Coat LongSize Medium
Iran (Persia)
Persian
The serene aristocrat of the cat world
- Energy
- Affection
- Grooming
Try a slow blink
To a cat, it is a friendly way of saying I trust you.
Breed profiles
A few favorites to start with
Every breed has its own quirks, needs and charms. Start with these popular picks, then explore the full directory.
Coat LongSize LargeUnited States
Ragdoll
The big softie who goes limp in your arms
- Energy
- Affection
- Grooming
Coat ShortSize MediumUnited Kingdom
British Shorthair
The original teddy bear of the cat world
- Energy
- Affection
- Grooming
Coat HairlessSize MediumCanada
Sphynx
All personality, no fur
- Energy
- Affection
- Grooming
Breed matcher
Not sure which cat would suit you?
Answer five quick questions about your home, your routine and how much fur you can handle. We will suggest the breeds most likely to thrive with you.
- Takes about two minutes
- Weighs energy, grooming, affection and more
- Includes mixed-breed cats, not just pedigrees
Care guides
Practical advice for every stage
Short, friendly guides covering the essentials, from the first week at home to spotting when something is wrong.
- 6 min read
Getting started
Your new cat's first week at home
Set up a calm base camp, let your cat set the pace, and lay the groundwork for a lifelong bond in those first seven days.
Read guide - 5 min read
Nutrition
Feeding your cat through every life stage
From growing kittens to golden-age seniors, here is what your cat needs in the bowl and how to keep them at a healthy weight.
Read guide - 6 min read
Behavior
How to read your cat's body language
Tails, ears, eyes and whiskers all carry messages. Learn the signals and you will understand your cat far better.
Read guide
Did you know?
Curious facts about curious creatures
A few of our favorite discoveries about the cats we share our lives with.
They spend most of the day asleep
Adult cats typically sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, saving their energy for short bursts of hunting and play, often around dawn and dusk.
Their ears are remarkably mobile
Each ear is moved by 32 muscles, so a cat can swivel them independently to pinpoint exactly where a sound is coming from.
A slow blink means I trust you
Narrowing the eyes in a slow blink is a friendly signal. Try slow blinking back, and many cats will happily return the gesture.
Cats cannot taste sweetness
A gene needed for sweet taste receptors does not work in cats, which is why most show no interest in sugary treats.
Meowing is mostly for us
Adult cats rarely meow at each other. They save most of their meows for talking to people, and many learn exactly which sounds get results.
A group of cats is a clowder
It is where this guide gets its name. A group of kittens, meanwhile, is called a kindle.
Bringing a new cat home soon?
Find a breed that suits your life, then read our guides to make their first weeks calm, safe and happy.