Your cat might be one of the 73 breeds that The International Cat Association recognizes. The Cat Fanciers’ Association has a smaller list of 45 breeds. But here’s something surprising – more than 96% of cats around the world are mixed breeds. These cats choose their own mates naturally instead of being part of planned breeding programs.
Many pet parents ask themselves “what breed is my cat?” This curiosity leads us to look at our cats’ physical features and unique behaviors as we try to understand their background. You could use your smartphone to identify your cat’s breed from a picture or check a detailed breed chart. Learning about your cat’s breed helps you understand their health risks and typical behaviors better.
A 2019 study revealed clear differences in social and non-social behaviors among 19 breed groups. The research showed that specific breeds can have their own personality traits. On top of that, knowing your cat’s breed helps predict possible health issues. Flat-faced cats like Persians tend to have more breathing problems and kidney disease.
This piece explains several ways to figure out your cat’s breed. We’ll look at online tools, mobile apps, and DNA testing options. You’ll learn how to make sense of these results to give your furry friend the best care possible.
Start with What You Can See: Physical Traits
Physical traits are the best clues you can use to figure out your cat’s breed heritage. You can narrow down the possibilities by looking at several key features before using a cat breed identifier app or online tool.
Size and body type
Your cat’s size can tell you a lot about potential breeds. Cats typically fit into three size categories:
- Small cats (4-9 pounds) include breeds like the Singapura, which can weigh as little as 4 pounds, and the Munchkin that weighs 5-9 pounds despite having normal-sized bodies with distinctively short legs.
- Medium cats (8-15 pounds) are the most common household felines. British Shorthair cats belong to this category and can weigh between 9-17 pounds.
- Large cats (13-25+ pounds) like the Maine Coon can grow to 18 pounds or more. Norwegian Forest Cats naturally reach 13-16 pounds and have powerful legs.
Body structure varies by a lot between breeds. Cobby types like Persians have a deep chest and broad shoulders. Svelte cats like the Siamese have slim, lithe bodies with tapering lines. European Burmese show moderate builds that fall between these extremes.
Fur length and texture
Cats have four main types of fur: short, long, curly, and hairless. The FGF5 gene controls length, with the dominant form (L) coding for short hair and the recessive form (l) for long hair.
Short coats (under 1.5 inches) are most common. Long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons have fur between 1.5-5 inches. Some cats have single-layered coats (mostly oriental breeds), while others have double coats (Persian, British Shorthair) or triple coats (Siberian) that provide extra insulation.
Genetic mutations in the KRT71 gene create curly-haired cats, which are rare. The Selkirk Rex has a dominant mutation, and the Devon Rex and hairless Sphynx have different recessive mutations.
Coat color and patterns
About 10-15 genes and their alleles determine a cat’s coat color. These are the common patterns:
Solid coats show one consistent color without markings. Tabby patterns are the most common and include classic (swirls), mackerel (stripes), spotted, and ticked varieties. Each has an M-shaped marking on the forehead. Bicolor cats combine white with another color. Tricolor cats (calico) show white, black, and orange patches.
Colorpoint cats like the Siamese have darker extremities on their face, ears, feet, and tail. Orange, tortoiseshell, and calico patterns link to sex, and all but one of these patterns appear exclusively in females.
Face shape and ear type
Face shapes help identify breeds and come in three main types: round, square, and triangular. Persian cats and similar breeds have distinctive flat (brachycephalic) faces. Siamese cats have narrow, triangular faces.
Ear characteristics can reveal much about a breed. Most breeds have standard ears, but some stand out. American Curls have curled ears, Scottish Folds have folded ears, and Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats show tufted ears (lynx tips).
Tail length and structure
A cat’s tail can give away important clues about its breed. Standard cat tails have about 20 vertebrae. Maine Coons have exceptionally long tails up to 16 inches. Japanese Bobtails show distinctive stubby tails that look like rabbit tails.
Some breeds have fluffy, bushy tails (Himalayan, Birman). Others might have curled, ringed, striped, or kinked tails. The Manx breed stands out because it has no tail.
These physical traits are the foundations of using any cat breed identifier tool. They give you essential parameters to check before you learn about behavioral characteristics.
Look Closer: Behavioral and Personality Clues
Your cat’s behavior can tell you a lot when using a cat breed identifier. A 2019 Scientific Reports study shows clear differences in how different breeds behave, both socially and non-socially.
Vocal or quiet nature
The way your cat “talks” can give away their heritage. Here are some breeds that love to chat:
- Siamese cats are known for their distinct low-toned but loud meows, which some people call “meezers”. They love having long conversations with their owners.
- Maine Coon cats love to “talk” and will chat with their owners all day long.
Other breeds tend to stay quiet:
- Persian cats are “sweet, gentle, quiet” and like peaceful surroundings.
- British Shorthair cats are much quieter and more reserved than other breeds.
- Chartreux cats earned the nickname “Silent Monks of the Cat World” because they hardly make a sound.
Sociability with humans
Your cat’s interaction with people can help identify their breed. Research shows some cats are natural people-lovers:
- Ragdolls will follow you everywhere and run to greet you when you come home. People describe them as “loving, relaxed, sweet”.
- Sphynx cats are “loving, outgoing, just need attention”. They seek human company not just to play but also to stay warm since they don’t have fur.
- Burmese cats bond quickly with their family. They’ll let you know right away if they think you’re not giving them enough attention.
Some breeds prefer their space:
- Persian cats stay shy around new people but show lots of love to their familiar humans.
- Norwegian Forest cats are “adaptable, relaxed, independent”.
Activity level and playfulness
Each breed has its own energy level, which helps with identification:
- Bengal cats are “energetic, affectionate, adventurous” and full of life. They just need lots of physical and mental stimulation.
- Abyssinian cats stay busy and purposeful with endless energy. They’re smart enough to learn fetch.
- Exotic Shorthair cats love being around their humans without being too needy. This makes them perfect if you want a cat that isn’t clingy.
- Persian cats keep their energy levels low. They prefer calm environments and regular schedules.
Breed-specific quirks
Some behaviors are unique to specific breeds:
- Siamese cats create strong bonds with their favorite people, making great companions for families or single owners. They get anxious when left by themselves.
- Maine Coons act like dogs because they’re big, easy to train, and love water unlike other cats.
- Bombay cats stand out because they love being around people.
- Birman cats welcome guests naturally with their social nature and curious minds.
- Japanese Bobtails love to play and excel at pouncing. They’re great at games like tag.
Using these behavioral traits along with physical features gives you a detailed picture when using a cat breed identifier tool. All the same, note that environment and personality can affect behavior. The 2019 study points out that while breeds behave differently, we still need more research to fully understand the connection between breed and personality.
How to Use a Cat Breed Identifier Tool
Technology gives us several reliable ways to figure out your cat’s breed beyond just looking at them. Let’s get into how you can use different cat breed identifier tools to solve the “what breed is my cat” mystery.
Using a cat breed identifier by picture
A quality photograph is vital to get accurate results. Here’s what works best:
- Place your cat against a plain background with good lighting
- Get clear shots of the face, body profile, and coat patterns
- Keep other people or pets out of the frame
- Take shots from different angles if the first result doesn’t look right
You can upload photos straight from your gallery to many online platforms. This saves you time if you already have good pictures.
Trying a cat breed identifier app
Cat breed identifier apps have evolved a lot and are a great way to get results:
Cat Scanner and similar apps can spot about 60 different breeds, including all breeds the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognizes. These apps look at photos, videos, or gallery images and give you results in seconds.
The tools tell you everything about identified breeds – their personality, health issues, grooming needs, and background story. Quality apps get it right about 85% of the time.
These applications can spot mixed breeds too and help you learn about the different breeds that make your cat unique.
Learning about online cat breed identifier quiz
Online quizzes take a different path. They look at your cat’s traits and your lifestyle priorities:
The quizzes ask about coat type, how vocal your cat is, energy levels, social behaviors, and facial features. Your answers help find possible breeds based on personality and physical traits.
Well-laid-out quizzes teach you to spot distinctive breed traits. You learn while finding out about your cat’s breed.
Reading a cat breed identifier chart
Cat breed identifier charts work as visual guides that group breeds by their key features:
- Use charts to match your cat’s traits with standard breed descriptions
- Look at main features like coat pattern, body type, and face shape
- Check charts from trusted sources like veterinary associations
Charts help guide you but aren’t perfect on their own. They work best when used with other ways to identify breeds.
DNA testing gives you the most accurate results. Using multiple ways to identify your cat’s breed will give you the best answer.
When to Consider DNA Testing
DNA testing stands out as the most scientifically accurate method to identify your cat’s breed heritage, surpassing visual traits and digital tools. A genetic test gives you solid biological proof of your cat’s ancestry, which is more reliable than any cat breed identifier app or online quiz.
What DNA tests can reveal
Genetic testing shows results way beyond the reach and influence of visual identification. These tests can determine your cat’s breed makeup and its relationship to different breed groups. The tests also help detect genetic markers linked to health conditions such as polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy found in Ragdolls and Maine Coons. On top of that, it reveals your cat’s connection to wild cat relatives, blood type, and genetic traits that affect coat color and texture.
Best cat DNA test kits
You have several trusted options to choose from:
Basepaws has three main tests: Breed + Health DNA Test (AED 583.84) that checks for 64+ health markers and 21+ breeds, Whole Genome Sequencing (AED 1832.30) that gives complete genetic information, and a Dental Health Test.
Wisdom Panel offers the Complete for Cats test (AED 477.32) that analyzes 70+ breeds and 45+ health markers, along with an Optimal Selection test for breeders (AED 547.08).
Orivet specializes in health screening through their Feline Full Breed Profile (AED 436.96) that looks at 25+ health markers.
How accurate are DNA results?
Cat DNA tests deliver reliable results but aren’t nowhere near as advanced as human or dog DNA tests. Most cat breeds are less than 100 years old, unlike dogs that people bred for specific tasks over thousands of years. This makes cat ancestry more complex. The tests are highly accurate (over 99%) for the genetic markers they analyze, though they might not identify exact breed mixes perfectly.
When to consult your vet
Your veterinarian should review any DNA results that show genetic health markers. Note that these tests identify potential risk factors rather than confirmed diagnoses. Most vets don’t rely solely on cat DNA test results to make medical decisions. Notwithstanding that, test results are a great way to get help for you and your vet to create a proactive health plan, particularly for monitoring breed-specific conditions.
Understanding the Results and Next Steps
DNA tests and breed identifiers can help you give your cat the best possible care. These results can substantially affect your cat’s well-being and happiness.
What if your cat is a mixed breed?
Mixed breed cats, known as Domestic Shorthairs or Longhairs in North America, are a great way to get several benefits compared to purebreds. We noticed their genetic diversity guides them toward better overall health with fewer inherited problems. This variation in genes protects them from breed-specific health issues, and they often live longer, healthier lives.
These cats adapt well and show remarkable toughness. Their coats range from short (under 1 inch) to medium (1-2 inches) or long (over 2 inches). Mixed breeds usually stay healthier, but they can still develop cancer, diabetes, FIV, and feline leukemia.
Health risks linked to certain breeds
Limited gene pools create specific health challenges for purebred cats. To name just one example, see Persian cats – they often develop haircoat disorders, dental disease, overgrown nails, eye discharge, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Bengal cats tend to get cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Ragdolls share HCM risks from MYBPC3 gene mutations with Maine Coons. Siamese cats’ genes make them more likely to develop certain cancers, including mediastinal lymphoma and intestinal adenocarcinomas.
Scottish Folds struggle with Osteochondrodysplasia (Scottish Fold Disease) because their distinctive folded ears come from not having enough cartilage.
How to care for your cat based on breed traits
Your cat’s quality of life improves when you match their care to specific needs. Each cat eats differently – former strays usually eat full meals, while house-raised cats prefer small portions throughout the day.
Watching your cat’s behavior helps catch health issues early. More drinking might point to hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease, and eating more food could mean hyperthyroidism. Smart monitoring devices can track eating, drinking, and outdoor habits to establish normal patterns and spot changes.
Knowing your cat’s breed-specific traits helps you create the right environment and exercise plans while watching for potential health issues.
Conclusion
Learning your cat’s breed does more than satisfy curiosity – it helps you understand your feline friend’s health, behavior, and specific needs better. This piece explored several ways to answer a common question: “What breed is my cat?”
Your cat’s physical traits give the first clues, from body size and fur texture to distinctive facial features and tail characteristics. Your cat’s behavioral patterns also show important breed indicators – whether they “talk” constantly like a Siamese or stay quiet like a Chartreux.
State-of-the-art technology has made breed identification easier. Cat breed identifier apps, online quizzes, and photo recognition tools give pet parents a good starting point. Notwithstanding that, DNA testing remains the best way to get definitive answers about your cat’s genetic makeup and potential risks.
Keep in mind that your cat’s personality surpasses any breed characteristics, whatever the identification method shows. Mixed-breed cats get an advantage from genetic diversity that often leads to better overall health and fewer inherited problems.
The knowledge from breed identification enables you to provide better care. You can monitor health vulnerabilities early and take action when needed. Understanding behavioral tendencies helps create environments that satisfy your cat’s natural instincts.
Your cat deserves care that honors both their breed heritage and individual quirks, whether they’re purebred or have an array of genetic traits. Finding out your cat’s breed should improve – not define – the special bond you share with your feline companion.
FAQs
Q1. How can I identify my cat’s breed at home?
You can start by observing your cat’s physical traits such as size, coat length and texture, color patterns, face shape, and ear type. Additionally, pay attention to behavioral characteristics like vocalization, sociability, and activity level. These observations can help narrow down potential breeds.
Q2. Are cat breed identifier apps reliable?
Cat breed identifier apps can be quite helpful and offer up to 85% accuracy in recognizing breeds. They analyze photos or videos of your cat and provide information about potential breeds, including temperament and health considerations. However, for the most accurate results, it’s best to use these apps in conjunction with other identification methods.
Q3. When should I consider DNA testing for my cat?
Consider DNA testing if you want the most accurate information about your cat’s breed composition and potential genetic health risks. It’s particularly useful if you suspect your cat might be prone to breed-specific health conditions or if you’re simply curious about their genetic ancestry.
Q4. What are the advantages of having a mixed-breed cat?
Mixed-breed cats often benefit from greater genetic diversity, which can lead to better overall health and fewer hereditary issues compared to purebreds. They tend to be more adaptable and resilient, potentially enjoying longer, healthier lives due to their varied genetic makeup.
Q5. How can knowing my cat’s breed improve their care?
Understanding your cat’s breed can help you tailor their care to their specific needs. It allows you to be aware of potential breed-specific health risks, create an appropriate living environment, establish suitable exercise routines, and even understand their behavioral tendencies better. This knowledge enables you to provide more targeted and effective care for your feline companion.