List of Cat Breeds
Looking for a list of cat breeds? Here's loads of information and pictures of cat breeds to help you determine which feline breeds are right for you.
Okay, so you’ve decided to get a new member of the family: a brand new kitten. If you are looking for a specific breed of kitten, you will most likely have to go to a breeder. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find the type of breed you’re looking for at an animal shelter or rescue organization. But, your best bet, especially for rare feline breeds, is to head to a breeder.
Why Get a Specific Breed Feline Breed?
Some people love the aesthetic appeal of a specific breed. Others love the predictable temperament and physical attributes of a certain breed. And if you a have a goal that your kitten participate in shows, a specific breed is a necessity.
When discussing the different feline breeds, there can be a lot of jargon and unusual terms. Purebred. Hybrid. Registered. It can get pretty confusing. First, let’s get our vocabulary straight.
Breed
According to American Heritage Dictionary®, a breed is defined as:
"A group of organisms having common ancestors and certain distinguishable characteristics, especially a group within a species developed by artificial selection and maintained by controlled propagation."
There are natural breeds and developed breeds. A natural breed is one that is made by nature. A developed breed is a man-made breed. Developed breeds come about as people select for certain traits that they want in kittens.
Purebred
Purebred kittens have a pure, unmixed, undiluted bloodline. All of its ancestors are of the same breed. In actuality, there are very few true purebred feline breeds.
Show Quality
Show quality kittens set the behavioral and physical standard for their breed.
Pet Quality
A pet quality kitten is a kitten that cannot make it as a show cat. It may have the wrong color eyes or less than fluffy tail for its type of breed. Pet quality kittens make great pets. So what if it’s not perfect. Your pet quality kitten is a winner to you!
Registered
A registered kitten is one that is listed with one of the major cat associations. Listed below are the most popular cat associations. However, there are plenty of others around the world.
In order for a kitten to be listed, different organizations have specific criteria that they are looking for. Certain associations only accept certain feline breeds and will keep a list of cat breeds that they accept to their organization. Why get registered? Getting registered is necessary if you want your kitten to compete in breed specific competitions and if you will be breeding your kitten in the future.
Pedigree
A pedigree is the kitten’s lineage. It is a basic recording of a kitten’s ancestors. In order to register a kitten with an organization, there must be way to trace the kitten’s lineage.
Hybrid
Hybrid kittens have parents that are different breeds. An example of a hybrid is a savannah cat. It is a mixture of an African serval cat and an Egyptian mau.
Mixed
A mixed kitten has hybrids as parents.
Expensive Kittens
Getting that special breed of kitten may cost you quite a bit. The cost of an individual purebred kitten depends on the breeder. Breeders spent a lot of time and effort in making sure kittens have the right lineage. Making sure that the kittens have the proper nutrition and are raised the right environment.
Getting a Kitten That Fits Your Lifestyle
Are you on the reserved, quiet side? Are you super active and always on the go? Is your household full of commotion? Choosing a kitten that fits your lifestyle makes life easier for you and your kitten.
What are you goals for your new kitten? Do you want a lap cat? A cat that can swim? Or cat that can be taught to fetch? The options are unlimited.
- High Energy Breeds
: Abyssinian, Ocicat, Turkish Van
- Quiet Breeds
: Russian Blue
- Talkative Breeds
: Persian, Siamese
Before you commit to a specific breed of kitten, do your research. Look over a list of cat breeds to see which kitten is the best fit for you. It’s easy to see a cute kitten in the window of a pet store and make an impulsive decision. But, you could be sorry. Take your time. Visit a few breeders. Look at pictures of cat breeds that you might be interested in owning.
Here's a list of cat breeds.
For more information about specific feline breeds, click below.
Remember...when looking at a list of cat breeds, keep an open mind in terms of the type of kitten you choose!
Photo by Charlyn Wee @ flickr.com |
Photo by Pieter Lanser @ flickr.com |
Return from List of Cat Breeds to All About Cute Kittens Homepage
|
