Cat breeds: the complete guide to choosing the ideal companion
Each cat breed has its own personality, energy level, and specific care needs. Knowing them before adopting helps you pick a cat that fits your home and lifestyle, and lets you anticipate its health requirements. In this guide we tell you what to look for and provide our breed fact sheets. You can see them all in the Cat breeds section.
What to consider before choosing
- Space: some very active breeds need more room to climb and play.
- Time: there are cats that are more independent and others that seek company all the time.
- Coat: long hair requires frequent brushing; short hair, much less.
- Household: think about whether there are kids, dogs, or other cats at home.
- Health: some breeds are predisposed to certain problems, and it’s good to know them in advance.
Long‑haired breeds
Persian
It is calm, affectionate and a real homebody, ideal for quiet environments. Its long coat needs almost daily brushing and its flat face requires regular eye cleaning. Get to know it in depth in our Persian cat profile.
Maine Coon
It is one of the largest breeds. It is sociable, playful and very attached to its family. It needs space, sturdy scratching posts and regular brushing.
Ragdoll
It is famous for its gentle temperament and for going limp in your arms. It makes a great companion for calm families.
Short-haired breeds
Siamese
It is very vocal, intelligent and attention-seeking. It doesn't like spending many hours alone.
British Shorthair
It is calm, independent and even-tempered. It adapts well to apartment life.
Bengal
It is very active and curious. It needs a lot of play, enrichment, and vertical space.
Mixed-breed cats: the most common and beloved
Most cats that live in our homes are mixed-breed, also known as domestic cats. They’re usually hardy, have very varied personalities, and thousands are waiting for adoption in shelters. Beyond breed, they all need the same things: good nutrition, veterinary prevention, and a stimulating environment.
Breed and care
The breed gives guidance, but each cat is an individual. Whatever breed you choose, these guides will help you:
- Its diet and health, in the cat health and nutrition guide.
- How to understand it, in the cat behavior guide.
- How to adapt your home, in the catification guide.
If you're adding a kitten
If you're adopting or buying a kitten, we have practical guides for the first months:
- What a kitten needs
- What a kitten eats
- Vaccination schedule
- Spaying and neutering
- How to introduce it to another cat
If you buy a purebred cat, choose a responsible breeder who health‑checks the parents. And consider adoption: many adult and mixed-breed cats are amazing companions.