Popular cat breeds and how to tell them apart
Quick answer: Popular cat breeds include the Persian, Maine Coon, Siamese, British Shorthair, Ragdoll and Sphynx. They are easiest to tell apart by coat length, face shape and body size.
Long-haired breeds
The Persian has a flat face and thick coat that needs daily brushing. The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cats, with a bushy tail and tufted ears.
Short-haired breeds
The Siamese is slim and vocal, with blue eyes and darker points on its ears, face and tail. The British Shorthair is round-faced and calm.
Hairless and unusual breeds
The Sphynx has almost no fur and needs to be kept warm. The Scottish Fold is known for ears that fold forward.
Popular breeds
How to recognise common breeds:
| Breed | Look |
|---|---|
| Persian | Long coat, flat face |
| Siamese | Pale body, dark points, blue eyes |
| Maine Coon | Very large, tufted ears |
| Sphynx | Hairless |
| British Shorthair | Round face, dense grey-blue coat |
| Egyptian Mau | Naturally spotted coat |
Cats in history
Cats were sacred in ancient Egypt, linked to the goddess Bastet. The Egyptian Mau is one of the few naturally spotted domestic breeds and is thought to be related to cats shown in Egyptian art.
Breeds by coat
Cat breeds are often grouped by coat length:
| Coat | Breeds |
|---|---|
| Long | Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat |
| Short | British Shorthair, Siamese, Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau |
| Hairless | Sphynx |
| Curly | Devon Rex, Cornish Rex |
Personality differences
Breeds differ in temperament as well as looks. Siamese cats are known for being vocal and social, Ragdolls for going limp and relaxed when held, Maine Coons for being large and gentle, and Bengals for being very active. Every cat is an individual, though, and mixed-breed cats are the most common pets of all.
Cats in the Arab world
Cats are much loved across the Arab world, and stories link them with the Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Hurayra, whose name means “father of the kitten”. Street cats are a familiar sight in cities such as Istanbul, Cairo and Beirut.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular cat breed?
The Persian and the Maine Coon are among the most popular worldwide.
Which cat breed is the largest?
The Maine Coon.
Which cat breed is hairless?
The Sphynx.
Which cat is linked to ancient Egypt?
The Egyptian Mau.
What is the largest domestic cat breed?
The Maine Coon is one of the largest.
Which cat breed is very talkative?
The Siamese.