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Cat breeds

Temperament, grooming, health and honest ratings. Not sure where to start? Read how to choose a breed.

Abyssinian

Debated; developed in Great Britain, with legends pointing to Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

Abyssinian

A lean, ticked-coat adventurer with boundless curiosity and a devoted, busy heart.

Typically 9-15 years, with some living longer · Typically 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg), with males often larger

American Shorthair

United States

American Shorthair

A sturdy, easygoing all-rounder with a mouser's heritage and a friendly nature

Typically about 15-20 years with good care · Roughly 8-12 lb (3.5-5.5 kg) for females and 11-15 lb (5-7 kg) for males, varying by individual

Bengal

United States

Bengal

A glittering, wild-looking companion with big energy and a clever mind

12-16 years · 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg), with males typically larger than females

Birman

France (with legendary roots in Burma)

Birman

A gentle, blue-eyed semi-longhair with white gloves and a devoted, easygoing nature

Commonly 12-16 years, sometimes longer with good care · Typically 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg) for females and 10-15 lb (4.5-6.8 kg) for males, with individual variation

British Shorthair

United Kingdom (England)

British Shorthair

Plush, round-faced and easygoing: a calm companion with a dense teddy-bear coat

Roughly 12-17 years · Females roughly 7-12 lb (3-5.5 kg); males roughly 9-18 lb (4-8 kg)

Burmese

Burma (modern Myanmar) and Thailand, with the modern breed developed in the United States

Burmese

A people-loving, playful shorthair with a silky coat and a dog-like devotion.

Typically 12-16 years, with some living into their late teens · Typically 8-12 lb (3.5-5.5 kg), with males often at the heavier end

Devon Rex

Devon, England (United Kingdom)

Devon Rex

An elfin, curly-coated clown who wants to be involved in everything you do

Typically 9-15 years, with many living longer with good care · Typically 6-9 lb (2.7-4 kg), with males often at the heavier end

Domestic Shorthair (Tabby)

Worldwide; ancestors from Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, spread by trade and settlement

Domestic Shorthair (Tabby)

The adaptable, striped everyday cat with a famous M on its forehead

Typically 12-18 years, with indoor cats often living toward the upper end · Typically about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg), with males often larger and individual cats varying

Maine Coon

United States (Maine and the northeastern region)

Maine Coon

A gentle giant with a shaggy coat, tufted ears, and a famously friendly nature

Roughly 12-15 years, with individual variation · Males about 13-18 lb (6-8 kg); females about 8-12 lb (3.5-5.5 kg), with some variation

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norway (Scandinavia)

Norwegian Forest Cat

A sturdy, gentle woodland giant with a weatherproof coat and a love of climbing

Typically 12-16 years · Typically 9-16 lb (4-7 kg), with males usually larger than females

Persian

Persia (modern Iran) ancestry, developed in Europe and North America

Persian

A gentle, plush-coated lap companion who prizes calm routines and quiet affection.

Roughly 10-15 years, depending on genetics and care · Typically 7-12 lb (3-5.5 kg), with individual variation

Ragdoll

United States (Riverside, California)

Ragdoll

A gentle, blue-eyed giant who loves being close to her people

Typically 12-17 years · Females roughly 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg); males roughly 12-20 lb (5.5-9 kg)

Russian Blue

Russia (traditionally linked to the Arkhangelsk port region)

Russian Blue

Elegant, silver-blue shorthair with emerald eyes and a gentle, devoted heart

Often 15-20 years with good care · Typically 7-12 lb (3-5.5 kg), with males often larger

Scottish Fold

Scotland, United Kingdom

Scottish Fold

The owl-faced, sweet-natured cat with distinctive forward-folding ears

Roughly 11-15 years, varying with health and genetics · Typically 6-13 lb (2.7-5.9 kg), with females usually smaller than males

Siamese

Thailand (historically Siam)

Siamese

A vocal, blue-eyed Thai classic with a sleek pointed coat and huge personality

About 12-15 years, with some living longer · Roughly 6-14 lb (2.7-6.3 kg), with females usually smaller than males

Sphynx

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sphynx

A warm, wrinkled, people-loving cat with big ears and an even bigger personality

Commonly cited as about 8-14 years, with good care and screening sometimes helping cats live longer · Roughly 6-12 lb (3-5.5 kg), with males often larger than females