Most cat owners don’t buy a high-priced purebred feline from a breeder, choosing instead to adopt a cat from the local animal shelter or bring one in off the streets. As a result, most owners don't know what breed of cat they have. Are you curious about what kind of cat you might have? Read on for some tips to identify your cat’s breed!
Types of Cat Breeds
The number of recognized cat breeds varies widely depending on which registry or organization you consult. One of the leading associations, the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA), currently recognizes 73 different breeds of cats; that's a lot of choices, and also means the number of possible mixes is almost infinite.
Some breeds are easily recognized, thanks to certain defining characteristics. For example, the Siamese is known for her thin, elongated body and pointed color pattern; the Maine Coon for her distinctive bushy tail, shaggy mane, and large build.
Of course, if you’ve rescued or adopted a cat from a shelter, odds are she isn't a purebred but a mix of two or more breeds. When it's too difficult to identify a cat's breed or mix, she (or he!) will probably be referred to as a domestic or house cat. Many shelters and veterinary offices will use abbreviations such as DSH (domestic shorthair), DLH (domestic longhair), or DMH (domestic medium-length hair). You might also hear the term “mixed breed” or “alley cat.” All these names mean much the same thing and the best you can do is try to determine some of the breeds in your cat's lineage.
What to Look For
One of the most important tips for identifying your cat’s breed(s) is color. Common feline color patterns include solid, tabby (striped or streaked), calico (spotted), tortoiseshell (brown, black, and yellow), tuxedo (black and white), bi-color, and pointed markings (color only on the tail, face and feet).
Understanding your cat's color can often help you determine breed(s), because certain color patterns are more common in particular breeds. For example, Siamese cats typically have pointed markings. At the very least, the color pattern can help to further classify your cat. You might call her a tabby domestic shorthair, for example, if you can't determine her exact mix of breeds.
Other characteristics that may give you a clue to your cat's ancestry are hair length, eye color, facial structure, and build. Certain features such as a stubbed tail or folded ears can provide very distinct clues to your feline’s ancestry. Some common breeds with unique tails and ears include Manx cats and the Scottish Fold. Blue eyes could indicate ancestry along the lines of the Birman, Siamese, or Ragdoll, particularly if your cat sports pointed markings.
If you’re not content making an educated guess based on color, hair, and other characteristics, you might want to seek outside help. A veterinarian, breeder, or other animal expert may be able to determine your cat's mix of breeds based on a well-trained eye and years of experience working with different cats.
Now that you know what to look for, take some time to really examine your cat’s features. Organize your thoughts by writing down the features of your cat that stand out. Then spend some time looking through photos of different breeds, contrast and compare, and make notes where you can. By the time you’re finished, you should have at least some idea of where your cat may have come from!
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with a mixed-breed cat, so if the best you can come up with is tabby DLH, don't be disappointed. Every cat is distinct and special. Celebrate your cat for his or her unique personality, regardless of pedigree!
