Discover cat breeds from around the world, from beloved classics to rare gems. Learn about their history, personality, care needs, and what makes each breed unique.
This unusual-looking rex breed is not yet widely known, but its adaptable temperament makes it suitable for most homes. The first of these wavy-coated cats was born near Yekaterinburg, a major Russian city set in the foothills of the Ural Mountains. Carefully developed over three decades, the Ural Rex is very popular among cat fanciers … Read more
This stunning variation of the world’s most famous cat is playful and content to spend long hours on its own. A few Siamese cats with tabby points are mentioned in early 20th-century records, but selective development of this new variation did not begin until the 1960s. The first tabby point Siamese to attract the attention … Read more
A magnificent colorpointed cat with an ultra-thick coat, the breed is calm and fearless, with an easygoing nature. This breed is the colorpoint version of the Siberian, a forest cat that has a long history in Russia. The Neva Masquerade is named after the Neva River in St. Petersburg, where it was first developed. Combining … Read more
A chic and sleek but strongly muscled cat with plenty of substance, this breed is perfect for people who want a lap cat. This hybrid cat, created by crossing the Burmese with the Siamese, blends the coloring of both breeds but has a more compact body than many cats of Asian ancestry. It has achieved … Read more
Russia’s national cat, this large, heavy-coated breed is very agile and loves to play, but it is slow to reach full maturity. Although the Siberian is considered to be a relatively recent breed, longhaired Russian cats were first recorded in Russia as early as the 13th century. The breed still shows its adaptation to the … Read more
Have you ever looked at a cat and thought, “Is that a fox… with a fluffy tail and eyeliner?” That’s exactly what went through my head the first time I met a Somali. With that wild-child look, mischievous grin, and silky-soft coat, the Somali cat is impossible to ignore—and even harder not to fall in … Read more
This aptly named Colorpointed cat with distinctive white feet is talkative, easygoing, and enjoys being around people. The white feet that define the Snowshoe were originally a “mistake,” first seen in a litter of kittens born to a normal colorpoint Siamese. Their American breeder, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty of Philadelphia, liked them enough to develop the striking … Read more
The American Bobtail Cat is a rugged, wild-looking breed with a heart of gold. Known for its distinctive short tail, muscular build, and playful, dog-like personality, this American original is a favorite among families and cat enthusiasts alike. Whether longhaired or shorthair, the American Bobtail combines striking looks with a gentle temperament—and a strong sense … Read more
A lively, energetic, overtly loving, and outgoing cat, this breed is not for owners who prefer a quiet life. This comparatively new breed, not yet recognized worldwide, was specially created in the UK to resemble the distinctively patterned cats found in the Seychelles. The first crosses were between a Siamese and a calico Persian; later, … Read more
A typical Oriental, this cat is ideal for people who want an active and engaging pet and a devoted companion. Known originally as the British Angora, the Oriental Longhair was renamed in 2002 to avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora. The breed was developed in the 1960s in an attempt to re-create the silkyhaired Angora … Read more