Cat breed identification chart
Cat Breed Identification Chart
Use this cat breed identification chart to compare visible clues across 41 breed profiles. Start with the coat and body shape, then check the ears, eyes, and tail. Those details can narrow a visual match more reliably than coat color alone.
A chart gives you a useful shortlist, not a pedigree result. Many cats are mixed-breed or domestic shorthair and domestic longhair cats, so a familiar pattern may not point to one named breed. A photo-based result is also a set of visible trait clues, not DNA proof or a guarantee of ancestry.
How to use this chart
Observe the cat in a clear, relaxed photo or in person. Record the clues below before comparing rows. One feature rarely identifies a breed by itself, and lighting can change how coat color and eye color look.
01 Coat
Note length, texture, pattern, and whether the coat looks single-layered or dense.
02 Body
Compare overall size, bone structure, leg length, and whether the body is compact, athletic, or long.
03 Ears
Look at ear size, set, tips, furnishings, and any visible fold. Do not treat one ear trait as proof.
04 Eyes
Check shape, spacing, and color, while allowing for age, lighting, and the cat's expression.
05 Tail
Compare length, thickness, plume, and whether the tail has a distinctive curl or taper.
Visual comparison table
Compare 41 cat breed profiles
The rows below are generated from Furriq's current breed data. Blank or unavailable fields are shown as Not listed.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Key visual markers | Temperament | Health note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Medium to Large | 9–16 lbs (4–7 kg) | Thick, uneven double coat; Triangular head with a straight profile; Large, almond-shaped eyes set at a slight angle, giving an alert, attentive expression; Ears medium to large, wide at the base, with rounded tips and heavy tufting; Muscular, heavily boned body with a broad chest and solid midsection; Long, bushy tail that reaches at least to the shoulder when extended along the body | Independent but affectionate | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Abyssinian | Medium | 6–11 lbs (2.7–5 kg) | Ticked coat (agouti pattern); Medium-sized, wedge-shaped head with a gentle curve from forehead to nose; Large, almond-shaped eyes that are neither round nor oriental; Ears large, cupped at the base, broad, and set wide; Medium-to-large, athletic body; Long, tapering tail thick at the base | Extremely active and playful | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Russian Blue | Medium | 7–12 lbs (3–5.5 kg) | Short, dense double coat in a clear even blue-gray; Wedge-shaped head with a flat skull and a long straight nose; Large, wide-set vivid green eyes in the shape of an almond laid on its side; Ears large, wide at the base, set farther apart than most breeds; Fine-boned, graceful, elongated body; Long, tapering tail that is proportionally shorter than the body length | Intelligent and observant | Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) |
| Scottish Fold | Medium | 6–13 lbs (2.7–6 kg) | Ears folded forward and downward in a tight cap-like crease against the skull; Round, wide head with full cheeks, a short nose, and smooth contours; Large, round, wide-set eyes that give the face a sweet, open expression; Compact, well-rounded body with a broad chest, short thick legs, and round paws; Short-to-medium dense plush coat that stands away from the body in a soft, resilient double coat; Short, thick tail with a rounded tip, carried in line with the back | Calm and adaptable | Osteochondrodysplasia (FOCD) |
| Persian | Medium to Large | 7–12 lbs (3–5.5 kg) | Round, wide head with a short snub nose, full cheeks, and a visible stop; Large, round, vivid copper or deep blue eyes set wide apart, giving a sweet, open expression; Long, thick, silky coat with a fine texture and a prominent ruff around the neck and chest; Stocky, cobby body with a broad chest, short thick legs, and large round paws; Short, bushy tail carried low without curve, matching the cobby body proportions | Extremely calm and quiet | Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) |
| British Shorthair | Medium to Large | 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) | Round head with full cheeks, short nose, and a visible stop between forehead and nose; Large, round copper or gold eyes (eye color depends on coat color); Dense, plush double coat that stands away from the body; Stocky, cobby body with a broad chest, short legs, and round paws; Medium-short, thick tail with a rounded tip, carried at the same level as the back | Calm and easygoing | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Maine Coon | Large | 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) | Ear tufts (lynx tips); Large, rectangular body; Long, thick, bushy tail; Tufted paws; Semi-long, silky coat; Square muzzle and high cheekbones; Wide range of colors and patterns; Gentle, dog-like personality | Gentle and friendly with children and dogs | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Siamese | Medium | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | Color-point pattern: pale body with darker ears, face, paws, and tail; Vivid blue, almond-shaped eyes; Short, fine coat that lies close to the body; Sleek, slender, and elegant build with long legs and tail; Large, wide-set ears with a wedge-shaped head | Extremely vocal and communicative | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Ragdoll | Large | 10–20 lbs (4.5–9 kg) | Large, muscular body with a broad chest and substantial bone structure; Stunning blue, oval-shaped eyes; Color-point pattern (similar to Siamese) with white mitts on paws; Semi-long, silky coat with a ruff around the neck; Notably relaxed | Remarkably calm and relaxed | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Bengal | Medium to Large | 8–15 lbs (3.6–6.8 kg) | Distinctive rosette/spotted coat pattern (reminiscent of wild cats); Golden, green, or glittered coat with high contrast markings; Muscular, athletic body with a sleek, wild appearance; Large, rounded ears with wide-set eyes; Thick, "brick-shaped" tail often carried low | Extremely active and athletic | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Birman | Medium to Large | 6–15 lbs (2.7–6.8 kg) | Four pure white paws (called "gloves" on the front, "laces" on the back); Deep vivid blue, almost round eyes set wide apart; Color-pointed coat: a cream or fawn body with darker seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, or tortie points on the ears, face, paws, and tail; Semi-long, silky single coat that lies flat against the body with minimal undercoat; Medium-to-large, sturdy body that is neither cobby like a Persian nor svelte like a Siamese; Medium-length, plumed tail carried upright with a lighter shade than the body points | Quiet and gentle | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Sphynx | Medium | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.4 kg) | Hairless body covered in fine peach-fuzz down; Wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones and a visible whisker break; Oversized, wide-set ears with rounded tips, set high on the head; Large, lemon-shaped eyes set at a slight slant, giving the face a curious, alert expression; Thick paw pads; Skin wrinkled on the forehead, around the shoulders, and at the base of the ears | Intensely people-oriented | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Devon Rex | Small to Medium | 6–9 lbs (2.7–4 kg) | Large, bat-like ears set wide and low on the head; Short, soft, wavy coat with a distinct marcel wave pattern; Short wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones, a short muzzle, and a defined whisker break; Large, wide-set oval eyes in gold, green, blue-green, or odd-eyed in whites; Slender, muscular body with a broad chest and long, thin legs; Long, fine, tapering tail covered in short wavy fur | Extremely people-oriented | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Siberian | Medium to Large | 8–17 lbs (3.6–7.7 kg) | Triple coat that naturally repels water; Round, broad head with full cheeks, a short blunt muzzle, and a gentle curve from forehead to nose with a visible but soft stop; Large, almost round eyes set wide apart in gold, green, copper, or blue (white cats); eye color is independent of coat; Medium-sized ears with rounded tips, set as much on the side as on top of the head; Heavy-boned, muscular body with a broad chest and a noticeable fatty pad on the lower belly (primordial pouch); Thick, bushy tail reaching the shoulder blades when extended along the body | Dog-like loyalty | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| American Shorthair | Medium to Large | 8–15 lbs (3.6–6.8 kg) | Dense, short coat that lies flat against the body; Round, full face with a short muzzle, well-developed whisker pads, and a gentle curving profile with a visible stop; Large, round wide-set eyes in copper, gold, green, hazel, or blue-white odd eyes in whites; Medium-sized ears with rounded tips, set wide apart and blending into the round head contour; Strongly built, rectangular body with a broad chest, medium-boned legs, and large round paws; Medium-length tail tapering from a medium-thick base to a blunt rounded tip | Even-tempered and easygoing | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Cornish Rex | Small to Medium | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | Short, tight, uniform marcel wave covering the entire body; Egg-shaped head that is longer than it is wide; Large, high-set ears that are full and wide at the base, tapering to rounded tips; Medium-to-large oval eyes slanting slightly upward; Long, slender, arched body with a deep but not broad chest, a naturally arched back, and a tucked-up waistline; Long, slender, tapering tail that is extremely flexible and carried aloft | Active and playful | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Exotic Shorthair | Medium to Large | 7–14 lbs (3–6.3 kg) | Round, massive head with a short snub nose, full cheeks, and a prominent break between the eyes; Large, round vivid copper or deep blue eyes set wide apart, giving a sweet, open doll-like expression; Thick, plush double coat that stands away from the body with a soft, resilient texture; Stocky, cobby body with a broad chest, short thick legs, and large round paws; Small, round-tipped ears set far apart and tilted forward, blending into the round head contour with minimal tufting; Short, thick tail carried low without curve, consistent with the cobby body proportions | Calm and gentle | Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) |
| Turkish Angora | Small to Medium | 5–9 lbs (2.3–4 kg) | Fine, silky single coat that lies flat against the body; Small-to-medium wedge-shaped head formed by two flat planes; Large, pointed ears set high and close together on the head, wide at the base with tufted tips; Large, almond-shaped eyes slanted slightly upward; Medium-sized, finely boned body that is long, slender, and muscular; Long, tapering tail with a full brush, carried in line with the body | Highly playful and athletic | Ataxia (hereditary) |
| Burmese | Small to Medium | 8–12 lbs (3.6–5.5 kg) | Short, fine, satin-like coat that lies close to the body with a glossy sheen; Medium-sized, rounded wedge-shaped head with a short muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible nose break; Large, expressive round eyes set wide apart; Ears medium in size, moderately wide at the base, with rounded tips and slight forward tilt; Compact, muscular body with a broad, rounded chest and medium-length legs; Medium-length tail, thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip | Extremely people-oriented | Hypokalaemia (Burmese hypokalemia) |
| Chartreux | Medium to Large | 7–17 lbs (3–7.7 kg) | Medium-short, slightly woolly double coat that breaks like sheepskin at the neck and flanks; Rounded, broad head that is "not a sphere" per the CFA standard; Rounded, open eyes with a rich copper to deep brilliant orange color; Medium-sized ears set high on the head with very erect posture; Robust, muscular body that is neither cobby nor classic; Tail of moderate length, heavy at the base and tapering to an oval tip | Quiet to the point of near-silence | Patellar luxation |
| Egyptian Mau | Medium | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg) | Randomly spotted coat pattern; Characteristic scarab "M" marking on the forehead; Large, alert gooseberry-green eyes; Medium-length, muscular body with a distinctive loose flap of skin extending from the flank to the back knee; Modified wedge-shaped head that is gently rounded with a soft profile; Medium-to-large ears, broad at the base with moderate pointing at the tip, set well apart on the head | Extremely athletic and fast | Urate urolithiasis (urinary bladder stones) |
| Himalayan | Medium to Large | 7–12 lbs (3–5.5 kg) | Color-point pattern; Round, massive head with a short snub nose, full cheeks, and a prominent break; Large, round deep vivid blue eyes set wide apart; Long, thick, silky coat standing away from the body with a full ruff around the neck and chest, heavy ear and toe tufts, and a heavily plumed tail; Stocky, cobby body with a broad chest, short thick legs, and large round paws; Short, bushy tail carried low without curve | Extremely calm and gentle | Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) |
| Oriental Shorthair | Medium | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | Long, tapering wedge-shaped head forming a triangle from the nose tip to the ear tips; Large, wide-set, almond-shaped eyes slanted toward the nose; Very large, pointed ears wide at the base; Short, fine, glossy coat that lies flat against the body; Long, tubular body described as "svelte" in the breed standard; More than 300 color and pattern combinations accepted | Extremely vocal and communicative | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Tonkinese | Medium | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg) | Mink coat pattern; Large, expressive aqua-blue eyes; Modified wedge-shaped head that is a gentle, rounded wedge; Medium-sized ears with slightly rounded tips, set as much on the side as on the top of the head; Muscular, medium-sized body that is neither svelte like the Siamese nor cobby like the Burmese; Short, fine, soft coat with a satin sheen that lies close to the body | Friendly and outgoing | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Bombay | Medium | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | Solid black coat from nose to tail-tip; Large, round copper to deep gold eyes set wide apart; Rounded, broad head with a short, flat muzzle and full cheeks; Ears medium in size, with rounded tips and a slight forward tilt; Compact, muscular, heavy body that is surprisingly dense for its size; Medium-length tail thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip; Paw pads and nose leather must be black | Extremely people-oriented | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Korat | Small to Medium | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | Short, fine single coat in a clear silver-blue; Heart-shaped head; Large, luminous, brilliant green eyes; Large, high-set ears with rounded tips, broad at the base; Muscular, medium-sized body that is neither cobby nor svelte; Medium-length tail, heavy at the base with a rounded tip | Highly intelligent and observant | Gangliosidosis (GM1 and GM2) |
| Somali | Medium | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg) | Ticked (agouti) coat with medium-long, fine, silky texture; Fox-like brush tail; Wedge-shaped head with a gentle curve from forehead to nose; Large, almond-shaped eyes in copper, green, hazel, or gold; Ears large, cupped at the base, broad, and set wide; Medium-to-large, athletic body | Active and playful | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Japanese Bobtail | Medium | 5–10 lbs (2.3–4.5 kg) | Short, bunny-like tail 2–4 inches long held upright; Sleek, muscular, medium-long body; Triangular-shaped head with high cheekbones and a long straight nose; Large, oval, slanted eyes in blue, gold, green, or odd-eyed; Ears large, upright, set wide apart; Soft, silky single coat in short or long hair | Highly intelligent and active | No breed-specific genetic diseases |
| Selkirk Rex | Medium to Large | 6–16 lbs (2.7–7.3 kg) | Dense, plush curly coat with loose individual curls; Round, wide head with full cheeks, a short blunt muzzle, and prominent whisker pads; Large, round eyes set wide apart in gold, copper, blue-green, or odd-eyed; Medium-sized, wide-set ears with rounded tips; Heavy-boned, muscular, rectangular body; Medium-to-thick tapering tail with the same loose curls as the body | Calm, patient, and laid-back | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Ocicat | Medium to Large | 6–14 lbs (2.7–6.4 kg) | Spotted coat with thumbprint-shaped spots along the spine; Large, modified wedge-shaped head with a visible stop and defined whisker break; Large, almond-shaped eyes slanted slightly upward; Large, pointed ears set at a 45-degree angle; Large, athletic, well-muscled body with a deep chest; Long, slender tail tapered from a thick base to a pointed tip | Highly intelligent and trainable | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Manx | Medium | 7–13 lbs (3.2–6 kg) | Complete or near-complete lack of tail; Rounded, prominent rump distinctly higher than the shoulders; Round head with prominent cheekbones, a medium-length muzzle, and a visible stop; Large, round, wide-set eyes in copper, gold, green, hazel, or blue-white odd eyes; Short, thick double coat in the shorthair variety; Stocky, cobby, rounded body with a broad chest and short, strong back | Playful and dog-like | Manx spinal syndrome (Manx syndrome) |
| Singapura | Small | 4–8 lbs (1.8–3.6 kg) | Ticked (agouti) coat in warm sepia-brown; Smallest of all domestic cat breeds; Large, almond-shaped eyes in hazel, green, or yellow; Extra-large ears with deep cupping; Rounded head with a short, blunt muzzle and a visible stop at the eyes; Short, fine, single coat that lies flat against the body | Lively and active despite small size | Urate urolithiasis |
| American Bobtail | Medium to Large | 7–16 lbs (3.2–7.3 kg) | Short, broad tail 1–4 inches long, carried above the back; Large, rectangular, substantial body; Broad modified wedge-shaped head with a prominent brow, defined whisker break, and a gentle curve from forehead to nose; Large, almond-shaped eyes in gold, amber, green, or blue; Ears medium in size with rounded tips and moderate lynx tufting; Double coat in short or medium-long length | Adaptable and easygoing | Hip dysplasia |
| LaPerm | Medium | 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.5 kg) | Soft, wavy, loose curls covering the body; Modified wedge-shaped head with a gently rounded skull, a short muzzle, and prominent whisker pads; Medium-large, almond-shaped eyes in gold, green, copper, or blue; Ears medium to large, cupped at the base with moderate flare and rounded tips; Medium-sized, muscular body with a well-rounded chest and medium bone; Full, plumed tail with loose, springy curls | Gentle and affectionate | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Burmilla | Small to Medium | 6–13 lbs (2.7–6 kg) | Silver-shaded or silver-tipped coat; Round, softly contoured head with a short blunt muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible stop; Large, wide-set, expressive green eyes with dark eye-liner; Ears medium in size, wide at the base, with rounded tips; Medium-sized, compact muscular body that feels surprisingly heavy; Short, fine, silky coat that lies flat against the body | Social and outgoing | Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) |
| Snowshoe | Medium | 7–12 lbs (3.2–5.5 kg) | Color-point pattern with four white paws (gloves) and a white inverted-V blaze on the face; Large, vivid deep blue eyes; Modified wedge-shaped head with a gentle curve, medium-length muzzle, and visible stop; Ears medium to large, wide at the base with pointed tips; Medium-to-large, sturdy athletic body; Short, fine, glossy coat that lies flat against the body | People-oriented and affectionate | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Turkish Van | Large | Males 10–20 lbs (4.5–9 kg), females 7–12 lbs (3–5.5 kg) | Van pattern; Semi-long, silky, single-layer coat with no undercoat; Blunt wedge head with a rounded muzzle, a firm chin in a straight line with the nose and upper lip, and high cheekbones; Large eyes with a rounded aperture drawn slightly out at the corners, set at a slant; Ears medium to large, broad at the base with slightly rounded tips, well feathered on the inside; Solid, muscular body with a broad chest and substantial boning; Long, brush-like tail in proportion to the body, carried full and flowing; tabby Vans show colored rings down the tail | Water-loving | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Balinese | Medium | 8–12 lbs (3.6–5.4 kg) | Colorpoint pattern; Medium-long, fine, silky single coat with no undercoat; Long wedge head with a straight profile, a fine long nose, and large pointed ears set wide to continue the wedge lines; Almond-shaped, vivid deep blue eyes set at a slight slant; Svelte, tubular, muscular body on long slender legs with small oval paws; Long, plumed tail carried up like a banner; the plume is the breed's trademark flourish | Highly vocal | Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| American Curl | Small to Medium | 5–10 lbs (2.2–4.5 kg) | Ears arcing backward from the face in a 90 to 180 degree curve; Ear structure; Soft wedge head, longer than wide, with a gentle transition from forehead to nose; Large, walnut-shaped eyes set at a slight slant, in any color independent of the coat; Semi-foreign body, slender but muscular, medium size, with a straight back and level topline; legs are medium length with oval paws; Long, flexible, tapering tail proportional to the body; coat unrestricted | Friendly and even-tempered | Ear infections |
| Munchkin | Small to Medium | Males 6–9 lbs (2.7–4.1 kg), females 4–8 lbs (1.8–3.6 kg) | Legs; Body; Modified wedge head, rounded and broad, with a gentle transition to a medium-length muzzle and full cheeks; Large, walnut-shaped eyes set wide and at a slight angle, in any color; Triangular ears, tall and wide at the base with rounded tips, set near the top and sides of the head; Medium-length tail carried upright when walking, in proportion to the body; the coat comes in shorthair and longhair versions in all colors and patterns | Playful and outgoing | Lordosis |
| Ragamuffin | Large | Males 12–20 lbs (5.4–9 kg), females 8–15 lbs (3.6–6.8 kg) | Dense, plush, semi-long coat with a rabbit-fur texture; Large, rectangular body with a broad chest, heavy boning, and a substantial belly; Broad, modified wedge head with full, puffy cheeks and a clear muzzle break; Large, walnut-shaped eyes set wide, in all colors including odd-eyed; Ears medium to large, wide at the base with rounded tips, set to follow the wedge lines of the head; Long, thick, plush tail in proportion to the body; legs medium-boned with large round paws | Extremely affectionate | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
Where domestic and mixed-breed cats fit
Domestic shorthair and domestic longhair describe coat length, not a single registered breed. A mixed-breed cat can share the pointed coat of a Siamese, the long coat of a Ragdoll, or the folded-ear appearance associated with a Scottish Fold without having that breed's ancestry.
If several rows seem plausible, keep the result as a shortlist. A shelter record, breeder pedigree, or DNA test can provide different evidence, but a visual chart cannot prove purebred status.
Next step
Have a photo ready?
Upload a clear image to compare visible markers with Furriq's breed profiles. Use the result as a starting point for research, not as proof of lineage.
Related cat breed guides
Cat breed identification chart FAQ
Can a photo identify my cat's breed?
A clear photo can reveal useful clues such as coat pattern, body shape, ears, eyes, and tail. It cannot confirm pedigree, distinguish every mixed-breed cat, or replace a DNA test or documented lineage.
How should domestic cats be read on this chart?
Compare the visible traits without forcing a named breed. Most domestic shorthair and domestic longhair cats will match clues from more than one row, and that is a normal result rather than a failed identification.
What is the best way to use a cat breed chart?
Start with several stable features, not color alone. Check the coat, body, ears, eyes, and tail, then compare the shortlist to detailed breed profiles. Save or print this page when you want a reference while looking at photos.
Does matching a row prove my cat is purebred?
No. A visual match is a hypothesis based on appearance. Purebred status requires reliable pedigree documentation or another form of evidence beyond this chart, and even a DNA test has limits.