By Sienna Walsh · Last updated 17 May 2026
Cat breeds are less consequential to daily life than dog breeds — most domestic cats, breed-recognised or not, are independent companions who tolerate your existence in exchange for food. But there are real differences in temperament, energy, grooming workload, and genetic health worth knowing about before you pick.
This pillar covers the 30 most common breeds in Australia, the UK, and the US, plus the all-important “moggy” — the unregistered domestic shorthair or longhair that’s still the best cat 90% of households will ever have.
First — should you get a pedigree?
An honest case for the moggy: rescue cats live the same lifespans, have fewer breed-specific health problems, cost a fraction of pedigree prices, and (in our experience and Jules’s foster work) display the full personality range of pedigreed cats. Unless you have a specific reason for a pedigree (allergies and a Siberian, family history with a breed, breeder-relationship), start at a rescue.
If you do go pedigree, buy from a registered breeder, see the kittens with the mother, and confirm genetic testing has been done for breed-specific issues (HCM screening in Maine Coons, PKD screening in Persians, etc).
Breed comparison table
| Breed | Coat | Size | Energy | Grooming | Key health watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian | Short | Medium | Very high | Low | PRA, dental |
| American Shorthair | Short | Medium | Medium | Low | HCM |
| Bengal | Short, spotted | Medium-large | Very high | Low | HCM, PK deficiency |
| Birman | Long | Medium | Medium | Medium | HCM |
| British Shorthair | Short, dense | Medium-large | Low-medium | Low | HCM, PKD |
| Burmese | Short | Medium | High | Low | Diabetes, glaucoma |
| Cornish Rex | Short curly | Small-med | High | Low (skin care) | Hypothyroid, joint |
| Devon Rex | Short curly | Small-med | High | Low (skin care) | Hypotrichosis |
| Exotic Shorthair | Short plush | Medium | Low | Medium (face) | PKD, brachycephalic |
| Himalayan | Long | Medium-large | Low | Daily | PKD, brachycephalic |
| Maine Coon | Long shaggy | Large-XL | Medium | 2-3x/week | HCM, hip dysplasia, SMA |
| Manx | Short or long | Medium | Medium | Low-medium | Manx syndrome (spinal) |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Long thick | Large | Medium | 2-3x/week | HCM, glycogen storage |
| Oriental Shorthair | Short | Medium | Very high | Low | HCM, amyloidosis |
| Persian | Long | Medium | Low | Daily | PKD, brachycephalic, dental |
| Ragdoll | Long | Large | Low-medium | 2-3x/week | HCM, urinary |
| Russian Blue | Short dense | Medium | Medium | Low | Generally healthy |
| Savannah | Short | Large | Very high | Low | HCM, exotic-cat legality |
| Scottish Fold | Short or long | Medium | Medium | Low-medium | Osteochondrodysplasia (skeletal, painful — ethical concern) |
| Selkirk Rex | Short or long curly | Medium-large | Medium | Medium | HCM, PKD |
| Siamese | Short | Medium | Very high | Low | Asthma, amyloidosis, dental |
| Siberian | Long thick | Large | Medium | 2-3x/week | HCM (claimed hypoallergenic — partially supported) |
| Singapura | Short | Small | High | Low | PK deficiency |
| Somali | Long | Medium | High | Medium | PRA, dental |
| Sphynx | Hairless | Medium | High | Skin care daily | HCM, skin oils |
| Tonkinese | Short | Medium | High | Low | Asthma, dental |
| Turkish Angora | Long silky | Medium | High | Medium | Hereditary deafness (white) |
| Turkish Van | Semi-long | Medium-large | Medium-high | Medium | HCM, deafness (white) |
| Domestic Shorthair (moggy) | Short | Medium | Variable | Low | Generally robust |
| Domestic Longhair (moggy) | Long | Medium | Variable | 2x/week | Generally robust |
The biggest “personality” breeds
Maine Coon — the gentle giant
Largest domestic cat breed. Males to 11kg, females to 7kg. Famously dog-like — affectionate, sociable, will play fetch, follow you around. Coat takes serious brushing 2-3 times a week. HCM (heart disease) screening matters — buy only from breeders who DNA-test.
Ragdoll — the floppy lap cat
Famous for going limp when picked up (hence the name). Quiet, affectionate, low-energy. Suits apartment living. Long coat needs 2-3x weekly brushing. HCM is the breed’s main health concern.
Bengal — the high-octane cat
Wild ancestry, marbled or spotted coat, athletic and chatty. Bengals need significant enrichment — climbing, puzzle toys, ideally a second cat. Boredom = destruction. Our existing post on Bengal kittens covers care in more detail.
Persian — the high-maintenance beauty
Flat-faced (brachycephalic), long-coated, sedentary. Lovely cats but daily grooming is non-negotiable and the flat face causes lifelong breathing and tear-staining issues. Some welfare bodies recommend buying only “doll-faced” (more moderate-skulled) Persians.
Sphynx — the hairless
Hairless, warm, deeply affectionate. Need weekly baths (skin oils that would normally absorb into a coat build up on the skin). Indoor only. HCM screening matters. Heated rooms in winter.
Siamese — the talker
Loud, opinionated, deeply bonded to one person. Will follow you around and demand commentary on your every move. Slim, elegant, vocal. Some lines are prone to respiratory and dental issues.
The Scottish Fold ethics note
Worth flagging: the Scottish Fold’s signature folded ears come from a cartilage mutation that also affects joints throughout the body. Many Folds develop painful osteoarthritis from a young age. Several countries’ veterinary associations now recommend against breeding them. The cute photos hide a welfare issue. We don’t recommend new owners get one; if you have one, get joint imaging early.
Choosing the right breed for your life
- Apartment, working full time: British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Persian, Russian Blue, Exotic Shorthair
- Family with kids: Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Birman, moggy
- Active, single or couple: Bengal, Abyssinian, Siamese, Oriental, Burmese
- Allergic but want a cat: Siberian, Russian Blue (lower Fel d 1 levels reported)
- First cat ever: moggy from a rescue. Honestly.
Sources
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association — US breed standards
- The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy — UK breed standards
- International Cat Care — Welfare and breed health
- Our existing Bengal kittens guide
We get asked — cat FAQ
What’s the most dangerous thing in my home for my cat?
Lilies. All true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) cause acute kidney failure in cats — even pollen on the coat is enough. If you have a cat, do not have lilies in the house. After lilies, the main risks are paracetamol/acetaminophen (a single tablet can kill), antifreeze (sweet taste, deadly), onion/garlic family, and chocolate.
Wet food or dry?
Mostly wet, with some dry. Cats are descended from desert ancestors and have a low thirst drive — wet food is their primary water source. Dry-only diets are a long-term risk factor for urinary issues. Full breakdown in our cat diet master list.
Related reading
- Cat breeds encyclopedia
- Cat diet and toxic foods master list
- International Cat Care — Welfare and nutrition
Page last updated 17 May 2026. We re-check our pet-care content regularly and update when something changes.
