Tell the Difference Between Common Cat Breeds

Have you wondered how cat-lovers can instantly tell what breed a cat is just by glancing at it? A breed is more than just looks. It is an important feature that can give insight into the personality of the cat. Here are the ways in which you can tell the most common breeds apart.

Steps

 * 1) Learn the differences between the popular shorthairs.[[Image:Tell the Difference Between Common Cat Breeds Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 2) * Abyssinian: This breed is known for its loving and devoted temperament. This breed is quiet, with bluish coats with bands of dark and light shades.
 * 3) * American Shorthair: This breed is sturdy, and can be various colors ranging from solids to tabbies.
 * 4) * Bombay: This breed is easily recognized because of its lithe figure and jet-black coat. The coat is sleek and glossy. These cats enjoy human companionship.
 * 5) * British Shorthair: This large breed (up to 18 lbs.) does not enjoy being handled. This breed is usually silver with black tabby-like stripes.
 * 6) * Burmese: This slender breed bares closeness to the Bombay, with a usually black coat and lithe figure. There are Burmese with slight color differences too.
 * 7) * California Spangled: This rather expensive Hollywood breed resembles Bengal; the cats are selectively bred to produce cheetah or leopard-like spots.
 * 8) * Charteaux: This calm breed has a muddled coat. Expect to find one observing its surroundings attentively.
 * 9) * Cornish Rex: A breed with a natural jumping ability. Slender in size, this breed has a wavy coat.
 * 10) * Devon Rex: With a rippling coat, this breed enjoys playing!
 * 11) * Egyptian Mau: This cat has a typical spotted coat, thanks to its roots in Egypt.
 * 12) * Exotic Shorthair: With a dense double coat, this breed also has a high-pitched squeaky voice.
 * 13) * Havana Brown: This cat is just bursting with energy. Able to run, leap, climb, and turn at sharp angles makes this cat the perfect play companion. They come in various colors.
 * 14) * Japanese Bobtail: Believed in Japan to be good luck, these cats have short, bob-like tails and hind legs that are slightly longer than the forelegs.
 * 15) * Korat: Commonly blue-grey with green eyes, this breed is similar in appearance with the Russian Blue.
 * 16) * Manx: This cat has a little or no tail, with slightly longer hind legs.
 * 17) * Ocicat: This cat is spotted, and enjoys human company.
 * 18) * Russian Blue: This noble-looking breed, with its grey-blue coat and calm expression, is very devoted to its human caregiver.
 * 19) *Savannah Cat: This cat breed is famous for having tiger like looks and for it's large ears.
 * 20) * Scottish Fold: This breed's ears have been bred to fold over themselves.
 * 21) * Singapura: This breed compares to the teacup Chihuahua because they are so small; weighing at four pounds. Adults could easily be mistaken for kittens.
 * 22) * Sphynx: This cat, instead of fur, is covered in "peach fuzz" and often has no whiskers. This breed must be strictly indoors.
 * 23) * Tonkinese: This breed is known for it's beautiful "liquid" eye color and soft markings. Affectionate and playful, this breed is also intelligent.
 * 24) Learn the differences between the popular longhairs.[[Image:Tell the Difference Between Common Cat Breeds Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 25) * American Curl: This cat has a plumed tail and rounded, curled ears.
 * 26) * Angora: With silky soft fur, this breed is cozy to curl up with. Warm and loving, this breed is also energetic.
 * 27) * Balinese: This cat looks similar to a Siamese, but with long fur instead of short.
 * 28) * Birman: They are a beautiful breed. With white paws and delicate tan points, this breed has curious blue eyes as well.
 * 29) * Himalayan: This cat is sturdy, and look similar to Siamese cats.
 * 30) * Maine Coon: This breed is in no way even remotely related to raccoons. They are gentle giants, weighing up to 22lbs. and often have facial markings similar to that of raccoons.
 * 31) * Norwegian Forest Cat: This cat has a water-repellent coat. They are calm and observant.
 * 32) * Persian: This cat is known for its "Pug-face". These breeds, although the most popular, can also have breathing problems due to their facial structures.
 * 33) * [www.rfci.org Ragdoll]: This breed enjoys cuddling up with human companions.
 * 34) * Siberian: This breed has a thick coat because of its ancestry. They aren't lap cats.
 * 35) * Somali: They have ticked coats. They have a slightly arched back and enjoy human company.

Tips

 * Cats come in all different shapes and sizes. Unless you are an expert, it is nearly impossible to identify a cat's breed just by looking at it.
 * You might want to, if you are interested in the topic enough, get some cat breed books so you can study the subject further.

Warnings

 * Never pet someone else's cat before asking if you can do so. Cats are not always friendly toward people they do not know.

Related wikiHows

 * Play With Your Cat Outside
 * Care for Kittens from Birth
 * Know if a Cat Is a Stray
 * Find a Lost Cat