Since the 20th century we have managed to create a large number of new breeds of cats by breeding the original domestic cat with other wildcat breeds. Other breeds are the result of continuously breeding cats that have a spontaneously occurring mutation. However, unlike dog breeds, different breeds of cats are much more similar in their size and look. This is because dogs have a variety of different functions, whereas cats only have two main functions: hunting and being an adorable pet!
Cat Breeds
There are many different breeds of cat, the majority of which result from selective breeding by humans. Read more
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22 Cat breeds to your search
14 min
29
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.
7 min
7
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.
10 min
9
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.
11 min
74
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.
Big cat hybrids could be found in the zoos of Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. This ultimately didn't prove practical for zoos, but transferred well to the world of small cats. Wild cat hybrids proved to be extremely popular as pets. The most well-known example is the Bengal. They are the result of crossing a tame black domestic cat with a wild Asian leopard cat. This breed reached great popularity due to its elongated body and extraordinary fur colouring. However, its proximity to its wild relatives sometimes requires an experienced hand.
10 min
27
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!
6 min
8
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.
8 min
16
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.
10 min
3
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.
8 min
5
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.
11 min
3
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.
10 min
5
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.
12 min
43
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.
11 min
24
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!
11 min
6
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.
6 min
8
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.
6 min
8
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.
8 min
13
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 19th 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.
13 min
19
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.
8 min
7
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.
15 min
4
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.
9 min
7
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.
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Maine Coon
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.
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Bengal Cat
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.
Big cat hybrids could be found in the zoos of Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. This ultimately didn't prove practical for zoos, but transferred well to the world of small cats. Wild cat hybrids proved to be extremely popular as pets. The most well-known example is the Bengal. They are the result of crossing a tame black domestic cat with a wild Asian leopard cat. This breed reached great popularity due to its elongated body and extraordinary fur colouring. However, its proximity to its wild relatives sometimes requires an experienced hand.
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Cat Breeds
Russian Blue
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
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Cat Breeds
Birman
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 20th century. Here you can find out more about the breed that combines the best of the Persian and Siamese cat!
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Cat Breeds
Javanese
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.
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Cat Breeds
British Longhair
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.
Do you know what the most recognisable cat breeds are and what distinguishes them? In our cat magazine, you can find all sorts of exciting information about the most popular breeds of cats.