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Category Cats

Cat Breeds and Their Hair Types

Most domestic cats of today are thought to have descended from the African wild cat. The domestication process began about 3,000 BC in Egypt when cats were enlisted to protect grain silos from rodents. These felines became so valuable that they were regarded as gods. The basic domestic cat descended from this Egyptian stock.

Small cats were never indigenous to North America. The first domestic small cats were brought to this region by early explorers and colonists. Read more about the rich history of cats in one of our recommended books.

The concept of breeds began in the mid-19th century when shows became popular. Pedigrees were developed by breeders from natural cat breeds that were in existence for thousands of years. People took the cats with traits that they most favored and then bred those felines to continue enhancing desirable characteristics.

  • The concept of breeds began in the mid-19th century when shows became popular. 
  • Pedigrees were developed by breeders from natural cat breeds that were in existence for thousands of years. 
  • People took the cats with traits that they most favored and then bred those felines to continue enhancing desirable characteristics.


Since the 1950‘s the number of cat breeds has grown substantially as cat owners have increasingly practiced “selective breeding”. Cat owners attempted to duplicate certain traits that their cats possessed, so they interbred them to produce a new breed. The curly coat of the Rex cats, for example, was a genetic mutation propagated by breeders.

By knowing a cat’s breed you can predict many things about the cat, including its health and personality. Here we loosely group cats according to the length of their coat, but there are many variations within each, some breeds being found in more than one group.

Longhair Cats

Adapted for cooler temperatures, longhair cats are not only beautiful but sturdy survivors that may require special care in warmer environments.

Longhair — a recessive trait — is a recent development for cats; their wild ancestors had short coats. The exact origin of longhaired cats is unknown, but they were brought to Europe from Asia about the mid 16th century.

Longhaired cats have a coat from two to six inches and most require daily coat care. Some cats, such as the Himalayan and the Persian, have a double coat and brushing is essential to prevent matting. Mats left unattended for too long will require clipping. The cold weather cats like the Maine Coon have thick coats that also require care.

Shorthair Cats

Like longhaired cats, shorthairs have also adapted to their environment. The cats in the north developed both thicker coats for warmth and stockier bodies. In warmer climates the cats evolved in ways that would permit their bodies to stay cool: They became thinner, their bodies longer and their coats less dense. 

Shorthaired cats may have a sleek smooth coat (like the Siamese and Burmese), or a denser two-layer coat (like the Abyssinian, Chartreux, and Manx).


Another type of shorthair cat is the American Wirehair, the result of a genetic mutation. Its fur is springy and curled and occurs in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Wirehair occurs in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties.

Other Hair Types

SphynxA cat with NO fur? The Sphynx cat is the most controversial cat breed today. A hairless kitten was born in Canada in 1966, and through interbreeding, the trait was developed into a breed. The Sphynx has an elongated body and no whiskers. Its extremely short coat feels like smooth velvet.

Rex: A cat with CURLY fur? The curly coat is the result of a genetic mutation that was propagated by breeders, and today Rex cats are found with a variety of coat colors and patterns. Their curls make them unique breeds, but each Rex breed has its own defining characteristics. For more information, look up the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and the Selkirk Rex in our database.

The Hypoallergenic Cat

A number of cat breeds are touted as being “hypoallergenic,” and it’s true, that some breeds do produce fewer allergens and may cause fewer allergic symptoms among those with cat allergies. People with cat allergies aren’t allergic to the hair, but rather the dander on their hair. Vacuuming with a vacuum outfitted with a HEPA filter several times a week will help to remove cat hair and dander on carpets, rugs, and furniture. If you have a severe allergic reaction to cats, do not bring one into your home. It would not be a good situation for you or the cat.

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