Cat Breeds

Looking for a cat or want to know what different cat breeds look like? Here are all the cats we see in our Adelaide clinic, and few of the very rare you can’t easily find.

Moggie, Tabby, Domestic, Companion Cat

Tabby domestic cat

Let’s start by celebrating the most common breed of cat. It’s not a cross breed but a unique cat variety in its own right. Its only fault is its success in being everywhere. Moggies come in a wide variety of spectacular coat colours, though none perhaps as striking as tabby markings.

Abyssinian

abyssinian cat

The distinctive ear tufts and ticked coat of the Abyssinian are features found in wild African cat species. Abyssinians are strong, fit cats with an adventurous personality.

Australian Mist

australian mist cat

Mists have been included here as a breed recently developed in Australia.

Image by kitty.green66 (Australian Mist) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Balinese

Balinese cat

Despite the names, Balinese and Javanese cats originate in the USA, not Bali or Java. The Singapura story is even more surprising. Balinese are very similar in body shape and personality to Siamese but have longer coats, especially on the tail.

Image by Фотограф:Анна Утехина (dizigner.ru) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Bengal

bengal cat

A cat breed developed by introducing wild cat varieties to produce the spectacular coat while still retaining the affectionate nature of domesticated breeds. They are usually nonetheless more aloof than other cat breeds listed here. Must be kept inside only.

Birman

birman cat

An affectionate and easy-going cat with a luxurious fine coat. Some Birmans can look very similar to a long-haired Siamese or a Himalayan. Of note are the blue eyes and white paws.

Bombay

Bombay cat

Bombay cats have glossy dark coats and yellow eyes on a rounder face. The Bombays we see have similar loveable personalities to Burmese cats.

Image by Bombaycats (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

British Shorthair

british shorthair cat

Although often called the British Blue, this breed’s dense, short coat comes in a wide variety of colours. It appears to take some ancestry from the Persian in its round face and extremely affectionate nature.

Burmese

burmese cat

Burmese have an attractive range of colours and a personality that is often (insultingly?) called the most ‘dog-like’ of the cats. They are gentle and affectionate, and less fearful than other cats in novel surroundings.

Burmilla

Burmilla cat

A rare breed originally produced by a cross between Burmese and Chinchilla, it has characteristics of both breeds.

Image by Sheila Bormann “Burmillas of Chattahoochee”, Germany [CC BY-SA 3.0 de], via Wikimedia Commons

Chinchilla

chinchilla cat

Although not an officially registered breed, in Australia most cat owners regard the Chinchilla as separate, and not just a colour variety of the Persian. It is certainly different here in having a longer nose, greenish eyes and silver hair with dark tips.

Cornish Rex

cornish rex cat

The rexes lack the coarser outer layer of hair found in other cats but are not necessarily better for allergy sufferers. Cornish Rex have a slightly denser, more wavy coat than other Rex breeds and a body shape similar to other breeds of cat.

Image by Freestyle nl (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Devon Rex

devon rex cat

Devons have a soft, short and wavy coat which can get extremely thin in places during summer. They are playful, extremely social and are known for their distinctive wide face and high cheekbones.

That’s Andrew’s crazy cat, Grendel by the way.

Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau cat

Egyptian Mau are a naturally spotted and striking domestic cat breed

Image by liz west from Boxborough, MA (Egyptian Mau) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Exotic

exotic cat

Exotic cats can be considered as short-haired Persians. They have a similar loveable, cuddly personality and distinctive flat face without the sometimes difficult-to-manage coat.

Maine Coon

maine coon cat

Famous for its large size, the Maine Coon is an impressive, amiable cat with a shaggy coat. Read here about some veterinary concerns with Maine Coon breeding. Not to be confused with large tabby cats.

Manx

manx cat

Manx are famous for the lack of a tail but are otherwise much like a heavily-built domestic cat breed. It’s very important in choosing a Manx to select from a breeder aware of the potential danger of spinal defects.

You can find more about Manx cats in our article on cat breeds formed by genetic mutation.

Norwegian Forest Cat

norwegian forest cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the breeds that is hard to identify until you know what to look for. Of note is the thicker, tufted coat and unique facial shape.

Ocicat

adult ocicat

Ocicats are known for their attractive spotted coat. Unlike other spotted breeds, they do not have any recent wild ancestors. This may explain their affectionate and playful personality.

Oriental

oriental cat

Another cat with a similar body shape to Siamese, Orientals instead have green eyes, no ‘points’ and come in a wide variety of coat colours including tabby markings. They have a lean and muscular build.

Persian

persian cat

The Persian is one of the most easy-going breeds of cat. It is known for its round head, large usually yellow, eyes and thick, long coat. See also the Exotic and Chinchilla.

Ragdoll

ragdoll cat

Ragdolls are known as easy-going cats but this does not mean they are happy just to lie around. A Ragdoll is usually a large personality in any house they occupy. They often appear like a larger, more robust Birman.

Russian

russian blue cat

Often called Russian Blue, there is now a white variety also recognised. Russians have a striking bluish coat with a silvery sheen and a fine, regal frame. Not to be confused with blue tabby cats.

Scottish Fold

scottish fold cat

Scottish Folds suffer from a genetic fault in cartilage formation which creates a superficially pleasing ear fold, and a lifetime of hidden chronic pain. Read more about Scottish Fold health problems here.

Purchasing this breed supports unethical breeding. If you are the owner of a Scottish Fold, it’s not your fault and it’s not too late. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help.

Scottish Shorthair

scottish shorthair cat

This breed can be the ethical solution to lovers of Scottish Fold cats, as long as the fold mutation is not recessive. They retain the beautiful personality and coat of the fold breed, but without the crippling deformities.

Image by Mashhour (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Siamese

siamese cat

The picture shows the classic ‘seal-point’ colouration of a Siamese, referring to the dark ears, muzzle, tail and legs. Points can be in a variety of colours, but the coat is always pale and the eyes blue. Siamese are an active cat with a regal, proud yet affectionate disposition.

somali cat
Somali

The Somali is essentially a long-haired Abyssinian, and both cats often come from the same breeder. They share similar outgoing, confident personalities.

Image by Bonsai-ka at fr.wikipedia [CC BY-SA 1.0], from Wikimedia Commons

Sphynx

sphynx cat

As well as having a charming personality, the Sphynx is famous for being completely hairless. As such, it takes an owner aware of its particular needs.

Tonkinese

tonkinese cat

The Tonkinese is essentially a hybrid of the Burmese and the Siamese. While sharing traits of each, they appear more like a finely built Burmese.

Turkish Van

turkish van cat

Turkish Vans are very rare in Adelaide but have been included here as many ginger cats are called Turkish Vans by cat shelters.