Cat Breeds

Large eyes and attentively upright ears instantly tell you a great deal about this charming breed of cat: Abyssinians are inquisitive and affectionate towards people.

The African wildcat, also known as the steppe cat, is regarded as the ancestor of our indoor cats. The resemblance, both in appearance and behaviour, is quite striking. So why is it worthwhile to learn more about the African wildcat? Getting to know these wild creatures offers a series of enlightening moments regarding your own darling feline at home.

The breed's name hints at its most striking feature: the American Bobtail has a short tail, only half as long as that of other cats. Discover what else sets these gentle, sociable creatures apart.

The American Curl is a cat breed that draws attention: its curved ears could also pass as an eye-catching headdress conceptualised by a modern designer. In terms of character, the American Curl's domestic cat heritage wins through: it is unspoiled, active and drawn to people.

Also aboard the ships of the first European settlers in America were four-legged passengers. The cats who travelled with them were prized because of their hunting ability. During long voyages, they kept the mice and rats at bay. They were popular on land too, since they made sure there were no pesky nibblers in the grain storages. It has emerged that these cats are the ancestors of the well known and loved breed that goes by the name of “American Shorthair”.

The American Shorthair and Longhair cats are well known, but who has heard of the “American Wirehair cat”? This breed is very rare in America and almost unheard of in Europe. The American Wirehair remains an intriguing cat, which, like countless other breeds, was the result of a random genetic mutation. Read on to find out about this mysterious cat breed from New York!

The Australian Mist is the only cat breed from the Australian continent. Bred from the Burmese, Abyssinian and domestic cats, this gentle and trusting cat breed is ideally suited as a domestic cat. The name of these Australian felines is inspired by their typical fur markings, which look as if the cat had been covered by a light fog.

The Balinese cat soon catches the eye of fans of the Siamese and Birman: this breed has a striking point pattern, but with semi-long fur.

The Bengal is a truly unique cat breed. Initially they were a cross between Asian Leopard cats and domestic cats. However, fertility issues of male cats in the first to third generation led to first generation females being mated with domestic cats again.

The name 'Sacred Cat of Burma' causes real confusion, therefore this cat breed is known as the 'Birman' in English. However, don't confuse it with the Burmese! In fact, the Birman cat comes from a French breeding programme that was carried out in the 20^th century. Here you can find out more about the breed that combines the best of the Persian and Siamese cat!

Are you looking for an adaptable cat for domestic life, if possible with a long coat? Also commonly referred to as the Highlander, the British Longhair is the semi-longhaired alternative to the British Shorthair, sharing its friendly, even-tempered manner but with a lesser urge for activity.

Are you looking for a cat that perfectly complements your family with its calm, well-balanced nature, and that will happily live indoors? Chances are the “British Shorthair” will have been recommended to you as the ideal breed! No cat-lover will be able to resist the plush coat and big eyes of the British Shorthair, and its character is equally lovable. But what else do you need to know about this breed? Our breed portrait will introduce you in detail to these lovable felines, as well as offering tips on purchasing and keeping your cat, alongside good nutrition and health care.

The “Good Luck Cat” – this description of the Burmese cat from its original Thai homeland describes the breed perfectly! These chatterboxes love humans and spend their lives playing and frolicking!

This playful and still new British cat breed came about through a chance crossing of a Chinchilla Persian cat and a Burmese. There are several myths surrounding the origin of the breed, of which one is cuter and more heart-warming than the other – just like the Burmilla itself.

Red, white and black – the calico cat immediately stands out with its tricolour fur. How does this special fur pattern emerge? Why are almost all calico cats female? Do they really bring good fortune? Read the answers to these questions in this article.

The caracal is native to the arid regions of Asia and Africa. With its black ear tufts, it is similar in appearance to the lynx, leading to its nickname: the desert lynx. Some people keep a caracal as an exotic pet. However, caracals are wild animals and should not be in private ownership.

Many people admire the beauty and elegance of wild cats. This stirs desires, with some cat lovers keen to have a miniature version of such an exotic specimen in their home. This desire for something special forms the basis for numerous hybrid breeds. The Caracat is one of these, but breeding is problematic.

The Chartreux cat breed is one of the most well-loved in Europe and yet there are lots of questions around the origins of the breed and whether they should be recognized as a distinct breed at all. They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as Maltese or Korat cats.

The Chausie is a hybrid breed with a cross between domestic and jungle cats. It is said to combine the proud appearance of wild cats with the loyal and people-focused nature of domestic cats. The rare Chausie has well-defined cheekbones and has maintained its ancestors' desire for exercise and freedom to this day.

When we talk about cats, we often refer to them as short-haired or long-haired, but you might be surprised to learn that there are cat breeds with curly hair and even no hair at all. One of these rarer cat breeds is the Cornish Rex, which has a very distinctive coat formation.

The Cymric cat originally comes from the Isle of Man, a British island. It is closely related to the Manx cat but has longer fur. Its most striking characteristic is its lack of a tail.

The Devon Rex is a rare cat breed that can easily be distinguished from others thanks to its appearance. It was bred to have a flat skull shape with extremely large protruding ears and very big eyes. Whilst initial reaction to the Devon Rex was lukewarm, it later gained approval due to its very special physical features. Since 1968, these special cats with an unusual appearance have been recognised by the “Féderation Internationale Féline” (FiFe). Because of its pleasant character, the Devon Rex is a typical family cat and is also very well suited for being kept in an apartment. Perhaps you will soon make one part of your own home? 

Hairless, wrinkly, and with curled ears: the playful and cuddly Elf Cat looks quite different from your average feline friend. This rare breed is one of the hairless variety and only emerged at the start of the 21st century in the USA – to some, it is considered a product of controversial breeding practices. In this article, we'll share everything there is to know about this unique breed.

Do you love Garfield? Then the Exotic Shorthair is just the right cat for you. After all, it is a recreation of this snuggly, lazy but very loving TV tomcat with short, stocky legs and a large, short-nosed head.

The German Longhair is an extremely rare cat breed. This is actually unfair, because these attractive cats love the company of people and are straightforward to keep. As the name states, the breed originates from Germany. Special features are its long shiny fur and a harmonious physique.

The German Rex is on the of the few cat breeds with wavy fur. The breed is considered friendly, people-focused and has a calm nature. However, its breeding history is problematic.

The exact origins of the Havana Cat are a little unclear, but one thing is for sure: these dainty, playful felines prefer to stay indoors, following their humans wherever they go. Discover more about this rare breed with the fine mahogany-colored fur here.

The cuddly Himalayan came about through pairing Siamese and Persian cats. The striking point colouration in the face has given it the name “Persian in disguise”. In addition, the term “Colourpoint Persian” is occasionally used. Some class the Himalayan as an independent breed, whilst others sees it as a special variation on the Persian.

16 Feb 2024 | The Javanese is a semi-longhaired cat and is also known as the Oriental Longhair (OLH) or Mandarin. A slender body, wedge-shaped head with large ears and silky fur are typical of this cat breed. Javanese cats are very cuddly and playful.

Pronounced Kau Manie, the Khao Manee is a shorthair breed of cat hailing from Thailand. Adorned in snow-white fur and dazzling eyes, its name translates to "White Jewel", a nod to its enchanting appearance. Beyond its homeland, this breed remains a rarity.

The cat with a perm: Still a young cat breed, the LaPerm resulted from an accidental genetic mutation and is primarily characterised by its unique curly coat. Not just its soft curls, but its people-focused and affectionate character make it a perfect cat for cuddling.

The Lykoi (lykos means “wolf” in ancient Greek) may appear like the Hollywood version of a werewolf upon first glance. However, it isn't an invention of the film industry and is in fact a natural mutation of a native short-haired cat.

Lynxes, alongside brown bears and wolves, rank among Europe's largest predators. In many regions of Central Europe, these animals had been extinct for a period of time. Now, through rewilding initiatives, they are being reintroduced to their former habitats.

The Maine Coon has become one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. This is probably due to its majestic appearance, robust nature and great character.

The Mekong Bobtail is a relatively rare cat breed that originally comes from Asia. Its short stumpy tail and point marking are typical features of the Mekong Bobtail.

This unique-looking breed of cat comes from the US and is still rare elsewhere. Its characteristic short legs are the result of a random genetic defect. Together with its distinctive nature, this exact characteristic makes the Munchkin cat so special in the eyes of its breeders and fans.

With its silver-blue fur and shimmering green eyes, the Nebelung is a unique sight to behold and appreciated by many cat lovers. However, breeding is still in its infancy.

Neva Masquerade – a mysterious name for a mysterious thing of beauty! The Neva Masquerade is the point variation on the Siberian cat and shares many characteristics with this breed.

The Norwegian Forest cat emerged in its land of origin, Norway, free of human influence and wins hearts with its wild looks and genuine character. The Norwegian is original in more than just its appearance!

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a wild animal inhabiting the forests and scrublands of Central and South America. It roams as a nocturnal loner, hunting rodents, reptiles, and fish. Its attractive fur made the ocelot a sought-after target for hunters for a long time, causing their numbers to dwindle. However, the species is now protected and not currently endangered.

With its exotic appearance, the Ocicat casts an immediate and lasting spell over people. Due to its speckled fur, its name is derived from a wildcat called Ozelot. In terms of its nature, however, the Ocicat isn't wild at all, but extremely affectionate and loyal, making it a popular domestic cat.

Things certainly won't be boring with an Oriental Shorthair, also known as the OSH. These intelligent, lively cats with big ears need plenty of attention and don't like being alone. In return, they reward their human family with lots of affection.

With its long, dense fur, rounded ears, and intense stare, the Pallas Cat, or Manul, looks rather fluffy, yet somewhat dangerous. However, don't be fooled by its appearance—this is no petting zoo resident. The Manul is a wild animal and considered untameable.

The plush Persian cat is one of the most popular cat breeds. It is little wonder, given that the Persian, known as “Gorbe-ye irāni” or the “Iranian cat”, belongs to the oldest breed of cats in the world – although the Persians we know today are not from the Orient!

Furless cats trigger very different reactions. But the Peterbald, a cat breed also found in a hairless variety, cares little about this: with its friendly nature, it effortlessly wins over cat lovers across the world.

Short tail, spotted fur, tufts of hair in the ears: the Pixiebob looks like a little lynx. But its shortened tail often causes problems in everyday cat life, which is why this breed is considered to be the result of breeding for physical traits that can cause suffering.

The RagaMuffin, descended from the Ragdoll, is a gentle giant among cats and, alongside the Norwegian Forest Cat, ranks among the largest cat breeds in the world. Characterised as affectionate, cuddly, and sweet-natured, the RagaMuffin makes the perfect feline companion for families.

Is this a cat that resembles a ragdoll? Not at all! The Ragdoll is an ideal cat breed for lovers of Siamese, Colourpoint and other pointed cat breeds. These gentle giants will win you over not only with their beautiful coat, extraordinary colour and bright blue eyes…

At first sight you could mistake the Russian Blue for a Chartreux or British Shorthair, but a second look will tell you that the Russian Blue is a very distinct breed

The Selkirk Rex is one of the few cat breeds with curly hair. Its unusual look and gentle character has led to it conquering the hearts of cat lovers.

The Serengeti cat is a cross between the Bengal and Oriental Shorthair cat. Large ears and long legs are typical of this still young cat breed. Its spotted fur is reminiscent of the markings of an exotic predatory cat. Serengeti cats are very temperamental and should only be in the hands of experienced owners. 

Servals aren't domestic cats, but wild cats from the African savannah. In this article however, we would still like to introduce you to this interesting cat. After all, it is the ancestor of the Savannah, a very modern but primal cat breed.

Along with the Persian, the Siamese is one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds. It originates from Southeast Asia, specifically from Siam, which nowadays belongs to Thailand, where it was worshipped as a temple cat. Towards the end of the 19^th century, the first Siamese cats came to Britain and were bred there as pedigree cats. In 1882, the first breed standard for the Siamese was established. Breeding began all over the world not much later.

The Siberian cat is the epitome of a native breed – a medium-sized cat with an original appearance, powerful build and semi-long fur that must have come about entirely free of human influence is its homeland Russia. It has only been specifically bred from the 1980s.

The sweet Singapura is a real rarity, since the number of responsible breeders is still very low. As a result, it isn't at all easy to procure a cat belonging to this exotic breed. However, whoever is fortunate enough to give a Singapura a home can count themselves all the luckier, since these cats have a unique character that is both delightful and fascinating – just as your life alongside a Singapura will be.

Originally from the US, the Snowshoe certainly has lots of fans thanks to its interesting appearance and unique character. There are always sweet surprises with a litter of Snowshoe kittens: at the time of their birth, they are still entirely white and only show different colouration as they develop. The first colours are visible around ten days after these beautiful creatures are born.

If you love Abyssinian cats but would prefer a feline friend slightly longer hair, then the Somali cat could be right up your street!

Teacup cats are so small that they fit in a teacup – even when they are fully grown up. However, these tiny cats pay for their cute appearance with severe health problems.

The Thai cat breed is closely related to the more well-known Siamese. As the Siamese cat breed developed more towards a graceful build, the more robust looking, original Siamese cat type was recognized as an independent breed, which is how the Thai came to be recognised.

Despite its famous progenitors, the Burmese and Siamese, the Tonkinese is a relatively rare cat breed. With their slim, muscular body and short fur, these attractive cats combine many positive characteristics of their ancestors. Affectionate, sociable and curious, they are excellent for families that wish to spend a lot of time with their pet.

Originating from the US, the exclusive Toyger “designer cat” is a domestic cat bred with the aim of resembling a tiger in cat form. Hence, the name is made up of “toy” and the ending of “tiger”. Although the Toyger's name may suggest so, a pet should of course not be treated as a toy, but rather as a beloved animal with which you can enjoy plenty of fun and games.

The Turkish Angora is described by its many fans as 'the world's oldest pedigree cat'. What's the story behind this assertion – and just why do these long-haired cats leave animal lovers all over the world spellbound?

A cat that can swim? Turns out, there really is such a thing! Unlike all other cats, the Turkish Van loves the water and will venture out into the deep when it gets the chance. Be careful not to get the Turkish Van confused with the Turkish Angora. If you look closely, you will quickly see their differences. Read on to find out more about this extraordinary cat from Turkey!