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Before you decide

CAT BREEDS AND DESCRIPTIONS
This page: Breeds A through H
See: Breeds J through Z

We'd like to feature your cat on this page. If you have a good (but small) jpg or gif headshot of your cat that you're willing to share with others please let us know. We also invite your brief descriptions of your cat. What is its temperament, personality, traits, etc? We want the good and the bad. Your insights along with your contact email address will serve as a resource for others. Send comments or questions to the staff.

Abyssinian Photo and additional comments courtesy of Eileen Pittaway, Merindalee Abyssinians. "The Abyssinian is not always right for very young children. However, the inquisitive and higher actively level of an Aby is what most people with families find attractive as they are often very happy to join in with slightly older children's games. The show scene is not alway a good place to judge the personally of an Aby. Due to the Abys higher intelligence, most soon work it out that to be home is far more appealing. We find Abys do love their cuddles (mostly on their terms though) however, they are happy to lap sit for long periods of time and make excellent and very loving pets." --Eileen & Karel Pittaway A more playful breed. A better companion. Less vocal. Medium activity level High activity level Good with kids. Medium sized. Short Coat Minimal grooming required. Long tail. Susceptibility to kidney problems is embedded in many lines.

Birman Photo of the lilac point and blue point Birman kittens courtesy of Bill Eastburn, the Mining Co. guide to cats. A more playful breed. A better companion. Less vocal. Relaxed demeanor. Good with kids. Medium sized. Large sized. Long Coat. Minimal grooming required. Long tail. Genetically sound.

British Shorthair Photo courtesy of James & Sheila Dunn of Fold Gently Cattery A moderately playful breed A better companion. Less vocal. Relaxed demeanor. Good with kids. Medium sized. Large sized. Short Coat Minimal grooming required. Long tail. Genetically sound.

Burmese Photo and quoted comments courtesy Camilla Scharff, Camischa's Burmese A more playful breed. A better companion. Less vocal. Medium activity level. High activity level. Good with kids. Short Coat. Minimal grooming required. Long tail. Cranial deformities occur in many lines. "The Burmese is a very active and intelligent cat. It loves human companionship, however it is not always the perfect companion for children - not so much for the sake of the children, but for the sake of cat/kitten. Because Burmese cats loves people as much as they do, they often have problems setting limits with rough handling from children, which could mean a trip to the vet's office. All colours of Burmese should have golden yellow eyes and their very short coats should feel like touching silk (many breeders have problems with eye colour, which tend to get greenish, and poor quality of the coat)."

Cornish Rex Photo and quoted comments courtesy of Carol & Dana Byrnes. A moderately playful breed A better companion. Less vocal. Medium activity level High activity level Small sized. Medium sized. Short Coat Long tail. Genetically sound. "This is our cat "Sprocket" - a purebred Cornish Rex. He is very trainable (knows high five-left/right and a salute on cue) but might not fall into the necessarily intelligent category. He is marvelously friendly, loves everyone and thrives on attention." Recommended to allergy sufferers because of their crisp, tightly waved hair. However dander may still create a problem. Cats are often poor prospects for allergy sufferers especially if the allergy is to saliva, as they groom themselves thoroughly and their finer hair will float in the air-Cindy Tittle Moore.

European Shorthair Photo courtesy of Ulrika & Peter Olsson Short Coat. Long tail. Medium to large in size, medium playful, medium activity level, not very talkative, long tail and short coat that does not need much grooming, good with children, good companion, genetically sound.

Exotic Shorthair Photo and additional comments courtesy of Donna DeGroot, Prideomine Persians A moderately playful breed A good companion. Less vocal. Medium activity level Good with kids. Medium sized. 3 3 Long tail. Genetically sound.

Himalayan Photo courtesy Joan Lanum, Hoosier Indy Cattery A moderately playful breed A better companion. Less vocal. Relaxed demeanor. Medium activity level Good with kids. Medium to large sized. Long Coat Long tail. Genetically sound. Joan adds, " 'Himis' are medium sized cats with coats that require regular combing. They have sweet, loving dispositions and fulfill the needs of anyone needing a lap and/or under-the-covers cuddler. They are playful and love the opportunity to watch birds or fish, especially if the location is in a sunny spot. They most especially enjoy interfering with their owner's reading, use of the computer, and dinner preparation."