Most cats in the South Bay are wonderful domestic shorthairs and longhairs, but purebred cats come with predictable traits and, sometimes, predictable health considerations. Knowing them helps us screen smarter — and helps you know what to watch for at home.
Browse our breed guides below for personality, grooming, and the health conditions each breed is prone to. Adopting a mixed-breed cat? You get hybrid vigor plus a bit of mystery — we build the health picture from the individual cat in front of us.
All guides (23)
AbyssiniansThe Abyssinian is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and the Indian Coast. They are said to be one of the oldest cat breeds, but one of the most fascinating facts about...Read the guide
American ShorthairThe American Shorthair cat is characterized by its sturdy build, short coat, and wide range of coat colors and patterns. Learn all about the breed in our guide.Read the guide
BengalsBengal cats combine the appearance of a wild jungle cat with the temperament of a domestic feline. Learn about their traits and healthcare needs in our guide.Read the guide
BirmansBirman cats are an elegant and long-haired breed revered for their serene and charming presence. Read about their traits and healthcare needs in our guide.Read the guide
British ShorthairBritish Shorthairs are calm, round-faced companions with plush teddy-bear coats and easygoing personalities. Learn more about the British Shorthair cat breed.Read the guide
BurmeseBurmese cats are a medium-sized breed, known for their sable-colored coats, expressive eyes, and engaging personalities. Learn more about the Burmese cat breed.Read the guide
ChartreuxThe Chartreux is France's smiling blue cat — quiet, sweet-natured, and sturdily built under a woolly blue coat. Learn more about the Chartreux cat breed.Read the guide
Devon RexDevon Rex cats are a unique breed distinguished by their curly fur, large ears, and mischievous expressions. Learn all about the Devon Rex breed in our guide.Read the guide
Egyptian MauEgyptian Maus are the sprinters of the cat world — naturally spotted, gooseberry-eyed, and devoted to their chosen people. Learn more about the Egyptian Mau cat breed.Read the guide
Exotic ShorthairsExotic Shorthair cats are a charming breed recognized for their plush, short coats, round faces, and easygoing temperament. Learn more about the breed here.Read the guide
HimalayansHimalayan cats are a striking, long-haired breed characterized by their luxurious coats and affectionate nature. Read all about the Himalayan cat breed now.Read the guide
Japanese BobtailJapanese Bobtails are lively, lucky-cat charmers with pom-pom tails and songbird voices. Learn more about the Japanese Bobtail cat breed.Read the guide
KoratKorats are Thailand's silver-blue good-luck cats — devoted, intelligent, and intense, with heart-shaped faces and peridot-green eyes. Learn more about the Korat cat breed.Read the guide
Maine CoonsMaine Coon cats are a large domestic breed, renowned for their robust build, tufted ears, bushy tails, and sociable. Read on to learn all the breed's traits.Read the guide
ManxManx cats are round, rabbit-gaited charmers famous for their taillessness — and for the special health considerations that come with it. Learn more about the Manx cat breed.Read the guide
Norwegian Forest CatNorwegian Forest Cats are gentle giants in weatherproof coats — calm, climbing-obsessed companions from Viking lore. Learn more about the Norwegian Forest Cat breed.Read the guide
PersiansPersian cats embody an enduring symbol of feline elegance. Read our complete Persian cat guide to learn their traits, characteristics, and healthcare needs.Read the guide
RagdollsRagdoll cats are a large breed, known for their blue eyes, semi-long fur, and tendency to go limp when held. Get to know all about Ragdolls in our guide.Read the guide
Russian BlueRussian Blues are elegant, gentle cats known for their shimmering silver-blue coats, emerald eyes, and quiet devotion. Learn more about the Russian Blue cat breed.Read the guide
SiameseSiamese cats are a medium-sized breed, know for their sociable temperament, elegance, and vocal charm. Learn all about the Siamese breed's characteristics now.Read the guide
SphynxSphynx cats are a hairless cat breed, characterized by their wrinkled skin, prominent cheekbones, and affectionate, attention-seeking personality. Learn more.Read the guide
Turkish AngoraTurkish Angoras are graceful, silky-coated cats with lively minds and ballerina bodies. Learn more about the Turkish Angora cat breed.Read the guide
Turkish VanTurkish Vans are athletic, water-loving cats with striking chestnut-and-white coats and adventurous spirits. Learn more about the Turkish Van cat breed.Read the guide
Questions about anything here? Contact our team — we’re glad to help.