What breed is my cat?

If you have rehomed a cat or kitten and aren’t sure what breed they are, you can ask your vet.

Alternatively, you can have a DNA test or try to match your cat’s breed on the app, Cat Scanner.

If your cat is the result of decades of intermixing of domestic longhair or domestic shorthair cats, they’ll be known as a moggie – the feline equivalent to a cross-breed in dogs.

Due to this intermixing of many different cats, moggies are bred from a larger gene pool, allowing for more extensive genetic diversity. This means that moggies may generally be healthier than pedigree cats, which are bred from a narrower gene pool of the same or similar breeds. As a result, some pedigree cats can have breed-specific health conditions, which moggies don’t have.

Moggies come in all sizes, coat lengths, personalities and colours, from black to white and from tabby to tortoiseshell. Eye colour includes blue, green, gold and hazel. They’re usually muscular and medium-sized, though all varieties can be found from small to large.

As their colours are variable, so too are their temperaments. Some cats will like a good cuddle, while others may be more standoffish. They can also be playful, staying occupied with toys or even just an empty box.

One of the most important factors that affect a cat’s personality is how well-socialised they are as young kittens.

A pedigree cat, also sometimes called a purebred cat, is one whose ancestors are bred from a specific breed. This is generally to produce a particular look or conform to breed standards.

Cat breeders usually specialise in a couple of particular breeds of cat – for example, a Maine Coon, Ragdoll or British Shorthair. Pedigree cats also usually come with a document to prove they’re pedigree (usually ratified by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, The International Cat Association or Loving Cats Worldwide. Make sure you collect the paperwork with your kitten, if adopting a new cat).

If you’re looking to buy a new pedigree cat, do some research into what that specific breed could cost, as pedigree cats are usually more expensive than moggies. You can also look into what sort of personality and potential health problems certain breeds can have, too.

Most pedigree cats are fit and healthy, and will give you love and joy for many years. However, some pedigree cats can have inherited genetic health problems, so be aware of this before bringing one home.

The Scottish Fold cat has forward-folding ears due to an abnormality of cartilage growth that can also affect other body parts. Some flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats are susceptible to breathing difficulties and eye and tooth problems, while Persians are more likely to get polycystic kidney disease.

If you are looking to purchase a pedigree cat, visit the kitten with its parents if possible, and make sure you check that the parents are healthy and have been assessed for various health conditions.

Pedigree cats all come with their own personalities, but there are overall traits you can look out for within your pedigree cat. For example, Ragdolls are famous for their placid personalities, Siamese for their loud voices, and Bengals for their superior hunting skills.

Whichever cat you have, make sure you purchase cat insurance to protect them from health problems.