Cat Breeds
Cat Breeds
Cornish Rex: the curly-coated cat that started with one barn kitten in England
NewAn English breed born from a natural 1950 mutation. Slim, muscular body, short curly coat with no guard hairs, and an outgoing, playful character. To the touch it feels like velvet.
Devon Rex: the pixie-faced cat that acts more like a monkey than a feline
NewEnglish breed discovered in 1959 in Devon. A short, curly coat distinct from the Cornish Rex (a different mutation), an elfin head with enormous low-set ears, and one of the most playful, people-oriented temperaments in the cat fancy.
Egyptian Mau: the only naturally spotted domestic cat, and the fastest one alive
NewA natural Egyptian breed with a spotted coat found in no other domestic cat by descent alone. Clocked at up to 30 mph, with gooseberry-green eyes, a muscular athletic build, and a loyal, intelligent temperament.
Russian Blue: the silent, silver-coated cat that sailed into England on a merchant ship
NewA natural breed from northern Russia. Short, dense double coat in a uniform blue-gray, emerald-green eyes, and a reserved but deeply loyal temperament. One of the cat breeds most associated with the idea of a hypoallergenic cat, with caveats.
Turkish Angora: the silky white aristocrat the Ottoman sultans gave away as gifts
NewNatural Turkish breed documented since the 16th century. Silky semi-long coat with no dense undercoat, a slender elegant body, and almond eyes. Protected as a Turkish national treasure by the Ankara Zoo, and not to be confused with the generic modern Angora of other registries.
Cheetoh cat: the Bengal x Ocicat hybrid with leopard looks and a demanding personality
NewThe Cheetoh is a deliberate Bengal x Ocicat cross developed in 2003. Leopard pattern, large frame, sociable temperament. TICA experimental breed status: not recognized by CFA. What buyers need to know before committing.
Bengal cat: the wild-looking domestic breed that demands more than most owners expect
Created by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat with domestic cats, the Bengal is a striking, athletic, highly active breed. Beautiful but demanding: more energetic, vocal, and destructive when bored than most owners predict from the photos.
Siamese cat: the talkative, intelligent, demanding breed from Thailand
One of the oldest documented cat breeds, the Siamese is talkative, intensely bonded to its person, and not the cat for someone wanting an aloof companion. Two body styles, recognizable health profile, and a personality that polarizes.
Persian Cat: the opulent-coated breed that went from the Qajar palace to the cover of Vogue
An ancient breed from old Persia. Long dense coat, round flat face in the modern show variety, calm temperament. One of the cat breeds with the highest documented load of hereditary disease.
Maine Coon: the giant American cat that weighs as much as a medium-sized dog
Natural breed from the northeastern United States. Massive body, semi-long water-resistant coat, and the sociable temperament that made it one of the most popular domestic cats in the world.