What are the different types of cats?

From the sleek Siamese to the mighty tiger, cats come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes and personalities. Whether you're considering adding a feline friend to your family or you’re simply curious about the diversity of the cat world, understanding the different types of cats can help you appreciate these fascinating creatures even more.

Domestic cat breeds: pedigreed versus mixed

The world of domestic cats splits into two main camps: pedigreed breeds and mixed breeds. Pedigreed cats come with documented ancestry and specific breed standards — think of them as cats with a family tree. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 45 pedigreed breeds, while The International Cat Association recognizes 73, with the difference coming down to how each organization classifies and accepts new breeds.

Mixed breeds, often called Domestic Shorthairs or Domestic Longhairs, make up the majority of cats in homes today. These cats don't have specific pedigrees, but they're every bit as lovable — and often healthier due to their diverse genetic backgrounds.

Coat length categories

One of the easiest ways to categorize domestic cats is by their coat length. Shorthair breeds like the American Shorthair, British Shorthair and Siamese have sleek, low-maintenance coats that many pet parents find appealing. Longhair breeds such as Persians, Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats sport luxurious flowing coats that require regular grooming.

Then there are the more unusual coat types. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx and Peterbald challenge our traditional image of what a cat looks like, while curly-coated breeds including the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and LaPerm bring their own unique texture to the feline world. 

"Each coat type comes with its own care requirements," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. "Longhaired cats need daily brushing to prevent matting, while hairless breeds require regular bathing and sun protection."

Natural breeds versus developed breeds

Some cat breeds developed naturally in specific geographic regions through adaptation to their environment. These 16 foundation breeds include the Maine Coon from New England, the Norwegian Forest Cat from Scandinavia and the Turkish Angora from Turkey. These cats evolved their characteristics over centuries without human intervention.

Developed breeds, on the other hand, came about through selective breeding programs designed to achieve specific traits. The Sphynx was bred for its hairlessness, while the Scottish Fold was developed for its distinctive folded ears. These breeding programs have given us cats with unique appearances and personalities tailored to different preferences.

Size classifications

Cats come in more sizes than you might expect. Large breeds like the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Ragdoll can weigh 15 to 25 pounds — that's about twice the weight of an average house cat. Medium breeds, which include most domestic cats like the American Shorthair and British Shorthair, typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.

Small breeds bring big personalities in tiny packages. The Singapura and Munchkin usually weigh just 5 to 8 pounds fully grown. If you're looking for something even larger, hybrid breeds like the Savannah and Chausie rank among the biggest domestic cats.

Hybrid cat breeds

Speaking of hybrids, these fascinating cats result from crossing domestic cats with their wild relatives. The Bengal comes from breeding domestic cats with Asian Leopard Cats, while the Savannah combines domestic cats with African Servals. The Chausie traces its wild heritage to the Jungle Cat.

These breeds are classified by filial generation — F1, F2 and so on — indicating how many generations removed they are from their wild ancestor. Earlier generations tend to be larger and retain more wild characteristics, while later generations become more like typical domestic cats in temperament and care needs.

The world of cats offers incredible diversity, from the tiniest Singapura to the massive Maine Coon, from naturally evolved breeds to carefully developed ones. Whether you prefer the wild beauty of a Bengal, the plush coat of a Persian or the friendly nature of a Domestic Shorthair, there's a type of cat perfectly suited to every home and lifestyle.