From Ear Tufts to Fluffy Tails: How to Identify Your Pet Cat's Breed
Why Identifying a Cat's Breed Is Important
Each cat breed is unique in its own way, with special features and habits. If you are a cat owner or want to own a cat, you should definitely be able to distinguish the differences between breeds. Knowing the breed of your pet will provide you with the necessary information to take the best care of your feline companion for many years.
Visual Cues to Determine a Cat's Breed
A cat's breed can be recognized by analyzing these three categories:
- Facial features
- Color and texture of the coat
- Body shape and size
The main difference between cat breeds is the variation of color and texture of the coat. This is also the easiest to spot.
Did You Know?
There are three basic face shapes: round, square, and triangle. Knowing your cat's face shape is the first step necessary to identify its breed.
How to Identify Your Pet's Lineage
Using the following sections and corresponding shorthair/longhair breed graphs, you'll be equipped with everything you need to find your pet's lineage.
- The History of Cat Domestication
- Family Classification
- Ancestry of Different Breeds
- Longhair Cats
- Shorthair Cats
- Common House Cats
Comparing the variables included, such as family classification and ancestry factoids, you can feel confident that you are providing the best life for your current or soon-to-be pet.
Commercial cat breeding is very difficult because mating can be controlled only when the male and the Queen (breeding female) are confined. Cats are genetically rigid, therefore there are few opportunities for commercial breeders. Data regarding characteristics and features inherited by breeding is scarce, as there has been little scientific breeding performed.
Most cat breeds can be grouped into two different categories:
- Longhair
- Shorthair
Note: Aside from coat length, there are no major distinctions between these two categories.
Based on the color of the coat, both longhair and shorthairs have different breed subcategories. Some colors and patterns can be genetically linked with the sex or condition of the cat. These visual traits are also used to identify potential birth defects and genetic quirks in cats.
Did You Know?
You can often tell if a cat is predisposed to a genetically linked quirk. For example; calicos, tortoiseshells, and blue-cream cats are usually female.
The History of Cat Breeding and Domestication
Domestication and religious cat cults evolved in ancient Egypt. In the 5th and 6th Pharaoh dynasties (2465–2150 BCE), cats were proclaimed as sacred animals; however, Egyptians did not begin to domesticate cats until 1500 BCE.
Civilizations That Owned Domesticated Cats
- China: Religious art from the 5th century BCE depicts domesticated cats.
- Greece: In the 1st century BCE, they appeared in plays for comic effect.
- India: Sanskrit texts written around the 1st century BCE mention domestic cats.
- Japan: They were considered guardians in the 7th century CE.
- Britain: Cat protection laws existed in 936 CE.
Cats were domesticated because they were sacred animals that were very useful in protecting granaries and crops from rodents. These days, this purpose is no longer as relevant for most, so owning cats is mainly for companionship and show.
Classification of Cat Family
- Family Felidae: There are 37 species in 18 genera belonging to 3 subfamilies; found worldwide, excluding Antarctica. They evolved in the Late Eocene Era— about 37 million years ago.
- Subfamily Felinae: There are 29 species found worldwide; excluding Antarctica. They evolved about 10 million years ago.
- Genus Felis (Small Cats): There are six old species, including the wildcat and domestic cat; found worldwide. They evolved in the Pliocene Era—about 5.3 to 3.6 million years ago.
The Ancestry of Different Cat Breeds
About 40 distinct cat breeds have been recognized. Ancestry of some of these breeds goes back to the time of antiquity. The ancestry of individual cat breeds can be traced to cat mummies, as well as ancient statues and drawings available in different cultures.
The Origins of Well-Known Breeds
- The Tabby and Abyssinian are the descendants of the sacred Egyptian cat. The present-day tabby and Abyssinian look similar to the cat mummies, statues, and drawings in Egypt.
- The Persian, whose exact origin is unknown (with Iran being the best guess), is believed to be a mixed-breed cat.
- The tailless Manx, the hairless Sphynx, and the curly-coated Devon Rex all have mutant genes. The ancestors of all Egyptian cats come from Africa.
- The Siamese cat is believed to have Asian ancestry, even though no living species of Asian cats have been found.
- The history of the Japanese Bobtail goes back more than 1,000 years. This cat breed, which was very common in medieval Japan, is quite rare these days.
Longhair Cats
Longhair cats are distinguished by their long, flowing coat. Their coat colors can be solid or bicolored, in addition to various patterns.
Solid Coats
- White
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Cream
Patterned Coats
- White with black streaks
- Silver and black
- Tabby
- Calico
- Silver blotches
- Blue-gray and cream
- Blue-cream
- Tortoiseshell
- Cream, red, and black
Longhair Breeds
Name
| Origin
| Features
| Specialty
|
|---|---|---|---|
Balinese
| U.S.
| Long, slender body; sapphire-blue eyes
| Siamese mutant, sways tail when walking
|
Birman
| Burma
| Bushy tail, white paws, deep blue eyes
| Known as sacred cat of Burma
|
Cymric
| Canada
| Stout, heavy chest, no tail
| Also called longhair Manx
|
Himalayan, or Colorpoint Longhair
| U.S./Europe
| Short, full tail, sapphire-blue eyes
| Siamese and Persian cross
|
Javanese
| U.S.
| Long and flexible body, silky coat
| Balinese and Colourpoint Shorthair cross
|
Maine Coon
| U.S.
| Large and well-muscled, hairy coat
| Oldest American breed
|
Norwegian Forest
| Norway
| Full-bodied, muscular, double coat
| Featured prominently in Nordic fables
|
Persian
| Iran
| Sturdy, massive head
| Having many variations, one of the oldest and most popular breed
|
Ragdoll
| U.S.
| Heavy and powerful, blue eyes
| Resembles a limp rag doll, relaxes muscles when picked up
|
Somali
| U.S.
| Flexible and muscular, full brush tail, green or golden eyes
| Distinguished as a longhair Abyssinian
|
Turkish Angora
| Turkey
| Long, feathery tail; large, pointed ears
| One of the first longhair cats in introduced in Europe
|
Shorthair Cats
Shorthair breeds consist of British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Bombay (pitch-black colored) Bengal (gray-white stripes), Manx (tailless), Sphynx (hairless), etc. A shorthair cat has a round head, round eyes, ears rounded at the tips, a sturdy build, and strong-boned legs.
The coats of shorthair cats are often similar to those of longhair breeds. However, the most common coat colors include those found in tabbies:
- Brown
- Silver
- Blue
- Red
Note: The blue-cream color is rare in Shorthairs. Cream is simply the diluted version of red, and is rather rare to encounter. To be mixed with blue is even rarer.
Shorthair Breeds
Name
| Origin
| Features
| Specialty
|
|---|---|---|---|
Abyssinian
| Egypt
| Majestic, flexible body; long, slender legs
| Sacred cat of Egypt
|
American Shorthair
| U.S.
| Big, muscular body; thick, dense fur
| Natural hunter
|
American Wirehair
| U.S.
| Varies in sizes, from medium to large; curly coat
| Rare outside U.S.
|
Bengal
| U.S.
| Spotted coat; forelimbs bigger than hind limbs
| Cross between Asian leopard cat and American Shorthair tabby
|
Bombay
| U.S.
| Resembles black panther
| Cross between Burmese and black American Shorthair
|
British shorthair
| England
| Short, muscular, short legs, thick tail
| Oldest natural English breed
|
Burmese
| Burma
| Medium-size; shiny, thick coat
| Related to Siamese
|
Chartreux
| France
| Full-bodied; blue-gray
| One of the oldest natural breeds
|
Cornish Rex
| England
| Short, curly hair; large ears
| Named after the Rex rabbit
|
Devon Rex
| England
| Slightly rough coat than Cornish Rex; pixie face
| Nicknamed "poodle cat"
|
Egyptian Mau
| Egypt
| Graceful, distinct spot pattern, banded tail
| Mau is Egyptian word for cat
|
Japanese Bobtail
| Japan
| Triangular head, large ears, rabbit like tail
| Symbol of good luck
|
Korat
| Thailand
| Silver-blue coat, heart-shaped face
| Native name is "Si-Sawat," symbol of good luck
|
Ocicat
| U.S.
| Cream colored coat with dark or light brown spots
| Cross between Abyssinian and Siamese
|
Oriental Shorthair
| U.S./U.K.
| Long, flexible body; vibrant green eyes
| Specialized with numerous colors unique to the breed
|
Russian Blue
| Russia
| Muscular, fine-boned, double coat; blue in color with the streaks of silver
| Symbol of good luck
|
Scottish Fold
| Scotland
| Short, round, well-padded body; folded ears
| May be born crippled due to genetic vulnerability
|
Siamese
| Thailand
| Thin, long body; sapphire-blue eyes
| Intelligent, unpredictable behavior
|
Sphynx
| Canada
| Hairless, large ears
| Rare outside North America
|
Tonkinese
| U.S.
| Medium-sized, blue-green eyes
| Cross between Siamese and Burmese
|
Manx
| Isle of Man
| Tailless or with stump; double coat
| If two tailless gene cats are breed, there might be stillbirths or skeletal defects
|
Common House Cats
To help you with your identification journey, I have outlined the specifications and characteristics of three of the most easily recognized house cats that you may encounter:
- The Siamese
- The Persian
- The Tabby
The Siamese
The Siamese cat is small and agile. It is regarded as the most intelligent house cat. It is affectionate and loyal, but can be destructive sometimes. The Siamese cat is highly vocal.
Breed Origins
Even though Siamese cats are named after Siam (the old name of Thailand), its origin as a breed is unknown. The Siamese cat is a popular breed of cats. They have been domesticated in Thailand and some parts of Asia for a long time; however, they did not reach Europe until the late 19th century.
The British took Siamese cats as gifts to England. From England, these cats made their way to America. According to a widely held belief in Thailand, Siamese cats protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits. This exotic feline creature is believed to bring good fortune to its owner.
Variations in Siamese Cats
Some Siamese may have crossed eyes, curly tails, or muscular bodies.
A Partly Albino Breed
The Siamese cat is partially albino. When kittens are born, they are white or cream colored, but later develop dark points such as dark brown (seal point), blue-gray (blue point), milk-chocolate brown (chocolate point), pinkish gray (lilac point), or reddish orange (red point) on ears, face, legs, and tail.
Characteristics of Siamese Cats
- Light color in the body and dark color around the feet, tail, legs, and face
- Slanted blue eyes
- Muscular
- Round head
- Flexible, long body
- Slim, long tail
- Slim legs
- Color points
- Social, communicative, noisy, playful
- Attention seeking
- Emotionally high maintenance
- Short hair
- Weighs between 6–16 pounds
- Has a lifespan of 15–20 years
The Persian
Based on the color of their coat, Persian cats are grouped in seven categories, including solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan. The Persian cat is identifiable by its long, flowing coat.
Persian Cat Variations
Normally, the Persian cat is white in color. Albeit rare, black and red Persians have also been recorded.
A Delicate, Indoor Animal
Persian cats are loving companions. They don’t climb and jump much, they are not destructive, they love to hang with humans, and they really love to bask in the sun. Persian cats are indoor cats, which mean they are prone to coat damage and disease when they roam outside. They can live up to 20 years.
The Persian cat has long and dense fur. In order to protect the coat, frequent bathing and combing is necessary for a Persian cat. They also must be kept indoors so their majestic coat is preserved.
Characteristics of Persian Cats
- Gentle and sweet
- Long hair
- Great companion
- Not very demanding
- Big eyes
- Pleasant voice
- Communicative
- Passive
- Easy to keep
- Needs too much grooming
- Expensive
- Playful, affectionate, defensive, languid
The Tabby
Contrary to popular belief, tabbies are not categorized as a breed. Cats with grey or tawny (a light brown to brownish orange color) streaks, patterns, or patchy coloring can be considered a tabby.
Tabbies can also be identified by the signature "M" shape found on their forehead.
Tabby is one of the most common cat coat colors. It is seen in pure-breed cats as well as mixed-breed cats.
Did You Know?
Due to genetics, orange tabbies are usually male, lazy, and docile.
Characteristics of Tabby Cats
- Friendly
- Loving
- Cuddly
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Love to be the center of attention
- Thrive as indoor/outdoor cats
- "M" mark on the forehead
- Common patterns include: swirls, mackerel, ticked, and spotted
Now, Go Get to Know Some Cats!
Now that you know all there is about cat breeds and their characteristics, you are more than prepared to go identify some cats on your own! Regardless of whether you wanted to get to know your own companion a little better, do some research before adopting a pet, or just learn something new about the species, I hope that using this guide as a reference served you well.
What is your favorite cat breed?
Questions & Answers
© 2013 Vinaya Ghimire
Related
Comments
I have a orange tabby cat. But id like to know what breed he came from. He has a small head and long front legs. He is a small cat. Does anyone know what beed ha may have come from?
I have a small cat named roe and she is super fluffy and creamy colored what type is she someone tell me
I have a Minx cat!! Anyone know if they are rare?
Vinaya......I have always loved cats and am sure to have one, sometimes two as my babies. Like so many others here, I had no idea there are so many different breeds. Are you a cat expert of sorts? Or just very fond of cats?
Have you ever had the chance to see a TV program called, "My Cat from Hell?".....Jackson Galaxy is known as the "Cat Whisperer" and is able to solve any kind of issue people may be having with their pet cat. I love that show. If you can, you should watch it.
Very informative hub. I appreciate the lesson.....UP+++
Group oriental cats includes a large number of breeds. http://cataristocrat.com/en/oriental-body-type-cat...
I had no idea there were that many different cat breeds. You sure did do a great job here. Very informative!
Cats are beautiful!!!
What a great article! I do love cats. (We have "only" 7 of them!--LOL)
Ours are all mixed breeds, and they are all sweet, but still with their own personality quirks.
Voted up ++ and pinned.
So many different kinds of cats--wow! Great hub Vinaya!
Interesting and so useful Vinaya.
Voted up for sure.
Eddy.
Dear Vinaya,
What a fabulous amount of information, presented in a variety of methods. I also loved the tables of information. The video was one of the coolest I have seen...I never had seen curly cats; a long haired Manx; the adorable elf cats...really a video to come back to as it is so packed with kitty cats.
No matter what the readers' felines are about felines, you are a master writer! Voted UP and UABI. Hugs, Maria
I have had a variety of cats over the years: siamese, persian, tabby, etc. and everyone has filled my life with joy. Your table chart is a great resource.
Since I was a child I have loved plain ones, fancy ones, ugly ones, scruffy ones, elegant ones, tiny ones, large ones, healthy ones and disabled ones. I simply adore their attitudes, their vibrancy and the way they are slow to warm. The cat in the lead photo looks very content. Beautiful.
Very interesting about identifying cat breeds you know more than I do about cats but never too late to learn. always a good write from you. Informative, useful interesting and most helpful to cat lovers.
I've never owned a cat, but nevertheless this little cat series is useful and informative :)
I'm just not a cat person, Vinaya, but great information.
So many cat breeds nicely done.
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