Learn about the many different types of cat breeds. Here you can research each of the cat breeds, and discover about their looks, temperaments, behavior and more. There are also pictures of all the cat breeds and links to cat breeders.
A cat breed is an infrasubspecific rank for the classification of domestic cats. A cat is considered to be of a certain cat breed if it is true breeding for the traits that define that breed. Various cat registries around the world record and certify the pedigrees. Only three percent of owned cats belong to a cat breed, and an even smaller percentage of those are suitable as show cats. A registration certificate proves that a cat belongs to a cat breed by showing the cat's pedigree back to at least four generations.
The whole concept of cat breeds is a relatively new one. Two hundred years ago there was no such thing, however today there are almost one hundred cat breeds. Varieties of domestic cat can also be identified by characteristics other than breed.
Cats are ideally suited to the Australian lifestyle. They enjoy the high life in a penthouse apartment but are equally happy in a large house with a backyard. Cats can be playful or peaceful, talkative or quiet, but they are always affectionate and love nothing more than someone who is happy to provide endless attention.
Yet a cat is not just a cat! Breeds vary in size, coat lengths, personalities, colours and coat patterns. No matter what you fancy, there is a cat to suit you and your lifestyle. Below is a list of links to Australia's peak cat breeding clubs and associations as well as some terrific sites with cat breed information. Or if you want some more information on a particular breed, there is a comprehensive list on the right of this page.