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.
Most cats have short hair, whether they are large or small, wild or domestic. This is an evolutionary development that makes sense for a natural predator relying on stealth and the occasional burst of speed. A hunting cat is more efficient in a short coat because it can glide unhampered through dense terrain and move … Read more
With its broad face, sturdy build, and no-nonsense charm, the American Shorthair cat is the poster child for the classic domestic feline. Known for their easygoing temperament, these adaptable and low-maintenance cats have earned a spot in the hearts (and homes) of families across the U.S. But don’t mistake their popularity for plainness—American Shorthairs come … Read more
Despite being one of the smallest of all breeds, this cat is agile, athletic and full of confidence, and loves to play. As a cross between the Munchkin and the LaPerm, this little cat has inherited two striking features: extremely short legs and a soft coat, either long or short, that stands away from its … Read more
This easygoing and patient breed’s wild curly coat and endearingly huggable personality make it a lovable pet. The breed originated with an odd curly coated female kitten, discovered among an otherwise normal litter in an animal rescue center in Montana. Adopted as something of a curiosity, this cat went on to produce curly offspring and … Read more
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