Cat breed

Cat breeds

Getting a cat is an exciting time, but it’s also a big responsibility. Different types of cat breeds suit different types of homes, so it’s best to do your research and choose the breed that’s right for your lifestyle.
We’ve teamed up with Petplan's expert behaviourist, Nicky Trevorrow, and Petplan vet expert, Brian Faulkner, to round up the essential information about some of the most popular cat breeds. From personality and temperament to grooming and nutrition, here’s everything you need to know.
From laid-back cuddlers to playful and independent types of cats, browse our breed profiles for expert advice on temperament, nutrition, health conditions and more.

Every cat breed has its own unique needs. Some breeds crave human companionship, while others are happy spending time alone but might need a lot of grooming. Some cat breeds also have specific personality traits which affect how well they adapt to different environments.

To help you work out which cat breeds are suited to your home and routine, we've compiled a few common scenarios – plus the breeds that could make the perfect addition.

Outgoing, playful breeds are a good choice for active owners. While some cats won’t want to come on a walk with you, others can be trained to walk with a harness and lead. Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats are adventurous and love exploring, plus their intelligence means they enjoy learning tricks. Siberian cats are friendly, athletic and love to climb. If you have a garden, these breeds also enjoy playing in and with water.
If you live in a city, you might choose to keep your cat indoors rather than let them explore the streets. Many cat breeds, including the Sphynx, Tonkinese and Ragdoll, can live happily indoors, provided they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Some breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, so if that’s the case for your cat, try to make sure someone is home most of the time, to keep them company.
If you’re out of the house for most of the day, it’s best to choose a breed of cat that doesn’t mind being left home alone. The laid-back British Shorthair or the independent Maine Coon are breeds that are usually happy to spend time on their own. But remember that long hair cat types, including the Maine Coon, are higher maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care. Even if your cat doesn’t mind being left alone, all cat breeds need regular care and shouldn’t routinely be left alone for more than eight hours at a time.
Kids and kittens love playing together, but for families, it’s important to choose breeds of cats that can cope with the hustle and bustle of a busy home. Tonkinese cats have a playful, affectionate temperament which means they’re the ideal addition to families. Ragamuffin cats are another good choice thanks to their playful, adaptable personality and love of human interaction.
No cat is fully hypoallergenic, but some breeds do produce fewer allergens, including the Siberian, Siamese and Sphynx. If you have mild cat allergies, the most effective way to live comfortably alongside a cat is to consistently clean your home to remove dander, which is the primary allergen that triggers allergic reactions.
If you’re a first-time cat owner, it’s best to choose an adaptable, low-maintenance breed. The British Shorthair is a very popular choice thanks to their gentle personality and affectionate nature. Ragdolls are also a great breed for first-time owners and combine a loyal, playful personality with a relaxed yet sociable demeanour.
In the UK, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognises 40 breeds, from the Abyssinian to the Turkish Van – and everything in between!
Most cats in the UK are mixed breeds, although the laidback British Shorthair is the most popular pedigree cat breed in the UK. Other popular breeds include the Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Siamese, Burmese, and Birman.
If you’re ready to add a cat to your family, it’s important to choose a responsible seller. Kittens and adult cats can be found for sale from breeders, private sellers and rescue centres. Always do your research and follow our New Kitten Checklist, created in collaboration with Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.
When you add a cat to your family, you’re responsible for their long-term health and wellbeing. Cat insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care but it’s important to compare what each policy covers, as not all cat insurance is the same.
And what are the common exclusions when taking out pet insurance
Not all pre-existing condition cover is the same
Find out what factors affect the price of your pet insurance
Covering expensive vet bills and other benefits of dog insurance
We are pet specialists and have an unrivalled knowledge of pet health unlike many other insurers. That's why we've designed our policies to cover as many conditions as possible, and are able to pay 97% of all the claims we receive.
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