The number of domesticated cats in the world makes the process of determining a cat breed difficult. A more thorough approach to identifying all types of cat would require a book to explain it. A short summary can provide you with the basics you need to start learning cat breeds. This will help you determine which breed of cat to adopt or simply identify your own breed of cat.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Consider Basic Indicators
Step 1. Learn the pedigreed cat
Pedigreed cats are bred by cat breeders and the cat meets certain breeding standards based on the cat association where the cat is registered. Cat breed standards define the ideal appearance of a particular cat breed and usually describe size, body type, and head type. The standards also define facial features including the shape of the muzzle, the location of the eyes and nose, the size and type of ears, and the shape and color of the eyes. Other factors are tail length and type, length, texture, color and pattern of fur, and sometimes personality.
- There are more than 100 types of pedigreed cats worldwide, and this does not include coat variations and color variations of cats, or new cat breeds.
- Pedigree cats have documents that trace their family tree to about 4 to 5 (or more) generations, depending on the association that took care of them and tend to produce offspring that meet the standards.
Step 2. Learn what types of cats are commonly found
Mother cats of this breed are usually unknown and vary in size, body type, head type, ear and eye variations, tail length and type, coat length and thickness, coat color and pattern, and personality.
If a cat does not have documents from the relevant association where it was registered at birth or purchased, it is not a pedigreed cat. This can be confusing because on some occasions, pedigreed cats are called “purebred” (pure breed cats). This is a misleading term because pedigreed cats are not completely “pure” like street cats
Step 3. Consider the length, pattern, and color of the cat's coat
The main cat identifier is the coat, pattern and/or coat color. Therefore, it is very important to research and describe the coat of the cat you want to identify. For example, is a cat's coat short and gray or long with two colors?
Knowing whether the cat you are trying to identify has long or short coat can help narrow down your options when trying to identify a cat. Most cats tend to be separated into long and short coats, although some breeds have both types of coat length. Sometimes you will also see a medium-haired cat breed
Step 4. Look at the cat's face and eyes
Some types of cats have markings on their faces that will help you identify the breed of cat. For example, do cats have short muzzles? Blue eyes? Long ears? Tall or long face? Or some other feature? Pay attention and make notes about these features to help identify the breed of cat.
Step 5. Think about the cat's personality
Some cats have certain personalities that will help you determine the breed. For example, is he shy? Caring? Enthusiastic? Talkative? Or other? Consider the cat's personality and use this information to narrow down the breeds further.
Method 2 of 2: Identifying a Specific Cat Breed
Step 1. Identify the long-haired Persian cat breed
Features commonly found in this cat are snub nose, small ears, and thick fur. Judging from a show standpoint, this breed of cat should meet the standards for coat type, shape, size and length. Patterns and colors include tabby, smoke, lilac, white, black, and others. This cat tends to be quiet and doesn't ask for much. It is also very soft. Types of long-haired Persian cat commonly found include:
- Chinchilla
- Himalayas
- Shaded silver
- Exotic Longhair
Step 2. Learn how to identify a British shorthair and an American shorthair cat
These cats tend to look the same to the layman's eye, although there are some differences in expectations between American and British standards. Despite having a short coat, these cats have very thick fur and easily dull. The colors include white, black, blue, cream, brown, and lilac. Patterns can be tabby, calico, calico and white, Himalayan, tipped, smoked, two-tone, and more. These cats are usually very heavy and bulky as adults, but are calm, gentle, loving and patient. This cat is very kind to children. Some of the types commonly found include:
- Manx
- American Shorthair
- British Shorthair
- Exotic Shorthair
Step 3. Determine if your cat is a Burmese breed
Burmese cats are always active attention seekers. This cat requires a lot of care because it does not like to be left alone. This cat is famous for its temperament, which is affectionate and chatty. This cat is also known for its tendency to resemble a dog when carrying something or being loyal. This cat's coat comes in many colors, including brown (sable), blue, dark brown (champagne), lilac (platinum), red, cream, calico brown, calico blue, calico dark brown, and lilac calico.
Step 4. Identify the Siamese cat
This cat is one of the most easily recognized cats because of its unique color and pattern. This cat is very talkative and doesn't want to be left alone so he has to have friends and has to be involved. Siamese cats are very smart and sociable, but have a tendency to have only one 'master'. This cat has various types of patterns and colors. Their coat colors include dark brown, lilac, cream, and tabby with patterns on each end of their body, as well as various other types depending on the association that takes care of them.
Step 5. Learn how to identify a short-haired Oriental cat
This cat is the same as the Siamese cat in size and shape but has a variety of coat colors so it is not included in the Siamese type. His temperament is almost the same as the Siamese cat and this breed of cat is very elegant, affectionate, cheerful and intelligent. He can also be very noisy, chatty, and has a tendency to spoil if left alone for too long. These cat breeds include:
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Abyssinian
- American Wirehair
- American Curl
- Bengal
- Ocicat
- Burmilla
- Russian Blue
- Egyptian Mau
- Korat
- Japanese Bobtail
- Tonkinese
- Traditional Siamese
- Scottish Fold
- Sphynx
Step 6. Consider whether the cat is non-pedigreed
A non-pedigreed cat is a cat that does not meet the breed and standards of a pedigreed cat and comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Whether big or small, black or white, tabby or bi-colored, this breed of cat is found all over the world.
If you want to own a cat, consider getting a non-pedigreed cat. Many cats of this breed need homes and unless you are determined to have a pedigreed cat for good reason, provide a home for a regular breed of cat that is intelligent and healthy. Generally, common cat breeds tend to have fewer genetic health problems
Tips
- Volunteer in your local animal community or cat shelter to clean, feed, and care for the cats. This will give you an idea of the diversity of non-purebred cats and learn about their temperament and behavior.
- Some exhibits usually feature cat shows with owners who are happy to discuss their cats and their breed with visitors.
Warning
- Long-haired cats need daily grooming to prevent clumping that can lead to skin infections.
- Cats with snub noses can develop facial infections and respiratory problems if not properly cared for.
- Cats with sensitive skin are more susceptible to fleas and skin infections.
