Depending on the organization, there are between 45 and 73 types of registered show-breed cats, so if you’re looking for a kitty that’s been judged to be close to the physical ideal for its breed standard, this list is a good place to start.
Show cats (also referred to as purebred or pedigree cats) can be worth thousands of dollars if they come from a prize-winning lineage, but the majority are beloved house cats and companions who love nothing more than zooming around in hot pursuit of one of the best cat toys.
Most of the stunning felines below are probably breeds you’re familiar with, however, we have to admit there are a few that we’d never heard of before writing this guide — yes, we’re looking at you, Mr. Tennessee Rex!
Whether you’re after a quiet and gentle kitty that will curl up on your lap or a feline friend with a larger-than-life personality who will keep you on your toes, we’ve got you covered with these 32 types of show-breed cats.
32 types of show-breed cats
1. Abyssinian
A medium-sized cat known for their ticked coat, the Abyssinian may look slender but they’re surprisingly heavy when you pick them up, reaching weights of up to nine pounds. While they have a life expectancy of around 17 years, they’ve been known to live well into their 20’s, making them a wonderful choice for those looking for a long-term companion. Active, alert, athletic, and incredibly curious, they are one of the best cats for extroverts due to their fiercely loyal and people-oriented nature.
2. Turkish Angora
Considered a national treasure in their home country of Turkey, the Turkish Angora is a sweet-natured feline with a typically silky soft white coat and stunning blue eyes — although they do come in other colors as well. Highly intelligent cats with a wonderful sense of humor, they’re known to play tricks on their families and their outgoing nature means they’ll always be at the door to greet you when you come home. Because they have such a love of people, separation anxiety in cats can be an issue with this breed, so it’s recommended that there’s another cat or dog in the home to keep them company if there are no humans around during the day.
3. British Shorthair
One of the most popular cat breeds (and for a good reason!), the British Shorthair makes an outstanding family companion thanks to their gentle, tolerant, affectionate, and laid-back nature. A stunning feline with a chubby face and teddy bear good looks, they have plush coats and come in a variety of colors. While they’re not lap cats and do not like being picked up and carted around, they are very loving and adore snuggling up next to their humans on the couch or lounging about nearby. Independent enough to amuse themselves when you’re too busy, their delightful disposition makes them a joy to have in the home.
4. Tennessee Rex
We have to admit, up until recently, we’d never even heard of the Tennessee Rex! It turns out they’re a relatively new breed with an athletic build and a curly and glistening coat. Coming in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties, this kitty is a gentle, people-oriented cat that’s never happier than when with their family. They love to follow their humans around the house and curl up next to them on the couch and although they’re quiet, they’ll always be up for a play session with the best interactive cat toys.
5. Burmese
A sweet-natured, people-oriented kitty with an insatiable level of curiosity that often sees them getting into all sorts of jams, the mischievous, outgoing, and affectionate Burmese is one of those cats you can’t help but fall in love with. Charming and endearing, when it comes to the cat breeds with the biggest meows, this chatty little feline is at the top of the list. Highly vocal, they can be quite demanding of attention and because they’re so sociable, they do best in homes where there’s someone around all day to keep them company.
6. Snowshoe
Born totally white with their coloring developing in the first few weeks of their life, the playful snowshoe has a unique personality with some cats being shy and reserved and others bossy and outgoing. However, on the whole, this breed is known for being wonderfully mellow and deeply attached to their humans, getting on beautifully with both adults and children. While they can be demure around those they don’t know well, with their human family they are loving and devoted with a tendency to attach particularly deeply to one person. One of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.
7. Chartreux
An attentive and gentle cat, the Chartreux is often lovingly referred to as a potato on toothpicks thanks to its robust build. One of the rare cat breeds to only come in one color (blue), the Chartreux is a thoughtful and low-chaos kitty with a pleasant demeanor. One of the quietest cat breeds, they rarely vocalize and although they’re undemanding, this docile kitty is friendly, adaptable, and good with respectful children.
8. Nebelung
While they may be shy around strangers and boisterous young children, the highly intelligent nebelung is completely devoted to their human family. Close relatives of the Russian Blue, they are cats that thrive on predictability, stability, and routine and don’t do well with changes to their environment. Known for being gentle and mild-mannered, they love cuddles and affection but aren’t needy, content to be left alone to enjoy their own company when their owners are busy. Playful cats who are fond of retrieving, climbing, and jumping, investing in one of the best cat trees will ensure this kitty can amuse themselves when you’re out and about.
9. Scottish Straight
The straight or normal-eared sibling to the Scottish Fold, the Scottish Straight is a fun-loving and comical little kitty with a sweet and lovable nature that sees them get on famously with people of all ages and stages. Intelligent, inquisitive, and loyal, they are gentle and calm cats with a low-key attitude and a high level of adaptability that sees them slot comfortably into almost any living situation.
10. Devon Rex
Impish and mischievous, the Devon Rex is the pixie of the cat world with large ears, big eyes, and a charming personality. Interested in everything their humans do, they hate to be left out and like to stay close to their people, whether that’s following them from room to room, hitching a ride on their shoulders, or curling up under the covers with them at the end of a busy day. Intelligent and highly active, they’re prone to getting into mischief if they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation each day, so investing in one of the best automated cat toys will ensure they can entertain themselves when you’re too busy to play.
11. Siberian
One of the best cat breeds for cold climates thanks to their thick triple coat, the Siberian is well used to freezing temperatures after thousands of years spent braving the elements in their native Russia. A slow to mature breed, the Siberian don’t reach peak adulthood until around five years of age which makes them wonderfully playful and lively companions to have in the family. Fond of following their humans around and snuggling up next to them on chilly winter nights, the Siberian is a calm and patient cat that gets on well with both children and adults.
12. Birman
When it comes to the most affectionate cat breeds, the beautiful Birman is always at the top of the list. A loyal and faithful companion who’s easy to handle, they adore people and their flexible and adaptable nature means they’re well suited to almost any living situation or environment. Curious and outgoing, the Birman is quite happy to meet new people as long as they’re willing to be extravagant when it comes to dishing out attention and affection, something this fluffy kitty rarely tires of receiving. One of the best emotional support animal breeds thanks to their gentle nature, they’re true lap cats, making them ideal companions for seniors.
13. Himalayan
Part of the Persian breed group, the Himalayan is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Standing out from the crowd with their flat face, round cheeks, and sweet expression, this easygoing ball of fluff is a gentle and quiet kitty who thrives in calm environments.
One of the sleepiest cat breeds, the Himalayan prefers to spend its day snoozing on a warm lap and while they do tend to be lazy logs for the most part, they still enjoy short play sessions with their favorite cat toys. If you’re looking for an even-keeled kitty who’s the epitome of chill, the Himalayan may well be the perfect match.
14. Norwegian Forest cat
There are so many reasons to love Norwegian Forest cats. For starters, they make great family pets thanks to their gentle, mild-mannered and calm nature. Loving and adaptable cats that enjoy being part of day-to-day family life, they are a slow-maturing breed, retaining their kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. A fairly large cat (males can reach weights of up to 18 pounds), they have lavish coats but minimal grooming needs, requiring a good brush just once a week to keep their fur in tip-top condition.
15. Persian
An ancient cat breed that comes in a wide range of colors, the easygoing, quiet, and gentle Persian enjoys calm and relaxed homes where they can spend their days snoozing in the sun or lounging on the couch next to their favorite humans. While they’re adaptable enough to enjoy living with families, they do not like to be rough-handled and don’t enjoy boisterous play, so they do best with children who will respect their boundaries. That being said, when placed in the right environment, they are incredibly loving cats with a sweet disposition who can tolerate being left alone for short periods of time.
16. Russian Blue
An elegant and aristocratic cat with a sweet and loyal nature, the observant and affectionate Russian Blue is a sophisticated and intelligent breed that’s instantly recognizable thanks to their smoky and silky gray coat. A slender cat with a playful yet shy nature, they tend to be reserved around strangers but very loving with those they know well. They thrive in predictable and peaceful homes and are good-natured and undemanding.
17. Ragdoll
One of the world’s most beloved cat breeds, the ragdoll is a popular choice for those looking for a gentle, loving, and docile companion who loves a good snuggle. Earning their name because of the way they go limp when held, the ragdoll is laidback and quiet with a loving and affectionate disposition. However, you’ll still want to learn how to play with a cat — just because the ragdoll is relaxed, doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy regular bursts of activity. They can even be taught to play fetch!
18. Donskoy
An elegantly bald beauty, the donskoy hails from Russia and while they are considered a hairless breed, look closely and you will find that most have very short peach-fuzz fur that covers their body. Highly intelligent, the donskoy is very sociable and adores being with people. Because of that, they do not do well with being left alone and are best suited to homes where there’s someone around all day to keep them company. Active, frisky, and curious, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them out of mischief.
19. LaPerm
Curly-coated cuddlers that love a good snuggle session with their humans, the LaPerm is a deeply affectionate kitty who will seek out kisses and is known to stare adoringly into the eyes of those they love. Because they create such strong and deep bonds with people, they make wonderful companions for children, the elderly, or anyone looking for a true companion. An active and clown-like cat with a playful nature, they like to be involved in all aspects of family life and have a delightful inquisitive streak that will have them taking part in everything you do.
20. Maine Coon
When it comes to the different types of large breed cats, it’s hard to get any bigger than the Maine Coon. This gentle giant can reach weights of up to 22 pounds and can reach lengths of 38 inches and heights of around 16 inches. However, despite their large size, they are incredibly sweet-tempered and family-oriented, always keen to help out their family around the house. Although they’re not typically inclined to be lap cats, they are a true second shadow, following their owners from room to room and because they’re so good-natured, they generally get on well with children, dogs, and other cats.
21. Thai
Similar to the Siamese, the Thai is an intelligent, communicative, and extremely people-oriented kitty who thrives on human companionship. They adore interactive play and games and need a ton of mental and physical stimulation each day to keep them happy. Born white, their coat develops its color as they age, and it’s also temperature sensitive, meaning it changes color in colder weather. A cat that comes packed with bucket loads of personality, they’re outgoing, affectionate, and very, very chatty!
22. Scottish Fold
There are lots of surprising facts about Scottish Fold cats. For example, did you know that they’re not born with their ears folded over? It’s true! The fold develops as they grow and not all Scottish Fold kittens will have them. A sweet and charming breed with an intelligent, inquisitive, and loyal nature, the Scottish Fold is known for being good-natured and affectionate. They are typically calm, easygoing, and adaptable with a happy-go-lucky temperament that makes them a joy to have around.
23. Kurilian Bobtail
Originating on the Russian island of Kuril, the Kurilian Bobtail has a short, fluffy tail and a medium to large-sized brawny body. Known for their well-balanced character and gentle and trusting nature, this sociable feline is deeply devoted to their humans and adapts well to children, dogs, and other cats. And because they’re so intelligent, the answer to the question ‘Can you train a cat?’ is a definite yes with this breed! They’re one of the easiest breeds to train and they adore learning new tricks, too.
24. British Longhair
Very similar to the British Shorthair (just with a lot more fur!), the British Longhair is known for its chubby face and easygoing nature, so it’s not surprising they’re such a popular family companion. They get on beautifully with children of all ages and stages, as well as adults, seniors, and other pets. Gentle, tolerant, warm, and lovable, they adore spending time with their humans but also have a delightful independent streak which means they can handle being left alone for a few hours during the day — and because they’re also known for being big sleep enthusiasts and erring on the side of laziness, they may not even notice you’re gone!
25. Korat
With its heart-shaped face, striking silver-tip blue-gray coat, and charming nature, it’s not hard to see why the korat is considered a national treasure in their home country of Thailand. A healthy breed that often lives to 20 years of age, the Korat is a social breed that delights in human companionship.
Bonding deeply with their families, they do not like being left alone, so this affectionate attention-seeker does best in homes where there is someone around all day to keep them company. Loyal and playful, they tend to get on well with other animals although they can become jealous if they perceive other pets to be receiving more love and affection than they are.
26. Bengal
Looking like they just wandered straight out of the jungle, the Bengal is one of the most high energy cat breeds on the block, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to devote to them before welcoming one of these little cuties into your home. Active, curious, and very people-oriented, Bengals are confident and devoted companions who enjoy being involved in all aspects of family life. Just be aware that they love to climb, jump, chase, and explore, so they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation each day to ensure they thrive. That being said, if you’ve ever wanted to go hiking with cats, this is a breed that will be only too happy to accompany you.
27. American Wirehair
If you’re looking for a cat that will adapt well to almost any living environment, then look no further than the easygoing American Wirehair. A devoted companion to humans of all ages and stages, this gentle and good-natured kitty thrives on human interaction and is always happy to lend a paw when it comes to the day-to-day running of their home. Females in particular are known for wanting to be involved in everything their people do but both sexes are playful, intelligent, and have a keen interest in what’s going on around them.
28. Burmilla
Sweet in looks and sweet in nature, the adorable burmilla is a cross between the Chinchilla Persian and the Burmese. Incredibly gentle but playful and mischievous enough to be entertaining, they make brilliant pets for families with young children. Their coat comes in sparkling silver-white that’s tipped with colors such as blue, chocolate, lilac, or apricot. Low maintenance and easy to groom, they’re devoted cats who tend to get on well with other pets.
29. Tonkinese
The tonkinese is a chatty and curious little feline, which is not surprising given they’re a cross between the vocal Siamese and the super inquisitive Burmese. A cat that loves nothing more than to oversee their humans in every household activity, the spunky tonkinese is friendly, active, and adores sitting on a warm lap soaking up as much love and affection as their humans will dish out to them. Although they are delightfully sweet and loving, they can also be mischievous and clown-like, making them a true treasure to have in the home.
30. Munchkin
The sausage dog of the cat world, the munchkin has a similar body shape to a dachshund with short legs and a longer torso. Cuddly and curious, they have a spirited nature, so if you’re looking for ways to bond with your cat, regular play sessions will go down a treat with your sociable munchkin. Lovable little felines that love snuggling with their owners, they’re confident, self-assured, and guaranteed to capture your heart.
31. Cornish Rex
With their striking wedge-shaped head, large ears, and curly coat, the Cornish Rex is a kitty that stands out from the crowd. Retaining their kitten-like energy well through adulthood, this attention-seeking feline loves to be in the middle of all the family action. They get on brilliantly with children and other pets and because they’re so social, they’re more than happy to entertain any guests that might happen to pop by. There are so many interesting facts about Cornish Rex cats, but perhaps our favorite is that they’re one of the few cat breeds to really love eating vegetables!
32. Somali
The long-haired cousin of the abyssinian, the Somali is a kitty that’s endlessly curious about the world around them and will take it upon themselves to be involved in all aspects of family life. Active, intelligent, loyal and affectionate, there is no place too hidden away or too high for this energetic little explorer. They’re particularly fond of climbing to high places (like the top of refrigerators) where they can survey all the action that’s going on in their kingdom. Because they are such alert and animated cats, they do best with owners who can invest plenty of time and energy into keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.
