There are over 100 breeds of pedigreed cat worldwide, and that’s not accounting for the coat and color variations within the breeds, or emerging new breeds. A pedigreed cat has papers that trace its family tree back four or five (or more) generations, depending on the association, and tend to produce offspring that meet the standard. [1] X Research source
If a cat doesn’t come with papers from the association or associations with which it was registered when born or purchased, it is not a pedigreed cat. This can be confusing since at times pedigreed cats are referred to as “purebreds. " This is a misleading term since a pedigreed cat is no more “pure” than the scruffiest alley cat.
Knowing whether the cat that you want to identify is longhair or shorthair can help you to narrow down your choices as you try to identify the cat. Most cats tend to be divided into longhairs and shorthairs, although some breeds have both hair lengths. Sometimes you will also see mention of medium length hair.
Chinchillas Color point (also known as Himalayan) Shaded silvers Exotic Longhair
Manx American Shorthair British Shorthair Exotic Shorthair
Cornish Rex Devon Rex Abyssinian American Wirehair American Curl Bengal Ocicat Burmilla Russian Blue Egyptian Mau Korat Japanese Bobtail Tonkinese Traditional Siamese Scottish Fold Sphynx
Consider purchasing a DNA test online. This can give you a breakdown of the breed inheritance of the cat. If you’re trying to decide on a cat for a pet, consider a non-pedigreed. There are always plenty of them needing homes and unless you’re dead set on a particular pedigree for a very good reason, give a home to an intelligent, often healthier, random bred. In general, random bred cats tend to have fewer genetic health problems. [8] X Research source
