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If you’ve been considering getting a family cat, but aren’t sure which breed would be best for you and your family, consider the number of recognized breeds the various cat breeders’ associations worldwide now accept.

As of April 2021:

  • CFA accepts 46 pedigreed breeds for registration
  • Fife recognizes 52 pedigreed cat breeds, and
  • Tica recognizes 71 cat breeds

It’s worth noting that unregistered and non-pedigreed cats make wonderful pets, too.

Introduction to Cat Breeds And Species

Evidential research tells us that cats evolved from wild animals. Additional evidence originating from Poland in 2020 further suggests that cat breeds were synanthropes (from the Greek syn-, meaning “together with,” and anthropos, meaning “human”).

Once considered a sub-species of the European Wildcat (Felis silvestri), a 2017 IUCN Cat Classification Taskforce ruling declared the domestic cat a distinct species, known as Felis catus.

According to National Geographic – and hardly surprising to cat owners anywhere – cats domesticated themselves by settling around human colonies of people. This resulted in a mutually-beneficial relationship that began with the rodent-catching abilities discussed in-depth in the history of the Domestic Shorthair cat breed, and has evolved into the loving pet-ownership status it is today.

Both domestic and feral cat breeds are known as invasive species. This is because cats contribute to the extinction of whole species, such as with the Navassa curly-tailed lizard and the Stephens Island wren, a small flightless bird. In Australia, feral cats kill off members from over 250 species of reptiles per day for food!

The cat is an adaptable species, and various cat breeds can be found on all continents (except Antarctica), and on 118 / 131 groups of islands around the world.

Studies of cat DNA from around the world show that domestication began in the Fertile Crescent (during the Neolithic or towards the end of the Stone Age between 10,000 and 3,000 BC). Domestication and adoration of cats as pets was advanced in ancient Egypt (in the Classical antiquity period between 8 BC and 6 AD).

How Felis catus differs from other cat species

Of the Felidae family of mammals, and commonly referred to as cats, the species Felis catus is a carnivore whose genealogy can be traced back to a common ancestor. This is known as a clade.

The Felidae species are known for their diverse fur or coat patterns. Terrestrial carnivores who walk on land, the species has retractable claws (that it packs away when not needed), and which are used for self-defense, hunting, self-grooming, and climbing.

Within Felidae are two distinct subfamilies:

  • the Pantherinae, encompassing leopards, tigers, lions, and panthers
  • the Felinae, which are smaller cats than their giant cousins above, and have shorter vocal cords, meaning they are unable to roar, but purr instead.

Adult and senior cats purr because they’re drawing attention to themselves to fulfill a need, such as feeding, attention, danger, playing, etc. Kittens purr when they have been fed, are being groomed, or lie close to their mothers.

Purring isn’t always just about happiness. Sick cats purr as a cry for help. Some researchers claim that vibrations from purring in injured cats can aid in healing bone damage, but more research is needed in this field.

Cats have slender and muscular bodies with strong and flexible leg limbs. Hunters by birth, cats are considered to be semi-obligatory carnivores, meaning the bulk of their diets must consist of raw meat. All Felidae cats have a relatively short digestive system because their stomachs are not designed to break down tough plant cellulose.

Although both cats and dogs belong to the carnivorous group of mammals, recent DNA analyses indicate that dog digestive systems have evolved to break down starch. This means that dogs have become omnivores, and can eat some human foods.

The teeth, jaws, and facial muscles of a cat are designed to deliver a powerful bite and to consume tough meat. Cats have very high protein requirements. The Felidae cat family (and Felis catus in particular) lost several genes that create key enzymes – including those that synthesize vitamin A, essential amino acids like taurine, arginine, and retinol, and prostaglandins.

In order for cats to eat a plant-based diet – and obtain essential nutrients from it – they would have to evolve on a physiological level to digest it. No matter how many cats are bred, or with which cat you mate them, the capacity to evolve has not emerged and it is unlikely that domestic cats will spontaneously do so for a plate of greens when raw flesh and meat products offer these nutrients naturally.

Cats are digitigrades, meaning they move by using their four paws, sometimes in unison and at other times, individually. Cats walk and stalk by using their toes and the ball of their feet, with five toes on their forepaws and four on their hind paws.

In “standard walking mode”, cats pace using the paws on one side of the body simultaneously to stride along. When running or trotting along behind you down the passage, this changes to using one forepaw and one hind paw – on opposite sides of its body!

Known as one of the stealthiest mammals, cat paws are padded with three triangular-shaped plantar pads that form a rough circle, enabling them to approach prey silently.

The subject of many storylines and movie plots, it is said that cats and dogs were equal companions until a dog broke an oath to a cat. Be that as it may, most people won’t hesitate to let you know if they’re dog or cat people.

The biggest changes in the species are behavioral in nature, where cats were “forced” to become friendlier towards – and to tolerate – the people who had begun feeding them. Perhaps this is why dogs have masters, while cats have attentive employees.

According to Britannica.com (an online website for Encyclopaedia Britannica, which was founded in 1768 in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom), there are no authentic records that support the theories that cats were domesticated prior to around 1,500 BC, either in Egypt, Cyprus, or China.

Cat Breeds And Their Characteristics

It is thought that the first cat show occurred in 1598 in Winchester, Great Britain but there is very little historic evidence to support this. Instead, the history of cat breeds indicates that the first structured cat show happened at the Crystal Palace in London, Great Britain, in 1871. At that time, only 5 cat breeds were recognized, including the Siamese, Persian, and British Shorthair cat breeds.

Domesticated cats tend to be affectionate, and friendly towards people, requiring socializing to accept dogs or other small animals in the home. Carnivorous hunters at heart, your pet birds, lizards, or rodents should be kept secured at all times.

Seal-pointed cats present with blue eyes, while Bombay cats are accepted with either green or copper eyes. Cat breeds such as the American Shorthair with their hazel eyes are in stark contrast to the yellow- or gold-eyed Bengal cat. Cats may also be born with odd colored eyes or eye colors that depend on coat colors.

Cats have 7 different types of coats, which are:

  • solid colors (a rare genetic trait)
  • bi-colored (such as the tuxedo cats)
  • tabby
  • tri-colored
  • tortoiseshell
  • torbie
  • colorpoint

Cats can be born with many coat lengths and colors, and come in many eye colors too. Coat colors range from white to lavender, black, cream, orange, cinnamon, chocolate, fawn, lilac, or blue (which is actually grey).

When cats have a long coat, it’s best to groom them at least twice a day. Shorthaired cat breeds may only need grooming 3 times a week.

In shedding season, your grooming activities will increase daily for both long- and short-haired cat breeds. Without help from you on the grooming aspects, your cat may end up regurgitating a hairball (that generally comes out in a sausage-like shape). Hairballs are a health hazard.

Cats have four distinctive types of hairs on their bodies:

  • Down hairs stop the cat from losing heat or getting sunburnt and are located close to the skin.
  • Awn hairs protect down hairs. In shorthaired cat breeds, these hairs are very short but dense.
  • Guard hairs form the outer coat and their job is to keep your cat dry.
  • Vibrissae (aka whiskers) are found on cat cheeks, above the eyes, and the outer part of their legs. Whiskers help the cat maneuver his way in the dark and to sense the presence of another feline or danger in his path.

Cats have four types of coats, long-haired, short-haired, curly-haired, and no hair at all.

  • Short-Haired Cats have hairs that are 1 – 2 inches long and need grooming at least 3 times a week.
  • Long-Haired Cats have hairs that are 2 – 5 inches in length and need to be groomed at least twice daily.
  • Curly-Haired Cats have curly hair (a genetic mutation) which results in almost no shedding or grooming.
  • No-Haired Cats have hair, but the hair on their bodies is so very fine and thin that it looks like they don’t have hair at all. Taking care of a hairless cat means you’d need to rub it down with a damp, warm cloth to clean your cat.

An all-black cat with all-black paws and pads, the Bombay cat’s coat is not broken by any other colors. This is in contrast to domestic cat breeds who often display tuxedo coats or toes dipped in white spots.

It is said that tabby cats originated in medieval times when black cats were persecuted as witch’s familiars or representing bad luck. Perhaps this is what the distinctive “M” on all tabby foreheads is about?

Genetic studies indicate that tabby cats have five genetic clusters from wild cats all around the world, including the African, European, and Asiatic wildcat. Remember that “tabby” is not a cat breed but rather a type of coat pattern.

If the Persian cat appeals to you but you don’t have time for grooming, consider an Exotic Shorthair cat as a pet. With a Persian cat as one of its preferred outcrosses, the Exotic Shorthair displays all the physical characteristics of the Persian cat but comes with an easy-to-manage, short and plush coat.

Superstitious old-wives talkies will tell you that a white coat is for good luck and overall good fortune, while black wards off evil, red is for good health, yellow or gold is for wealth, and pink is for romance. However, cats usually come in only 3 colors: black, red (or orange), and white; other colors are considered dilutions or mixtures.

Coats are sensitive to ambient temperatures and will go paler when your cat is cold, and darken when they’re hot, much like the coat of the Ragdoll cat breed does. In addition, cat coat colors are determined by melanin, just as it is in humans.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Although color changes in cat coats are generally normal, a sudden or unexpected change could indicate health issues.

Cats as Pets

Cats are great pets, are easy to look after, are more responsive, and are energetic and fun to play with. It’s no secret that the Devon Rex cat breed is more laid back and placid than the Scottish Fold cat breed, but you bet your bottom dollar that the Savannah cat breed will keep you on your toes 24/7.

Here are 10 more reasons why cats make such great pets:

  • Cats Are Far Quieter: The loudest meow is softer than the softest bark.
  • Cats Are Low Maintenance: Cats are so easy to take care of!
  • Cats Are Easy To House-Train: Show them the litter box is, and they’ll do the rest.
  • Cats Make Great Apartment Pets: Cats don’t need much space, just some obstacles to climb and a spot to sleep in.
  • Cats Cost Less To Care For: Even their dishes are smaller.
  • Cats Are Independent: Cats will let you know when your services are required, and sleep about 15 – 18 hours a day when they don’t need you.
  • Cats Have A Long Lifespan: Most cat breeds have a 10 – 16 year lifespan which can be extended with good food and great care.
  • Cats Are Good For Your Health: Studies show that owning a cat may lower blood pressure and risk of heart attacks. Cats’ purring has a soothing effect and can aid in falling asleep faster.
  • Cats Can Lead To Fewer Allergies: In a study done by the National Institutes of Health, findings indicated that owning a cat from a young age can lessen the impact of, and lead to fewer allergies, than those who own cats later in life.
  • Cats Eat Pests: Whilst dogs may also eat meat, obligatory carnivores like cats also hunt their prey, actively tracking down pests like mice and rats.

Other ways your cat shows you affection and that he loves you include:

  • Kneading you: You make him feel like his (birth) mother did when she fed him.
  • Head-butting: A sign of trust that makes him get up close and personal.
  • Staring into your eyes: A deep look into your soul that lets you know you’re their favorite person and they adore you.
  • Grooming you: Cats are fastidious groomers; this creates a social bond and shows you he cares how clean you are.
  • Exposing the belly: A sign of submission and weakness, this is only reserved for those he trusts the most.
  • Curved tail-tip: A sign of a cat on a mission to play and have fun with you.
  • Nipping and biting: Also known as “love bites”, nipping is a form of affection and to mark their territory. Cats can be very territorial.
  • Rubbing against your legs: They’re transferring their scent, which also marks their territory and ownership of you.
  • Following you: Your cat may follow you around because he likes your companionship, or he may be following you for a specific reason (such as loneliness), or even both.
  • Sitting on top of you: You’re soft and warm and are now giving them the full attention they need.
    Bringing you gifts: He loves you so much he killed your dinner himself.

All of this – and more! – will tell you that your cat loves you, appreciates you, and needs you in his life.

When cats fight, it’s generally with another tom to mate with a female, or for a portion of the territory. When cats become aggressive or fearful, they’re able to make themselves look bigger and more threatening by raising their fur, arching their backs, turning sideways (to take up more space), and hissing or spitting.

How to take care of a cat

When you first bring home your cat, there are some basics you need to be aware of:

  • litter box (see hygiene recommendations here)
  • food and water bowls
  • beds and baskets to sleep in
  • what to feed them
  • toys
  • pest control measures
  • grooming tools

On a health level, you need to:

  • make sure your cat is registered
  • a veterinarian has looked at your cat to see that there are no diseases
  • that the cat has no fleas, ticks, or worms
  • that your cat is chipped in case it gets lost
  • that its neutered between 4 and 6 months of age
  • ensure all vaccinations are kept up to date
  • and if you can afford it, put your cat on medical aid in case of emergencies.

Also known as a moggie, common domestic long- or short-haired cat breeds still need to be researched to determine what they eat, their temperament, personality, and diseases, as well as social behavior that may affect your household.

The same holds true for pedigreed cats. Note that cats are not known as “purebred” because breeders try to improve the overall population health and reduce the effects of inbreeding by using random-bred cats from the breed’s presumed origins and ancestry. This is why most cat registries prefer the term “pedigreed” to “purebred”.

For a list of presumed traditional cat breed origins, click here.

A controversial topic, cats have been cloned before. It is important to note however that it’s nothing like the science fiction movies and books make it out to be. Cloned animals are born just like any other animal, and although they may be genetically the same as their original animal is, the environment, diet, lifestyle, and care play an important role in determining how that clone will live.

The chances of cloning a beloved pet to reproduce an identical pet are slim to none, cost a fortune, and are not worth the effort. There are currently over 40 breeds registered worldwide that you can choose from as a pet, and each of these comes with its own personality, idiosyncrasies, and needs.

Oestrus cycles (more commonly known as “going on heat”) begin when female cats reach puberty. This can happen anywhere between 4 and 10 months of age. A number of factors determine when your cat will be ready, such as the seasons (Spring or Summer), weight, age, breed characteristics, and overall health.

According to be.chewy.com, speaking to board-certified feline practitioner Susan Little, shorthaired cat breeds generally “cycle more frequently than longhairs, and some pedigreed breeds, such as Persians, cycle less frequently than others such as Siamese.” This will need to be one of your considerations when choosing your ideal pet.

Little goes on to add that queens are typically ready to mate again in just a few minutes, and could mate with multiple toms in a single heat cycle to ensure genetic diversity. This is why multiple cat breeds and crossbreeds could be born from one single litter.

Most cats are capable of an additional oestrus cycle if there is still time in the breeding season, even though they may still be nursing a previous litter. It takes a cat 50 – 70 days (depending on breed and her health and environmental factors) to give birth to a litter. That’s only 2 months or so!

Cat Allergies, Vaccinations, and Diseases

It seems hard to believe that an animal that causes allergies may actually have some of its own to contend with, but cats suffer from allergies just like we do.

Some of the more common allergy symptoms include:

  • Itchy or red skin, especially where exposed
  • Hives and bumps, or scabs and rashes
  • Swelling or wounds and infections
  • Ear infections
  • Fur or hair loss that results in additional hairballs
  • Watery eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose
  • Coughing or wheezing (which is common in breeds that struggle to breathe)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or digestive issues
  • Anaphylactic reactions, which are considered an emergency and may include facial swelling, sudden vomiting or diarrhea, and difficulty breathing

In all cases of suspected anaphylactic reactions, seek the help of a vet immediately.

Cats may develop four types of allergies:

  • Food allergies, which are commonly linked to beef, chicken, fish, and dairy products. A change in diet normally clears this up.
  • The most common environmental and seasonal allergies your cat might have or can get are from pollen, molds, dust, dust mites, and mildew. A good spring clean should clear up most of these irritants.
  • The most common pest allergy that cats can get is known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). It affects the bottom part of the cats’ bodies (specifically above the tail and around the base of their stomachs) which results in them licking the affected parts raw. Speak to your vet about topical and oral corticosteroids that will block allergies of this kind and bring immediate relief from the debilitating itch and resulting bleeds.

It is important that you check with local authorities about their laws regarding vaccinations. While you may think that an indoor cat does not need vaccinations, there are certain vaccinations and inoculations that your cat needs, whether it’s law or not.

For kittens, there are two inoculations you should be aware of: at 8 and 12 weeks of age, respectively. Your kitten will need to be kept indoors and isolated from other cats for a short period of time after the second injection.

There are two basic types of vaccinations for cats:

Core vaccinations: required for all cats, and are essential protection against the following common (but serious) cat conditions:

  • Rabies
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – also known as the “distemper” shot
  • Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)

Non-core vaccinations are those appropriate for your cat’s breed and lifestyle. Your vet should be able to give you more information on these, which may include inoculations against:

  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)
  • Bordetella
  • Chlamydophila felis – may sometimes be included in the distemper combination vaccine

The most common cat diseases that felines can get are:

  • cancer
  • High-Rise Syndrome
  • Ringworm and other worms
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease

Breed-specific diseases include:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that affects the Maine Coon cat breed which causes it to just suddenly develop heart diseases or die unexpectedly.
  • Manx Syndrome which does not affect just the Manx cat breed, but other cat breeds too, giving them short-to-no tails.
  • Deafness in cats are cats that are born with the white (W) coat pigment gene, such as the White Scottish Fold, Ragdoll, White American Shorthair, White Devon Rex, White British Shorthair, White Exotic Shorthair, White Persian and the White Maine Coon
  • Blindness (Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) affects the Persian, Burmese, Russian Blues, Siamese, and Abyssinian cat breeds because their parents were born with hereditary or congenital eye defects. PRA will only start to show from adult-hood to senior-hood.

Breed genetics and longevity

It is generally thought that outdoor cats have shorter lives than indoor cats because of the dangers outdoor cats face (such as traffic accidents or animal attacks). These dangers can shorten your cat’s lifespan by up to 2 to 3 years!

Mixed breeds with stable history and genetics (such as the American Shorthair) can avoid the hereditary diseases that affect so many of the pedigreed breeds, like the Scottish Fold. However, Sphynx and Siamese cats may also live a long and healthy life if they are well taken care of in terms of diet, exercise, activity levels, and environmental influences.

That said, Lucy, a mixed-breed deaf tabby, is the oldest recorded cat on file, coming in at 39 years old, with Creme Puff a close second at 38. Creme Puff, a Scottish Fold, held the record for just 6 years until Lucy died in 2011.

Related reading: 6 of the longest-living cat breeds on file

Creme Puff had an adopted brother named Grandpa Rexs Allen, a Sphynx cat born in Paris, France, but raised in Texas with Creme Puff until Grandpa’s death in 1998. Both Creme Puff and her brother are said to have been fed a daily diet of broccoli, eggs, turkey, bacon, coffee with cream, red wine … and dry cat food.

Whether this is indeed the case or not, your cat has specific and breed-required nutrient needs.

Cat Food

Domestic and wild cats share a taste receptor gene mutation that keeps their sweet taste buds from binding to sugary molecules, leaving them with no ability to taste sweetness. Their taste buds instead respond to acids, amino acids like protein, and bitter tastes.

Cats prefer to have their food served to them at 38°C which is similar to that of a fresh kill and slightly warmer than human body temperature. If the food is cold or refrigerated, cats think it’s decomposing or possibly toxic.

A new kitten is an exciting toy but it brings its own challenges. Kittens should be quarantined for a few weeks to settle in properly and begin to understand the hierarchy of the household. Family and other pets will also need to get used to having something so small in the house, and get used to the kitten.

Be especially wary of large, playful dogs at this time, for they really don’t know their own strengths or that their playful nipping could cause real harm. This initial period will also give you a chance to check out any parasites or diseases that may be lurking in wait.

Cats are gluten- and grain-sensitive. The foods you choose to feed your cat should not contain any of these ingredients. Be on the lookout for ingredient lists that include cereals, maize products, corn, or wheat.

Although it’s generally fine for kittens and even older cats to eat kibbles and other cat foods, these dry foods may not be fortified with the right nutrients for a healthy cat diet.

remember that Felis catus require much more fresh meat in their diets than the average dog would. Essential nutrients and amino acids the cats can’t produce themselves are found in fresh meat products.

Check labels for taurine, retinol, arginine, and protein content, where a 30% protein level is ideally the lowest baseline you’d settle for when feeding your adult cat. This can be increased up to 40% as your cat becomes more senior.

The best cat for you

Sometimes the pets we end up with choose us, rather than the other way around. Be open to loving from unexpected sources that you never had a chance to consider before.

When adopting a cat for the first time, get down low to their level and let them know that you’re equals, in this together. A romp on the ground or a peaceful Sunday afternoon on the couch with your cat and a good book can do more for bonding than a plate of food can, and gives your cat the assurance they need to grow and thrive.

Consider both yours and the potential cat breed’s possible health implications and allergic responses. Also consider the fact that you may be out of the house for many hours at a time; a needy breed will not be happy with you.

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