What Breed is My Cat?

Do you find yourself wondering what breed your cat is? If you’ve adopted yours from a shelter, you may not know. Thought some cats (like the Sphynx for instance) are quite distinct, others are harder to identify. Identifying breed is not only interesting, it can provide valuable insight into their unique personality, behaviour, and even potential health issues. Here we explore various ways to determine what breed your cat is, from examining its physical characteristics, consulting with experts, or even getting a cat DNA test!

Whether you’re a new cat parent or a long-time feline enthusiast, this guide will help you identify your furry companion and better understand its individual needs and quirks.

Look at your cat’s physical characteristics

Your cat’s coat colour, pattern, eye colour, body shape, and size are all indicators of their breed. Here’s what to look for:

Coat colour

The colour and pattern of their coat can help determine its breed:

• Siberian, Russian Blue, Bombay and Persian cats are solid in colour
• American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Cornish Rex have tortoise shell coats
• Maine Coon, Manx, Exotic Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Turkish Van, British Shorthair, Cymric have two colours in their coat, also referred to as being ‘bi-colour‘
• Manx, American Shorthair, Persian, Devon Rex, Scottish Fold, Arabian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Cornish Rex have calico coats
• Tonkinese, Birman, Himalayan, Balinese, Snowshoe, Siamese have ‘points’ in their coat

Coat length/texture

Sticking to their coat, the length and texture of your cat’s coat is another indicator:

• Persian, Birman, Himalayan, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Turkish Angora, Siberian have long hair
• American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Manx, Russian Blue, Bengal, Siamese have short hair
• LaPerm, American Wirehair, Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex have curly hair
• Sphynx, Peterbald, Donskoy, Bambino, Elf have no hair (read more about hairless cat breeds)

Body type

Examine their body shape, size, and build. Different breeds have different body types, such as the slender and athletic body of the Abyssinian or the stocky and muscular body of the American Shorthair:

• Small or dwarf-size cats (those under 4kg) include Singapura, Munchkin, Napoleon, Bambino, American Curl, Balinese, Cornish Rex, Japanese Bobtail
• Medium-sized carts (4-7kg) include Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Russian Blue, Ocicat, Manx, Sphynx, Korat, American Wirehair, Chartreux, Scottish Fold
• Large cats (7kg and up) include Maine Coon, Ragamuffin, Savannah Cat, Chausie, Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat

Head shape

Pay attention to the shape of your cat’s head and face. Some breeds have unique facial features, such as the flat face of the Persian or the wedge-shaped head of the Siamese.

Eye shape

Though eye colour is unlikely to be a good indicator of breed, their shape may help to determine what breed your cat is. Some breeds have specific eye shapes, such as the round eyes of the British Shorthair or the almond-shaped eyes of the Siamese.

Check out this video for examples of 98 breeds across the globe! Whether it’s all the breeds is debatable…

Behavioural traits will help uncover a cat’s breed

Another way to determine your cat’s breed is by examining its behaviour and personality. Different breeds of cats have unique personality traits that can help identify their breed. Some of the personality traits to consider include:

Activity level

Breeds like the Bengal are known for their high energy levels and love of play, while others, such as the Persian, are more laid-back and prefer to lounge.

Temperament

The temperament of your kitty can also provide clues about its breed. For example, the Abyssinian is known for being social and friendly, while the Scottish Fold is known for being more reserved.

Vocalisations

Breeds like the Bengal, Burmese and Sphynx are known for their distinct vocalisations, while others, such as the Maine Coon, are typically quiet.

Pets are marvellous! Find out the physical benefit of owning a dog or cat.

Consult a cat breed book

There are many books available that provide information on different cat breeds. They typically include descriptions and pictures of each breed, as well as information on their history, temperament, and potential health concerns.

This makes it easy for you to compare your cat to the pictures and descriptions in the books. Some popular books on kitty breeds include:

1. The Complete Cat Breed Book by DK Publishing
2. The Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds by J. Anne Helgren
3. Cat Breeds of the World by Desmond Morris
4. Simon’s Cat Breed Guide by Simon Tofield
5. The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know by Tracie Hotchner

Foray into forums to ask ‘what breed is my cat’?

The internet is a wonderful resource of shared info. There are plenty of online cat community forums where cat lovers ask questions, share stories, connect, and learn more about their cats. These forums could also be a great way for you to identify your cat’s breed.

Many cat parents and enthusiasts on these forums are knowledgeable about different breeds of cats and are happy to provide advice and guidance.

When posting on a cat forum, be sure to provide clear pictures of your cat, along with any information you have about its physical characteristics, behaviour, and personality. With the power of many minds combined, you may very well be able to finally determine what breed your cat is!

Ask an expert: What breed is my cat?

If you’re still unsure about your cat’s breed, you can consult with a veterinarian or cat breed expert. They can examine your cat’s physical characteristics and behaviour and help you identify its breed. A vet can also provide information about potential health concerns specific to your cat’s breed.

Importantly, knowing what breed your cat is can help you better understand its individual needs and quirks. Examining your cat’s physical characteristics and behaviour can provide clues about its breed, but consulting with a veterinarian or breed expert can also help identify your cat’s breed with greater accuracy.

Cat DNA testing for discovering breed

Did you can do a cat DNA test to determine its breed? Yes. It works similarly to human DNA testing, involving taking a sample of your cat’s DNA and analysing it for specific genetic markers. There are various cat DNA testing kits available on the market that you can purchase online or through your vet.

To perform the test, you will need to collect a DNA sample from your cat. This can be done by swabbing the inside of their cheek with a sterile cotton swab, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will examine the DNA sample for specific markers that are unique to different cat breeds.

Keep in mind that a cat DNA test may not always provide an accurate result, as some breeds of cats have very similar genetic markers. Additionally, DNA testing can be quite expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost before deciding to do the test.

Insure your companion

Cat insurance is all about peace of mind for you and safety for your cat – no matter their breed. Vet bills can cost an arm and a leg (but pet insurance doesn’t). Knowing you have a pet plan in place means you’ll be able to provide them with the medical and health care they need when they need it most.

Not sure? Read the story of Steve the Russian Blue cat to understand how pet insurance can help save pets in challenging times of health. Be sure to read our policy wording too, as not all breeds are covered. Or click below and we’ll get back to you.