Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
“What Breed is my Cat” is a common query among pet owners, considering the diverse feline companions found in households around the world.
Lots of people have cats in their families, and the curiosity about their furry friends’ lineage is entirely natural.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes a staggering 73 cat breeds, while the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) acknowledges 45. The sheer variety of cat breeds highlights the fascinating world of these feline companions.
Most of today’s cat breeds have their roots tracing back to native cats in their respective regions. The intertwining of human and feline lives began thousands of years ago with the advent of agriculture when cats became invaluable in controlling rodent populations.
Dr. Lisa Johnson, a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, explains that more than 96% of cats are mixed breed, picking their own mates through uncontrolled breeding.
Dr. Lisa Johnson says
“Purebred cats have a history shaped by intentional human breeding, crafting their appearance to showcase specific traits”
On the flip side, purebred cats result from humans intentionally choosing mates for specific looks. However, Dr. Johnson cautions about possible issues, such as health problems and a limited gene pool, due to selective breeding.
If you’re wondering, “What Breed is my Cat?” just take a look at their features and markers. Understanding more about your cat can be crucial, and Dr. Lisa is here to assist you in gaining a clearer insight.
What Breed is Your Cat Wondering About Your Cat’s Breed?
Determining each breed’s specific traits is too expensive to list here. To keep it concise, let’s guide you on identifying particular characteristics in your cat that can form a precise search query for the internet to unveil its breed.
Example Search: Cat breed + calm + large + short fur + tan + colored points
The search results may not be definite, but a tailored query narrows the breeds that match the features. If your cat is a mix, this approach might help you estimate its species, as it has traits from many breeds.
Unraveling the Mystery of Your Cat’s Breed
When you ask yourself, “What breed is my cat?” utilizing specific clues becomes essential for identification. Each breed boasts distinctive traits that serve as valuable markers. You can streamline the process by pinpointing which species exhibit your cat’s unique characteristics narrowing down potential matches to one or a few breeds.
Our cat breed identifier by picture offers insightful information below to aid you in determining your cat’s breed. We’ll delve into each of these characteristics, enabling you to leverage them effectively in identifying your cat’s breed and clarifying the question, “What type of cat do I have?”
Purebred vs. Mixed Cats
Remember the distinction between purebred and mixed-breed cats when determining your cat’s breed. Purebred cats are easy to recognize since each breed has distinct traits. You may narrow down your cat’s species by identifying the breed that shares its qualities.
Mixed-breed cats mingle. Standards cannot properly identify breeds. Instead, identify many species that inspired your cat. This is tougher than picking a cat breed that fits you. It’s possible; however, using the traits below to estimate your cat’s breed is recommended.
Characteristics of What breed is my cat
What Breed is my Cat? Identifying your cat’s breed is simple! Just take a look at its physical features like fur color, length, and face shape. These markers will help you figure out what kind of cat you have.
1. Size
Most homes have medium-sized cats, which weight between 9 to 15 pounds. Some cats are smaller (under 9 pounds), while others are larger (over 15 pounds).
Size Category | Weight Range | Featured Cat Breeds |
---|---|---|
Small or Dwarf Sized | Up to 9 pounds | Singapura, Munchkin, Napoleon, Bambino, American Curl, Balinese, Cornish Rex, Japanese Bobtail |
Medium-sized Cats | 9-15 pounds | Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Russian Blue, Ocicat, Manx, Sphynx, Korat, American Wirehair, Chartreux, Scottish Fold |
Large Cats | Over 15 pounds | Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Savannah Cat, Chausie, Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat |
2. Face Contours
Unfortunately, not all cats will have telltale breed-specific facial features. However, cats that demonstrate specific facial forms may be narrowed down into extremely small groups, making them simpler to link with a certain breed.
3. Ear
Some cats have unique ear features that make it easy to identify their breed just by looking at their ears. There are three main types: ear tufts and decorations, folded ears, and curled ears.
It’s important to know that certain health issues can affect cats with folded or curled ears. Scottish Fold cats, for example, suffer from osteochondrodysplasia, a cartilage defect causing bone growth problems and severe arthritis.
Cats with curled ears, like the American Curl breed, may be more prone to ear infections and damage, making cleaning a bit challenging.
Here are a few cat breeds known for their special ear characteristics.
Ear Type | Featured Cat Breeds |
---|---|
Curled Ears | Â American Curl, Highlander, Elf |
Folded Ears |  Scottish Fold, Ukrainian, Leakey, Foldex |
Tufted Ears, Lynx Tips, or Ear Furnishings |  Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian, Forest Cat, Pixie Bob, Turkish Van, Siberian, LaPerm, American Lynx |
Determine your cat’s breed through DNA testing
You will surely know what sort of cat you have once you get it tested genetically, even if you follow our instructions. Genetic testing, which analyzes the DNA of the cat in issue, may tell you with pinpoint accuracy what breed or breeds make up your cat.
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who owns cats of any kind. It’s not uncommon for a purebred cat to have traits exclusive to its breed. However, their lineage may be difficult to trace because of the possible presence of characteristics from many breeds in a mixed-breed cat. However, this might be easily bypassed by genetic testing.
If you want to understand more about genetic testing, your veterinarian should be able to help you out. Genetic testing might tell you more about your cat than just its breed. It would be best if you also read up extensively on your cat’s health, as this will help you prepare for any potential problems in the future.
Conclusion
Your cat’s breed may be difficult to determine since there are over 70 recognized types of cats. This article’s discussion of illuminating qualities and characteristics may provide excellent hints and streamline the search. It’s a common way to tell between felines of the same breed.
Since cats of a mixed breed might exhibit characteristics of many breeds, caring for them will be more difficult. Use everything you’ve learned to determine your cat’s breed. If you can’t figure out the issue, send your cat to the vet for genetic testing for a more certain diagnosis.
Note: Brachycephalic breeds may have health drawbacks due to their unique anatomy.
Key Takeaways
6. Patterns, Markings, and Colors
What Breed is my Cat? While a cat’s coat color will only sometimes provide insight into its breed, several breeds are characterized by particular coat colors, patterns, and markings.
Coat Type | Characteristics |
---|---|
Uniform Color | Cats boast a single solid color, available in a spectrum of hues like black, white, brown, and red. |
Bi-color | Displays two unique hues in the coat, featuring a primary base color along with a secondary white color. Often recognized as piebald. |
Tortoiseshell | Resembling bi-colored cats but without white fur, this coat type showcases a base color adorned with patches in various shades including red, black, blue, chocolate, orange, yellow, and cream. |
Calico | Exhibits a tricolored coat incorporating white and two additional colors. Male calico cats are exceptionally rare (1 in 3,000) due to genetic factors. |
Points | Features a distinct coloration on facial features, paws, ears, and tail compared to the rest of the fur. The tips and base coat exhibit variation in color, with this coat type being limited to specific breeds. |
7. Hair lengthÂ
Cat Hair Type | Cat Breed |
---|---|
Long hair | Persian, Birman, Himalayan, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Turkish Angora, Siberian |
Short hair | American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Manx, Russian Blue, Bengal, Siamese |
Curly hair | LaPerm, American Wirehair, Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex |
No hair | Sphynx, Peterbald, Sonosky, Bambino, Elf |
8. Tail
While it’s not common to identify cat breeds by their tails due to similarities among breeds, there are exceptions. Some breeds are known for their short tails, making them easily recognizable.
Here are examples of popular domestic cat breeds with short tails: Cymric, Highlander, American Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail, and American Bobtail.
9. Behavior
Just like people, every cat has its own unique personality. Dr. Lisa mentions that there isn’t a lot of research on cat breeding for personality traits.
However, a 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that in a controlled environment, 19 different cat breeds showed distinct variations in social and non-social behaviors.
The study identified breeds like Saint Birman, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Persian, and Norwegian Forest Cat as less likely to be aggressive. On the flip side, Korat and Devon Rex cats were considered the most sociable.
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Noisy Breeds | Some cats are talkative, enjoying purring, singing, and chatting with their human companions. Seen in very few breeds. |
Gentle & Submissive | Shy, cautious, and submissive cats stand out from the typically energetic and active feline predators. |
Most Social Cats | Contrary to the stereotype, some cats are pleasant, approachable, and enjoy gentle interactions with their human companions. |
Self-reliant Cats | Selective about attention, confident cats make it clear when they want interaction and believe they run the show. |
Determine your cat’s breed through DNA testing
You will surely know what sort of cat you have once you get it tested genetically, even if you follow our instructions. Genetic testing, which analyzes the DNA of the cat in issue, may tell you with pinpoint accuracy what breed or breeds make up your cat.
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who owns cats of any kind. It’s not uncommon for a purebred cat to have traits exclusive to its breed. However, their lineage may be difficult to trace because of the possible presence of characteristics from many breeds in a mixed-breed cat. However, this might be easily bypassed by genetic testing.
If you want to understand more about genetic testing, your veterinarian should be able to help you out. Genetic testing might tell you more about your cat than just its breed. It would be best if you also read up extensively on your cat’s health, as this will help you prepare for any potential problems in the future.
Conclusion
Your cat’s breed may be difficult to determine since there are over 70 recognized types of cats. This article’s discussion of illuminating qualities and characteristics may provide excellent hints and streamline the search. It’s a common way to tell between felines of the same breed.
Since cats of a mixed breed might exhibit characteristics of many breeds, caring for them will be more difficult. Use everything you’ve learned to determine your cat’s breed. If you can’t figure out the issue, send your cat to the vet for genetic testing for a more certain diagnosis.
Note: Brachycephalic breeds may have health drawbacks due to their unique anatomy.
Key Takeaways
4. Eyes
Cats’ eyes may be any number of hues. Some of the most common cat eye hues are:
- Amber
- Hazel
- Gold
- Green
- Blue
If your cat has identical eye colors, it may be difficult to determine its breed. Some cats, however, have eye hues other than brown. Cats with different colored eyes are considered to have a hereditary disorder called heterochromia. Certain breeds may exhibit this trait associated with the white dominant and white spotting genes.
5. Coat
Another indicator of your cat’s breed may be seen in its fur. Cats may have a wide variety of hair and fur lengths and textures. Some breeds are even called for their coats because of their appearance. Depending on your cat’s coat, you can tell a lot about its breed by looking at it.
The silky, fluffy coats of long haired cats may make them seem much bigger than they are. These dogs tend to shed a lot because of their thick coats.
Coat Type | Characteristics |
---|---|
Short Coats | Fur is short and hugs the body, making it easy to care for with minimal maintenance compared to long-haired cats. |
Curly Coats | Coats feature waves that may tangle faster than straight coats. Can be of short or long hair, requiring careful management. |
Hairless Cats | Stand out with a highly distinctive appearance due to the absence of fur. Favored by those allergic to cats, and considered uncommon with only a few hairless breeds. |
6. Patterns, Markings, and Colors
What Breed is my Cat? While a cat’s coat color will only sometimes provide insight into its breed, several breeds are characterized by particular coat colors, patterns, and markings.
Coat Type | Characteristics |
---|---|
Uniform Color | Cats boast a single solid color, available in a spectrum of hues like black, white, brown, and red. |
Bi-color | Displays two unique hues in the coat, featuring a primary base color along with a secondary white color. Often recognized as piebald. |
Tortoiseshell | Resembling bi-colored cats but without white fur, this coat type showcases a base color adorned with patches in various shades including red, black, blue, chocolate, orange, yellow, and cream. |
Calico | Exhibits a tricolored coat incorporating white and two additional colors. Male calico cats are exceptionally rare (1 in 3,000) due to genetic factors. |
Points | Features a distinct coloration on facial features, paws, ears, and tail compared to the rest of the fur. The tips and base coat exhibit variation in color, with this coat type being limited to specific breeds. |
7. Hair lengthÂ
Cat Hair Type | Cat Breed |
---|---|
Long hair | Persian, Birman, Himalayan, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Turkish Angora, Siberian |
Short hair | American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Manx, Russian Blue, Bengal, Siamese |
Curly hair | LaPerm, American Wirehair, Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex |
No hair | Sphynx, Peterbald, Sonosky, Bambino, Elf |
8. Tail
While it’s not common to identify cat breeds by their tails due to similarities among breeds, there are exceptions. Some breeds are known for their short tails, making them easily recognizable.
Here are examples of popular domestic cat breeds with short tails: Cymric, Highlander, American Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail, and American Bobtail.
9. Behavior
Just like people, every cat has its own unique personality. Dr. Lisa mentions that there isn’t a lot of research on cat breeding for personality traits.
However, a 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that in a controlled environment, 19 different cat breeds showed distinct variations in social and non-social behaviors.
The study identified breeds like Saint Birman, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Persian, and Norwegian Forest Cat as less likely to be aggressive. On the flip side, Korat and Devon Rex cats were considered the most sociable.
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Noisy Breeds | Some cats are talkative, enjoying purring, singing, and chatting with their human companions. Seen in very few breeds. |
Gentle & Submissive | Shy, cautious, and submissive cats stand out from the typically energetic and active feline predators. |
Most Social Cats | Contrary to the stereotype, some cats are pleasant, approachable, and enjoy gentle interactions with their human companions. |
Self-reliant Cats | Selective about attention, confident cats make it clear when they want interaction and believe they run the show. |
Determine your cat’s breed through DNA testing
You will surely know what sort of cat you have once you get it tested genetically, even if you follow our instructions. Genetic testing, which analyzes the DNA of the cat in issue, may tell you with pinpoint accuracy what breed or breeds make up your cat.
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who owns cats of any kind. It’s not uncommon for a purebred cat to have traits exclusive to its breed. However, their lineage may be difficult to trace because of the possible presence of characteristics from many breeds in a mixed-breed cat. However, this might be easily bypassed by genetic testing.
If you want to understand more about genetic testing, your veterinarian should be able to help you out. Genetic testing might tell you more about your cat than just its breed. It would be best if you also read up extensively on your cat’s health, as this will help you prepare for any potential problems in the future.
Conclusion
Your cat’s breed may be difficult to determine since there are over 70 recognized types of cats. This article’s discussion of illuminating qualities and characteristics may provide excellent hints and streamline the search. It’s a common way to tell between felines of the same breed.
Since cats of a mixed breed might exhibit characteristics of many breeds, caring for them will be more difficult. Use everything you’ve learned to determine your cat’s breed. If you can’t figure out the issue, send your cat to the vet for genetic testing for a more certain diagnosis.
Note: Brachycephalic breeds may have health drawbacks due to their unique anatomy.
Key Takeaways
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