner. Its shorter coat still sheds and needs regular grooming.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Havana Browns are known for a rich brown coat and a curious, social disposition. They often enjoy interactive toys and being included in household routines.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Himalayans pair a color-point pattern with a long, full coat. Their calm style can suit a quieter household that can keep up with daily grooming.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

Japanese Bobtails have a short, pom-like tail and an athletic frame. They are often active and communicative companions who enjoy games.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

Korats are a compact, muscular blue-gray breed that may be reserved with strangers and closely bonded with familiar people.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

LaPerms are recognized by their loose curls, which can vary from soft waves to ringlets. Their sociable nature often pairs well with an interactive home.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Low

Maine Coons are large, longhaired cats with a playful, people-friendly reputation. Their size and coat make grooming, sturdy equipment, and space worth planning for.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

Manx cats may have a range of tail lengths, from none to nearly full. They are sturdy, playful companions with a history associated with the Isle of Man.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, sturdy breed with a weather-ready coat and a balanced, independent style. It often appreciates climbing and a calm home base.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

Ocicats have a spotted coat but are domestic cats, not wild hybrids. Their confident, active style benefits from frequent interaction and varied play.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Oriental Shorthairs are slender, highly social cats with a wide range of coat colors. They often want conversation and company throughout the day.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Persians are known for a long coat and a relaxed indoor style. Daily grooming is a practical commitment, and facial shape varies across lines.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

Ragdolls are large color-point cats with a generally relaxed, people-oriented reputation. They still need play, grooming, and safe indoor routines.

Coat

Long

Shedding

Moderate

Russian Blues have a dense blue-gray double coat and may take time to warm to new people. Many prefer calm, predictable routines.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Scottish Folds are known for folded ears, but the same cartilage mutation is associated with joint disease. The health trade-off deserves careful consideration.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

The Selkirk Rex has a plush curly coat and a patient, companionable style. Its coat texture benefits from careful grooming rather than aggressive brushing.

Coat

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

Siamese cats are recognizable by their color points and often enjoy active conversation and company. They are a better match for households with time for interaction.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Siberians are powerful, longhaired cats that often enjoy climbing and interactive play. Their coat changes seasonally and can shed heavily.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High

Singapuras are one of the smallest recognized cat breeds. They are lively, curious, and often prefer to stay involved in what their people are doing.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Snowshoes combine point coloration with white markings and a social, active temperament. Markings vary, so appearance alone is not a reliable breed test.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Somalis are the semi-longhaired relatives of Abyssinians, with a busy, curious style and a plume-like tail. They often thrive on active play.

Coat

Long

Shedding

Moderate

Sphynx cats have little visible fur, but they are not maintenance-free. Their skin, warmth, ears, and social needs require regular attention.

Coat

Hairless

Shedding

Low

Tonkinese cats combine a sleek coat with a social, playful temperament. They often enjoy interactive games and company from people or other pets.

Coat

Short

Shedding

Low

Turkish Angoras are elegant, athletic cats with a silky coat. Many are agile climbers and enjoy active engagement with their household.

Coat

Long

Shedding

Moderate

Turkish Vans are strong, active cats with a distinctive color pattern and a semi-long coat. They often enjoy climbing and exploring safe spaces.

Coat

Long

Shedding

High