Cat
Felis catus
Coat color is controlled by classical Mendelian loci (A/ASIP, B/TYRP1, C/TYR multi-allele albino series, D/MLPH dilute, L/FGF5 longhair) plus the X-linked O/ARHGAP36 orange (Kaelin et al. 2025 Current Biology, recently molecularly characterized) producing tortoiseshell and calico in heterozygous females. T/Taqpep multi-allele series controls tabby pattern (blotched, mackerel, spotted; Kaelin et al. 2012 Science). Major peer-reviewed disease loci with commercial DNA tests include the Scottish Fold TRPV4 osteochondrodysplasia (Gandolfi 2016, welfare-critical in any zygosity), HCM in Maine Coon (MYBPC3 A31P; Meurs 2005) and Ragdoll (MYBPC3 R820W; Meurs 2007), and autosomal-dominant PKD1 in Persian-related breeds (Lyons 2004).
52 recognized
cat breeds.
Breeds are grouped by working purpose. Each entry links to its trait profile, registry recognition, and the breeders running that breed on Breed Ledger.
UngroupedAbyssinian
Slender, athletic breed with a distinctive ticked coat. CFA and TICA recognized. Curious and highly active, one of the oldest and most popular shorthaired breeds.
UngroupedAmerican Bobtail
Medium to large breed with a naturally short, stubby tail. CFA and TICA recognized. Intelligent, interactive, and adaptable with a wild appearance.
UngroupedAmerican Curl
Medium-sized breed distinguished by unique ears that curl back from the face. CFA and TICA recognized. Affectionate, playful, and available in longhair and shorthair varieties.
UngroupedAmerican Shorthair
Medium to large, sturdy breed developed in the United States. CFA and TICA recognized. Adaptable, even-tempered family cat with a variety of coat colors and patterns.
UngroupedAmerican Wirehair
Spontaneous mutation from the American Shorthair with a distinctive crimped, wiry coat. CFA recognized. Easygoing, adaptable, and quiet.
UngroupedBalinese
Longhaired variety of the Siamese with the same points and vocal personality. CFA and TICA recognized. Graceful, curious, and highly affectionate.
UngroupedBengal
Athletic, striking breed developed from crosses with the Asian Leopard Cat. TICA recognized. Known for a distinctive spotted or marbled wild-looking coat.
UngroupedBirman
Semi-longhaired breed with blue eyes, pointed coloring, and distinctive white-gloved paws. CFA and TICA recognized. Gentle, calm, and deeply devoted to its family.
Bombay
Medium-sized, jet-black shorthaired breed developed to resemble a miniature Black Panther. CFA and TICA recognized. Affectionate, social, and easy-going.
UngroupedBritish Shorthair
Compact, cobby breed with a dense plush coat and calm temperament. CFA and TICA recognized. Most popular pedigree breed in the UK.
UngroupedBurmese
Medium-sized, muscular breed with a silky, short coat. CFA and TICA recognized. Affectionate and playful, often described as dog-like in their devotion to owners.
UngroupedBurmilla
Medium-sized breed with a shimmering silver or golden coat developed from Burmese and Chinchilla Persian crosses. CFA and TICA recognized. Gentle, playful, and sociable.
UngroupedChartreux
Robust, blue-coated breed from France with a quiet, observant nature. CFA and TICA recognized. Quick, agile hunter despite its gentle appearance.
UngroupedChausie
Large, athletic hybrid breed developed from domestic cats and the Jungle Cat. TICA recognized. Highly active and intelligent with a wild appearance.
UngroupedColorpoint Shorthair
CFA breed closely related to the Siamese but recognized in non-traditional point colors like lynx and parti-color. Vocal, affectionate, and highly social.
UngroupedCornish Rex
Slender, curly-coated breed with large ears and an arched back. CFA and TICA recognized. Playful, kitten-like throughout life.
UngroupedCymric
Longhaired variety of the Manx with the same tailless or short-tailed trait. CFA and TICA recognized. Playful, loyal, and gentle.
UngroupedEgyptian Mau
Medium-sized breed with a naturally spotted coat, the only naturally spotted domestic cat. CFA and TICA recognized. Fast and athletic with a distinctive worried expression.
UngroupedExotic Shorthair
Short-coated version of the Persian with the same flat face and sweet temperament. CFA and TICA recognized. Often called the "lazy man's Persian" for its easier coat care.
UngroupedHavana Brown
Medium-sized shorthaired breed with a rich, warm brown coat and green eyes. CFA and TICA recognized. Curious, affectionate, and people-oriented.
UngroupedHimalayan
Pointed, blue-eyed longhaired breed developed from Persian and Siamese crosses. Registered as a Persian color variety by CFA. Sweet, gentle, and calm lap cat.
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