Cat breeds and their personalities
The temperament, typical life span and adult weight of 25 cat breeds. Open a breed for coat care, health problems to watch and real photos posted by cat keepers.
Short-haired breeds
Short coats that are easy to care for
- Russian BlueQuiet · Shy with strangers · Bonds closely with one personLife span 15–20 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding low
- British ShorthairEasy-going · Independent · Prefers being beside you to being heldLife span 12–17 years · Weight 4–8 kg · Shedding moderate
- American ShorthairGentle · Even-tempered · Good with familiesLife span 15–20 years · Weight 3.5–7 kg · Shedding moderate
- AbyssinianCurious · Athletic · Loves playing with peopleLife span 12–15 years · Weight 3–5 kg · Shedding low
- BengalEnergetic · Clever · Likes waterLife span 12–16 years · Weight 3.5–7 kg · Shedding low
- SiameseTalkative · Strongly attached · CleverLife span 15–20 years · Weight 3–5 kg · Shedding low
- BombayLoves people · Lap cat · Seeks warm spotsLife span 12–16 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding low
Long-haired breeds
Full long coats with an elegant flow
- PersianGentle · Quiet · RelaxedLife span 12–17 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding heavy
- RagdollDocile · Goes limp when held · Follows peopleLife span 12–17 years · Weight 4.5–9 kg · Shedding moderate
- Norwegian Forest Cat1 cat with photosClimber · Independent · Affectionate but quietLife span 12–16 years · Weight 4–9 kg · Shedding heavy
- MunchkinPlayful · Curious · Fast runnerLife span 12–15 years · Weight 2.5–4.5 kg · Shedding moderate
- Scottish FoldGentle · Quiet · Likes to be near peopleLife span 11–15 years · Weight 3–6 kg · Shedding moderate
- HimalayanGentle · Affectionate · Playful now and thenLife span 9–15 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding heavy
- BirmanSweet-natured · Calm · SociableLife span 12–16 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding moderate
Large breeds
Big, sturdy breeds
- Maine Coon1 cat with photosGentle giant · Sociable · Chirping voiceLife span 10–15 years · Weight 4.5–10 kg · Shedding heavy
- SiberianStrong jumper · Affectionate · BoldLife span 12–16 years · Weight 4–9 kg · Shedding heavy
- SavannahEnergetic · High jumper · Strong bondLife span 12–20 years · Weight 5–11 kg · Shedding low
- Turkish VanLikes water · Active · IndependentLife span 12–17 years · Weight 4–8 kg · Shedding moderate
Rare breeds
Uncommon, distinctive breeds
- SphynxAffectionate · Loves attention · Seeks warm spotsLife span 9–15 years · Weight 3–5.5 kg · Shedding low
- Devon RexMischievous · Likes riding on shoulders · Follows peopleLife span 10–15 years · Weight 2.5–4.5 kg · Shedding low
- Cornish RexAgile · Playful · Loves peopleLife span 11–15 years · Weight 2.5–4.5 kg · Shedding low
- LykoiHunting instinct · Clever · Loyal to familyLife span 12–15 years · Weight 2.5–5 kg · Shedding heavy
- PeterbaldVery affectionate · Talkative · ElegantLife span 12–15 years · Weight 3–5 kg · Shedding low
Korean Shorthair and mixed
Korean Shorthairs and cats of mixed ancestry
Weight and life span are general ranges from breed registries and veterinary references and vary from cat to cat.
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