Types of Cat Breeds

Some people want to liven up a quiet environment with an active and playful cat while others prefer to maintain the mellowness with a calm cat. Calm cats can fit in environments with kids and without, but do better in the presence of quiet, independent children rather than active, playful kids. Calm cat breeds are often some of the most gentle cat breeds, so keep that in mind as you explore the list below.

Thinking about getting a cat but not sure which breed is right for you? We can help.

If you work full time or your kids have busy after-school schedules, you need a pet that’s comfortable staying home alone for several hours at a time. Although they love quality time with their humans, independent cat breeds like Russian Blues or Persians are perfectly content to entertain themselves with toys and plenty of cat naps while you’re away. You can't ignore these self-sufficient felines completely, however. They still need playtime, snuggles and other attention from you. 

If you want a soft, fluffy cat, you’ll probably find what you’re looking for with a longhaired cat breed. These felines have long and luxurious coats that are silky to the touch. Despite their softness and beauty, longhaired cats may not be right for everyone. They require daily grooming to keep their coats tangle- and mat-free, which can be a chore for busy individuals or families. Plus, they may trigger an allergic reaction in people with dander allergies, which is exacerbated by the frequent shedding. Explore our list of longhaired cat breeds below to find out which one of these elegant felines is right for you.

They may appear lazy, but low-energy cats are just calm, gentle and affectionate. They still play and will enjoy playtime with their humans on occasion, but they’d rather curl up in your lap for a cat nap instead. Because they aren’t as active as other breeds, they may need help maintaining a healthy weight. View these calm and gentle cat breeds below to learn more.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of owning a cat, but constant shedding can be problematic, particularly for busy individuals or families. To minimize the amount of time you spend vacuuming up cat hair, consider getting a low-shedding cat. Although these felines still shed, it’s a much smaller amount than you’d experience with other breeds. Cats that don’t shed much will still require some grooming and bathing, but they’re lower maintenance than longhaired breeds. Browse the low-shedding cat breeds listed below to see if one is a good match for you.

If large domestic cats seem too big and small breeds seem tiny, a medium cat breed may be just right for you. These mid-sized cats typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, so they fit right into almost any home and environment, whether you live in a small apartment in the city or a big house in the suburbs. If you’ve been longing for a feline companion but don’t want anything extreme, a medium cat breed is a great choice. Review our list of medium-sized breeds to find the perfect kitty for you.

Some cats have a lot of energy and want to play seemingly nonstop while others are much more laid back, preferring to snooze on an armchair rather than engage in playtime. Fortunately, if you want the best of both worlds, you can find it in medium-energy cat breeds. These cats will enjoy a healthy mix of playtime and relaxation, and while they’re affectionate, they’re also independent. Find out more about these middle-of-the-road cats by exploring our list below.

Medium-hair cats are popular because they’re a great middle-of-the-road option for people who don’t want a longhaired cat, but want a softer, fluffier kitty than a shorthaired cat. They also require less grooming than cats with long hair but more than those with short coats. Weekly grooming is all they need to maintain a healthy, shiny coat, which is manageable, even for busy families and individuals. Check out the list below to find the perfect medium-hair cat for your lifestyle and home.

Unique color combinations and exotic markings are just one of the many reasons a cat breed may be considered rare. Newly developed breeds may also be rare, as can ancient and foreign breeds that are difficult (or nearly impossible) to acquire. Explore all these rare cat breeds below to learn more about their history and characteristics.

If you want a low-maintenance feline, a shorthaired cat may be the perfect fit. Because their coats are short, they don’t require daily grooming like longhaired cat breeds. Instead, periodic brushing is all they need to keep their coats healthy and to reduce shedding. If that sounds like the perfect match for your busy lifestyle, explore our list of shorthaired cat breeds below. 

If you want feline companionship but want to maintain a quiet environment, consider a silent or quiet cat breed. They still purr and may even meow from time to time, but they are much less vocal than other breeds. Rather than meowing or chirping at you, instead they’ll cuddle or nudge you for playtime and meal times. Explore our list of silent and quiet cat breeds below to find a quiet companion.

Cats are known for their intelligence. In fact, Mark Twain wrote in A Cat-Tale: “A cat is more intelligent than people believe, and can be taught any crime.” Although some of the smartest cats are easy to train, there are other ways to measure their intelligence, such as how quickly they learn, how well they adapt to new situations and environments and how they interact with humans and other animals. Explore our list of the smartest cat breeds below and you may find yourself adopting a cat who can open doors, turn on faucets and more.

Kids love pets they can include in their games of make believe. Whether they want to carry your cat around pretending she’s their baby or want her to sit as a guest at their tea party, you need a kitty who’s affectionate, playful and most of all: patient.

Gradually introduce her to the family and teach your children how to respect her. Give her plenty of time to get acclimated to her new household. Explore our selection of best cat breeds for children below to find the perfect feline for your family.

Having other pets can make bringing home a new kitty more complicated. By doing your research, however, you can choose the best cat breeds for dogs or other animals, which will make for a smoother transition. Cats that like dogs and other pets are non-territorial and they aren't shy, skittish or aggressive. Ensure the kitten or cat you bring home is properly socialized and slowly introduce her to the other pets in your home to ease her nerves. Browse our list of cat breeds that are good with dogs and other pets below.

There’s no truly non-shedding cat—even hairless cats shed occasionally—but they do shed significantly less than most other breeds. This makes cats like the Sphynx, Peterbald or the La Perm a great choice, both for people who want to avoid getting cat fur all over their clothes and furniture and for those with allergies. Explore all the cat breeds that don’t shed much below to find the right kitty for you.

There are just 3 cat breeds that need daily grooming: the Birman, Himalayan and Persian. These longhaired cats require daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting, remove dirt and debris and to minimize shedding. If you can dedicate the time each day to groom one of these cats, you’ll be rewarded with a strong bond with your feline companion. Explore these high-maintenance cat breeds below.

Cats are sufficient self-groomers, and shorthaired and medium-hair cats require significantly less grooming than certain longhaired breeds. Most still require periodic brushing, however. Doing so removes dirt and debris and redistributes oils to maintain a healthy, shiny coat. Browse the list of cat breeds that need monthly grooming below for a lower-maintenance feline.

Longhaired cats typically need daily grooming while shorthaired breeds may only need brushing once a month. Cat breeds that need weekly grooming fall in the middle with medium-length coats. A weekly grooming schedule will maintain the health and shine of your cat’s coat, while also minimizing shedding and reducing her risk of hairballs from self-grooming. View the list of cats that need weekly grooming below.

Although all cats require some form of grooming, at least on occasion, several breeds need it far less than others. Cat breeds that rarely need grooming include shorthaired and hairless cats. Not only do these cats need less frequent grooming than other breeds, but they also don’t shed much and may even be considered hypoallergenic. Explore these low-maintenance cat breeds below.

Heavy shedding cat breeds have long, fluffy coats that require daily grooming. While they may require more maintenance than what a busy family can provide, they’re perfect for people with enough time each day to groom and bond with their feline companion. See all heavy-shedding cat breeds below to learn more about their grooming needs and other requirements.

Cat breeds with moderate shedding typically have a medium-length coat—not too short, but not overly long—and require regular grooming. This maintains their skin and coat health, in addition to minimizing shedding and reducing hairballs. Moderately shedding cats include some of the most popular breeds, like the Maine Coon and Bengal. View the complete list below to find a moderately shedding cat to meet your lifestyle needs.

Cats with no hair may look a little different than the fluffier breeds, but they are just as affectionate, if not more, as they like being close to their humans for warmth. Some of these so-called “naked cats” even have a short coat of peach fuzz-like hair. Don’t let the name fool you, though. Just because they're hairless doesn’t mean these cats never require any grooming or a bath. Explore these hairless cat breeds below to find the right one for you.

Whether you have kids in need of a playmate or simply want an active and playful cat, a high-energy cat breed is a great choice. Supply them with plenty of attention, toys and games and they’ll entertain themselves—and you—for hours. Explore our list of playfulcat breeds below to find a perfectly energetic cat for your home.

Did you know cat hair isn’t the cause of reactions in people sensitized to cat allergens? The primary cause is an allergen produced in cats’ saliva. These allergens are spread to cats’ hair through grooming, which are then shed into the environment.

Some large cat breeds, like the Maine Coon, can weigh 15 pounds or more, whereas other large breeds, like the Persian, may weigh less than 15 pounds. With such a large variance in size, you’ll want to do your research to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Our list of big domestic cats includes ones with exotic ancestors, like the Savannah (descended from the African Serval) and the Bengal (descended from the Asian Leopard Cat). Explore the largest domestic cat breeds below to find the right size for you.

Affectionate cat breeds thrive on attention and are eager to please. Some express their affection vocally through purrs and meows, while others prefer physical affection, such as curling up in your lap. Regardless of how they express themselves, these breeds love interacting with their humans.

These most affectionate cats are anything but shy, and are generally playful, confident and spirited. They’re also good-natured, easygoing and devoted to their family. Affectionate cat breeds don’t mind active households, as they can easily adapt to different environments and situations. Browse our list of most affectionate cats below to find the perfect kitty for you.  

Whether you want the most popular cat breed for yourself or you’re just curious about the top cat breeds, we’ve compiled a list so you can view them all in one place. You can learn about their origins, personalities, health and more here. Explore our list of top cats and see for yourself why these felines are so popular.

Chatty cats do more than just meow and purr—they may chirp or twill as well. You may find them asking about your day when you come home or telling a critter outside their window to move along. The Siamese is one of the most vocal cat breeds, but others include the Japanese Bobtail and the Oriental. If you’re looking for a feline who will engage you in intelligent conversation, explore our list of talkative cat breeds below.

Thanks to their size, many small cat breeds are light on their feet and athletic. Although the smallest domestic cats may be shy around larger pets and strangers, many are also playful and loyal companions to their people. Explore the following cat breeds that stay small to find the perfect one for you.