Cat Breeds A–Z

Cat Breeds A–Z — 21 breeds, with pictures

A picture-led guide to popular cat breeds and India's own native "billi" — how to tell each one apart, what it's like to live with, and how it copes with the Indian climate. We flag the thick-coated and flat-faced breeds that struggle in the heat honestly. Filter by size, personality, coat or origin, or just start typing.

21cat breeds, A–Z
21with pictures
Size
Personality
Coat
Origin

Showing all 21 cat breeds

Ruddy Abyssinian cat with a ticked coat and large ears Abyssinian A lithe, ticked-coat cat with an alert, playful nature — one of the oldest-looking breeds. American Shorthair cat portrait American Shorthair The all-round working cat of North America — sturdy, healthy and easy to live with. Brown-spotted Bengal cat with a leopard-like coat Bengal A domestic cat with a wild leopard look — bold rosetted spots, an athletic build and boundless energy. Colour-pointed Birman cat with blue eyes and white paws Birman The "Sacred Cat of Burma" — a colour-pointed longhair with deep blue eyes and pure white "gloves" on every paw. Grey British Shorthair cat with round copper eyes British Shorthair The round-faced, plush-coated "teddy bear" cat — calm, sturdy and famously easy-going. Champagne Burmese cat with golden eyes Burmese A muscular, sweet-natured cat that is heavier than it looks — devoted, playful and people-loving. Devon Rex cat with large ears and a wavy coat Devon Rex A pixie-faced imp with big ears and soft, wavy fur — mischievous, playful and endlessly affectionate. Brown Exotic Shorthair cat with a flat face and plush coat Exotic Shorthair The "lazy man's Persian" — a Persian's sweet round face and calm nature in an easy-care short coat. Colour-pointed Himalayan cat with a flat face and blue eyes Himalayan A Persian in Siamese colours — a long luxurious coat, flat face, blue eyes and colour-pointed markings. Indian domestic short-haired cat Indian Domestic Cat India's own everyday cat — the hardy, short-coated "billi" seen on streets and in homes across the country. Large shaggy-coated Maine Coon cat with tufted ears Maine Coon The gentle giant — one of the largest house cats, with a shaggy coat, tufted ears and a friendly, dog-like nature. Tailless Manx cat Manx The tailless cat of the Isle of Man — round, sturdy and dog-like in its devotion. Norwegian Forest Cat with a thick coat standing in snow Norwegian Forest Cat A big, sturdy Nordic cat built for cold — a thick waterproof coat, tufted ears and a calm, friendly nature. Oriental Shorthair cat with large ears and a sleek coat Oriental Shorthair A Siamese in every colour but the points — sleek, fine-boned, talkative and intensely attached to its people. Long-haired Persian cat with a flat face and round eyes Persian The classic flat-faced glamour cat — a long flowing coat, big round eyes and a quiet, gentle nature. Colour-pointed Ragdoll cat with blue eyes Ragdoll A big, placid, blue-eyed cat that famously goes limp and relaxed when you pick it up. Silver-blue Russian Blue cat with green eyes Russian Blue An elegant silver-blue cat with green eyes — quiet, gentle and reserved with strangers. Scottish Fold cat with folded ears and round face Scottish Fold Instantly known by its folded-down ears and round "owl" face — sweet, quiet and affectionate. Seal-point Siamese cat with blue eyes Siamese The talkative, striking cat of Thailand — a sleek body, blue eyes and dark "points" on the face, ears, paws and tail. Hairless Sphynx cat with wrinkled skin and large ears Sphynx The famous hairless cat — warm, wrinkled, suede-soft skin and an extrovert, attention-loving personality. White Turkish Angora cat with a silky coat Turkish Angora An old, graceful longhair from Turkey — a silky single coat, plumed tail and a lively, affectionate streak.
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How this guide is put together

Each entry is written from real, checkable facts — how to recognise the cat breed, where it lives, what it eats and how it sounds — in plain language, not padded out. Photos are used only where we have one under an open licence, credited on the cat breed's own page. We add to it in careful batches rather than dumping a thin list.

Dog & cat names →Curated dog and cat names with their real meanings.Dog Breeds A–Z →Our picture-led guide to dog breeds, the same way.Animals for sale →Cats and other animals listed by owners near you.