What Breed Is My Cat? Identify by Size, Fur, Eyes & Ears

Understanding Cat Breeds

Knowing the differences between cat breeds helps you spot unique features in your cat. Understanding how breeds are defined, how purebred cats differ from mixed breeds, and what traits set popular cat breeds apart will make it easier to identify your cat’s background.

What Defines a Cat Breed?

A cat breed is a group of cats that share specific physical traits and behaviors passed down through generations. These organized groups are recognized by cat registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Each pedigree cat breed has an official breed standard with details about size, coat type, pattern, eye color, and temperament.

For example, Siamese cats are known for their slim shape and pointed color pattern, while Maine Coons are larger with long, thick fur. Details like head shape, tail length, and ear shape also help set breeds apart. Matching your cat’s body features, fur, and behavior to a breed’s standard can help narrow down the possibilities.

Purebred vs Mixed Breed

A purebred cat comes from parents of the same breed and has an official pedigree or breeding history. Purebred cats, such as the Bengal or Ragdoll, often show very clear breed traits. They are registered by organizations and usually have paperwork to prove their lineage.

Mixed breed cats, sometimes called domestic cats, don’t have a traceable pedigree. Their looks may blend features from different breeds, making it harder to pin down their ancestry. Most cats you see in homes and shelters are mixed breed. Although they might show hints of a certain breed, pure breed behavior and appearance tend to be much more consistent thanks to selective breeding practices. More on how to identify these features is available through cat identification guides like those from Alley Cat Allies.

Popular Pedigree Cat Characteristics

Some well-known pedigree cat breeds have features that make them easier to recognize. Siamese cats have blue, almond-shaped eyes and color points on their ears, tail, and paws. Persian cats have flat faces, round eyes, and long, fluffy coats. Maine Coons are large with tufted ears, bushy tails, and a mane-like ruff of fur.

Scottish Folds have folded ears, and Abyssinians have short, ticked coats that shimmer in the light. The traits for each breed are set by the breed standard and passed from one generation to the next. Unique features, such as curled ears, spotted coats, or dramatic size differences, can give important clues—check for these when studying your own cat’s appearance.

Assessing Your Cat’s Size

Cat breeds come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny, energetic cats to big, laidback ones. Looking at your cat’s size and body structure can give helpful clues about its breed and background.

Small Cat Breeds

Small cats often weigh around 4 to 8 pounds as adults. Their bodies look petite, and their legs are usually short and delicate. The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, known for weighing as little as 4 pounds. Singapuras have slim bodies, large ears, and big, almond-shaped eyes.

The Munchkin is another breed recognized for its small size, mostly because of its short legs. Despite short legs, Munchkins have normal-sized bodies. They usually weigh 5 to 9 pounds as adults. Small cat breeds tend to be agile and playful. Their tiny size often means they stay kitten-like for most of their life.

Quick traits of small breeds:

• Weight: 4–9 pounds
• Petite frame
• Delicate bones
• Short legs in some breeds

Medium Cat Breeds

Medium-sized cats are common, weighing from about 8 to 12 pounds. They have balanced bodies and moderate bone structure. These cats are not as fragile as smaller breeds but are not as hefty as larger ones. The British Shorthair is a good example. This breed has a round face, dense coat, and sturdy, medium-sized body. British Shorthairs usually weigh 9 to 17 pounds, but females often stay at the lower end of that range. Medium cat breeds are often calm and adaptable. Their size makes them sturdy but still easy to lift and handle.

Common features of medium breeds:

• Weight: 8–12 pounds (some may be heavier)
• Standard, muscular build
• Broad chest and round face in some breeds

Large Cat Breeds

Large cat breeds stand out for their size and strong build. Adult males can weigh 13 to 18 pounds or even more. The Maine Coon is one of the biggest breeds. These cats have muscular bodies, bushy tails, and can weigh up to 18 pounds or more. The Norwegian Forest Cat is also large, with heavy bones and a thick coat to handle cold weather. These cats can naturally reach weights of 13 to 16 pounds and have powerful legs. Large breeds tend to grow slowly, reaching their full size at 3–5 years. They often have longer tails and bigger heads compared to other cats.

Traits of large breeds:

• Weight: 13–18+ pounds
• Muscular or heavily boned
• Thick, long fur in some breeds (such as Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat)
• Slow to mature

Identifying Fur Types and Patterns

Cat fur comes in many types and patterns, from sleek and short to long and flowing, as well as curly or even unusual coats. Understanding these differences helps you recognize certain breeds and gives clues about your cat’s background. Key details like fur length, texture, and markings are important when figuring out breed types.

Short-Haired Breeds

• Short-haired cats have smooth, close-lying fur. This is the most common type, and it’s easy to care for.
• Popular short-haired breeds include the Abyssinian and Somali. The Abyssinian is known for its ticked coat, which has bands of color on each hair. Somalis, while often considered medium-haired, can have shorter fur compared to true longhairs, with a softer, bushy tail.
• Short hair helps cats manage heat and requires less grooming. Fur will often feel sleek or silky and doesn’t usually mat.
• Most domestic cats with short fur are not purebred, but some, like the Abyssinian, have unique colors and patterns that stand out. Their coats dry quickly and shed less, making them a practical choice if you want low upkeep.

Long-Haired Breeds

• Long-haired cats have coats that can be fine, silky, or dense and plush. You’ll often see heavy feathering on the tail, mane, and legs.
• The Persian and Ragdoll are two of the most well-known long-haired breeds. Persians have very thick, flowing fur, and their face appears flat or “smushed.” Ragdolls have medium-to-long fur with a soft, bunny-like texture and blue eyes. The Turkish Angora is another example with a delicate, silky coat and a plumed tail.
• Long fur tends to tangle and mat, so these breeds need regular grooming. The hair may cover the cat’s paws and make the tail look bushy or plume-like.
• Cats with longer coats look larger than short-haired breeds. Their flowy fur also emphasizes color patterns, which can help in identifying breed traits.

Curly and Unusual Coats

• Some breeds, like the LaPerm and Devon Rex, have unusual coats that set them apart.
• The LaPerm has loose, springy curls all over its body. Its coat can be short or long, but always feels soft and wavy. The Devon Rex, on the other hand, has very short, fine fur that often appears wavy or crinkled.
• These cats may feel different to the touch—almost suede-like—and sometimes have furless patches. Curly coats are caused by a genetic mutation.
• Not all curly-haired cats belong to these breeds, but if you notice a lot of curls or waves, your cat could be a Devon Rex, LaPerm, or another rare type. Grooming needs can vary, as these coats may shed more or less, depending on texture.

Common Color Patterns

Cats’ fur comes in different color patterns that are important for breed identification.

• Tabby: Most common, with stripes, dots, or swirls; seen in many breeds, including the Abyssinian.
• Solid: One even color all over, like white, black, or gray.
• Pointed: Darker color on the ears, paws, face, and tail. Ragdolls and Persians often show this pattern.
• Tortoiseshell: A mix of orange and black or their diluted forms.
• Calico: Patches of white, black, and orange.

Some breeds, like the Persian and Ragdoll, show unique patterns such as colorpoints and bi-color variations. Recognizing these can help you narrow down what breed your cat may be, especially when combined with fur length and texture.

Recognizing Eye Shapes and Colors

A cat’s eyes can offer key clues about their breed. Shape and color differences often connect to certain breeds, making it easier for you to narrow down your cat’s background.

Breed-Specific Eye Shapes

• Different breeds tend to have unique eye shapes that stand out. For example, the Siamese cat is famous for its almond-shaped eyes that are large and slanted. Russian Blue cats show off wide-set, round eyes that look calm and gentle. Birmans often have almost round eyes that appear a bit open and expressive.
• Common eye shapes in cats include round, oval, almond, and walnut. Each shape can give you a hint about your cat’s ancestry. If your cat’s eyes are big and slanted, they may have Siamese traits. Wide, round eyes are linked to breeds like the Russian Blue.
• Check for subtle differences. For example, a slightly flat curve at the top of the eye or a noticeable slant can point to a specific breed. Comparing your cat’s eyes to breed descriptions and photos is a practical way to look for matches.

Unique Eye Colors

• Eye color can be a strong indicator of breed in some cases. While many cats have yellow, green, or copper eyes, some breeds display special hues. Siamese cats have striking blue eyes that are often deep and vibrant. Russian Blue cats show off vivid green eyes, giving them a unique and intense stare.
• Birmans are also known for blue eyes, but these are often a pale, soft blue. If your cat has blue or green eyes, take note of their shade and brightness. This helps you figure out which breeds to investigate further. You can also pay attention to the ring of color around the pupil, as this can highlight differences between breeds.
• Young kittens often have blue eyes that change color as they age, so it helps to look at eye color in adult cats.

Odd-Eyed and Blue-Eyed Breeds

• Some breeds are known for cats with odd eyes, where each eye is a different color. This is seen more often in breeds with a lot of white fur, but it can happen in others too. For example, Turkish Angoras and some domestic cats display this feature.
• Siamese and Birman cats almost always have blue eyes, but only rarely do they have odd eyes. Blue-eyed cats are more likely to have color-pointed coats, such as those found in Siamese, Birman, and related breeds.
• A small number of cats, often with mostly white coats, show “odd eyes” (one blue, one gold or green). This trait is not common, so if your cat displays it, they may have a breed background linked to unusual eye coloration or a white gene. Knowing about these rare features helps you recognize special breeds more easily.

Examining Ear Shapes and Placement

Ear shape and placement can help you figure out which breed your cat may belong to. Some breeds have unique ear features that set them apart, and noticing these details can give you clear clues about your cat’s background.

Folded and Curled Ears

• Some cats have ears that are not just upright, but instead folded or curled in unique ways. The Scottish Fold is famous for its ears that bend forward and downward instead of standing straight up. This distinctive trait happens because of a genetic mutation that affects the cartilage, giving these cats a round-headed appearance.
• Another rare feature is ears that curl backward at the tips. American Curl cats have this look, with their ear tips curling away from their face, which creates a striking and soft appearance. The shape of these ears is set by about 16 weeks old and stays that way for life.
• Folded and curled ears are not only helpful in identifying cat breeds but also can signal some health considerations. For example, Scottish Folds may be prone to ear cartilage and joint problems linked to the same gene that causes their folded ears.

Large vs Small Ears

• The size of a cat’s ears is another way to narrow down its breed. Devon Rex cats have very large, low-set ears that stand out against their small, wavy-coated heads. These oversized ears make them easy to recognize.
• On the other hand, some breeds or mixed-breed cats may have smaller or more average-sized ears that do not stick out as much. Large ears help some cats, like the Oriental Shorthair, to hear better and even cool down faster.
• Pay attention not only to size but also to where the ears are set on your cat’s head. Ears that are higher up can point to active, alert breeds, while lower-set ears might appear on more laid-back breeds. Detailed diagrams and guides can help you compare your cat’s ear features with different breed standards.

Spotting Distinctive Breed Traits

Certain physical traits make it easier to recognize specific cat breeds. Details like body shape, fur patterns, and facial structure help set breeds apart from one another.

Wild-Looking Cat Breeds

Some cat breeds have a wild or exotic look. Bengals, for example, have bold, spotted coats that look like a leopard’s fur. Their spots or marbled markings can make them stand out from other domestic cats. Bengals are bred from crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, which is where they get their unique appearance.

Here are some traits of wild-looking breeds:

• Large, muscular bodies
• Short, thick tails
• Distinct coat patterns
• Golden or green eyes
• Small head compared to the body

If your cat has bright spots, rosettes, or stripes over a gold or silver background, it might have Bengal ancestry. Their fur usually feels soft and sleek, and they are often very active.

Unique Facial Features

Some breeds have facial features that set them apart. Persians have flat faces with short noses and big, round eyes. Sphynx cats are hairless and show every detail of their skin, with large, upright ears and high cheekbones. Other breeds, like the Siamese, have a wedge-shaped head and striking blue eyes.

Facial features to check include:

• Eye size, shape, and color
• Nose length and shape
• Ear size and position
• Cheekbone height

Examining these details can help you compare your cat to breed identification guides and figure out what breeds it may resemble. Even small traits like a certain whisker color or a chin dimple can offer important clues.

Behavioral Clues to Identify Cat Breeds

How your cat acts every day can help you figure out what breed they are. Each breed has its own way of socializing, playing, and exploring.

Personality Traits by Breed

• Cats from different breeds show unique personality traits. For example, Burmese cats are often friendly, people-oriented, and enjoy being with families. Siamese cats are usually vocal and demanding, while British Shorthairs are more calm and laid-back. Maine Coons tend to be gentle giants, often following you from room to room.
• Some cats like the Ragdoll will relax or go limp when you hold them, which is rare in other breeds. Norwegian Forest cats can be shy around strangers but form deep bonds with their owners. Watching the way your cat responds to guests, children, and even new objects can help you guess their breed.
• If your cat enjoys following you, joining your activities, or hates being left alone, this may also be a clue. Understanding these patterns lets you narrow down possible breeds through day-to-day interactions.

Playfulness and Activity Levels

• Play habits are another important clue. Some breeds, like the Burmese, have high energy and play with toys well into adulthood. Others, such as Persians, are much more relaxed and prefer lounging over chasing cat toys.
• Abyssinians are known for being curious, active, and loving games that challenge their minds. Bengals often need interactive play sessions and enjoy water. If your cat loves fetch or climbs often, breeds like the Siamese or Maine Coon could be likely matches.
• A simple way to tell is by looking at your cat’s favorite activities. If your pet spends a lot of time exploring, scratching posts, and playing games, you’re likely dealing with an active breed. For more tips on using play habits to determine breed, check guides like How To Tell What Breed A Cat Is.