Ultimate List of Cat Breeds (Updated 2021)

The Ultimate list of Cat Breeds - Update 2018

When it comes to choosing a breed of cat, you must consider if the breed’s characteristics suit you as a pet owner. Each breed has its own unique temperament, intellect, need for social interaction and grooming requirements.

Our Ultimate List of Cat Breeds is a comprehensive list featuring cat breeds that are popular in Australia. We highlight what we think is great about each breed. We have divided them up into CATegories below:

Cutest Cat Breeds

Whilst all cats are cute, it is undeniable these breeds are particularly adorable! This has led to them being very popular pet choices. Whether it is their fluffy coat, wide eyes or charming ears, these cute cats are very lovable.

  • Birman
  • British Shorthair
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Munchkin
  • Ragamuffin
  • Ragdoll
  • Scottish Fold

Large Cat Breeds

Owning a large, domesticated cat breed is the next best thing to owning a wild jungle cat. Larger cat breeds start small but continue to grow until they are five years old. Some breeds can grow up to 12kg. All the more to love!

  • American Bobtail
  • Bengal
  • Chausie
  • Ragamuffin
  • Ragdoll
  • Savannah
  • Siberian

Small Cat Breeds

Tiny cat breeds are adorable. It is like having a kitten that never grows up. They often have short legs and are very light-weight, with some breeds only growing to 2kg. They can be suitable for people with smaller houses or smaller enclosures for their cat to live in. Typically, small breeds are active and full of energy. They can also be highly affectionate.

  • American Curl
  • Cornish Rex
  • Devon Rex
  • Munchkin
  • Singapura

Black Cat Breeds

Black cats have long been associated with bad luck, Halloween and magic. In reality, black cats are stunning, resembling wild panthers. Researchers believe cats with black fur have resistance to some diseases. Their dark coat also allows them to hide better when hunting. Sometimes black cats can fade in colour as they get older, either naturally or due to sun exposure.

  • American Bobtail
  • American Curl
  • American Shorthair
  • Bombay
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Scottish Fold
  • Selkirk Rex

Fluffy, Long-Haired Cat Breeds

Fluffy cats are very cuddly and soft, like a plush toy. Their long hair requires regular grooming. This is to keep their fur detangled and skin healthy. Brushing needs to be done more often than shorthaired cats, ideally for a few minutes each day.

  • Birman
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Maine Coon
  • Norwegian Forest Cat
  • Persian
  • Ragdoll
  • Siberian

Grumpy Cat

Internet sensation Grumpy Cat is one of a kind! Her real is Tardar Sauce. Her parents are American Shorthair cats however she doesn’t look like them. She suffers from feline dwarfism which causes her to wobble when she walks. Grumpy Cat looks similar to the following breeds:

  • Munchkin
  • Ragdoll
  • Snowshoe

Grey Cat Breeds

Cats with grey coats are very elegant. Grey cats are referred to a being ‘blue’ as their coat has a very faint blue tint. The following breeds can be grey:

  • British Shorthair
  • Chartreux
  • Korat
  • Oriental
  • Persian
  • Russian Blue
  • Scottish Fold

Ginger Cat Breeds

Ginger cats are any cat with an orange coloured coat. They are sometimes called marmalade cats. Colours can vary from a very pale orange to dark reddish-brown. Some will be completely ginger whilst others can have ginger markings on their ears, tail, face or feet. 80% of all ginger cats are male!

  • Abyssinian
  • American Shorthair
  • Chausie
  • Devon Rex
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Kurilian Bobtail
  • Scottish Fold

Black and White Cat Breeds

Black and white cats are often called ‘bicolour’ or ‘tuxedo’ cats. Most commonly, the cat’s body is black with white markings on their ears, tail, chest or feet. Their whiskers are typically white. Their black and white fur contrasts to make them stand out.

  • American Shorthair
  • British Shorthair
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Japanese Bobtail
  • Maine Coon
  • Manx
  • Norwegian Forest Cat
  • Siberian

Hairless Cat Breeds

Hairless cats are increasing in popularity. They are very interesting and easily attract the attention of others. Most are not 100% hairless, they have a thin layer of peach-fuzz fur over their body. Hairless pets are typically more affectionate. They can reduce fur being left on your clothes or around your house however are not hypoallergenic.

  • Bambino
  • Donskoy
  • Elf
  • Peterbald
  • Sphynx
  • Ukrainian Levkoy

Cat Breeds – Complete Listing of Cats (Updated 2019)

Abyssinian Cat

ABYSSINIAN

The Abyssinian is named after the country it was believed to originate from- Abyssinia (now called Ethiopia).

It has since been discovered that this breed actually originated from Egypt.

They are a skinny, medium-sized cat with a thick and silky coat.

Abyssinian cats are affectionate and highly intelligent. They love to interact and play, especially with people.

Aegean Cat

AEGEAN

The Aegean cat is a medium sized domestic cat that has occurred naturally for centuries in Greece. The Aegean is one of the oldest cat breeds and is considered as a national treasure in Greece.

The Aegean is a strong independent cat free of most of the genetic weaknesses that can be found in some modern breeds.

The coat is semi-longhair and usually features two or three colours (cream, blue, black, or red) plus white. White is always present and will cover 1/3 to 2/3rds of the body. They will need regular grooming.

The eyes are a beautiful almond shape and are generally green. Aegean cats are very vocal and like to talk to their human companions.

Aegean cats make great family pets as they are very affectionate, loyal, playful and active. They make great hunters and love catching fish; you need to be aware of this if you have tropical fish.

Their lifespan is usually 9 to 12 years.

American Bobtail

AMERICAN BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Bobbed Tail Cat”

Originating from the USA, the American Bobtail is named after it’s short and stubby (“bobbed”) tail, which is much shorter than the length of a normal cat’s tail.

This breed comes in both short and long-haired coat variants.

Their fur is shaggy, and their body short and stocky. The American Bobtail is a playful, social and clever creature who is moderately active and very sociable.

American Curl

AMERICAN CURL

The American Curl originated from Lakewood, California- and is named after it’s unusual ears, which curl back from it’s face.

As a kitten, they are born with straight ears that gradually begin to curl as they grow older.

They have a soft, silky coat and require minimal grooming. They are an affectionate breed that enjoy the company of their owners.

American Shorthair

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Domestic Shorthair”

The American Shorthair is believed to be descended from European cats, which were brought to North America by early settlers.

This breed is sometimes referred to as a “working cat”, as in the past they were used for controlling rodent populations on ships and farms.

The American Shorthair requires low maintenance and has an easy-going, sociable and affectionate temperament.

They are an intelligent, inquisitive breed with a large, powerful body and short hair.

American Wirehair

AMERICAN WIREHAIR

Originating from New York, the American Wirehair is similar to the Shorthair, aside from the wiry fur coat after which it is named.

Their fur requires little grooming, and they feature a medium, strong build with a round head.

The American Wirehair are gentle and sociable and they are happy to be both active and playful and are also equally happy to sit and rest on their owner’s lap.

Australian Mist

AUSTRALIAN MIST

Alternative breed names: “Spotted Mist”

The Australian Mist is a medium sized, short haired cat, which was developed by cross breeding the Abyssinian, Burmese and other short-haired cats.

Featuring a spotted coat, the Australian Mist loves to be handled and enjoys living indoors.

These cats can even be trained to go for walks on a lead, are extremely affectionate and love people, making for a perfect family pet.

Balinese

BALINESE

Alternative breed names: “Purebred Long-Haired Siamese”

Originally cross-bred from the Siamese, the Balinese cat has a medium-length silky coat. They are a playful, inquisitive and sociable animal.

Commonly, the Balinese is considered one of the most intelligent long-haired cat breeds. They are very vocal creatures.

Bambino

BAMBINO

Two of the Bambino’s standout features are its short legs and almost completely hairless skin.

Like all hairless cats the Bambino is actually covered by fine peach fuzz, which is very soft to touch. The skin is very wrinkled and, with its large ears and large round Gollum-like eyes, the Bambino looks almost extra-terrestrial. Skin colour can be any colour.

Bambinos are a small sized (dwarf) cat. Bambinos are very agile and active, despite their short legs, and love to play but they are indoor cats only, as their lack of hair makes them prone to sunburn and sensitive to cold.

They have a gorgeously warm and loving personality and demand lots of attention. They’re good with children and their minimal shedding means they’re also a good choice for those who don’t like too much cat hair.

They will need regular bathing. Life span is 12 to 14 years.

 

Bengal Cat

BENGAL

Bengal Cats have distinctive “wild” markings similar to that of the ‘leopard cat’.

These markings feature large spots, also called “rosettes” on their back and sides, a white belly and stripes on their head, legs and tails.

These cats have a gentle temperament, are very playful, and require a large amount of attention to keep them happy.

The Bengal require little grooming to stay healthy (only once a week) as they do not shed very much, and are happy to groom themselves.

Birman

BIRMAN

Alternative breed names: “Secret Cat of Burma, Sacred Cat of Burma or Sacred Birman”

The Birman features a long, silky coat with contrasting white patches on their paws, which are often referred to as “gloves” or “socks”.

They are named after “Birmanie”, which is the French form of Burma. They are thought to have originated from Northern Burma.

The Birman has a medium sized body with a wide face and distinguished nose. Their medium-long length coat has a silky texture.

The Birmans temperament is described as being affectionate, gentle and tolerant, and they are an intelligent, loyal breed.

Bombay Cat

BOMBAY

Alternative breed names: “American Bombay Cat or Small Black Panther”

The Bombay Cat is a short-haired, black cat with a shiny coat. It is a medium sized cat that is quite heavy for it’s size. Typically a Bombay cat is friendly, playful, alert and outgoing.

These sociable animals are easy to train and get on well with children and dogs.

They love the company of others and crave attention. A Bombay cat dislikes being left alone for extended periods of time.

Brazilian Shorthair

BRAZILIAN SHORTHAIR

The Brazilian shorthair cat (also known as the “Pelo Curto Brasileiro,”) is believed to have originated in the early 16th century when British Shorthair cats arrived in Brazil courtesy of Portuguese ships and bred with local cats.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium sized, elegantly muscular and athletic cat.

It has a short and silky coat that can feature any colour (including white, black, orange, gray, brown, and tan) and any pattern. Brazilian Shorthairs require little grooming and almost no shedding occurs making them a great choice for the allergy suffers.

Brazilian Shorthairs have beautiful large round eyes that frequently match the colour of the coat.

They are extremely friendly, energetic cats that need a lot of attention. Their intelligence makes them amenable to training and they are fast learners.

They make great companion cats for children and the elderly but they are fairly vocal. They also get on well with other pets. Brazilian Shorthairs can live from 14 to 20 years.

British Shorthair Cat Breed

BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Highlander, Highland Straight, Britannica”

The British Shorthair are a sweet-natured and easy-going breed. They are not very active and as such, are prone to obesity unless their diet is carefully monitored.

A British Shorthair cat is easy to train, and whilst they do not enjoy being carried or picked up, they are fairly tolerant of children and other pets.

This low maintenance pet only requires minimal grooming, and is happy to be kept indoors, making it a great pet.

Burmese

BURMESE

Alternative breed names: “Secret Cat of Burma, American Burmese or British Burmese”

The Burmese are descendants of a cat from Burma, as their name suggests.

They are known for their social and playful temperament, as well as for their persistent vocalisation. The Burmese are a very people-friendly breed.

There are 2 main variations of the Burmese. The British (aka “traditional”) Burmese features a skinny, long body, whereas the American (aka “contemporary”) is a much stockier cat with a bigger head.

Both variations are a medium sized, muscular breed of cat.

Burmilla

BURMILLA

The Burmilla was the result of an accidental cross between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese in the U.K.

The Burmilla is a medium sized cat with a more rounded open face than a Burmese. The Burmilla coat features shimmering silver, which may be tipped at the ends with a range of colours but many of these colour variations are not generally recognised officially.

Two coat hair lengths are recognised: semi long and shorthair and in both cases the hair is soft and silky. The large round eyes range from greenish-gold to gold, and the eyes and nose are typically emphasised by eyeliner type markings.

Burmilla make a good choice for people who are intolerant to a lot of cat hair thanks to their low grooming requirements and minimal shedding.

Burmilla cats are loyal, affectionate and absolutely devoted to its owners. They love attention and are highly playful but tend to be shy of strangers. They are very intelligent and also tend to be very vocal. Their lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.

California Spangled

CALIFORNIA SPANGLED

Alternative breed names: “Spangle”

The California Spangled cat is the ideal cat for anyone who wants a miniature leopard look-alike.

The California Spangled cat was bred in the 1980’s in California to try and raise public awareness about the plight of African leopards.

It has a long, medium sized, lean muscular body with spotted short hair coat. Coat colours may include: bronze, gold, blue, brown, charcoal, red, black, silver, or white and the spots may be triangular, oval or square.

They tend to have very good health with very few genetic weaknesses.

California Spangled cats are highly intelligent, active, and curious cats that love to hunt and climb. They are particularly affectionate and playful cats but are not hugely vocal.

They are generally low maintenance with minimal grooming required thanks to their low rate of shedding. Lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

Chartreux Cat

CHARTREUX

Similar in appearance to the British Shorthair, The Chartreux cat has a short, water-resistant coat.

They are a large and muscular cat and their facial features give the impression of a “smile”.

The Chatereux cat tends to be quiet, very intelligent and observant.

They rarely make noise or meow, and have a playful temperament, making them a great companion for children.

Chausie

CHAUSIE

Alternative breed names: “Nile Cat”

The Chausie (also known as the Nile cat because of its Egyptian origins) is a medium to large cat originally descended from Asian wild jungle cats (Felis chaus).

Despite its wild origins the Chausie has developed into a highly active, energetic and affectionate domestic cat.

Most Chausie breed standards recognise three colours: black, black grizzled tabby, and brown but other variations are possible.

The coat is short with the overcoat tending to feel a little rougher than the luxuriously soft undercoat. They shed moderate amounts of hair and will require some grooming.

Eyes shape is oval and a yellow to gold colour range is the norm.

They are superb hunters and jumpers and need lots of play and attention to challenge their innate intelligence.

They are generally affectionate with most adults but tend to focus their love and loyalty on their master or mistress.

They will return your love with affectionate head bumps and even hugs but they may not be a good choice for young children. Lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

Cornish Rex

CORNISH REX

Alternative breed names: “Greyhound of the Cats”

The Cornish Rex originates from Cornwall, Britain as the name suggests.

This breed of cat has no hair, instead it features an extremely fine and sometimes curly undercoat.

Due to their light coat, these cats are sensitive to the cold and require warm, dry conditions- making them best suited to be kept indoors.

A Cornish Rex has an affectionate temperament, is very active and loves human companionship.

With it’s quiet voice and sleek appearance, they are sometimes referred to as the “greyhound” of cats

Devon Rex

DEVON REX

Alternative breed names: “Pixie Cat, Alien Cat or Poodle”

The Devon Rex is a short-haired, intelligent cat with a short, curly and very soft coat.

This very clever cat can be taught very difficult tricks, trained to walk on a leash and even fetch!

A Devon cat is typically very people-oriented, playful, active and mischieveous.

One popular past time of these cats is trying to fit themselves into any small space that they can.

Dragon Li

DRAGON LI

Alternative breed names: “Li Hua, Li Hua Mao or Chinese Dragon”

The Dragon Li is a domesticated cat popular in China, with a very ancient lineage that is believed to have its origins in the wild Chinese Mountain cat (Felis silvestris bieti).

The Dragon Li is a moderate sized cat with a tabby-like striped and golden brown coat. The hair length is short and thick.

Their large almond-shaped eyes are predominately green or yellow.

Dragon Li cats are great hunters and prefer to be outdoors.

They are highly intelligent and can be trained. And although they are gentle with humans, including older children, they tend to be a little aloof and very independent.

They don’t do so well with small children. Moderate grooming only is required. Lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Donskoy

DONSKOY

Alternative breed names: “Don Sphinx, Russian Hairless or Don Hairless”

The Donskoy is a hairless cat that comes to you with love from Russia. And its deeply loving, loyal, and affectionate nature makes it popular with everyone including young children and pets.

It is a gentle yet intelligent and active cat but may be jealous of other cats.

The Donskoy is a medium sized cat with large ears, stunning almond-shaped eyes, and round feet with long webbed toes. It features a wrinkled skin that still retains fine fuzz that is very soft and warm to touch.

All coat colours are possible.

Like most hairless cats they are really only indoor cats and they need lots of loving attention.

They love to be handled and will only scratch in self-defence. Life expectancy is between 12 to 14 years.

Egyptian Mau

EGYPTIAN MAU

Alternative breed names: “Mau or Pharaoh Cat”

The Egyptian Mau features a spotty, short-haired coat. This small-medium sized cat is very vocal, and one of the fastest domestic cats- reaching speeds of up to 48km/hr.

Although they can be fearful and shy, they are a quite intelligent cat, and with lots of care they can become loving pets.

They have a friendly, loyal temperament and love spending time with their owners.

Elf

ELF

Alternative breed names: “Dwelf”

The Elf is a medium sized hairless cat with large ears that curl over and wrinkled skin particularly around the neck and head. The eyes are large walnut shaped and startlingly intense in colour.

Elf cats are very friendly and playful indoor cats.

They love being with their human family, are very patient even with small children and they don’t mind being handled.

In fact they crave attention and don’t like being left on their own for too long.

Although Elf cats are covered with a very fine down, they shed very little. Coat colours can be any colour variation or pattern.

The Elf originated in America from a cross between the Sphinx and the America Curl cats.

They are a recent breed but health is good and the life expectancy should be around 12 to 15 years.

Exotic Shorthair

EXOTIC SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Exotic”

Developed as a short-haired version of the Persian, the Exotic Shorthair cat features a dense, short coat and has a medium sized body.

These lively cats are very social and enjoy the company of their owners. They have a gentle, calm temperament and are both playful and curious.

Although a playful breed, the Exotic Shorthair cat is also quite affectionate and is perfectly happy to sit and rest on it’s owners lap.

German Rex

GERMAN REX

The German Rex is a medium sized cat of East German origin. The German Rex has a soft silky short hair coat with a very appealing touch of shaggy curl. All colours, including white, are possible.

German Rex cats are friendly, intelligent, lively cats and make great family pets.

They are extremely patient and form deep and loyal attachments to their human family. They love to play chasing and catching games and can even be trained to perform acrobatic tricks.

They will even get on well with other cats in the household.

They are easy to groom and their lack of shedding makes them a good choice for people who may suffer from allergies.

Havana Brown

HAVANA BROWN

Alternative breed names: “Swiss Mountain Cat, Havana or HB”

The Havana Brown is a medium sized, short haired and moderately active cat.

They are intelligent, curious creatures who enjoy sitting with or on their owners and even enjoy “helping” out with daily activities.

A Havana Brown cat often shows it affection by helping to “groom” their owner, by playing with their hair. They themselves only require grooming twice a week.

These cats require the companionship of their owners and don’t enjoy being left alone, they also enjoy the company of other pets.

If you can provide the companionship they need, a Havana Brown makes a perfect pet.

Japanese Bobtail

JAPANESE BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Street Cats of Japan”

Named after their short “bobbed” tail, these cats originated from Japan as their name suggests.

The Japanese Bobtail is an attentive, alert cat with a very high intelligence.

These cats are very active and easy to train. They enjoy performing “tricks” and love human company.

These cats can be trained to walk on a leash, and do many other tricks similar to a dog.

They are a very chatty breed, with a soft voice who have been known to enjoy both “singing” to and “talking” with their owners.

Khaomanee

KHAO MANEE

Alternative breed names: “White Gem, White Cat of Thailand or Diamond Eye”

The Khao Manee is a rare type of medium sized cat from Thailand with an ancestry going back many centuries.

Their short hair coats are pure white and the eyes can be intense blue, gold or a mix of one eye of either colour.

Khao manee cats love attention and adore people including children. They are highly social cats and love to play games.

They can be vocal and will voice their displeasure if you leave them alone for too long.

In common with other white cats Khao manee cats may have a predisposition to congenital deafness although you would never know from their lively alert nature.

Korat

KORAT

Alternative breed names: “Si-Sawat or LaPerm”

The Korat has a small-medium build and a skinny profile. It is a short haired, smart, active and playful cat.

These strong-willed cats are often thought to be quite bossy and demanding, and often assert dominance over other pets and people in the household.

Although pushy, the Korat is playful and loving, enjoying (and insisting) on spending much of its time with their owners

These vocal, short-haired cats require occasional brushing, making them a low maintenance pet in regards to their grooming.

Kurilian Bobtail

KURILIAN BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Good Luck Cat”

The Kurilian bobtail is a medium to large cat that comes from the Kuril archipelago in Russia.

Their coats are luxuriously thick and fluffy with both short and long hair variants possible.

A wide range of coat colours and patterns are possible including red, grey, striped, silver highlights, calico, tri-color, and bi-color. And their beautiful walnut shaped eyes make it very easy to fall in love with this breed.

Their most distinctive feature is the short bobtail. The short tails can take the form of spirals, twists, and even fishhook shapes.

Kurilian bobtails are muscular high energy cats but they also display a large degree of patience and gentleness making them an ideal family pet.

They love climbing and swimming and are very efficient hunters.

Kurilian bobtails are very healthy cats generally with no known genetic weaknesses and its life expectancy is around 12 to 16 years.

LaPerm

LAPERM

The LaPerm cat features a curly coat, from which they got their name. These affectionate, inquisitive cats are very outgoing and active.

Although quite active, this medium-sized cat loves human company and is also quite content to sit on your lap.

Lykoi

LYKOI

Alternative breed names: “Werewolf Cat”

The Lykoi (from the Greek for wolf) was developed in the U.S. from a natural mutation occurring in feral cats.

The Lykoi is a medium sized cat with minimal hair. It’s the patchy growths of hair that give the cat its popular name: werewolf. Hair is always absent from around the eyes, nose, and chin.

Hair colour is black with some white or silver shading. Hair quantity over the rest of the body can range from completely hairless to almost completely haired. Lykoi will moult at least once in a lifetime.

Lykoi are very loyal and affectionate with their human companions and their hunting instincts show up when they stalk their toys and people.

They are highly active cats and although they love companionship they are equally quite content to be independent. They are very healthy cats in general.

Maine Coon

MAINE COON

Alternative breed names: “Coon Cat, Maine Cat, Maine Shag, American Longhair, The Gentle Giants”

The Maine Coon is an intelligent, sociable, larger-sized cat who are easy to train and known to be very vocal.

With its playful personality- this gentle giant comes in long-haired and medium-haired coat length varieties.

These cats are loyal to their family, and although they aren’t keen on sitting on a lap- they are more than happy to be around other pets and children- making them a great family pet.

Manx

MANX

Alternative breed names: “Manks or Stubbin”

A Manx cat is easily distinguishable as most do not have a tail – for those few Manx cats who do have a tail, it is short and stubby.

These active cats are natural born hunters, however, they are also quite sociable and tame creatures.

There are 4 main sub-breeds of Manx cats; the Cymric (long haired), ‘Isle of Man with Tail (short-haired), Isle of Man with a tail (long-haired) and the Tasman Manx (with curly coat).

Manx cats are generally very human oriented, playful and intelligent.

Munchkin

MUNCHKIN

Alternative breed names: “Dachshund of the Cat”

The Munchkin is a small to medium sized cat with very short legs that was developed in the U.S. using a naturally occurring mutation.

Munchkins look like normal cats except for their legs and if you’re looking for a fluffy little bundle of joy the Munchkin is a great choice.

Coat hair length can be either short or long with a plush silky feel. The range of colour possibilities is enormous including: white, fawn, chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream tortie.

Despite their short legs, Munchkins are extremely energetic and agile and love to chase and play at great speeds. They love children and other animals and make great family pets.

Munchkins are very healthy and the short leg structure does not cause any spinal issues. Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.

Norwegian Forest Cat

NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT

Alternative breed names: “Skaukatt/Skogkatt, Norsk/Norsk Skogkatt, Skaukatt or Weegie”

The Norwegian Forest Cat features a thick, long multi-layer coat- making it ideal for colder climates.

With its strong claws, this large, curious creature is also a great climber and prefers to be outdoors. They enjoy the company of people, pets and children.

Although Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionate, they are not suited to being a lap cat as they prefer to be active and independent.

Ocicat Cat

OCICAT

The Ocicat is named after the ocelot, which is not surprising given it’s similar appearance to the wild cat.

These powerful, large domestic cats are very sociable and outgoing, and they get along very well with other animals and people.

They make great pets and with their high intelligence, can easily be trained to do tricks – much like a dog can.

Oriental Shorthair

ORIENTAL

Alternative breed names: “Foreign Type”

The Oriental Cat has a long, thin and muscular body and comes in both long, and short-haired varients. It looks similar to the Siamese, however, comes in many more coat patterns and colours.

Oriental Cats can jump very high and are considered to be quite an athletic breed. They are also very intelligent and inquisitive.

These cats crave the attention and affection of their owners. As well as being active, the Oriental cat is content to sit on their owner’s lap.

Persian

PERSIAN

Alternative breed names: “Longhair, Shiraz, Shirazi or Persian Longhair”

The Persian cat is a compact cat, with a small round face. It comes in both Short and Long-haired varieties and also comes in a toy (or teacup) size.

This quiet, gentle cat is considerably laid back and very affectionate.

Persian Cats do not need a large amount of space to be happy, making them perfectly suited to unit or townhouse living.

A Persian cat is affectionate and loving with their owners, but also sociable and friendly with other pets, strangers and calm children.

Peterbald

PETERBALD

Alternative breed names: “Peter Bald or Petersburg Hairless Cat

The Peterbald is a medium sized hairless cat that was developed in Russia.

Their slim elegant but muscular bodies may be completely hairless, covered with velvet-like fuzz or may have a covering of curly wiry hair. All coat colours and patterns are possible.

The eyes are large and almond shaped (hazel, green, yellow, or blue), the ears are very large and the tail is long and whip-like.

Peterbalds are noted for their extremely affectionate and devoted nature. They need lots of attention and will let you know with loud vocalisations if they don’t get it.

They love spending time in your lap and will follow you everywhere. They are very patient and tolerant and are great with children but they will not make the ideal family pet for everyone.

Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

Pixiebob

PIXIE-BOB

The Pixie-bob is a powerfully-built medium to large sized cat that was developed in a breeding programme in the U.S.

Pixie-bobs closely resemble wild bobcats. The Pixie-bob may occur with additional toes, up to seven on each foot (polydactyl).

Pixie-bobs may be short or long-haired but the coat is always a thick woolly coat. Colouring is usually a spotted tabby with colours ranging from reddish brown to tawny.

The ears may have lynx type tufts on the tips. The tail may be as short as 4 cms. Large almond-shaped eyes may be green, brown or gold.

Pixie-bobs are highly sociable and friendly cats. Their patience and gentle tolerance even around small children makes them a great choice as a family pet.

They’re highly intelligent and can even be trained to do many canine type tricks. In fact, they’re probably one of the most dog-like cats you can get.

Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years.

Ragamuffin

RAGAMUFFIN

Alternative breed names: “Raga Muffin”

The Ragamuffin cat is well known for its friendly temperament, their soft, thick fur and their party trick- going limp when held.

These larger cats are easy to care for, as their thick coat does not easily clump or mat, making them easy to groom.

A Ragamuffin cat is very placid and gentle in nature. They are affectionate, vocal, friendly and playful.

They make great family pets as they love to greet their family, play with toys and follow people around the house.

Ragdoll

RAGDOLL

Alternative breed names: “Rag Doll”

The Ragdoll cat is a large, medium-haired, muscular cat which is named after it’s tendency to go “doll” like and limp when picked up.

These laid back and gentle creatures are very affectionate, love being handled and are happy to sit on a lap.

A Ragdoll cat is quite intelligent, and can be trained to “fetch”. They love attention and are often found following their owners around the house.

Russian Blue

RUSSIAN BLUE

Alternative breed names: “Archangel Blue or Archangel Cat”

A Russian Blue cat has a short, dense coat ranging in colour from light silver to dark bluish-gray.

These intelligent, curious cats can be trained to perform many tricks, and play with toys- much like a dog can.

The Russian Blue has a calm temperament. Although quite reserved around strangers, they love their owner, family members and other pets.

Savannah

SAVANNAH

Alternative breed names: “Ashera”

The Savannah is a tall, medium sized cat with a long body weighing as much as 9kgs. It owes its distinctive appearance to its wild African cat (Serval) parentage.

It was bred in the U.S but the African Serval cat remains a key part of breeding programmes. Its large tall ears are immediately noticeable.

Dark black spots against a gold, cream, or white background are typical Savannah coat colourings. Other colours may occur but these are not generally acceptable under breed standards.

The coat hair may feel slightly coarse compared to other cat breeds.

Savannah cats are highly affectionate and very friendly even with strangers.

Their high degree of intelligence and curiosity and exceptional hunting skills can make them a handful especially if you have lots of breakables or other smaller pets such as fish, birds or guinea pigs.

They are not lap cats but will still display enormous affection and loyalty to its owners.

Savannah cats are renowned for their jumping skills and may leap as high as 2.5ms. Life expectancy is 17 to 20 years.

Scottish Fold

SCOTTISH FOLD

Alternative breed names: “Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold, Coupari, Scot Fold, Lops, or Folds “

Named after the “fold” in their ears, a Scottish Fold cat makes for a very loving companion.

These popular pets get along well with other animals and are usually good-natured, easygoing and very affectionate.

A Scottish Fold cat craves attention, loves being outdoors and can be quite stubborn.

This easy-care cat requires very little grooming and can make a great pet if you have the time to devote to it (as they dislike being left alone).

Selkirk Rex

SELKIRK REX

Alternative breed names: “Shepherd Cat”

This curly-haired cat has a thick coat and comes in both short and long-haired variants.

These playful, affectionate and laid-back cats make great companions. A Selkirk cat is very outgoing, loyal and tolerant. They love the company of humans.

They usually get along well with other pets, are very playful and require constant attention.

Siamese

SIAMESE

Alternative breed names: “Meezer, Siam or Thai Cat”

The Siamese Cat is small-medium size and has an elegant, sleek and slender body.

A Siamese cat is very outgoing, lively and entertaining animal that loves human companionship.

These creatures crave attention and are great communicators who are very affectionate and talkative.

Siberian

SIBERIAN

Alternative breed names: “Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-Longhair or Neva Masquerade”

The Siberian is a medium-large sized cat named after it’s country of origin (Siberia).

A Siberian cat is quite affectionate, and they love to greet their owners. This cat breed are known to be intelligent, and easy to train. They can carry out similar tricks to those a dog can.

These cats are perfectly happy to live indoors and love to sit on a lap, making them an ideal pet for an apartment or unit.

Singapura

SINGAPURA

Alternative breed names: “Kuchinta or Drain Cat”

Named after their country of origin (Singapore), these small cats are very friendly and affectionate.

A Singapura cat loves human company, has a gentle nature and a quiet voice.

These playful cats are inquisitive and make great companions. They have little interest in the outdoors , and as such they are happy to be house-cats.

Singapura Cats enjoy the company of children and other pets, making them a great family pet.

Snowshoe

SNOWSHOE

Snowshoe cats (an American bred) are distinguished by their white paws, contrasting with darker point colours such as seal blue, chocolate or lilac on the head, legs, and tail.

The whimsical impression on its face is highlighted by the large walnut-shaped intensely blue eyes.

Their short-haired coat is soft and plush to touch.

Snowshoe cats are very inquisitive and enthusiastic cats. They love their human companions and will tend to bond more closely with one chosen person.

They tend to be more reserved with strangers. They dislike being left alone and can be moderately vocal. Snowshoes can be ‘bossy’ in an affectionate way.

Life expectancy is 14 to 19 years.

Sokoke

SOKOKE

Alternative breed names: “Sokoke Forest Cat”

The Sokoke cat is descended from feral cats in the eastern coastal region of Kenya although the breed was developed in Denmark and the U.S.

The Sokoke is a long-legged, medium sized cat with a muscular yet elegant body.

Its coat is short and dense and is highly distinctive with its wood grain tabby patterning. Coat colours range from light brown to dark chestnut brown. Its eyes are large almond shaped and range from amber to light green in colour.

The Sokoke is highly agile and athletic and although it is a very friendly sociable cat it may not spend much time sitting in your lap.

It will, however, follow you around and express its affection with gentle head bumps or paw pats. Sokokes also tend to be highly vocal and will talk to you for hours.

Sokoke cats are highly intelligent and can be quite independent.

Life expectancy is between 9 to 15 years.

Sphynx

SPHYNX

Alternative breed names: “Canadian Sphynx, Russian Sphynx or Don Sphynx”

The Sphinx is a medium sized hairless cat that comes from Canada. The skin is wrinkled and the coat feels velvety. Colours and patterns vary enormously and include chocolate, lilac, blue, black as well as tortoiseshell.

Large lemon-shaped eyes and large triangular ears are characteristic features that enhance the wise Buddha-like appearance.

Sphinx are extremely devoted, affectionate cats. Their high energy levels and exuberant play will provide heaps of laughter and entertainment as they explore their surroundings.

They love cuddles and will sleep with their owners. They are generally patient and gentle but can be quite vocal.

Sphinx cats are sensitive to cold and should be protected from too much sunlight exposure.

Sphinx cats are generally healthy and life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

Tonkinese

TONKINESE

Alternative breed names: “Tonk”

The Tonkinese is a medium-sized cat with a long, slender body.

A Tonkinese cat is very intelligent and people-oriented. As a result of this, they require constant attention so they don’t become bored or lonely.

These creatures are quite vocal, active and inquisitive, and can be taught many tricks, including how to fetch.

They get along well with dogs and make a great family pet, provided you can give them the constant attention they require.

Turkish Angora

TURKISH ANGORA

Alternative breed names: “Angora or Ankara cat”

The Turkish Angora cat originates from Turkey- as their name suggests.

These cats feature a long, silky coat. Although tradtionally feature a white coat, they come in a variety of colours.

A Turkish Angora cat loves humans, and like to be “helpful”, they will usually pick a single family member as their companion, who they will both “help” and protect.

These playful, energetic creatures are intelligent and love seeking higher ground.

They make a great pet for young children as they get along well with children, other pets and enjoy chaos.

Ukrainian Levkoy

UKRAINIAN LEVKOY

The Ukranian Levkoy, as the name suggests, is a medium sized hairless breed that was developed in the Ukraine. Two standout features are the hairless body and the forward folding ears.

The skin colour can be any colour. The head is almost dog like in shape and the large almond shaped eyes are an added attraction.

Ukranian levkoys are very friendly, playful, and sociable. They enjoy the company of humans, including children, and other pets. They are loyal but need lots of attention. They can be quite vocal.

Like all hairless cats Ukrainian Levkoys are sensitive to cold and will get sunburnt very easily.

The expected lifespan is up to 19 years although this breed may be susceptible to a number of health issues.

York Chocolate

YORK CHOCOLATE

Alternative breed names: “York”

The York chocolate is a large cat with a strong muscular body. The York Chocolate is an American breed.

As the name suggests, the coat colour is generally a chocolate brown although lavender or a combination of the two colours is also common. The coat is long and silky soft.

York chocolates are very affectionate and loyal cats that love attention.

This is the type of cat that will ‘help’ you with whatever you’re doing; including doing the dishes although you might not always want their help.

They’re highly active cats and very efficient hunters; they get bored quickly with toys that don’t move.

York Chocolates tend to purr instead of meow. They adore cuddles and are gentle with children and other pets.

York Chocolates are very healthy strong cats and will have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

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Abyssinian Cat

ABYSSINIAN

The Abyssinian is named after the country it was believed to originate from- Abyssinia (now called Ethiopia).

It has since been discovered that this breed actually originated from Egypt.

They are a skinny, medium-sized cat with a thick and silky coat.

Abyssinian cats are affectionate and highly intelligent. They love to interact and play, especially with people.

Aegean Cat

AEGEAN

The Aegean cat is a medium sized domestic cat that has occurred naturally for centuries in Greece. The Aegean is one of the oldest cat breeds and is considered as a national treasure in Greece.

The Aegean is a strong independent cat free of most of the genetic weaknesses that can be found in some modern breeds.

The coat is semi-longhair and usually features two or three colours (cream, blue, black, or red) plus white. White is always present and will cover 1/3 to 2/3rds of the body. They will need regular grooming.

The eyes are a beautiful almond shape and are generally green. Aegean cats are very vocal and like to talk to their human companions.

Aegean cats make great family pets as they are very affectionate, loyal, playful and active. They make great hunters and love catching fish; you need to be aware of this if you have tropical fish.

Their lifespan is usually 9 to 12 years.

American Bobtail

AMERICAN BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Bobbed Tail Cat”

Originating from the USA, the American Bobtail is named after it’s short and stubby (“bobbed”) tail, which is much shorter than the length of a normal cat’s tail.

This breed comes in both short and long-haired coat variants.

Their fur is shaggy, and their body short and stocky. The American Bobtail is a playful, social and clever creature who is moderately active and very sociable.

American Curl

AMERICAN CURL

The American Curl originated from Lakewood, California- and is named after it’s unusual ears, which curl back from it’s face.

As a kitten, they are born with straight ears that gradually begin to curl as they grow older.

They have a soft, silky coat and require minimal grooming. They are an affectionate breed that enjoy the company of their owners.

American Shorthair

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Domestic Shorthair”

The American Shorthair is believed to be descended from European cats, which were brought to North America by early settlers.

This breed is sometimes referred to as a “working cat”, as in the past they were used for controlling rodent populations on ships and farms.

The American Shorthair requires low maintenance and has an easy-going, sociable and affectionate temperament.

They are an intelligent, inquisitive breed with a large, powerful body and short hair.

American Wirehair

AMERICAN WIREHAIR

Originating from New York, the American Wirehair is similar to the Shorthair, aside from the wiry fur coat after which it is named.

Their fur requires little grooming, and they feature a medium, strong build with a round head.

The American Wirehair are gentle and sociable and they are happy to be both active and playful and are also equally happy to sit and rest on their owner’s lap.

Australian Mist

AUSTRALIAN MIST

Alternative breed names: “Spotted Mist”

The Australian Mist is a medium sized, short haired cat, which was developed by cross breeding the Abyssinian, Burmese and other short-haired cats.

Featuring a spotted coat, the Australian Mist loves to be handled and enjoys living indoors.

These cats can even be trained to go for walks on a lead, are extremely affectionate and love people, making for a perfect family pet.

Balinese

BALINESE

Alternative breed names: “Purebred Long-Haired Siamese”

Originally cross-bred from the Siamese, the Balinese cat has a medium-length silky coat. They are a playful, inquisitive and sociable animal.

Commonly, the Balinese is considered one of the most intelligent long-haired cat breeds. They are very vocal creatures.

Bambino

BAMBINO

Two of the Bambino’s standout features are its short legs and almost completely hairless skin.

Like all hairless cats the Bambino is actually covered by fine peach fuzz, which is very soft to touch. The skin is very wrinkled and, with its large ears and large round Gollum-like eyes, the Bambino looks almost extra-terrestrial. Skin colour can be any colour.

Bambinos are a small sized (dwarf) cat. Bambinos are very agile and active, despite their short legs, and love to play but they are indoor cats only, as their lack of hair makes them prone to sunburn and sensitive to cold.

They have a gorgeously warm and loving personality and demand lots of attention. They’re good with children and their minimal shedding means they’re also a good choice for those who don’t like too much cat hair.

They will need regular bathing. Life span is 12 to 14 years.

 

Bengal Cat

BENGAL

Bengal Cats have distinctive “wild” markings similar to that of the ‘leopard cat’.

These markings feature large spots, also called “rosettes” on their back and sides, a white belly and stripes on their head, legs and tails.

These cats have a gentle temperament, are very playful, and require a large amount of attention to keep them happy.

The Bengal require little grooming to stay healthy (only once a week) as they do not shed very much, and are happy to groom themselves.

Birman

BIRMAN

Alternative breed names: “Secret Cat of Burma, Sacred Cat of Burma or Sacred Birman”

The Birman features a long, silky coat with contrasting white patches on their paws, which are often referred to as “gloves” or “socks”.

They are named after “Birmanie”, which is the French form of Burma. They are thought to have originated from Northern Burma.

The Birman has a medium sized body with a wide face and distinguished nose. Their medium-long length coat has a silky texture.

The Birmans temperament is described as being affectionate, gentle and tolerant, and they are an intelligent, loyal breed.

Bombay Cat

BOMBAY

Alternative breed names: “American Bombay Cat or Small Black Panther”

The Bombay Cat is a short-haired, black cat with a shiny coat. It is a medium sized cat that is quite heavy for it’s size. Typically a Bombay cat is friendly, playful, alert and outgoing.

These sociable animals are easy to train and get on well with children and dogs.

They love the company of others and crave attention. A Bombay cat dislikes being left alone for extended periods of time.

Brazilian Shorthair

BRAZILIAN SHORTHAIR

The Brazilian shorthair cat (also known as the “Pelo Curto Brasileiro,”) is believed to have originated in the early 16th century when British Shorthair cats arrived in Brazil courtesy of Portuguese ships and bred with local cats.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium sized, elegantly muscular and athletic cat.

It has a short and silky coat that can feature any colour (including white, black, orange, gray, brown, and tan) and any pattern. Brazilian Shorthairs require little grooming and almost no shedding occurs making them a great choice for the allergy suffers.

Brazilian Shorthairs have beautiful large round eyes that frequently match the colour of the coat.

They are extremely friendly, energetic cats that need a lot of attention. Their intelligence makes them amenable to training and they are fast learners.

They make great companion cats for children and the elderly but they are fairly vocal. They also get on well with other pets. Brazilian Shorthairs can live from 14 to 20 years.

British Shorthair Cat Breed

BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Highlander, Highland Straight, Britannica”

The British Shorthair are a sweet-natured and easy-going breed. They are not very active and as such, are prone to obesity unless their diet is carefully monitored.

A British Shorthair cat is easy to train, and whilst they do not enjoy being carried or picked up, they are fairly tolerant of children and other pets.

This low maintenance pet only requires minimal grooming, and is happy to be kept indoors, making it a great pet.

Burmese

BURMESE

Alternative breed names: “Secret Cat of Burma, American Burmese or British Burmese”

The Burmese are descendants of a cat from Burma, as their name suggests.

They are known for their social and playful temperament, as well as for their persistent vocalisation. The Burmese are a very people-friendly breed.

There are 2 main variations of the Burmese. The British (aka “traditional”) Burmese features a skinny, long body, whereas the American (aka “contemporary”) is a much stockier cat with a bigger head.

Both variations are a medium sized, muscular breed of cat.

Burmilla

BURMILLA

The Burmilla was the result of an accidental cross between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese in the U.K.

The Burmilla is a medium sized cat with a more rounded open face than a Burmese. The Burmilla coat features shimmering silver, which may be tipped at the ends with a range of colours but many of these colour variations are not generally recognised officially.

Two coat hair lengths are recognised: semi long and shorthair and in both cases the hair is soft and silky. The large round eyes range from greenish-gold to gold, and the eyes and nose are typically emphasised by eyeliner type markings.

Burmilla make a good choice for people who are intolerant to a lot of cat hair thanks to their low grooming requirements and minimal shedding.

Burmilla cats are loyal, affectionate and absolutely devoted to its owners. They love attention and are highly playful but tend to be shy of strangers. They are very intelligent and also tend to be very vocal. Their lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.

California Spangled

CALIFORNIA SPANGLED

Alternative breed names: “Spangle”

The California Spangled cat is the ideal cat for anyone who wants a miniature leopard look-alike.

The California Spangled cat was bred in the 1980’s in California to try and raise public awareness about the plight of African leopards.

It has a long, medium sized, lean muscular body with spotted short hair coat. Coat colours may include: bronze, gold, blue, brown, charcoal, red, black, silver, or white and the spots may be triangular, oval or square.

They tend to have very good health with very few genetic weaknesses.

California Spangled cats are highly intelligent, active, and curious cats that love to hunt and climb. They are particularly affectionate and playful cats but are not hugely vocal.

They are generally low maintenance with minimal grooming required thanks to their low rate of shedding. Lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

Chartreux Cat

CHARTREUX

Similar in appearance to the British Shorthair, The Chartreux cat has a short, water-resistant coat.

They are a large and muscular cat and their facial features give the impression of a “smile”.

The Chatereux cat tends to be quiet, very intelligent and observant.

They rarely make noise or meow, and have a playful temperament, making them a great companion for children.

Chausie

CHAUSIE

Alternative breed names: “Nile Cat”

The Chausie (also known as the Nile cat because of its Egyptian origins) is a medium to large cat originally descended from Asian wild jungle cats (Felis chaus).

Despite its wild origins the Chausie has developed into a highly active, energetic and affectionate domestic cat.

Most Chausie breed standards recognise three colours: black, black grizzled tabby, and brown but other variations are possible.

The coat is short with the overcoat tending to feel a little rougher than the luxuriously soft undercoat. They shed moderate amounts of hair and will require some grooming.

Eyes shape is oval and a yellow to gold colour range is the norm.

They are superb hunters and jumpers and need lots of play and attention to challenge their innate intelligence.

They are generally affectionate with most adults but tend to focus their love and loyalty on their master or mistress.

They will return your love with affectionate head bumps and even hugs but they may not be a good choice for young children. Lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

Cornish Rex

CORNISH REX

Alternative breed names: “Greyhound of the Cats”

The Cornish Rex originates from Cornwall, Britain as the name suggests.

This breed of cat has no hair, instead it features an extremely fine and sometimes curly undercoat.

Due to their light coat, these cats are sensitive to the cold and require warm, dry conditions- making them best suited to be kept indoors.

A Cornish Rex has an affectionate temperament, is very active and loves human companionship.

With it’s quiet voice and sleek appearance, they are sometimes referred to as the “greyhound” of cats

Devon Rex

DEVON REX

Alternative breed names: “Pixie Cat, Alien Cat or Poodle”

The Devon Rex is a short-haired, intelligent cat with a short, curly and very soft coat.

This very clever cat can be taught very difficult tricks, trained to walk on a leash and even fetch!

A Devon cat is typically very people-oriented, playful, active and mischieveous.

One popular past time of these cats is trying to fit themselves into any small space that they can.

Dragon Li

DRAGON LI

Alternative breed names: “Li Hua, Li Hua Mao or Chinese Dragon”

The Dragon Li is a domesticated cat popular in China, with a very ancient lineage that is believed to have its origins in the wild Chinese Mountain cat (Felis silvestris bieti).

The Dragon Li is a moderate sized cat with a tabby-like striped and golden brown coat. The hair length is short and thick.

Their large almond-shaped eyes are predominately green or yellow.

Dragon Li cats are great hunters and prefer to be outdoors.

They are highly intelligent and can be trained. And although they are gentle with humans, including older children, they tend to be a little aloof and very independent.

They don’t do so well with small children. Moderate grooming only is required. Lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Donskoy

DONSKOY

Alternative breed names: “Don Sphinx, Russian Hairless or Don Hairless”

The Donskoy is a hairless cat that comes to you with love from Russia. And its deeply loving, loyal, and affectionate nature makes it popular with everyone including young children and pets.

It is a gentle yet intelligent and active cat but may be jealous of other cats.

The Donskoy is a medium sized cat with large ears, stunning almond-shaped eyes, and round feet with long webbed toes. It features a wrinkled skin that still retains fine fuzz that is very soft and warm to touch.

All coat colours are possible.

Like most hairless cats they are really only indoor cats and they need lots of loving attention.

They love to be handled and will only scratch in self-defence. Life expectancy is between 12 to 14 years.

Egyptian Mau

EGYPTIAN MAU

Alternative breed names: “Mau or Pharaoh Cat”

The Egyptian Mau features a spotty, short-haired coat. This small-medium sized cat is very vocal, and one of the fastest domestic cats- reaching speeds of up to 48km/hr.

Although they can be fearful and shy, they are a quite intelligent cat, and with lots of care they can become loving pets.

They have a friendly, loyal temperament and love spending time with their owners.

Elf

ELF

Alternative breed names: “Dwelf”

The Elf is a medium sized hairless cat with large ears that curl over and wrinkled skin particularly around the neck and head. The eyes are large walnut shaped and startlingly intense in colour.

Elf cats are very friendly and playful indoor cats.

They love being with their human family, are very patient even with small children and they don’t mind being handled.

In fact they crave attention and don’t like being left on their own for too long.

Although Elf cats are covered with a very fine down, they shed very little. Coat colours can be any colour variation or pattern.

The Elf originated in America from a cross between the Sphinx and the America Curl cats.

They are a recent breed but health is good and the life expectancy should be around 12 to 15 years.

Exotic Shorthair

EXOTIC SHORTHAIR

Alternative breed names: “Exotic”

Developed as a short-haired version of the Persian, the Exotic Shorthair cat features a dense, short coat and has a medium sized body.

These lively cats are very social and enjoy the company of their owners. They have a gentle, calm temperament and are both playful and curious.

Although a playful breed, the Exotic Shorthair cat is also quite affectionate and is perfectly happy to sit and rest on it’s owners lap.

German Rex

GERMAN REX

The German Rex is a medium sized cat of East German origin. The German Rex has a soft silky short hair coat with a very appealing touch of shaggy curl. All colours, including white, are possible.

German Rex cats are friendly, intelligent, lively cats and make great family pets.

They are extremely patient and form deep and loyal attachments to their human family. They love to play chasing and catching games and can even be trained to perform acrobatic tricks.

They will even get on well with other cats in the household.

They are easy to groom and their lack of shedding makes them a good choice for people who may suffer from allergies.

Havana Brown

HAVANA BROWN

Alternative breed names: “Swiss Mountain Cat, Havana or HB”

The Havana Brown is a medium sized, short haired and moderately active cat.

They are intelligent, curious creatures who enjoy sitting with or on their owners and even enjoy “helping” out with daily activities.

A Havana Brown cat often shows it affection by helping to “groom” their owner, by playing with their hair. They themselves only require grooming twice a week.

These cats require the companionship of their owners and don’t enjoy being left alone, they also enjoy the company of other pets.

If you can provide the companionship they need, a Havana Brown makes a perfect pet.

Japanese Bobtail

JAPANESE BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Street Cats of Japan”

Named after their short “bobbed” tail, these cats originated from Japan as their name suggests.

The Japanese Bobtail is an attentive, alert cat with a very high intelligence.

These cats are very active and easy to train. They enjoy performing “tricks” and love human company.

These cats can be trained to walk on a leash, and do many other tricks similar to a dog.

They are a very chatty breed, with a soft voice who have been known to enjoy both “singing” to and “talking” with their owners.

Khaomanee

KHAO MANEE

Alternative breed names: “White Gem, White Cat of Thailand or Diamond Eye”

The Khao Manee is a rare type of medium sized cat from Thailand with an ancestry going back many centuries.

Their short hair coats are pure white and the eyes can be intense blue, gold or a mix of one eye of either colour.

Khao manee cats love attention and adore people including children. They are highly social cats and love to play games.

They can be vocal and will voice their displeasure if you leave them alone for too long.

In common with other white cats Khao manee cats may have a predisposition to congenital deafness although you would never know from their lively alert nature.

Korat

KORAT

Alternative breed names: “Si-Sawat or LaPerm”

The Korat has a small-medium build and a skinny profile. It is a short haired, smart, active and playful cat.

These strong-willed cats are often thought to be quite bossy and demanding, and often assert dominance over other pets and people in the household.

Although pushy, the Korat is playful and loving, enjoying (and insisting) on spending much of its time with their owners

These vocal, short-haired cats require occasional brushing, making them a low maintenance pet in regards to their grooming.

Kurilian Bobtail

KURILIAN BOBTAIL

Alternative breed names: “Good Luck Cat”

The Kurilian bobtail is a medium to large cat that comes from the Kuril archipelago in Russia.

Their coats are luxuriously thick and fluffy with both short and long hair variants possible.

A wide range of coat colours and patterns are possible including red, grey, striped, silver highlights, calico, tri-color, and bi-color. And their beautiful walnut shaped eyes make it very easy to fall in love with this breed.

Their most distinctive feature is the short bobtail. The short tails can take the form of spirals, twists, and even fishhook shapes.

Kurilian bobtails are muscular high energy cats but they also display a large degree of patience and gentleness making them an ideal family pet.

They love climbing and swimming and are very efficient hunters.

Kurilian bobtails are very healthy cats generally with no known genetic weaknesses and its life expectancy is around 12 to 16 years.

LaPerm

LAPERM

The LaPerm cat features a curly coat, from which they got their name. These affectionate, inquisitive cats are very outgoing and active.

Although quite active, this medium-sized cat loves human company and is also quite content to sit on your lap.

Lykoi

LYKOI

Alternative breed names: “Werewolf Cat”

The Lykoi (from the Greek for wolf) was developed in the U.S. from a natural mutation occurring in feral cats.

The Lykoi is a medium sized cat with minimal hair. It’s the patchy growths of hair that give the cat its popular name: werewolf. Hair is always absent from around the eyes, nose, and chin.

Hair colour is black with some white or silver shading. Hair quantity over the rest of the body can range from completely hairless to almost completely haired. Lykoi will moult at least once in a lifetime.

Lykoi are very loyal and affectionate with their human companions and their hunting instincts show up when they stalk their toys and people.

They are highly active cats and although they love companionship they are equally quite content to be independent. They are very healthy cats in general.

Maine Coon

MAINE COON

Alternative breed names: “Coon Cat, Maine Cat, Maine Shag, American Longhair, The Gentle Giants”

The Maine Coon is an intelligent, sociable, larger-sized cat who are easy to train and known to be very vocal.

With its playful personality- this gentle giant comes in long-haired and medium-haired coat length varieties.

These cats are loyal to their family, and although they aren’t keen on sitting on a lap- they are more than happy to be around other pets and children- making them a great family pet.

Manx

MANX

Alternative breed names: “Manks or Stubbin”

A Manx cat is easily distinguishable as most do not have a tail – for those few Manx cats who do have a tail, it is short and stubby.

These active cats are natural born hunters, however, they are also quite sociable and tame creatures.

There are 4 main sub-breeds of Manx cats; the Cymric (long haired), ‘Isle of Man with Tail (short-haired), Isle of Man with a tail (long-haired) and the Tasman Manx (with curly coat).

Manx cats are generally very human oriented, playful and intelligent.

Munchkin

MUNCHKIN

Alternative breed names: “Dachshund of the Cat”

The Munchkin is a small to medium sized cat with very short legs that was developed in the U.S. using a naturally occurring mutation.

Munchkins look like normal cats except for their legs and if you’re looking for a fluffy little bundle of joy the Munchkin is a great choice.

Coat hair length can be either short or long with a plush silky feel. The range of colour possibilities is enormous including: white, fawn, chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream tortie.

Despite their short legs, Munchkins are extremely energetic and agile and love to chase and play at great speeds. They love children and other animals and make great family pets.

Munchkins are very healthy and the short leg structure does not cause any spinal issues. Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.

Norwegian Forest Cat

NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT

Alternative breed names: “Skaukatt/Skogkatt, Norsk/Norsk Skogkatt, Skaukatt or Weegie”

The Norwegian Forest Cat features a thick, long multi-layer coat- making it ideal for colder climates.

With its strong claws, this large, curious creature is also a great climber and prefers to be outdoors. They enjoy the company of people, pets and children.

Although Norwegian Forest Cats are affectionate, they are not suited to being a lap cat as they prefer to be active and independent.

Ocicat Cat

OCICAT

The Ocicat is named after the ocelot, which is not surprising given it’s similar appearance to the wild cat.

These powerful, large domestic cats are very sociable and outgoing, and they get along very well with other animals and people.

They make great pets and with their high intelligence, can easily be trained to do tricks – much like a dog can.

Oriental Shorthair

ORIENTAL

Alternative breed names: “Foreign Type”

The Oriental Cat has a long, thin and muscular body and comes in both long, and short-haired varients. It looks similar to the Siamese, however, comes in many more coat patterns and colours.

Oriental Cats can jump very high and are considered to be quite an athletic breed. They are also very intelligent and inquisitive.

These cats crave the attention and affection of their owners. As well as being active, the Oriental cat is content to sit on their owner’s lap.

Persian

PERSIAN

Alternative breed names: “Longhair, Shiraz, Shirazi or Persian Longhair”

The Persian cat is a compact cat, with a small round face. It comes in both Short and Long-haired varieties and also comes in a toy (or teacup) size.

This quiet, gentle cat is considerably laid back and very affectionate.

Persian Cats do not need a large amount of space to be happy, making them perfectly suited to unit or townhouse living.

A Persian cat is affectionate and loving with their owners, but also sociable and friendly with other pets, strangers and calm children.

Peterbald

PETERBALD

Alternative breed names: “Peter Bald or Petersburg Hairless Cat

The Peterbald is a medium sized hairless cat that was developed in Russia.

Their slim elegant but muscular bodies may be completely hairless, covered with velvet-like fuzz or may have a covering of curly wiry hair. All coat colours and patterns are possible.

The eyes are large and almond shaped (hazel, green, yellow, or blue), the ears are very large and the tail is long and whip-like.

Peterbalds are noted for their extremely affectionate and devoted nature. They need lots of attention and will let you know with loud vocalisations if they don’t get it.

They love spending time in your lap and will follow you everywhere. They are very patient and tolerant and are great with children but they will not make the ideal family pet for everyone.

Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

Pixiebob

PIXIE-BOB

The Pixie-bob is a powerfully-built medium to large sized cat that was developed in a breeding programme in the U.S.

Pixie-bobs closely resemble wild bobcats. The Pixie-bob may occur with additional toes, up to seven on each foot (polydactyl).

Pixie-bobs may be short or long-haired but the coat is always a thick woolly coat. Colouring is usually a spotted tabby with colours ranging from reddish brown to tawny.

The ears may have lynx type tufts on the tips. The tail may be as short as 4 cms. Large almond-shaped eyes may be green, brown or gold.

Pixie-bobs are highly sociable and friendly cats. Their patience and gentle tolerance even around small children makes them a great choice as a family pet.

They’re highly intelligent and can even be trained to do many canine type tricks. In fact, they’re probably one of the most dog-like cats you can get.

Life expectancy is 13 to 16 years.

Ragamuffin

RAGAMUFFIN

Alternative breed names: “Raga Muffin”

The Ragamuffin cat is well known for its friendly temperament, their soft, thick fur and their party trick- going limp when held.

These larger cats are easy to care for, as their thick coat does not easily clump or mat, making them easy to groom.

A Ragamuffin cat is very placid and gentle in nature. They are affectionate, vocal, friendly and playful.

They make great family pets as they love to greet their family, play with toys and follow people around the house.

Ragdoll

RAGDOLL

Alternative breed names: “Rag Doll”

The Ragdoll cat is a large, medium-haired, muscular cat which is named after it’s tendency to go “doll” like and limp when picked up.

These laid back and gentle creatures are very affectionate, love being handled and are happy to sit on a lap.

A Ragdoll cat is quite intelligent, and can be trained to “fetch”. They love attention and are often found following their owners around the house.

Russian Blue

RUSSIAN BLUE

Alternative breed names: “Archangel Blue or Archangel Cat”

A Russian Blue cat has a short, dense coat ranging in colour from light silver to dark bluish-gray.

These intelligent, curious cats can be trained to perform many tricks, and play with toys- much like a dog can.

The Russian Blue has a calm temperament. Although quite reserved around strangers, they love their owner, family members and other pets.

Savannah

SAVANNAH

Alternative breed names: “Ashera”

The Savannah is a tall, medium sized cat with a long body weighing as much as 9kgs. It owes its distinctive appearance to its wild African cat (Serval) parentage.

It was bred in the U.S but the African Serval cat remains a key part of breeding programmes. Its large tall ears are immediately noticeable.

Dark black spots against a gold, cream, or white background are typical Savannah coat colourings. Other colours may occur but these are not generally acceptable under breed standards.

The coat hair may feel slightly coarse compared to other cat breeds.

Savannah cats are highly affectionate and very friendly even with strangers.

Their high degree of intelligence and curiosity and exceptional hunting skills can make them a handful especially if you have lots of breakables or other smaller pets such as fish, birds or guinea pigs.

They are not lap cats but will still display enormous affection and loyalty to its owners.

Savannah cats are renowned for their jumping skills and may leap as high as 2.5ms. Life expectancy is 17 to 20 years.

Scottish Fold

SCOTTISH FOLD

Alternative breed names: “Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold, Coupari, Scot Fold, Lops, or Folds “

Named after the “fold” in their ears, a Scottish Fold cat makes for a very loving companion.

These popular pets get along well with other animals and are usually good-natured, easygoing and very affectionate.

A Scottish Fold cat craves attention, loves being outdoors and can be quite stubborn.

This easy-care cat requires very little grooming and can make a great pet if you have the time to devote to it (as they dislike being left alone).

Selkirk Rex

SELKIRK REX

Alternative breed names: “Shepherd Cat”

This curly-haired cat has a thick coat and comes in both short and long-haired variants.

These playful, affectionate and laid-back cats make great companions. A Selkirk cat is very outgoing, loyal and tolerant. They love the company of humans.

They usually get along well with other pets, are very playful and require constant attention.

Siamese

SIAMESE

Alternative breed names: “Meezer, Siam or Thai Cat”

The Siamese Cat is small-medium size and has an elegant, sleek and slender body.

A Siamese cat is very outgoing, lively and entertaining animal that loves human companionship.

These creatures crave attention and are great communicators who are very affectionate and talkative.

Siberian

SIBERIAN

Alternative breed names: “Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-Longhair or Neva Masquerade”

The Siberian is a medium-large sized cat named after it’s country of origin (Siberia).

A Siberian cat is quite affectionate, and they love to greet their owners. This cat breed are known to be intelligent, and easy to train. They can carry out similar tricks to those a dog can.

These cats are perfectly happy to live indoors and love to sit on a lap, making them an ideal pet for an apartment or unit.

Singapura

SINGAPURA

Alternative breed names: “Kuchinta or Drain Cat”

Named after their country of origin (Singapore), these small cats are very friendly and affectionate.

A Singapura cat loves human company, has a gentle nature and a quiet voice.

These playful cats are inquisitive and make great companions. They have little interest in the outdoors , and as such they are happy to be house-cats.

Singapura Cats enjoy the company of children and other pets, making them a great family pet.

Snowshoe

SNOWSHOE

Snowshoe cats (an American bred) are distinguished by their white paws, contrasting with darker point colours such as seal blue, chocolate or lilac on the head, legs, and tail.

The whimsical impression on its face is highlighted by the large walnut-shaped intensely blue eyes.

Their short-haired coat is soft and plush to touch.

Snowshoe cats are very inquisitive and enthusiastic cats. They love their human companions and will tend to bond more closely with one chosen person.

They tend to be more reserved with strangers. They dislike being left alone and can be moderately vocal. Snowshoes can be ‘bossy’ in an affectionate way.

Life expectancy is 14 to 19 years.

Sokoke

SOKOKE

Alternative breed names: “Sokoke Forest Cat”

The Sokoke cat is descended from feral cats in the eastern coastal region of Kenya although the breed was developed in Denmark and the U.S.

The Sokoke is a long-legged, medium sized cat with a muscular yet elegant body.

Its coat is short and dense and is highly distinctive with its wood grain tabby patterning. Coat colours range from light brown to dark chestnut brown. Its eyes are large almond shaped and range from amber to light green in colour.

The Sokoke is highly agile and athletic and although it is a very friendly sociable cat it may not spend much time sitting in your lap.

It will, however, follow you around and express its affection with gentle head bumps or paw pats. Sokokes also tend to be highly vocal and will talk to you for hours.

Sokoke cats are highly intelligent and can be quite independent.

Life expectancy is between 9 to 15 years.

Sphynx

SPHYNX

Alternative breed names: “Canadian Sphynx, Russian Sphynx or Don Sphynx”

The Sphinx is a medium sized hairless cat that comes from Canada. The skin is wrinkled and the coat feels velvety. Colours and patterns vary enormously and include chocolate, lilac, blue, black as well as tortoiseshell.

Large lemon-shaped eyes and large triangular ears are characteristic features that enhance the wise Buddha-like appearance.

Sphinx are extremely devoted, affectionate cats. Their high energy levels and exuberant play will provide heaps of laughter and entertainment as they explore their surroundings.

They love cuddles and will sleep with their owners. They are generally patient and gentle but can be quite vocal.

Sphinx cats are sensitive to cold and should be protected from too much sunlight exposure.

Sphinx cats are generally healthy and life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

Tonkinese

TONKINESE

Alternative breed names: “Tonk”

The Tonkinese is a medium-sized cat with a long, slender body.

A Tonkinese cat is very intelligent and people-oriented. As a result of this, they require constant attention so they don’t become bored or lonely.

These creatures are quite vocal, active and inquisitive, and can be taught many tricks, including how to fetch.

They get along well with dogs and make a great family pet, provided you can give them the constant attention they require.

Turkish Angora

TURKISH ANGORA

Alternative breed names: “Angora or Ankara cat”

The Turkish Angora cat originates from Turkey- as their name suggests.

These cats feature a long, silky coat. Although tradtionally feature a white coat, they come in a variety of colours.

A Turkish Angora cat loves humans, and like to be “helpful”, they will usually pick a single family member as their companion, who they will both “help” and protect.

These playful, energetic creatures are intelligent and love seeking higher ground.

They make a great pet for young children as they get along well with children, other pets and enjoy chaos.

Ukrainian Levkoy

UKRAINIAN LEVKOY

The Ukranian Levkoy, as the name suggests, is a medium sized hairless breed that was developed in the Ukraine. Two standout features are the hairless body and the forward folding ears.

The skin colour can be any colour. The head is almost dog like in shape and the large almond shaped eyes are an added attraction.

Ukranian levkoys are very friendly, playful, and sociable. They enjoy the company of humans, including children, and other pets. They are loyal but need lots of attention. They can be quite vocal.

Like all hairless cats Ukrainian Levkoys are sensitive to cold and will get sunburnt very easily.

The expected lifespan is up to 19 years although this breed may be susceptible to a number of health issues.

York Chocolate

YORK CHOCOLATE

Alternative breed names: “York”

The York chocolate is a large cat with a strong muscular body. The York Chocolate is an American breed.

As the name suggests, the coat colour is generally a chocolate brown although lavender or a combination of the two colours is also common. The coat is long and silky soft.

York chocolates are very affectionate and loyal cats that love attention.

This is the type of cat that will ‘help’ you with whatever you’re doing; including doing the dishes although you might not always want their help.

They’re highly active cats and very efficient hunters; they get bored quickly with toys that don’t move.

York Chocolates tend to purr instead of meow. They adore cuddles and are gentle with children and other pets.

York Chocolates are very healthy strong cats and will have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

Sources

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