Cats

63 kinds of cats described and visualized

Cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, are one of the world’s most beloved companion animals, celebrated for their diversity of breeds, personalities, and roles in human society.

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Kinds of Cats

Origin Story

The domestic cat traces its origins to ancient wild felines, gradually domesticated over thousands of years in regions such as the Near East and Egypt. Selective breeding and human migration have shaped today’s recognized breeds, with formal breed registries emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to standardize traits and histories.

Classification

Domestic cats belong to the genus Felis and species Felis catus, forming the core of the feline family. Within this taxonomy, breeds are the primary unit, grouped by physical traits, coat types, or geographic origin. Major registries such as CFA, TICA, and FIFe define and recognize specific breeds, sometimes subdivided into varieties based on color or coat length.

Appearance or Form

Cats display remarkable variety in appearance, ranging from the plush, voluminous coats of longhair breeds to the sleek, elegant lines of shorthairs and the striking hairlessness of breeds like the Sphynx. Their eyes, ears, and tails vary in shape and size, while color patterns span solid, tabby, calico, and more. Each breed’s physical characteristics are shaped by genetics and breed standards, resulting in a dazzling array of feline forms.

Behavior or Usage

Domestic cats are cherished for their companionship, intelligence, and adaptability. While most serve as affectionate household pets, some breeds are prized for specific behaviors—such as playful energy, calm demeanor, or social nature. Cats play vital roles in pest control, therapy, and even show competitions, with breed traits often influencing their suitability for these functions.

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Himalayan

Himalayan

The Himalayan is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its luxurious long coat, vivid blue eyes, and distinctive colorpoint pattern, blending the elegance of the Persian with the striking markings of the Siamese.

Singapura

Singapura

The Singapura is a petite, muscular domestic cat breed from Singapore, celebrated for its large expressive eyes, oversized ears, and warm sepia-ticked coat—earning it the reputation as "the little cat with a big personality."

Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is a domestic cat breed instantly recognized by its unique folded ears and gentle, rounded appearance.

Ocicat

Ocicat

The Ocicat is a striking domestic cat breed celebrated for its wild-looking, spotted coat and energetic, affectionate personality—yet it is entirely of domestic origin.

Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush, curly coat and gentle, affectionate temperament.

American Curl

American Curl

The American Curl is a domestic cat breed instantly recognized by its elegantly backward-curled ears and affectionate, playful nature.

Abyssinian

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a striking, medium-sized domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable for its short, ticked coat and lively, inquisitive personality.

Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a large, affectionate domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush, rabbit-like coat and gentle, sociable temperament.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its unique pom-pom-like bobbed tail, elegant athletic build, and lively, intelligent personality.

Snowshoe

Snowshoe

The Snowshoe is a rare domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its white paws, inverted white facial "V," and striking pointed coloration, blending the elegance of the Siamese with a gentle, affectionate temperament.

Bombay

Bombay

The Bombay is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its sleek, jet-black coat and vivid copper or gold eyes, often described as a miniature panther in both appearance and presence.

Pixiebob

Pixiebob

The Pixiebob is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its bobbed tail, wild bobcat-like appearance, and affectionate, gentle temperament.

American Bobtail

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its naturally short, expressive tail and wild, bobcat-like appearance.

LaPerm

LaPerm

The LaPerm is a domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its curly, soft coat and affectionate, inquisitive nature.

Savannah

Savannah

The Savannah cat is a striking hybrid breed, instantly recognizable for its tall, athletic build, bold spotted coat, and wild serval-like appearance.

European Shorthair

European Shorthair

The European Shorthair is a robust, medium-to-large domestic cat breed, celebrated for its muscular build, dense coat, and broad palette of natural colors. It represents the quintessential European house cat, prized for adaptability and balanced temperament.

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Cultural Significance

Cats have held a prominent place in human culture for millennia, appearing in mythology, literature, art, and folklore across the globe. They symbolize mystery, independence, and grace, from ancient Egyptian deities to modern internet icons. Breed diversity enriches this cultural tapestry, with certain types celebrated in regional traditions, popular media, and global cat shows.

Notable Facts

  • There are over 70 recognized domestic cat breeds worldwide, depending on the registry.
  • Some breeds, like the Bengal and Savannah, are hybrids developed from crossing domestic cats with wild species.
  • Breed standards and names can vary significantly by region and registry, leading to multiple aliases for the same breed.
  • Not all color patterns (such as tabby or calico) are breeds; many are simply genetic variations within breeds.

Kinds of Cats

Explore the range of forms, textures, and traditions within this collection.

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Editorial-style portrait of a Himalayan from the taxonomy cats.

Himalayan

The Himalayan is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its luxurious long coat, vivid blue eyes, and distinctive colorpoint pattern, blending the elegance of the Persian with the striking markings of the Siamese.

Editorial-style portrait of a Singapura from the taxonomy cats.

Singapura

The Singapura is a petite, muscular domestic cat breed from Singapore, celebrated for its large expressive eyes, oversized ears, and warm sepia-ticked coat—earning it the reputation as "the little cat with a big personality."

Editorial-style portrait of a Scottish Fold from the taxonomy cats.

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is a domestic cat breed instantly recognized by its unique folded ears and gentle, rounded appearance.

Editorial-style portrait of a Ocicat from the taxonomy cats.

Ocicat

The Ocicat is a striking domestic cat breed celebrated for its wild-looking, spotted coat and energetic, affectionate personality—yet it is entirely of domestic origin.

Editorial-style portrait of a Selkirk Rex from the taxonomy cats.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush, curly coat and gentle, affectionate temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a American Curl from the taxonomy cats.

American Curl

The American Curl is a domestic cat breed instantly recognized by its elegantly backward-curled ears and affectionate, playful nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Abyssinian from the taxonomy cats.

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a striking, medium-sized domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable for its short, ticked coat and lively, inquisitive personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Ragamuffin from the taxonomy cats.

Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a large, affectionate domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush, rabbit-like coat and gentle, sociable temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Japanese Bobtail from the taxonomy cats.

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its unique pom-pom-like bobbed tail, elegant athletic build, and lively, intelligent personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Snowshoe from the taxonomy cats.

Snowshoe

The Snowshoe is a rare domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its white paws, inverted white facial "V," and striking pointed coloration, blending the elegance of the Siamese with a gentle, affectionate temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Bombay from the taxonomy cats.

Bombay

The Bombay is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its sleek, jet-black coat and vivid copper or gold eyes, often described as a miniature panther in both appearance and presence.

Editorial-style portrait of a Pixiebob from the taxonomy cats.

Pixiebob

The Pixiebob is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its bobbed tail, wild bobcat-like appearance, and affectionate, gentle temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a American Bobtail from the taxonomy cats.

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its naturally short, expressive tail and wild, bobcat-like appearance.

Editorial-style portrait of a LaPerm from the taxonomy cats.

LaPerm

The LaPerm is a domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its curly, soft coat and affectionate, inquisitive nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Savannah from the taxonomy cats.

Savannah

The Savannah cat is a striking hybrid breed, instantly recognizable for its tall, athletic build, bold spotted coat, and wild serval-like appearance.

Editorial-style portrait of a European Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

European Shorthair

The European Shorthair is a robust, medium-to-large domestic cat breed, celebrated for its muscular build, dense coat, and broad palette of natural colors. It represents the quintessential European house cat, prized for adaptability and balanced temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Peterbald from the taxonomy cats.

Peterbald

The Peterbald is a rare Russian breed of domestic cat celebrated for its elegant, hairless or fine-coated appearance and affectionate, intelligent temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Ragdoll from the taxonomy cats.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a large, semi-longhaired domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush coat, vivid blue eyes, and famously gentle temperament—often going limp when held, which inspired its name.

Editorial-style portrait of a Bengal from the taxonomy cats.

Bengal

The Bengal is a domestic cat breed celebrated for its wild, leopard-like appearance and lively, intelligent personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Persian from the taxonomy cats.

Persian

The Persian is a celebrated breed of domestic cat, instantly recognizable for its luxurious long coat, distinctive flat-faced profile, and gentle, placid temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Russian Blue from the taxonomy cats.

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a refined domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush blue-grey coat, vivid green eyes, and gentle, intelligent temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Maine Coon from the taxonomy cats.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large, charismatic domestic cat breed celebrated for its robust build, luxurious shaggy coat, and famously gentle, sociable temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Australian Mist from the taxonomy cats.

Australian Mist

The Australian Mist is a medium-sized domestic cat breed from Australia, celebrated for its distinctive spotted or marbled coat and affectionate, adaptable temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Domestic Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

Domestic Shorthair

The Domestic Shorthair is North America's most common cat type, celebrated for its short coat, diverse looks, and friendly, adaptable nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a British Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a pedigreed cat breed celebrated for its plush, dense coat, rounded features, and calm, easygoing temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a German Rex from the taxonomy cats.

German Rex

The German Rex is a rare domestic cat breed from Germany, instantly recognized for its soft, wavy coat and affectionate, playful nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Siamese from the taxonomy cats.

Siamese

The Siamese is an iconic domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable for its striking pointed coloration, slender physique, and vivid blue eyes.

Editorial-style portrait of a Oriental Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is a striking breed of domestic cat, celebrated for its elegant physique, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and an extraordinary spectrum of coat colors and patterns.

Editorial-style portrait of a Sphynx from the taxonomy cats.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a striking breed of domestic cat instantly recognizable for its hairless body, large ears, and affectionate personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Birman from the taxonomy cats.

Birman

The Birman is a longhaired, colorpointed domestic cat breed instantly recognizable by its deep blue eyes, silky coat, and signature pure white "gloves" on each paw.

Editorial-style portrait of a Turkish Angora from the taxonomy cats.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is an elegant, longhaired domestic cat breed celebrated for its fine, silky coat, graceful build, and lively, affectionate personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Devon Rex from the taxonomy cats.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its soft, curly coat, large low-set ears, and elfin facial features, pairing a whimsical look with a playful, affectionate nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Cymric from the taxonomy cats.

Cymric

The Cymric is a longhaired, tailless or short-tailed cat breed, celebrated for its plush double coat and distinctive rounded form—a striking combination of the Manx’s unique genetics with luxurious fur.

Editorial-style portrait of a Norwegian Forest Cat from the taxonomy cats.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, robust breed from Scandinavia, instantly recognizable by its thick, water-resistant coat, bushy tail, and gentle, friendly nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Burmese from the taxonomy cats.

Burmese

The Burmese is a compact, muscular breed of domestic cat celebrated for its glossy, short coat, expressive golden eyes, and affectionate, people-oriented nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Korat from the taxonomy cats.

Korat

The Korat is a natural breed of domestic cat from Thailand, instantly recognizable for its shimmering silver-blue coat, heart-shaped face, and vivid green eyes. Revered for its gentle temperament and cultural symbolism, the Korat stands as one of the world’s oldest and most cherished feline breeds.

Editorial-style portrait of a American Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a robust, medium-to-large domestic cat breed celebrated for its adaptability, longevity, and classic good looks.

Editorial-style portrait of a Burmese (European) from the taxonomy cats.

European Burmese

The European Burmese is a medium-sized, muscular domestic cat breed, celebrated for its elegant appearance, expressive golden eyes, and affectionate nature. Recognized chiefly by European registries, it stands apart from its American counterpart in both looks and temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Balinese from the taxonomy cats.

Balinese

The Balinese is a longhaired variant of the Siamese cat, celebrated for its elegant, silky coat, vivid blue eyes, and lively, affectionate personality.

Editorial-style portrait of a Tonkinese (UK) from the taxonomy cats.

Tonkinese (UK)

The Tonkinese (UK) is a distinctive domestic cat breed recognized by the GCCF, celebrated for its balanced physique, expressive eyes, and unique coat patterns that blend Siamese and Burmese ancestry.

Editorial-style portrait of a Exotic Shorthair from the taxonomy cats.

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a pedigree domestic cat breed celebrated for its plush, dense coat and the iconic round face and body inherited from Persian ancestry, offering Persian-like charm with easy-care grooming.

Editorial-style portrait of a Siberian from the taxonomy cats.

Siberian

The Siberian is a robust, semi-longhaired domestic cat breed from Russia, celebrated for its thick triple coat, muscular build, and affectionate, agile temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Cornish Rex from the taxonomy cats.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a distinctive domestic cat breed celebrated for its unique curly coat, slender physique, and playful, affectionate temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Tonkinese from the taxonomy cats.

Tonkinese

The Tonkinese is a medium-sized domestic cat breed celebrated for its lively personality, striking aqua or green eyes, and a unique "mink" coat pattern that elegantly blends Siamese and Burmese ancestry.

Editorial-style portrait of a Burmilla from the taxonomy cats.

Burmilla

The Burmilla is a medium-sized domestic cat breed celebrated for its shimmering silver coat, expressive green eyes, and affectionate, sociable nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Turkish Van from the taxonomy cats.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a striking domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its predominantly white coat and colored markings on the head and tail, celebrated for its athleticism, playful nature, and unique love of water.

Editorial-style portrait of a Manx from the taxonomy cats.

Manx

The Manx is a unique breed of domestic cat famed for its naturally occurring taillessness or short tail, robust rounded body, and playful intelligence.

Editorial-style portrait of a Somali from the taxonomy cats.

Somali

The Somali is a striking longhaired domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable for its fox-like looks, bushy tail, and vibrant ticked coat.

Editorial-style portrait of a Selkirk Rex Longhair from the taxonomy cats.

Selkirk Rex Longhair

The Selkirk Rex Longhair is a domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its plush, curly coat and gentle, sociable temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Egyptian Mau from the taxonomy cats.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a naturally spotted domestic cat breed celebrated for its striking coat, expressive green eyes, and remarkable agility.

Editorial-style portrait of a Ukrainian Levkoy from the taxonomy cats.

Ukrainian Levkoy

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a rare hairless domestic cat breed distinguished by its inward-folding ears and slender, angular silhouette.

Editorial-style portrait of a Chausie from the taxonomy cats.

Chausie

The Chausie is a striking domestic cat breed renowned for its wild look, athletic build, and energetic temperament, originating from a hybrid cross between domestic cats and the jungle cat (Felis chaus).

Editorial-style portrait of a Oriental Longhair from the taxonomy cats.

Oriental Longhair

The Oriental Longhair is an elegant domestic cat breed celebrated for its elongated physique, luxurious semi-long coat, and remarkable variety of colors and patterns.

Editorial-style portrait of a Arabian Mau from the taxonomy cats.

Arabian Mau

The Arabian Mau is a naturally occurring domestic cat breed from the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its desert adaptability, robust health, and lively temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Lykoi from the taxonomy cats.

Lykoi

The Lykoi is a striking domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable for its sparse, roan-patterned coat and wild, "werewolf-like" appearance.

Editorial-style portrait of a Highlander from the taxonomy cats.

Highlander

The Highlander is a striking domestic cat breed, instantly recognizable by its curled ears and bobbed tail, which lend it a wild and exotic allure while maintaining a friendly, playful temperament.

Editorial-style portrait of a Toyger from the taxonomy cats.

Toyger

The Toyger is a domestic cat breed meticulously developed to evoke the look of a miniature tiger, celebrated for its bold stripes, muscular build, and companionable nature.

Editorial-style portrait of a Chartreux from the taxonomy cats.

Chartreux

The Chartreux is a historic French breed of domestic cat, celebrated for its muscular build, copper to gold eyes, and distinctive blue-grey woolly coat.

Editorial-style portrait of a Khao Manee from the taxonomy cats.

Khao Manee

The Khao Manee is a rare, naturally occurring breed of domestic cat from Thailand, instantly recognizable for its pure white coat and striking blue, gold, or odd-colored eyes.

Editorial-style portrait of a Bambino from the taxonomy cats.

Bambino

The Bambino is an experimental domestic cat breed distinguished by its short legs and hairless body, resulting from a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds.

Editorial-style portrait of a Donskoy from the taxonomy cats.

Donskoy

The Donskoy is a Russian hairless cat breed, instantly recognizable by its wrinkled skin and lack of fur, resulting from a dominant genetic mutation.

Editorial-style portrait of a Neva Masquerade from the taxonomy cats.

Neva Masquerade

The Neva Masquerade is a colorpoint variety of the Siberian cat, instantly recognizable for its vivid blue eyes and dramatic mask-like facial markings.

Editorial-style portrait of a Munchkin from the taxonomy cats.

Munchkin

The Munchkin is a domestic cat breed instantly recognizable for its short legs, a trait caused by a natural genetic mutation. Celebrated for its playful and affectionate nature, the Munchkin stands out among feline companions for both its appearance and personality.

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