Free Cat Breed Identifier

A cat breed identifier compares what you can see on your cat (coat, color pattern, face, ears, tail and build) with the typical traits of each breed. Answer up to 12 questions to rank 58 breeds and check how well your cat fits a domestic shorthair, the answer for most pet cats.

No photo upload, no signup. Everything runs in your browser.

Describe your cat

Answer any traits you can see. Skip the rest; skipped traits are not scored.

Coat length

Look at the back and sides, not the ruff or tail.

Coat texture

Stroke the cat from head to tail.

Color and pattern

Pick the pattern that covers most of the body.

Face shape

Look at the head straight on and in profile.

Ears

Pick the most noticeable ear feature.

Eye color

Adult eye color; kittens' eyes change until about 3 months.

Tail

Compare the tail length with the body.

Adult weight

A healthy adult weight, not an overweight one.

Body build

Feel the body under the fur.

Legs

Compare leg length with the body.

Energy

Day-to-day behavior at home.

Voice

How much the cat talks.

Closest breed matches

Pick a few traits above. Coat, ears, tail and legs narrow the list fastest.

Cat breeds list

Search 58 breeds plus the three domestic coat types by name, look or origin.

61 breeds

Domestic Shorthairmixed breed

Not a breed: a random-bred cat with a short coat. Any color, pattern, size or face shape.

Origin
Worldwide (mixed ancestry)
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
12-18 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate to High

Health notes: Health depends on the individual; mixed ancestry lowers the odds of breed-linked inherited disease.

Domestic Medium Hairmixed breed

Not a breed: a random-bred cat with a semi-long coat, often with a ruff and fluffy tail.

Origin
Worldwide (mixed ancestry)
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
12-18 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate to High

Health notes: Health depends on the individual; brush weekly to prevent mats behind the legs.

Domestic Longhairmixed breed

Not a breed: a random-bred cat with a long coat. Often mistaken for a Maine Coon or Persian mix.

Origin
Worldwide (mixed ancestry)
Weight
8-16 lb
Lifespan
12-18 years
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate to High

Health notes: Health depends on the individual; long coats mat without regular brushing.

Abyssinian

Ticked, warm-toned coat with no body stripes, large alert ears and an athletic, curious build.

Origin
Developed in Britain (ancestry debated)
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy and renal amyloidosis are known in the breed.

American Bobtail

Sturdy, wild-looking cat with a naturally short, expressive tail about a third to half normal length.

Origin
United States
Weight
7-16 lb
Lifespan
13-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; tail and spine problems are uncommon but possible in bobtailed lines.

American Curl

Ears curl back from the face in a smooth arc; short or semi-long silky coat.

Origin
United States
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate to High

Health notes: Generally healthy; handle the ear cartilage gently and keep the ear canals clean.

American Shorthair

Sturdy working cat with a round face and dense coat; the silver classic tabby is the best-known look.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
15-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs; weight gain is common without portion control.

American Wirehair

Like an American Shorthair but with springy, crimped, wiry hair that feels coarse to the touch.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
14-18 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; the coat and skin can be sensitive and oily.

Australian Mist

Spotted or marbled short coat with a misty ticked overlay, round face and green eyes.

Origin
Australia
Weight
7-13 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; prone to weight gain as an indoor cat.

Balinese

A long-haired Siamese: pointed coloring, sapphire eyes, wedge head and a plumed tail.

Origin
United States
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
12-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Shares Siamese risks: progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and dental disease.

Bengal

Leopard-like spotted or marbled pelt, often with glitter, on a muscular, athletic body.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b), HCM and pyruvate kinase deficiency are known in the breed.

Birman

Pointed, semi-long silky coat with pure white gloves on all four paws and deep blue eyes.

Origin
Myanmar (developed in France)
Weight
7-12 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; kidney disease and HCM have been reported.

Bombay

Jet black, patent-leather coat with copper or gold eyes: a miniature panther.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-15 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: HCM occurs; some lines carry the Burmese head (craniofacial) defect.

British Longhair

A semi-long-haired British Shorthair: round face, small ears and a dense, plush coat.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
8-17 lb
Lifespan
12-17 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: Shares British Shorthair risks: HCM and polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

British Shorthair

Teddy-bear look: round face, chubby cheeks, small ears and a dense plush coat, classically blue.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
7-17 lb
Lifespan
12-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: HCM and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) occur; obesity is common.

Burmese

Compact, surprisingly heavy cat with a satin coat in sable brown, champagne, blue or platinum and gold eyes.

Origin
Myanmar (developed in the US and UK)
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High to Moderate

Health notes: Hypokalemia, diabetes (in some lines), feline orofacial pain syndrome and a head defect in some lines.

Burmilla

Silver shaded or tipped coat with dark eye-liner and green eyes; short or semi-long.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
6-13 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; screen breeding cats for polycystic kidney disease.

Chartreux

Blue-gray woolly coat, round head with a smiling expression and copper or gold eyes.

Origin
France
Weight
7-16 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: Generally healthy; patellar luxation is reported.

Chausie

Tall, long-legged hybrid with a ticked brown, grizzled or black coat and tall ears.

Origin
United States (jungle cat hybrid)
Weight
15-25 lb
Lifespan
12-14 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Some have sensitive digestion; early generations may be restricted in some places.

Colorpoint Shorthair

A Siamese in red, cream, lynx or tortie points: wedge head, huge ears, blue eyes.

Origin
United States
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Shares Siamese risks: progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and dental disease.

Cornish Rex

Tight marcel waves of very short down, egg-shaped head, huge ears and a racy, arched body.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
11-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: HCM is reported; the thin coat leaves them prone to feeling cold and to oily skin.

Cymric

A long-haired Manx: tailless or stub-tailed, rounded body and a thick double coat.

Origin
Isle of Man / Canada
Weight
8-12 lb
Lifespan
8-14 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Manx syndrome (spina bifida, bowel and bladder problems) can affect tailless cats.

Devon Rex

Pixie face, enormous low-set ears and a loose, wavy coat that can be thin in places.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
9-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Congenital myasthenic syndrome, HCM and patellar luxation are known in the breed.

Donskoy

Hairless or with a fine flocked or brush coat, wrinkled skin and large ears.

Origin
Russia
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Needs skin care and protection from cold and sun.

Egyptian Mau

Naturally spotted silver, bronze or smoke coat, worried-looking gooseberry-green eyes and a belly flap.

Origin
Egypt
Weight
6-14 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy; pyruvate kinase deficiency is reported.

Exotic Shorthair

A short-haired Persian: flat face, round eyes, small ears and a thick plush coat.

Origin
United States
Weight
7-14 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: Brachycephalic airway problems, PKD, tear staining and dental crowding.

Havana Brown

Rich chocolate-brown coat, green eyes and a distinctive narrow 'corncob' muzzle.

Origin
United Kingdom
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
Moderate to High

Health notes: Generally healthy; the gene pool is very small.

Himalayan

A pointed Persian: flat face, long flowing coat and blue eyes.

Origin
United States / United Kingdom
Weight
7-12 lb
Lifespan
9-15 years
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: Shares Persian risks: PKD, breathing problems, eye discharge and dental disease.

Japanese Bobtail

Pom-pom tail that is short and kinked, lean body, and often calico (mi-ke) or bicolor.

Origin
Japan
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
13-18 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy.

Khao Manee

Pure white short coat with blue, gold or odd-colored 'diamond eyes'.

Origin
Thailand
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
10-12 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: White cats with blue eyes are at higher risk of congenital deafness.

Korat

Silver-tipped blue coat, heart-shaped face and big green eyes.

Origin
Thailand
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis occur; DNA tests exist for breeding cats.

Kurilian Bobtail

Short, fluffy bobbed tail, sturdy body and a short or semi-long coat.

Origin
Russia
Weight
7-15 lb
Lifespan
15-20 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy.

LaPerm

Loose curls or ringlets all over the body, thickest on the neck and tail.

Origin
United States
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy.

Lykoi

The 'werewolf cat': patchy black roan coat, hairless around the eyes, nose and ears.

Origin
United States
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Needs skin care; the breed is young and still being studied.

Maine Coon

Large, long-bodied cat with a shaggy coat, ruff, lynx-tipped ears, tufted paws and a long bushy tail.

Origin
United States
Weight
10-25 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: HCM, hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) occur; DNA tests exist for some.

Manx

Tailless or stub-tailed, round body with hind legs longer than the front, short double coat.

Origin
Isle of Man
Weight
8-12 lb
Lifespan
8-14 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate to High

Health notes: Manx syndrome (spina bifida, bowel and bladder problems) can affect tailless cats.

Munchkin

Very short legs from a dwarfism gene on an otherwise ordinary cat; any coat or color.

Origin
United States
Weight
5-9 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Welfare groups raise concerns about spine (lordosis), chest and joint problems linked to dwarfism.

Nebelung

A long-haired Russian Blue: silver-tipped blue silky coat, green eyes and a plumed tail.

Origin
United States
Weight
7-15 lb
Lifespan
11-16 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Big, sturdy cat with a water-resistant double coat, triangle-shaped head and tufted ears.

Origin
Norway
Weight
9-20 lb
Lifespan
14-16 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Glycogen storage disease type IV and HCM occur in the breed.

Ocicat

Wild-looking spotted cat with no wild ancestry: big thumbprint spots on a muscular body.

Origin
United States
Weight
6-15 lb
Lifespan
12-18 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy; some lines share Abyssinian risks such as PRA.

Oriental Longhair

Siamese body type without points: wedge head, huge ears, silky semi-long coat in any color.

Origin
United States / United Kingdom
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Shares Siamese risks: progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and dental disease.

Oriental Shorthair

Siamese body type without points: wedge head, huge ears and a sleek coat in hundreds of colors.

Origin
United States / United Kingdom
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Shares Siamese risks: progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and dental disease.

Persian

Flat face, big round eyes, small ears and a long, thick coat that needs daily combing.

Origin
Iran (developed in the UK)
Weight
7-12 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: PKD, brachycephalic breathing problems, eye discharge and dental disease.

Peterbald

Hairless to velvet or brush-coated, with a long wedge head, huge ears and a slim body.

Origin
Russia
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Needs skin care and protection from cold and sun.

Pixiebob

Bobcat look-alike: brown spotted tabby coat, heavy brow, lynx tips and a short tail; often polydactyl.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-17 lb
Lifespan
13-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; HCM and retained testicles are reported.

RagaMuffin

Large, soft-bodied cat with a rabbit-soft semi-long coat, sweet round face and walnut-shaped eyes.

Origin
United States
Weight
8-20 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: HCM and PKD are reported; prone to obesity.

Ragdoll

Big, relaxed cat with blue eyes and a pointed, mitted or bicolor silky coat; often goes limp when held.

Origin
United States
Weight
10-20 lb
Lifespan
12-17 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: HCM (DNA test available) and bladder stones are reported.

Russian Blue

Silver-tipped blue double coat that stands out like plush, vivid green eyes and a slight smile.

Origin
Russia
Weight
7-12 lb
Lifespan
15-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; gains weight easily.

Savannah

Tall, leggy hybrid with bold spots, very tall ears and a short ringed tail.

Origin
United States (serval hybrid)
Weight
12-25 lb
Lifespan
12-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: HCM is reported; early generations are restricted or banned in some states and countries.

Scottish Fold

Ears fold forward and down on a round head with big round eyes; short or long coat.

Origin
Scotland
Weight
6-13 lb
Lifespan
11-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back

Health notes: Every fold has osteochondrodysplasia, a painful cartilage and bone disease; breeding is restricted in some countries.

Selkirk Rex

Plush, loosely curled coat (short or long) on a sturdy, round-faced cat: the 'sheep cat'.

Origin
United States
Weight
6-16 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
Laid-back to Moderate

Health notes: PKD and HCM are reported.

Siamese

Pale body with dark face, ears, legs and tail, vivid blue eyes, and a loud, talkative voice.

Origin
Thailand
Weight
6-14 lb
Lifespan
12-20 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis, dental disease and asthma are known in the breed.

Siberian

Powerful forest cat with a thick triple coat, rounded face and tufted ears; pointed cats are called Neva Masquerade.

Origin
Russia
Weight
8-17 lb
Lifespan
11-18 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Energy
Moderate to High

Health notes: HCM and PKD are reported.

Singapura

One of the smallest breeds: sepia-ticked ivory and brown coat, big eyes and big ears.

Origin
Singapore
Weight
4-8 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Pyruvate kinase deficiency is reported.

Snowshoe

Pointed coloring with white paws and often a white inverted V on the face, plus blue eyes.

Origin
United States
Weight
7-12 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy.

Somali

A long-haired Abyssinian: ticked coat, fox-like plumed tail and tufted ears.

Origin
United States / Canada
Weight
6-10 lb
Lifespan
11-16 years
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Shares Abyssinian risks: pyruvate kinase deficiency, PRA and renal amyloidosis.

Sphynx

Hairless, wrinkled, warm skin with a pot belly, wedge-shaped head and very large ears.

Origin
Canada
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
9-15 years
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: HCM is common; needs regular baths, ear cleaning and sun protection.

Tonkinese

Burmese-Siamese blend: mink coat with soft points and aqua eyes, or pointed and solid variants.

Origin
Canada / United States
Weight
6-12 lb
Lifespan
10-16 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High

Health notes: Gingivitis is common; otherwise generally healthy.

Toyger

Bred to look like a toy tiger: bold, braided orange-and-black mackerel stripes.

Origin
United States
Weight
7-15 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Energy
High to Moderate

Health notes: Generally healthy; heart murmurs are reported.

Turkish Angora

Fine, silky single coat (classically white), long body, large tufted ears and a plumed tail.

Origin
Turkey
Weight
5-10 lb
Lifespan
12-18 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Deafness in blue-eyed or odd-eyed whites, HCM and a rare hereditary ataxia.

Turkish Van

White body with color only on the head and tail (the van pattern) and a water-loving streak.

Origin
Turkey
Weight
7-20 lb
Lifespan
12-17 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Energy
High

Health notes: Generally healthy; HCM is reported.

Maine Coon mix or domestic longhair?

It is the most common breed question about fluffy cats. These clues lean toward Maine Coon ancestry, though none proves it on its own:

  • Size and length: a long, rectangular body and a healthy adult weight of 12 pounds or more.
  • Coat: shaggy and uneven, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and back legs, with a ruff.
  • Ears and paws: large, tall ears with lynx tips and fur inside, and big tufted paws.
  • Tail: bushy and about as long as the body.
  • Face: a square muzzle rather than a round, short face.

Many domestic longhairs have one or two of these. Registration papers confirm a pedigree; a feline DNA test can estimate breed-like ancestry.

How to use the cat breed identifier

  1. Pick the coat length, texture and color pattern that best describe your cat.
  2. Choose face shape, ears, eye color, tail, weight, build and leg length. Skip any trait you are not sure about.
  3. Read the ranked breed matches, the check marks showing which traits fit, and the domestic shorthair fit.
  4. Open any breed in the cat breeds list to compare origin, weight, lifespan, grooming, shedding and health notes.

Cat breed FAQ

How can I tell what breed my cat is?

Look at the traits that breeds are selected for: coat length and texture, color pattern, face shape, ears, tail and leg length. A cat with no papers is most likely a domestic shorthair, medium hair or longhair. Only registration papers prove a pedigree; a feline DNA test can show breed-like ancestry.

What is a domestic shorthair cat?

A domestic shorthair is not a breed. It is the name for a random-bred cat with a short coat and mixed or unknown ancestry. Domestic shorthairs come in every color and pattern, including tabby, tuxedo, calico and solid black, and they make up most pet cats.

Is my cat a Maine Coon or just a long-haired cat?

Maine Coons are large, long-bodied cats, often 12 to 18 pounds or more, with a shaggy coat that is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and britches, a ruff, large tufted ears and paws, and a long bushy tail. Most fluffy cats without papers are domestic longhairs.

Can a cat look like a breed and not be one?

Yes. Pointed coloring, gray-blue coats, tabby stripes and long fur all occur in mixed-breed cats. A gray cat with green eyes is usually a domestic shorthair, not a Russian Blue, and a pointed cat is often a Siamese mix rather than a purebred Siamese.

Which cat traits point most strongly to a breed?

Rare genetic traits are the strongest clues: folded ears (Scottish Fold), curled-back ears (American Curl), a natural bobtail (Japanese, American or Kurilian Bobtail), no tail (Manx), curly fur (Rex breeds and LaPerm), hairlessness (Sphynx and others) and very short legs (Munchkin).

How matching works and sources

Each breed lists the values it typically shows for each trait. A matching answer earns that trait's weight: rare traits such as coat, texture, ears, tail and legs count double, face and pattern count 1.5 times, and energy and voice count half. The match is the share of answered weight that fits. Skipped traits are not scored. This is a visual guide, not a DNA test or a pedigree certificate.

Breed descriptions follow the Cat Fanciers' Association breed profiles and other registry standards. Weights and lifespans are typical adult ranges; individual cats vary. Health notes name conditions reported in each breed, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease (Cornell Feline Health Center); they are not a diagnosis. Checked November 5, 2026.

Related tools

Dog Breed Identifier Quiz

Answer trait questions to find likely dog breeds.

Cat Age Calculator

Convert cat years to human years and life stage.

Cat Name Generator

Find a name by personality, color or theme.

Cat Weight Chart Generator

Create an age-based weight reference chart.

Cat Calorie Calculator

Estimate daily calories for your cat.

Pet Life Expectancy Calculator

Estimate typical lifespan for cats and dogs.