Cat Breeds... A Guide for Cat Lovers

Why? Because people had a hand in it, of course!

For about 2,000 years, people have been "creating" different breeds. As time has gone on, existing breeds have been refined to bring out certainly qualities considered desirable.

Even today, new breeds are being developed. Old breeds are being further refined, and in some cases, mixed with wild cats to form yet another breed (commonly known as hybrids).

In addition, people have transported cats to places far from their original homelands. In some cases, these cats adapted over time to hot sun, or harsh winters that they weren't used to in their native lands. This has brought further changes to the physical nature and appearance of certain breeds.

Attention cat breeders! You can get a listing on your own page on this site. Click here to start creating your page.

Below you will find a growing list of links to articles on choosing different breeds; from Abyssinian and Burmese, to Siamese to Turkish Van and more. Pay close attention to personality traits and how your future cat might fit into your lifestyle and your household. If you are looking for just the right feline companion for you, you may find it in the description on one of these pages.

The Cat Breed List

1. Abyssinian
   The Abyssinian Cat is affectionate and loyal.
2. American Bobtail
   The American Bobtail is a wild looking but friendly cat.
3. American Curl
   The American Curl is a unique looking cat.
4. American Shorthair
   The American Shorthair is not just an alley cat!
5. American Wirehair
   The American Wirehair is a barn cat turned champion.
6. Balinese
   The Balinese began as a Siamese longhair.
7. Birman
   The Birman cat breed has both Siamese and Persian ancestry.
8. Bombay
   Ever wanted to live with a miniature panther? The Bombay cat breed looks like a wild black panther.
9. British Shorthair
   The British Shorthair is a laid back cat, but not cuddly.
10. Burmese
    The Burmese Cat is a quieter cousin to the noisy Siamese.
11. Calico Cat
    The calico is not a breed, but a coat color pattern!
12. Chartreux
    The Chartreux cat breed is a sweet, interactive, quick learner.
13. Colorpoint Shorthair
    The Colorpoint Shorthair is an allergy friendly active cat.
14. Cornish Rex
    The Cornish Rex is sociable, playful, and allergy friendly.
15. Devon Rex
    The Devon Rex is a playful cuddler.
16. Egyptian Mau
    The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed for modern times.
17. European Burmese
    The European Burmese is a lap loving breed.
18. Exotic
    The Exotic cat is a like a Persian for lazy people.
19. Foreign White
    The Foreign White cat breed is essentially a white colored unpointed variant of the Siamese.
20. Havana Brown
    The Havana Brown is a big treat in a small package.
21. Japanese Bobtail
    The rare Japanese Bobtail.
22. Javanese
    The Javanese is a lap cat.
23. Korat
    The lucky Korat cat breed (known as the Si-Sawat in its native Thailand).
24. La Perm
    The unique and intelligent La Perm.
25. Maine Coon Cat
    The large and intelligent Maine Coon Cat.
26. Manx Cat
    The Manx cat is a quiet but playful treat.
27. Norwegian Forest Cat
    The beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat.
28. Ocicat
    The wild looking but very tame ocicat.
29. Persian
    The gentle and beautiful Persian has a luxurious long coat.
30. Pixie Bob Cats
    Pixie Bob Cats are smart, wild looking, and loving.
31. Raggamufin
    The ragamuffin is a large, lovable cat that is very tolerant of children and other pets.
32. Ragdoll
    The Ragdoll is the ultimate lap cat.
33. Siamese Cat
    The devoted, smart, and chatty Siamese Cat.
    • Learn more about Siamese cat behavior.
    • Siamese cat videos.
34. Singapura
    The intelligent Singapura is a perpetual kitten.
35. Snowshoe Cat
    The intelligent, affectionate, and rare Snowshoe cat was developed by crossing a bicolor American Shorthair with a Siamese.
36. Somali Cat
    The striking, intelligent, and playful Somali cat.
37. Sphynx Cat
    The loving and mischievous Sphynx cat.
38. Tonkinese
    the Tonkinese is a great mix between Siamese and Burmese.
39. Turkish Angora
    The beautiful and intelligent Turkish Angora.
40. Turkish Van
    The Turkish Van is a water loving cat!

More Information on Cat Breeds:

If you can handle dishing out all the attention these cats need, here are 8 affectionate feline breeds from which to choose

Have a look at this collection of feline breed facts

The governing bodies of the cat fancy and the origin of cat shows

What is the largest domestic cat breed?

Black cats, while not a breed, are certainly treated differently. But are they bad luck, or good?

The list of breeds recognized by the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA)

Books about cats with breed information

Learn about tabby cats and this very common coat pattern

A tuxedo cat is a specific bicolor black and white coat pattern

Looking to adopt a kitten of a specific breed? Check the worldwide cat breeders directory. The breeders directory connects breeders with people looking to adopt cats of a specific breed.

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