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Compare 40 popular cat breeds with this free collection of short, practical guides. Each breed guide is two pages and covers temperament, home fit, grooming, activity, feeding, veterinary planning, vaccination questions, dental care, and questions to ask a breeder, rescue, or shelter.
The 82-page PDF includes a short introduction and 40 two-page breed guides. Breed descriptions summarize common tendencies, not guarantees. Choose the individual cat whose needs fit your household, and review health records with a veterinarian.
What the mini-guides cover
- Temperament, likely activity level, and household fit
- Coat care, play, enrichment, and safe home setup
- Complete nutrition, feeding portions, fresh water, and body-condition questions
- Vaccination planning based on age, records, lifestyle, exposure, and local requirements
- Preventive veterinary exams, parasite prevention, microchip, and dental care
- Questions to ask a breeder, shelter, or rescue before choosing a cat
- Insurance and budget considerations for long-term care
The 40 breeds in this collection
CFA 2026 top 10 by registration ranking: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Devon Rex, Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siberian, American Shorthair, and Russian Blue.
Additional recognized and familiar breeds in this curated selection: American Bobtail, American Curl, Balinese, Bengal, Birman, Bombay, Burmese, Chartreux, Cornish Rex, Egyptian Mau, Havana Brown, Himalayan, Japanese Bobtail, Korat, LaPerm, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, Ragamuffin, Savannah, Scottish Fold, Selkirk Rex, Siamese, Singapura, Somali, Sphynx, Tonkinese, Turkish Angora, and Turkish Van. These 30 are not assigned a national rank in the CFA top-10 source.
Important welfare and health notes
No breed can be guaranteed hypoallergenic. People with allergies should spend time with the individual cat and consult a clinician. Scottish Fold folded ears are associated with cartilage changes that may affect joints and cause pain; prioritize the cat’s welfare and discuss mobility and comfort with a veterinarian. Savannah ownership rules can vary by location and generation, so check local requirements before bringing one home.
Food, vaccine schedules, supplements, and screening should be personalized by a veterinarian. The guides are educational and do not replace veterinary advice.
Sources and further reading
- CFA: Most Popular Breeds for 2026
- CFA breed directory
- TICA breed information
- AVMA: Selecting a Pet Cat
- Cornell Feline Health Center
Meet the Breeds: Adults and Kittens
Explore these 20 illustrated breed portraits. Each image features an adult cat and kitten of the same breed. The images are illustrative, and individual cats vary.
Cat Shows in the United States: Eligibility, Preparation & Locations
For owners of eligible pedigree cats: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) run cat shows in different U.S. regions throughout the year. Always confirm that your particular cat’s breed, registration, lineage/generation, age, and competition class qualify for the organizer’s specific show before entering.
Which of these 20 breeds can compete?
Commonly eligible for pedigree classes, subject to the current organizer’s breed standard and registration rules: Siberian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Persian, Bengal, Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Abyssinian, Norwegian Forest Cat, American Shorthair, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Oriental Shorthair, Russian Blue, Burmese, Birman, Tonkinese, and Chartreux. CFA has an official Scottish Fold breed standard. However, folded ears are linked to cartilage and skeletal disease; have a veterinarian assess comfort and mobility, and never prioritize showing over welfare.
Savannah: TICA recognizes Savannah for Championship competition, but generation and registration restrictions can apply. Confirm current eligibility with TICA and the show entry clerk. Do not assume CFA accepts Savannah for pedigree Championship. Owners must also check local rules for hybrid-derived cats.
How to enter and prepare
- Check the class: CFA kitten class typically covers 4 to under 8 months; Championship is for eligible intact pedigree adults 8 months and older; Premiership for eligible altered pedigree adults 8 months and older. Many shows also offer Household Pet classes for eligible cats regardless of pedigree.
- Register: Verify the cat’s official registered name, ownership, breed/color class and registration number. Use the organizer’s official entry form and meet the entry deadline; a show flyer lists contact details, entry fees and requirements.
- Veterinary readiness: Discuss core vaccinations and rabies requirements, parasite protection, and travel suitability with your vet. Do not bring cats with signs of contagious disease, parasites, respiratory symptoms or skin lesions. Never sedate a cat to make it tolerate judging.
- Grooming: Brush or comb for the breed’s coat type, check for matting, gently clean eyes/ears only when appropriate, and trim claw tips safely. Practice calm, short handling sessions; avoid harsh bathing and unfamiliar products immediately before the show.
- Pack: Secure carrier, absorbent bedding, food and water, familiar litter and tray, grooming supplies, paperwork, cleaning wipes and a cage cover if allowed. Verify venue, cage dimensions, check-in and parking in advance.
- Welfare first: Acclimate gradually to travel and unfamiliar noises. If the cat is frightened, painful or ill, do not force participation.
Examples of upcoming CFA shows and venues (as listed November 9, 2026)
- November 14–15, 2026: Alamo City Cat Club — Seguin Events Complex Coliseum, 950 S Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155.
- November 14–15, 2026: Capital Cat Fanciers — Tall Cedars of Lebanon, 2501 Putty Hill Ave, Parkville, MD 21234.
- November 21–22, 2026: Diamond State Cat Fanciers — Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard St, Little Rock, AR 72206.
- January 9–10, 2027: Houston Cat Club — Hilton Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Drive, Houston, TX 77060.
- January 30–31, 2027: Saintly City Cat Club — St Paul RiverCentre, Exhibition Hall, 175 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102.
- February 27–28, 2027: Atlanta Phoenix Cat Society — International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Building, 1032 S Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060.
Shows take place across the year rather than during one single annual season. Dates and venues can change, and some calendar entries are tentative. Before travel, use the official CFA shows calendar or TICA show calendar to confirm the current date, venue address, entry deadline, exhibitor requirements and class eligibility. Also consult CFA entering a show, CFA competition classes, and TICA Savannah breed information.