Cat breeds
Cat breeds A–Z
Honest, plain-English guides to 25 popular cat breeds — how affectionate, chatty, active and independent they tend to be, what their coats need, and how they fit with families. A starting point, not the last word: every cat is an individual.
All cat breeds (25)
AbyssinianA lithe, inquisitive and athletic breed that loves to climb, explore and be busy — often called the “clown” of the cat world.View breed guide →
BengalA striking, wild-looking and highly active breed that needs lots of play, climbing and mental stimulation.View breed guide →
BirmanA gentle, sociable semi-longhair with striking blue eyes — affectionate and well-mannered without being demanding.View breed guide →
BombayThe sleek black "mini panther" — affectionate, sociable and devoted, with an easy-care coat and a love of company.View breed guide →
British LonghairThe plush, longhaired cousin of the British Shorthair — calm, easy-going and affectionate without being clingy.View breed guide →
British ShorthairAn easygoing, dignified and undemanding breed with a plush coat — affectionate on its own terms rather than a clingy lap cat.View breed guide →
BurmeseA warm, sociable and people-loving breed with a glossy coat — playful into adulthood and devoted to family life.View breed guide →
Cornish RexA slender, curly-coated and acrobatic breed — playful, warm and people-loving well into old age.View breed guide →
Devon RexA playful, pixie-faced breed with a soft wavy coat — mischievous, clingy and often described as “monkey-like”.View breed guide →
Domestic Shorthair (Moggy)The much-loved non-pedigree “moggy” — every one is an individual, generally hardy and healthy, and the most rescue-friendly choice of all.View breed guide →
Exotic ShorthairOften called the “lazy person’s Persian” — the same calm, sweet nature in an easier-to-groom short coat.View breed guide →
Maine CoonOne of the largest domestic breeds — a gentle giant that is sociable, intelligent and known for soft chirps and trills.View breed guide →
ManxThe tailless cat from the Isle of Man — friendly, playful and dog-like in personality, hardy and good with families.View breed guide →
MunchkinThe short-legged cat — playful, affectionate and sociable, adapting happily to family life despite the famously stumpy legs.View breed guide →
Norwegian Forest CatA large, sturdy semi-longhair built for cold climates — friendly and even-tempered but happily independent.View breed guide →
Oriental ShorthairA slender, elegant relative of the Siamese — intelligent, intensely bonded to its people and very talkative.View breed guide →
PersianA calm, quiet, luxurious longhair that prefers a peaceful home and a comfortable spot to lounge.View breed guide →
RagamuffinA large, huggable, plush-coated cat closely related to the Ragdoll — docile, cuddly and devoted to people.View breed guide →
RagdollA large, docile, semi-longhaired cat famous for going limp when picked up — devoted, gentle and very people-oriented.View breed guide →
Russian BlueA reserved, elegant breed with a dense blue-grey coat — devoted to its own people but quiet and a little shy with strangers.View breed guide →
SavannahA tall, wild-looking hybrid (originally serval cross) — strikingly athletic, highly intelligent and almost dog-like, but very demanding.View breed guide →
Scottish FoldA sweet, mellow breed known for its folded ears — calm, affectionate and happy to potter quietly around the home.View breed guide →
SiameseA sleek, intelligent and intensely people-focused breed that is famously talkative and forms strong bonds.View breed guide →
SphynxA hairless, warm-skinned and famously affectionate breed that is sociable, attention-seeking and full of character.View breed guide →
TonkineseA Siamese–Burmese cross combining the best of both — sociable, playful, affectionate and chatty.View breed guide →
Not sure which cat suits you?
Tell us about your home and lifestyle and we’ll suggest breeds that fit.
Every cat is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet cats in person, and consider adopting from a rescue.