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Honest owner's guides to 13 cat breeds and types, written by a licensed veterinarian: who each genuinely suits, who should think twice, what daily care really involves, and the health flags our clinical database tracks. Most cats are mixed-breed — the Domestic Shorthair and Domestic Longhair guides cover them, and they are where we point most first-time owners.
Good fit if: you want a cat that is genuinely involved in whatever you are doing, all day
Good fit if: you actively want a demanding, athletic cat and have the time to match
Good fit if: you want a gentle, people-oriented cat that follows you room to room
Good fit if: you want a calm, undemanding cat that is content on its own terms
Good fit if: you want a cat that treats you as its favourite person and says so
Good fit if: you want a long-coated cat without a pedigree price or waiting list
Good fit if: you want to adopt, and you want the widest possible choice of cats
Good fit if: you want a large, sociable, dog-like cat and have the space for one
Good fit if: daily grooming is something you will genuinely do, every day, for years
Good fit if: you want an affectionate cat that follows you from room to room
Good fit if: you have read about the cartilage condition below and accept what it means
Good fit if: you genuinely want a talkative cat and find a running commentary charming
Good fit if: you know that no cat is hypoallergenic, hairless ones included, and want one anyway
Looking for a dog instead? Browse the dog breed guides.
Breed ratings describe breed-level tendencies compiled from published breed references and veterinary experience. They cannot predict an individual cat. Most cats are not pedigree cats at all, and even within a breed, early socialization, handling, health and the individual animal shape behavior far more than the breed label does — which is why we recommend meeting an adult cat and judging the cat in front of you.
No rating here is a safety guarantee. Any cat can scratch or bite, especially when frightened, cornered, or in pain. Supervise young children around any cat, teach them to let the cat approach and leave freely, and give every cat an escape route and a high place of its own. A sudden change in temperament is usually a medical problem, not a personality one — have it seen.
This tool is educational only and is not veterinary, behavioral, or safety advice. See our full disclaimer.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian with any questions about your pet's health.