Types of Cat Breeds

Kids love pets they can include in their games of make believe. Whether they want to carry your cat around pretending she’s their baby or want her to sit as a guest at their tea party, you need a kitty who’s affectionate, playful and most of all: patient.

Gradually introduce her to the family and teach your children how to respect her. Give her plenty of time to get acclimated to her new household. Explore our selection of best cat breeds for children below to find the perfect feline for your family.

Different cat breeds have distinct temperaments, energy levels, and health requirements. Understanding these breed-specific traits is key to offering the right care, nutrition, and exercise routine. Whether you have an active cat that needs regular physical activity or a more relaxed breed, adapting their care accordingly will help them lead a fulfilling, long life. With the right information, you can make informed choices about diet, grooming, and training that will benefit your cat’s health and happiness.

 

Having other pets can make bringing home a new kitty more complicated. By doing your research, however, you can choose the best cat breeds for dogs or other animals, which will make for a smoother transition. Cats that like dogs and other pets are non-territorial and they aren't shy, skittish or aggressive. Ensure the kitten or cat you bring home is properly socialized and slowly introduce her to the other pets in your home to ease her nerves. Browse our list of cat breeds that are good with dogs and other pets below.

Understanding your cat’s breed is essential for providing the best care possible. Every breed has its own set of traits, including activity levels, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns. Some breeds, such as working cats, are highly active and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation, while others, like companion cats, thrive with less intense exercise. Grooming needs can also differ – some breeds have long, thick coats that require regular maintenance, while others have short hair that needs minimal care. Additionally, certain breeds may be more prone to specific health issues, such as joint problems or allergies, and knowing this can help you proactively manage your cat’s health. Whether you’re looking to adopt or currently have a cat, learning about their breed ensures they receive the right care to lead a long, happy life by your side.
 

Trying to decide what type of cat is right for you and your family? Browse through our list of cat breeds using our filter tool, and find the best cat for you.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

Cat breeds with moderate shedding typically have a medium-length coat—not too short, but not overly long—and require regular grooming. This maintains their skin and coat health, in addition to minimizing shedding and reducing hairballs. Moderately shedding cats include some of the most popular breeds, like the Maine Coon and Bengal. View the complete list below to find a moderately shedding cat to meet your lifestyle needs.

Every cat breed has unique characteristics, and understanding these can greatly enhance the way we care for our pets. Some breeds are high-energy and require vigorous exercise, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine. Grooming needs also vary significantly from breed to breed, with some requiring frequent brushing or haircuts, and others needing minimal care. A cat’s diet is also often tailored to its breed’s specific health concerns. For instance, larger breeds may require specialized food to support their joints, while smaller breeds often need high-energy meals to keep up with their fast metabolism. By understanding the specifics of your cat’s breed, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Tailoring their care routine to their breed’s needs will not only help them thrive, but will also foster a deeper bond between you and your furry companion.
 

Cats with no hair may look a little different than the fluffier breeds, but they are just as affectionate, if not more, as they like being close to their humans for warmth. Some of these so-called “naked cats” even have a short coat of peach fuzz-like hair. Don’t let the name fool you, though. Just because they're hairless doesn’t mean these cats never require any grooming or a bath. Explore these hairless cat breeds below to find the right one for you.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

Whether you have kids in need of a playmate or simply want an active and playful cat, a high-energy cat breed is a great choice. Supply them with plenty of attention, toys and games and they’ll entertain themselves—and you—for hours. Explore our list of playful cat breeds below to find a perfectly energetic cat for your home.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

If you work full time or your kids have busy after-school schedules, you need a pet that is comfortable staying home alone for several hours at a time. Although they love quality time with their humans, independent cat breeds like Russian Blues or Persians are perfectly content to entertain themselves with toys and plenty of cat naps while you’re away. You can't ignore these self-sufficient felines completely, however. They still need playtime, snuggles and other attention from you.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

Some large cat breeds, like the Maine Coon, can weigh 15 pounds or more, whereas other large breeds, like the Persian, may weigh less than 15 pounds. With such a large variance in size, you’ll want to do your research to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Our list of big domestic cats includes ones with exotic ancestors, like the Savannah (descended from the African Serval) and the Bengal (descended from the Asian Leopard Cat). Explore the largest domestic cat breeds below to find the right size for you. 

Every cat breed has unique characteristics, and understanding these can greatly enhance the way we care for our pets. Some breeds are high-energy and require vigorous exercise, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine. Grooming needs also vary significantly from breed to breed, with some requiring frequent brushing or haircuts, and others needing minimal care. A cat’s diet is also often tailored to its breed’s specific health concerns. For instance, larger breeds may require specialized food to support their joints, while smaller breeds often need high-energy meals to keep up with their fast metabolism. By understanding the specifics of your cat’s breed, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Tailoring their care routine to their breed’s needs will not only help them thrive, but will also foster a deeper bond between you and your furry companion.
 

If you want a soft, fluffy cat, you’ll probably find what you’re looking for with a long haired cat breed. These felines have long and luxurious coats that are silky to the touch. Despite their softness and beauty, long haired cats may not be right for everyone. They require daily grooming to keep their coats tangle- and mat-free, which can be a chore for busy individuals or families. Plus, they may trigger an allergic reaction in people with dander allergies, which is exacerbated by the frequent shedding. Explore our list of longhaired cat breeds below to find out which one of these elegant felines is right for you.

Each cat breed has distinct characteristics that influence its exercise, dietary, and health needs. Understanding your cat’s breed-specific traits is essential for providing proper care and ensuring their well-being. Whether it’s a high-energy breed that requires more physical activity or a smaller breed that thrives with less exercise, knowing these needs helps you make informed decisions. By tailoring your cat’s routine to their specific breed, you’ll help them live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
 

There’s nothing quite like the joy of owning a cat, but constant shedding can be problematic, particularly for busy individuals or families. To minimize the amount of time you spend vacuuming up cat hair, consider getting a low-shedding cat. Although these felines still shed, it’s a much smaller amount than you’d experience with other breeds. Cats that don’t shed much will still require some grooming and bathing, but they’re lower maintenance than longhaired breeds. Browse the low-shedding cat breeds listed below to see if one is a good match for you.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

Some cats have a lot of energy and want to play seemingly nonstop while others are much more laid back, preferring to snooze on an armchair rather than engage in playtime. Fortunately, if you want the best of both worlds, you can find it in medium-energy cat breeds. These cats will enjoy a healthy mix of playtime and relaxation, and while they’re affectionate, they’re also independent. Find out more about these middle-of-the-road cats by exploring our list below.

Understanding your cat’s breed is essential for providing the best care possible. Every breed has its own set of traits, including activity levels, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns. Some breeds, such as working cats, are highly active and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation, while others, like companion cats, thrive with less intense exercise. Grooming needs can also differ – some breeds have long, thick coats that require regular maintenance, while others have short hair that needs minimal care. Additionally, certain breeds may be more prone to specific health issues, such as joint problems or allergies, and knowing this can help you proactively manage your cat’s health. Whether you’re looking to adopt or currently have a cat, learning about their breed ensures they receive the right care to lead a long, happy life by your side.
 

Affectionate cat breeds thrive on attention and are eager to please. Some express their affection vocally through purrs and meows, while others prefer physical affection, such as curling up in your lap. Regardless of how they express themselves, these breeds love interacting with their humans.

These most affectionate cats are anything but shy, and are generally playful, confident and spirited. They’re also good-natured, easygoing and devoted to their family. Affectionate cat breeds don’t mind active households, as they can easily adapt to different environments and situations. Browse our list of most affectionate cats below to find the perfect kitty for you.

Cats come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique characteristics. From exercise and diet to grooming and health care, each breed has specific needs. Some cats may require a lot of activity and mental stimulation, while others are more laid-back. Understanding these differences allows you to provide the best care for your cat, ensuring they thrive and enjoy a healthy, happy life. By knowing what your cat needs based on their breed, you can give them the care they deserve.
 

Whether you want the most popular cat breed for yourself or you’re just curious about the top cat breeds, we’ve compiled a list so you can view them all in one place. You can learn about their origins, personalities, health and more here. Explore our list of top cats and see for yourself why these felines are so popular.

Every cat breed has unique characteristics, and understanding these can greatly enhance the way we care for our pets. Some breeds are high-energy and require vigorous exercise, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine. Grooming needs also vary significantly from breed to breed, with some requiring frequent brushing or haircuts, and others needing minimal care. A cat’s diet is also often tailored to its breed’s specific health concerns. For instance, larger breeds may require specialized food to support their joints, while smaller breeds often need high-energy meals to keep up with their fast metabolism. By understanding the specifics of your cat’s breed, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Tailoring their care routine to their breed’s needs will not only help them thrive, but will also foster a deeper bond between you and your furry companion.
 

Chatty cats do more than just meow and purr—they may chirp or twill as well. You may find them asking about your day when you come home or telling a critter outside their window to move along. The Siamese is one of the most vocal cat breeds, but others include the Japanese Bobtail and the Oriental. If you’re looking for a feline who will engage you in intelligent conversation, explore our list of talkative cat breeds below.

Every cat breed has unique characteristics, and understanding these can greatly enhance the way we care for our pets. Some breeds are high-energy and require vigorous exercise, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine. Grooming needs also vary significantly from breed to breed, with some requiring frequent brushing or haircuts, and others needing minimal care. A cat’s diet is also often tailored to its breed’s specific health concerns. For instance, larger breeds may require specialized food to support their joints, while smaller breeds often need high-energy meals to keep up with their fast metabolism. By understanding the specifics of your cat’s breed, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Tailoring their care routine to their breed’s needs will not only help them thrive, but will also foster a deeper bond between you and your furry companion.
 

Unique color combinations and exotic markings are just one of the many reasons a cat breed may be considered rare. Newly developed breeds may also be rare, as can ancient and foreign breeds that are difficult (or nearly impossible) to acquire. Explore all these rare cat breeds below to learn more about their history and characteristics.

Every cat breed has unique characteristics, and understanding these can greatly enhance the way we care for our pets. Some breeds are high-energy and require vigorous exercise, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine. Grooming needs also vary significantly from breed to breed, with some requiring frequent brushing or haircuts, and others needing minimal care. A cat’s diet is also often tailored to its breed’s specific health concerns. For instance, larger breeds may require specialized food to support their joints, while smaller breeds often need high-energy meals to keep up with their fast metabolism. By understanding the specifics of your cat’s breed, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. Tailoring their care routine to their breed’s needs will not only help them thrive, but will also foster a deeper bond between you and your furry companion.
 

If you want feline companionship but want to maintain a quiet environment, consider a silent or quiet cat breed. They still purr and may even meow from time to time, but they are much less vocal than other breeds. Rather than meowing or chirping at you, instead they’ll cuddle or nudge you for playtime and meal times. Explore our list of silent and quiet cat breeds below to find a quiet companion.

Understanding your cat’s breed is essential for providing the best care possible. Every breed has its own set of traits, including activity levels, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns. Some breeds, such as working cats, are highly active and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation, while others, like companion cats, thrive with less intense exercise. Grooming needs can also differ – some breeds have long, thick coats that require regular maintenance, while others have short hair that needs minimal care. Additionally, certain breeds may be more prone to specific health issues, such as joint problems or allergies, and knowing this can help you proactively manage your cat’s health. Whether you’re looking to adopt or currently have a cat, learning about their breed ensures they receive the right care to lead a long, happy life by your side.
 

Thanks to their size, many small cat breeds are light on their feet and athletic. Although the smallest domestic cats may be shy around larger pets and strangers, many are also playful and loyal companions to their people. Explore the following cat breeds that stay small to find the perfect one for you.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.
 

Cats are known for their intelligence. In fact, Mark Twain wrote in A Cat-Tale: “A cat is more intelligent than people believe, and can be taught any crime.” Although some of the smartest cats are easy to train, there are other ways to measure their intelligence, such as how quickly they learn, how well they adapt to new situations and environments and how they interact with humans and other animals. Explore our list of the smartest cat breeds below and you may find yourself adopting a cat who can open doors, turn on faucets and more.

When you understand your cat’s breed, you can provide a better, more personalized care routine. Every breed has its own physical and emotional needs, from exercise requirements to diet and grooming habits. For example, larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Labrador, may require more exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity, while smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, often need less strenuous activity. Grooming can also vary greatly – breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus require frequent grooming, while breeds like Beagles or Boxers shed less and need less maintenance. Additionally, each breed may have different health risks, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or respiratory problems. By tailoring your care to your cat’s breed, you ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Understanding your cat’s needs leads to a better, deeper connection and ensures they’re well taken care of for years to come.