Which Cat Breed Is Right for You?
Explore by temperament, size, coat care and energy level. Get to know a breed’s character before choosing your companion; when you’re ready to adopt, browse the listings.
Popular Breeds
Small PopularAbyssinian
Egypt
Elegant, athletic and endlessly curious, the Abyssinian is an ideal companion for active households thanks to its high energy and people-loving temperament.
SmallAegean
Greece
The native cat of Greece's Aegean islands, the Aegean is a sturdy, adaptable breed known for its hardy build, sociable nature and history in fishing harbors.
MediumAmerican Bobtail
United States
Combining a short natural tail and wild look with a friendly temperament, the American Bobtail is a well-balanced breed known for its dog-like loyalty and adaptability.
SmallAmerican Curl
United States
Known for its gracefully backward-curling ears, the American Curl is an affectionate breed that "stays a kitten forever," with a sweet, playful and people-loving temperament.
MediumAmerican Shorthair
United States
With its hardy build, balanced temperament and long lifespan, the American Shorthair is a classic American house cat for families, known for its robust health and easygoing character.
MediumAmerican Wirehair
United States
One of the rarest breeds in the world, with a uniquely crimped, wiry coat, the American Wirehair stands out for its hardy build and affectionate temperament.
MediumArabian Mau
United Arab Emirates
The natural cat of the Arabian Peninsula's deserts, the Arabian Mau is a sturdy breed known for its hardy build shaped by desert conditions, its athleticism and its loyal temperament.
MediumAustralian Mist
Australia
Australia's first native cat breed, the Australian Mist is an ideal family cat thanks to its misty spotted pattern, its suitability for indoor living and its affectionate temperament.
SmallBalinese
United States
The elegant, longhaired relative of the Siamese, the Balinese is a people-loving breed with a silky coat, blue eyes and a highly intelligent, talkative temperament.
SmallBambino
United States
Combining the hairlessness of the Sphynx with the short legs of the Munchkin, the Bambino is a rare breed with an affectionate temperament, whose skin care and joint health needs should also be understood.
Medium PopularBengal
United States
Combining the look of a wild cat with a domestic temperament, the Bengal is an energetic breed that stands out for its spotted "rosette" pattern, athletic build and playful intelligence.
MediumBirman
France
With its white "gloved" paws, deep blue eyes and silky coat, the Birman (Sacred Cat of Burma) is an elegant family cat with a gentle, calm and people-loving temperament.
SmallBombay
United States
With its glossy black coat and copper eyes, the Bombay resembles a miniature black panther; it is an affectionate family cat with a warm, people-loving and playful temperament.
MediumBritish Longhair
United Kingdom
The longhaired relative of the British Shorthair, the British Longhair is an elegant, easygoing house cat with a plush coat, round face and calm, balanced temperament.
Medium PopularBritish Shorthair
United Kingdom
With its round face, dense "plush" coat and calm, balanced temperament, the British Shorthair is one of the favorite breeds of those looking for a quiet, easygoing companion.
SmallBurmese
Burma
Warm, deeply people-oriented and famously "dog-like," the Burmese is a loving companion with a silky coat, expressive golden eyes and a playful intelligence.
MediumBurmilla
United Kingdom
Born from an accidental cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian, the Burmilla is an elegant breed with a shimmering silver coat, eyes that look lined with makeup and an affectionate temperament.
MediumCalifornia Spangled
United States
Designed to resemble a wild leopard yet entirely domestic, the California Spangled is a rare and special breed with a spotted coat, an athletic build and an affectionate temperament.
SmallChantilly-Tiffany
United States
Striking with its chocolate-colored silky coat and golden eyes, the Chantilly-Tiffany is a rare semi-longhaired breed, loyal, affectionate and gentle, and devoted to its owner.
MediumChartreux
France
France's blue-gray cat, the Chartreux, is a quiet, calm and loyal companion with a woolly double coat, copper eyes and a smiling expression.
MediumChausie
Egypt
Descended from the jungle cat, the Chausie is an active, intelligent and devoted exotic breed with long legs, an athletic build and high energy.
MediumCheetoh
United States
Born from a cross between the Bengal and the Ocicat, the Cheetoh is a wild-looking yet entirely domestic breed with a cheetah-like spotted pattern, an athletic build and a friendly temperament.
SmallColorpoint Shorthair
United States
A relative of the Siamese with an expanded color range, the Colorpoint Shorthair is a lively breed with an elegant build, blue eyes and a talkative, people-loving temperament.
SmallCornish Rex
United Kingdom
With its wavy, velvety curly coat and elegant build, the Cornish Rex is an ever-cheerful breed known for its high energy, playfulness and people-loving temperament.
MediumCymric
Canada
The longhaired version of the Manx, the Cymric is a breed with a tailless build, rounded lines and a friendly temperament, along with taillessness-related health issues every owner should know about.
MediumCyprus
Cyprus
The natural cat of Cyprus for thousands of years, the Cyprus (Aphrodite) cat is a sturdy mountain and island cat with a large build, great resilience and a loyal, social temperament.
SmallDevon Rex
United Kingdom
With its curly coat, oversized ears and elf-like face, the Devon Rex is a fun-loving breed nicknamed the "monkey-cat" for its mischievous intelligence, high energy and devotion to people.
MediumDonskoy
Russia
A hairless breed from Russia, the Donskoy is an affectionate cat with warm, wrinkled skin, a social temperament and a love of people that calls for special care.
MediumDragon Li
China
China's natural "Li Hua" cat, the Dragon Li is a long-established breed with a golden-brown "broken mackerel" tabby pattern, a hardy build and a calm, intelligent temperament.
MediumEgyptian Mau
Egypt
Known for its naturally spotted coat and exceptional speed, the Egyptian Mau is a loyal, athletic breed of ancient origin, considered the fastest domestic cat.
MediumEuropean Burmese
Burma
The European Burmese is the European type of the Burmese; with a wider range of colors, expressive eyes and a warm, people-loving temperament, it is an affectionate companion at home.
MediumExotic Shorthair
United States
The Exotic Shorthair, the short-haired version of the Persian, is an easygoing breed known as "the lazy man's Persian" thanks to its plush coat, round face and calm, affectionate temperament.
SmallHavana Brown
United Kingdom
With its rich chocolate-brown coat and green eyes, the unique Havana Brown is a rare and special breed with an intelligent, social and people-loving temperament.
MediumHimalayan
United States
Born from a combination of the Persian and the Siamese, the Himalayan is a calm, affectionate lap cat with a long silky coat, blue eyes and a "pointed" pattern.
SmallJapanese Bobtail
Japan
Japan's good-luck cat, the Japanese Bobtail is a cheerful breed with a pom-pom tail, an athletic build and a social, playful temperament that inspired the "Maneki-neko" figure.
SmallJavanese
United States
Descended from the Oriental and Colorpoint lines, the longhaired Javanese is a lively, people-loving breed with an elegant build, a silky coat and a highly intelligent, talkative temperament.
MediumKhao Manee
Thailand
Thailand's "diamond-eyed" white cat, the Khao Manee is a rare breed of ancient origin with a pure white coat, often odd-colored eyes and a social, intelligent temperament.
SmallKorat
Thailand
Thailand's "good-luck" silver-blue cat, the Korat is an affectionate breed of ancient origin with a heart-shaped face, bright green eyes and a loyal temperament.
MediumKurilian
Russia
Hailing from Russia's Kuril Islands, the Kurilian is a hardy breed with a natural pom-pom tail, an athletic build, a love of water and a loyal, balanced temperament.
SmallLaPerm
United States
Striking for its naturally occurring curly coat, the LaPerm is a warm, easygoing breed with soft curls, an affectionate temperament and a deep love of people.
Medium PopularMaine Coon
United States
One of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world, the Maine Coon is a warm companion for families, known as the "gentle giant" for its thick coat and friendly temperament.
MediumManx
Isle of Man
The tailless cat of the Isle of Man, the Manx is a long-established breed with rounded lines and a friendly temperament, whose tailless-related health issues are also important to know.
SmallMunchkin
United States
Known for its short legs, the Munchkin is a cheerful, playful breed — but anyone considering one should also understand the health effects of the genetics behind its short-leggedness.
SmallNebelung
United States
The longhaired relative of the Russian Blue, the Nebelung is a calm, loyal breed with a silver-tipped silky blue coat, green eyes and a gentle, shy temperament.
MediumNorwegian Forest Cat
Norway
The majestic cat of the Scandinavian forests, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a cold-hardy natural breed with a water-resistant thick coat, a large build and a friendly temperament.
MediumOcicat
United States
The Ocicat looks like a wild ocelot but is entirely domestic; with its spotted coat, athletic build and highly social, dog-like temperament, it is an intelligent and energetic breed.
SmallOriental
United States
The Oriental is the non-"pointed" relative of the Siamese, available in hundreds of colors and patterns; with its elegant build, large ears and talkative, people-loving temperament, it is a lively breed.
Medium PopularPersian
Iran (Persia)
With its long, silky coat and calm, affectionate temperament, the Persian is an elegant breed and the classic choice for anyone seeking a peaceful housemate.
MediumPixie-bob
United States
Resembling a wild bobcat, the Pixie-bob is a large, affectionate house cat with a short tail, often extra toes and a loyal, dog-like temperament.
MediumRagamuffin
United States
Large, soft and extremely docile, the Ragamuffin is a perfect family cat with its silky coat, expressive eyes and affectionate, lap-loving temperament.
Medium PopularRagdoll
United States
Famous for its calm nature that makes it go limp like a rag doll when picked up, the Ragdoll is an extremely docile breed with blue eyes, a silky coat and a deep devotion to people.
SmallRussian Blue
Russia
With its emerald-green eyes and silver-tipped blue coat, the elegant Russian Blue is a gentle, clean housemate with a calm, loyal and slightly reserved temperament.
LargeSavannah
United States
Born from a cross between the African serval and the domestic cat, the Savannah is one of the largest and most exotic domestic cats, with long legs, a spotted coat and high energy.
Small PopularScottish Fold
United Kingdom
Known for its forward-folded ears and round "owl" face, the Scottish Fold is a breed with a sweet, calm temperament — but also one whose cartilage-related health issues are important to understand.
MediumSelkirk Rex
United States
Nicknamed the "sheep cat" for its soft, curly coat, the Selkirk Rex is an unusual breed that resembles a plush teddy bear, with a patient, affectionate and calm temperament.
Medium PopularSiamese
Thailand
With its striking blue eyes, "pointed" pattern and talkative temperament, the Siamese cat is a lively breed that is exceptionally intelligent, social and strongly bonded to its owner.
MediumSiberian
Russia
The Siberian, Siberia's majestic forest cat, is a strong, cold-hardy natural breed with a water-resistant thick coat, an athletic build and a friendly, playful temperament.
SmallSingapura
Singapore
One of the smallest cat breeds in the world, the Singapura is a tiny but energetic breed with large eyes, a shimmering beige coat and a curious, people-loving temperament.
SmallSnowshoe
United States
With its white "socked" paws and blue eyes, the Snowshoe is a people-loving, social breed that combines the intelligence of the Siamese with a balanced temperament.
SmallSomali
Somalia
The longhaired, fox-tailed relative of the Abyssinian, the Somali is a lively, elegant breed with a shimmering "ticked" coat, a bushy tail and an active, curious temperament.
SmallSphynx
Canada
With its hairless skin, wrinkles and enormous ears, the Sphynx is truly one of a kind; a loving breed with a warm, cuddly and highly social temperament that needs special care.
SmallTonkinese
Canada
Combining the best of the Burmese and the Siamese, the Tonkinese is a balanced, people-loving breed with a lustrous coat, aquamarine eyes and a warm, playful temperament.
MediumToyger
United States
Designed to resemble a miniature tiger, the Toyger is an extraordinary and affectionate breed with a striking striped pattern, an athletic build and a friendly, trainable temperament.
SmallTurkish Angora
Turkey
The Turkish Angora, Türkiye's long-established natural breed, is a cat regarded as part of the country's cultural heritage, with its silky white coat, elegant build and intelligent, playful temperament.
MediumVan Cat
Turkey
The Van Cat, the natural breed of the Lake Van region, is an iconic cat unique to Türkiye, known for its love of water, colored head-and-tail pattern on a white coat and often odd-colored eyes.
MediumYork Chocolate
United States
With its rich chocolate-brown coat and silky texture, the rare York Chocolate is a warm family cat with a loyal, affectionate and people-loving temperament.
Breed isn’t the only thing that shapes character
Every cat has a personality of its own. Breed traits are a helpful guide, but early socialization, environment and love shape character at least as much as genetics. Tabbies and mixed-breed cats make companions just as wonderful as purebreds.
Meet Pets Looking for a HomeAdopt first
Instead of buying, give a shelter pet a home.
Track their health
Keep vaccines and check-ups in a digital health record.
Take care of the coat
Long-haired breeds need regular combing and grooming.
Keep their mind busy
Scratching posts, play and puzzle toys keep them happy.
Breed images on this page belong to Wikimedia Commons contributors. For artist and license details, see the image sources page.