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Cat Encyclopedia — 87 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular cat breeds with traits, temperament, and care guides.

Showing 33 of 87 species(124)

American Bobtail

American Bobtail

Beginner

A naturally occurring North American breed with a wild look and a signature bobbed tail. Despite its rugged appearance, it is gentle, affectionate and devoted to the whole family.

Beginner-friendlyLarge catBobbed tail
American Burmese

American Burmese

Beginner

American type of Burmese. Rounded body and large round eyes, affectionate and sociable.

Medium catShorthairSociable
American Curl

American Curl

Beginner

Distinctive backward-curling ears, first discovered in 1981. Friendly and adaptable; great with children and pets.

Beginner-friendlyCurled earsFriendly
American Shorthair

American Shorthair

Beginner

Robust, balanced breed with a gentle temperament. Silver tabby is iconic. Popular family cat for generations.

Beginner-friendlyHardyFamily cat

American Wirehair

Beginner

Natural mutation of American Shorthair. Distinctive wiry, crimped coat. Hardy and adaptable.

Beginner-friendlyWire coatCalm
Australian Mist

Australian Mist

Beginner

The only pedigree cat breed developed in Australia. Misty beautiful coat with gentle, friendly personality.

Medium catShorthairGentle
Birman

Birman

Beginner

'Sacred cat' with pointed coat and white gloves on paws. Calm and gentle; quietly devoted to owner.

Beginner-friendlyCalmWhite gloves
Bombay

Bombay

Beginner

Jet black coat like a miniature panther with large copper eyes. Extremely social and people-loving.

Beginner-friendlyJet blackSocial
British Longhair

British Longhair

Beginner

Longhaired version of British Shorthair. Round face, fluffy coat, and calm, composed temperament.

Medium catLonghairCalm
British Shorthair

British Shorthair

Beginner

Sturdy, round-faced breed with plush blue-grey coat. Calm and independent; prefers observing to being held.

Beginner-friendlySturdyIndependent

Burmese

Beginner

Beautiful sable coat with round golden eyes. Extremely people-loving; called 'dog-like cat.'

Beginner-friendlyPeople-lovingDog-like

Burmilla

Beginner

Accidental cross of Burmese and Chinchilla Persian. Beautiful silver-tipped coat with gentle temperament.

Beginner-friendlySilver coatGentle
Chartreux

Chartreux

Beginner

Blue-grey cat from French monasteries. Similar to Russian Blue but rounder with copper eyes. Calm and quiet.

Beginner-friendlyBlue-greyCalm
Cherubim

Cherubim

Beginner

A rare TICA-registered breed described as a gentle, people-loving large longhair. Easygoing and calm, yet playful and fond of interactive games with the family.

Beginner-friendlyLarge catGentle

European Shorthair

Beginner

Naturally occurring European breed, one of the oldest domestic cats in Europe. Hardy, adaptable, and well-proportioned.

Beginner-friendlyHardyLong-lived
Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Beginner

Short-haired Persian. Teddy bear-like flat face and round body. More active than Persian but still calm.

Beginner-friendlyBrachycephalicTeddy bear-like

Japanese Bobtail

Beginner

Japanese breed with pom-pom tail, model for 'maneki-neko' lucky cat. Social, active, with melodious voice.

Beginner-friendlyBobtailManeki-neko
LaPerm

LaPerm

Beginner

Unique naturally curly-coated breed. Gentle, affectionate, loves laps. Considered lower-allergen.

Beginner-friendlyCurly coatAffectionate
Maine Coon

Maine Coon

Beginner

Large semi-longhaired breed with a bushy tail and tufted ears. Dog-like personality; intelligent and playful.

Beginner-friendlyLargeSocial

Mekong Bobtail

Beginner

Southeast Asian short-tailed point-colored cat. Historically kept in Thai temples. Known for dog-like loyalty.

Beginner-friendlyShort tailPoint color
Mixed Breed Cat

Mixed Breed Cat

Beginner

Cats of mixed heritage with high genetic diversity. Often healthier than purebreds. Each one is uniquely individual.

Beginner-friendlyIndividualGenetic diversity
Munchkin

Munchkin

Beginner

Unique short-legged breed that is surprisingly agile. Friendly, curious, and great with children and other pets.

Beginner-friendlyShort-leggedSocial
Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat

Beginner

Large natural breed from Nordic forests. Waterproof thick coat with sturdy build. Calm, patient, and loyal.

Beginner-friendlyLargeLong-haired
Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin

Beginner

Ragdoll relative with more color patterns. Gentle, people-loving large cat who loves being held.

Beginner-friendlyLargeTeddy bear

Cat FAQ

How much do cats cost?
Prices vary by breed. From breeders directly, Munchkins typically run 150,000-400,000 yen, Scottish Folds 150,000-350,000 yen, British Shorthairs 150,000-350,000 yen, and Ragdolls 150,000-400,000 yen, varying with coat and pedigree.
What are the benefits of buying from a breeder?
You can directly check the parent cats' temperament, health, and rearing environment. Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, sellers must show the actual animal at their premises and give in-person written explanation of care and date of birth before handover. You can also confirm screening for hereditary conditions.
At what age can I bring home a kitten?
Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, breeders cannot sell or hand over kittens until they are 56 days (8 weeks) old. Allowing enough socialization time with the mother and littermates is important for raising a healthy, people-friendly cat.
How long do cats live?
With proper indoor care, cats live around 15-20 years, and some individuals in certain breeds exceed 20 years. Regular checkups, dental care, and obesity prevention are keys to longevity.
What do I need to prepare before getting a cat?
Basics include a litter box and litter, food and bowls, a cat tower and scratching post, and a carrier. Escape-prevention measures and an early vet health check and vaccination plan after arrival are also important.