Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

What is the difference between cat breeds? Here’s what to know about different types of felines

Breeds aren't just for dogs. There are many different types of cats, too

BethAnn Mayer
By

In the pet world, there’s a decent amount of focus on dog breeds. There are so many distinct breeds with different physical and social characteristics. Cats just get grouped into one bucket: cats. Sometimes, people consider them as “short-haired” and “long-haired” cats, but that’s it.

However, there are several different types of cats, too, and you’ll want to consider their preferred lifestyles before making them a part of yours. Finding the right fit for your home is essential. It helps ensure you and your feline build a lifelong friendship.

Related Videos

These five different cat breeds are super popular. Learn more about them to see if they’re the perfect feline for you.

Related

Silver Persian cat

5 different cat breeds to consider

There are many different types of cats, but these five are some of the most common. Here’s what to know about their health and behavior.

Persian

  • Life span: 12-17 years
  • Size: 7-12 pounds, 14-18 inches
  • Physical: Long face, short muzzle, long coat with many permissible colors (white, silver, golden, bicolor, chocolate, and more).
  • Social: Quiet and sweet, but a bit standoffish
  • Get if: You want a cat that loves you but doesn’t need constant attention
  • Avoid if: You can’t stand tons of shedding.

American shorthair

  • Life span: 15-20 years
  • Size: 8-12 pounds, 8-10 inches
  • Physical: Short coat with many colors, including white, brown, black, and orange
  • Social: Gentle, generally good with children and other pets
  • Get if: You want an all-American cat with minimal shedding (relatively speaking) or have small children and other pets.
  • Avoid if: You’re looking for a truly unique feline

Abyssinian  

  • Life span: 9-13 years
  • Size: 8-12 pounds, 8-12 inches
  • Physical: Short, silky coats coat, low shedding, triangular head, and large ears
  • Social: Playful, curious, active, and loving
  • Get if: You want a cat that could double as a dog personality-wise
  • Avoid if: You’re looking for an aloof, laid-back cat

Siamese

  • Life span: 12-15 years
  • Size: 5-8 pounds, up to 14 inches
  • Physical: Short coat, triangular head, and piercing blue eyes
  • Social: Affectionate, active, and often bonds with a specific person
  • Get if: You’re looking for a new best friend with gorgeous eyes
  • Avoid if: You want a cat that bonds with the whole family or one with fewer health challenges – Siamese cats are prone to GI issues, tumors, and eye issues

Maine Coon

  • Life span: 12-15 years
  • Size: 8 20 pounds, up to 16 inches
  • Physical: Large or medium coats that are smooth and silky
  • Social: Playful, active, and loving
  • Get if: You’re looking for a giant, active kitty
  • Avoid if: You’re looking for a small, short-haired cat and don’t want a high monthly kitty grocery bill; generally, Maine Coons can eat the same diet as other cats, but their large size often requires more kibble — a vet can give the best insights on portioning

A small silver, short-haired cat

Resources to research different types of cats

These resources can help you learn more about many different cat breeds.

  • Vets see cats all day, every day. They can provide insights into common health conditions specific breeds are prone to and social characteristics.
  • Like vets, local shelters and rescues are dedicated to caring for animals. They also want to help homeless cats find forever families. Speaking to the shelter staff about specific breeds can help narrow down your choices.
  • Spend time with loved ones’ cats, and ask them about the kitty’s personality and needs. Getting first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to raise a certain breed on a long-term basis is useful.

Also, no two cats are alike, even in the same breed. Some kitties go against the grain. For example, one Persian may not be aloof, and a specific Abyssinian may not be as playful as most in the breed. Meeting a cat and speaking with the shelter staff or a reputable breeder can help you make the most informed decision.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more
Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more