Is your cat a pedigree or a moggie? Discover how to find out what breed your cat is and the differences between a pedigree cat and a moggie cat.
Some cat breeds are more well-known, such as Siamese and Persian, while others may feel a little harder to identify. If you don’t know what breed your cat is, it’s most likely a non-pedigree, also known as a moggie (domestic longhair or domestic shorthair).
If you have rehomed a cat or kitten and aren’t sure what breed they are, you can ask your vet.
Alternatively, you can have a DNA test or try to match your cat’s breed on the app, Cat Scanner.
If your cat is the result of decades of intermixing of domestic longhair or domestic shorthair cats, they’ll be known as a moggie – the feline equivalent to a cross-breed in dogs.
Due to this intermixing of many different cats, moggies are bred from a larger gene pool, allowing for more extensive genetic diversity. This means that moggies may generally be healthier than pedigree cats, which are bred from a narrower gene pool of the same or similar breeds. As a result, some pedigree cats can have breed-specific health conditions, which moggies don’t have.
Moggies come in all sizes, coat lengths, personalities and colours, from black to white and from tabby to tortoiseshell. Eye colour includes blue, green, gold and hazel. They’re usually muscular and medium-sized, though all varieties can be found from small to large.
Moggies tend to have good overall health and suffer from fewer inherited health problems. They can live for around 15 to 20 years if they don’t get injured or fall ill with a condition such as cat colds and flu.
As their colours are variable, so too are their temperaments. Some cats will like a good cuddle, while others may be more standoffish. They can also be playful, staying occupied with toys or even just an empty box.
One of the most important factors that affect a cat’s personality is how well-socialised they are as young kittens.
A pedigree cat, also sometimes called a purebred cat, is one whose ancestors are bred from a specific breed. This is generally to produce a particular look or conform to breed standards.
Cat breeders usually specialise in a couple of particular breeds of cat – for example, a Maine Coon, Ragdoll or British Shorthair. Pedigree cats also usually come with a document to prove they’re pedigree (usually ratified by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, The International Cat Association or Loving Cats Worldwide. Make sure you collect the paperwork with your kitten, if adopting a new cat).
If you’re looking to buy a new pedigree cat, do some research into what that specific breed could cost, as pedigree cats are usually more expensive than moggies. You can also look into what sort of personality and potential health problems certain breeds can have, too.
While dogs have been bred to do specific tasks – terriers to catch rats and retrievers to assist huntsmen, for example – cats have not been bred in the same way. The most popular pedigree cats include the following breeds.
Usually compact and chunky in build; affectionate, calm and friendly.
Large and fluffy with an extroverted but gentle nature.
Semi-longhaired so will need regular grooming, affectionate and playful.
Both short- and longhaired, laidback and gentle.
Vocal – often “chatting” to their owners – and social, distinctive with their blue eyes and slim build.
You can find more pedigree cat breeds on our Cat Advice page.
Most pedigree cats are fit and healthy, and will give you love and joy for many years. However, some pedigree cats can have inherited genetic health problems, so be aware of this before bringing one home.
The Scottish Fold cat has forward-folding ears due to an abnormality of cartilage growth that can also affect other body parts. Some flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats are susceptible to breathing difficulties and eye and tooth problems, while Persians are more likely to get polycystic kidney disease.
If you are looking to purchase a pedigree cat, visit the kitten with its parents if possible, and make sure you check that the parents are healthy and have been assessed for various health conditions.
Pedigree cats all come with their own personalities, but there are overall traits you can look out for within your pedigree cat. For example, Ragdolls are famous for their placid personalities, Siamese for their loud voices, and Bengals for their superior hunting skills.
Whichever cat you have, make sure you purchase cat insurance to protect them from health problems.
What breed is your cat? Do they have distinct personality traits? Let us know on our Facebook page