From the grandeur of regal Persians to the charm of mischievous British Shorthairs, the UK boasts a diverse and captivating array of cat breeds. We also have our beloved ‘moggy’ – the most popular breed of cat in the UK and so that cat you’ll see the most of.
Table of Contents
Is My Cat a Moggy or Pedigree?
A ‘moggy’ cat is a non-pedigree cat and the most common kind of cat you’ll see in the UK.
If you’re uncertain about your cat’s heritage, you might consider observing its physical characteristics, comparing them to breed standards, or consulting with a veterinarian or animal expert who can provide more accurate guidance. If you have any information about your cat’s lineage or previous ownership, that could also help you determine its background.
Here’s some key differences between the two:
Moggie (Mixed Breed)
Moggies are cats of mixed or unknown ancestry.
- They may have characteristics of various breeds but don’t conform to any specific breed standard.
- Their appearance can vary widely in terms of coat colour, pattern, length, and other physical features.
- They are often found in animal shelters or adopted from non-breeding households.
Pedigree (Purebred)
Pedigree cats are those that belong to a specific breed and have a documented ancestry of several generations.
- They conform to the breed’s established standards for appearance, behaviour, and other traits.
- Breeders carefully select parents to maintain and enhance specific breed traits.
- Examples of pedigree cats include Persians, Siamese, Maine Coons, and many others.
Cat Breeds by Coat Type and Length
Cat breeds come in a variety of different coat types and lengths, each contributing to their charm and personality. From the luxurious, long-haired coats of breeds like the Persian and Maine Coon, exuding an air of regal elegance, to the sleek and short coats of the Siamese and Abyssinian, radiating an agile and athletic aura, feline diversity knows no bounds.
Some breeds boast plush double coats that offer protection against the elements, like the Siberian or Norwegian Forest Cat, reflecting their resilient origins in colder climates. On the other hand, breeds with fine and silky coats, such as the Balinese or the Cornish Rex, exhibit an ethereal grace and often require extra grooming care. The range of cat coat lengths and textures exemplifies the intricate tapestry of feline genetics.
Cat Breeds by Coat Pattern and Colour
Different types of cats have a wonderful variety of fur patterns and colours, and some say their colour or coat pattern shows off their personality, too. For example, the tuxedo pattern, which looks like a cat is wearing a black-and-white suit. Tuxedo cats are known for being mischievous but loving. Ginger cats have a reputation for being friendly, affectionate, but also naughty and lack intelligence.
Some cats, like the Maine Coon and Abyssinian, have stripes on their fur. These stripes can be wavy or straight. These stripes bring out their playful or sophisticated personalities. Siamese cats look elegant with their dark ears, face, paws, and tail, and the rest of the body is lighter. On the other hand, Persian cats have a regal appearance, with long, luxurious fur.
There are also cats with unique fur colours. The Russian Blue cat has a shiny bluish-grey coat, and the Bengal cat has fur with spots that look like those of a leopard. These fur patterns and colours show how beautiful and diverse different cat breeds can be.
Size Specific Cat Breeds
Cats come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small domestic breeds to larger wild species. It’s important to remember that individual cat sizes can vary widely within a breed due to genetics, diet, and other factors. Additionally, domestic cats can exhibit a wide range of sizes based on their lineage and individual growth patterns. Always provide proper care and attention to your cat’s health, regardless of its size.
Cat Breeds by Personality Type
Cats, like humans, have a wide range of personalities that can vary based on genetics, upbringing, and individual experiences. A study by Dr. Lauren Finka of the University of Lincoln revealed 5 main personality types: human cat, hunter cat, cat’s cat, cantankerous cat and inquisitive cat. Another study by the University of South Australia found 52 personality characteristics.
Hybrid and Crossbreed Cats
Hybrid and crossbreed cats refer to felines that are the result of mating different cat breeds or even different species of wild and domestic cats.
A-Z of Cat Breeds
Abyssinian
Aegean
American Bobtail
American Curl
American Ringtail
American Shorthair
American Wirehair
Aphrodite Giant
Arabian Mau
Asian
Asian Semi-longhair
Australian Mist
Balinese
Bambino
Bengal
Birman
Bombay
Brazilian Shorthair
British Longhair
British Shorthair
Burmese
Burmilla
California Spangled
Chantilly-Tiffany
Chartreux
Chausie
Colorpoint Shorthair
Cornish Rex
Cymric, Manx Longhair or Long-haired Manx
Cyprus
Devon Rex
Donskoy or Don Sphynx
Dragon Li or Chinese Li Hua
Dwelf
Egyptian Mau
European Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair
Foldex
German Rex
Havana Brown
Highlander
Himalayan or Colourpoint Persian
Japanese Bobtail
Javanese or Colourpoint Longhair
Kanaani
Khao Manee
Kinkalow
Korat
Korean Bobtail
Korn Ja
Kurilian Bobtail or Kuril Islands Bobtail
Lambkin
LaPerm
Lykoi
Maine Coon
Manx
Mekong Bobtail
Minskin
Minuet
Munchkin
Nebelung
Neva Masquerade (colourpoint Siberian)
Norwegian Forest Cat
Ocicat
Ojos Azules
Oregon Rex (extinct)
Oriental Bicolor
Oriental Longhair
Oriental Shorthair
Persian (modern)
Persian (traditional)
Peterbald
Pixie-bob
Raas
Ragamuffin or Liebling (obsolete)
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Russian White, Russian Black and Russian Tabby
Sam Sawet
Savannah
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Serengeti
Serrade Petit
Siamese (modern) (for traditional, see Thai below)
Siberian or Siberian Forest Cat (for colorpoint, see Neva Masquerade)
Singapura
Snowshoe
Sokoke
Somali
Sphynx
Suphalak
Thai Lilac, Thai Blue Point and Thai Lilac Point
Thai or Traditional, Classic, or Old-style Siamese; Wichien Maat
Tonkinese
Toybob
Toyger
Turkish Angora
Turkish Van
Turkish Vankedisi (white variety of Turkish Van)
Ukrainian Levkoy
York Chocolate