Cats do not vary in size as much as dogs, but some breeds do tend to be larger and heavier than others. For example, male Maine Coons can weigh up to 20 pounds, while petite Singapura females can weigh as little as four pounds.

In general, females tend to be smaller than males. Cats may gain weight as they get older, generally because of overeating and lack of exercise. Altered cats usually do not gain weight because of the hormonal changes that occur with spaying and neutering.

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A shorthair has a short coat. The coat may lie very close to the body, like the Siamese, or it may be thick and plush, like the Exotic Shorthair. The appearance depends not only on the length of the hair, but also on the thickness, thinness, or absence of the undercoat.

A mediumhair, sometimes called semi-longhair, has fur that’s slightly longer than that of a shorthair and slightly shorter than that of a longhair. While the cat fancy recognizes only two hair lengths—shorthair and longhair—some breeds fall between the two lengths. The two recognized hair lengths can vary greatly, which can be confusing; a medium-length coat may be called long or short, depending upon the breed. For example, the longhaired Balinese has hair that is only a few inches long, except on the tail. Other breeds, while still defined as shorthairs, have fur that’s medium in length; the Exotic Shorthair and the American Wirehair are two examples.

A longhair has long fur, often varying in length over different areas of the body. Some longhairs have medium-length fur on the body, but almost all longhairs have long fur on the tail, forming a plume or brush. The length of the hair on the tail is a common way to tell a longhair from a shorthair in breeds that have medium-length hair. Longhairs vary greatly in coat length and undercoat thickness; as with the shorthair, the undercoat makes a great difference in the coat’s appearance. The Persian is the ultimate longhair, with hair up to eight inches long and a substantial undercoat as well, which makes the hair stand away from the body.

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Cobby: A broad, round body type with a broad head and shorter legs. The Persian and Exotic Shorthair are examples of this body type.

Semi-cobby: Also often called robust, this body type is slightly less compact and usually less round than the cobby. The Chartreux and British Shorthair are examples of this body type.

Moderate: A body type that falls midway between cobby and svelte; this type is also sometimes called medium. The Bengal, Birman, Traditional Siamese, and Maine Coon are examples of this body type.

Slender: A body type that’s lithe and graceful, although usually firm and muscular as well. Some, but not all, slender breeds are also fine boned. The Abyssinian, Russian Blue and Turkish Angora are examples of this body type.

Semi-foreign: A body type that’s rectangular and elongated but not tubular, and less long than the svelte body type. The head is a modified wedge shape. The ears are not as large and the muzzle is usually shorter than the svelte breeds. Semi-foreign breeds vary in build and musculature, but are usually fine or medium boned. The Nebelung, Snowshoe and American Curl are examples of this body type. (Note: This type was not included in the selector because the distinction between the slender, semi-foreign and svelte body types is not great enough to use for identifying body type preferences. However, for accuracy semi-foreign is included in the breed profiles.)

Svelte (Foreign): A sleek, long bodied, tubular and firm body type that’s occasionally called foreign (not to be confused with the foreign breeds recognized by the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, GCCF). The Extreme Siamese and Balinese and the Oriental Longhair and Shorthair are examples of this body type.

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Low energy cats are placid, sedate, calm and usually quiet. These cats are happy to sit or lie by your side or in your lap. They do enjoy play time, but it’s generally gentle and abbreviated, with a nice long nap afterwards. They may not enjoy rough and tumble games.

Average energy cats generally have low, medium and high energy levels at different times of the day and night. Sometimes they are ready to play fetch, chase cat toys and wrestle with their feline friends, but in between periods of activity they enjoy lazing in sunny spots or sleeping in their favorite cat bed. Other times they may want to follow you around the house or sit or nap beside you.

High energy cats are almost constantly on the move, unless they are eating or sleeping. These cats are known to be hazardous to knick-knacks, fine china and any other accessible breakables. Busy, playful and active, they may race around the house, run up and over furniture, leap to the top of the fridge and stare down at you demanding, "Let’s play some more!" These cats are fun and entertaining for some people, but over the top for others.

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Cats are great companions for most age groups. Certain breeds are more inclined to be appropriate for certain age groups, however. For example, some breeds are more tolerant of handling or easier to handle than other breeds.

All breeds are usually appropriate for adults, but which breeds are best for individual adult cat lovers depends a great deal upon the person’s lifestyle and personal preferences.

Most breeds are appropriate for seniors, depending upon their physical abilities, lifestyle and individual preferences. However, seniors generally do best with affectionate, people-oriented cats who are not highly active. Seniors living alone may prefer the smaller or medium-size sedate breeds, which are easier to lift and handle and are not as heavy when they curl up for a cuddle on their favorite person’s lap. Also, depending on the person, breeds that need less grooming might be more appropriate, particularly if repetitive movements or arthritis of the hands is a problem.

For children under seven years old, a cat over six months old is strongly recommended. Young kittens are not appropriate because young children may not understand cats are not toys, and kittens younger than four months of age are especially fragile and may be less able to move quickly out of harm’s way. Some breeders will not sell kittens to families with young children.

In general, a sedate, mellow breed is a good choice for families; calm cats usually will not find children’s noise and activities as unnerving as high activity breeds.

Infants and toddlers should be supervised at all times when they are with a cat or kitten, for their safety and the feline’s. Infants and toddlers should not be allowed to sleep with cats (or any domestic animal), but not because of the mistaken belief that cats suck the breath from infants. The cat may enjoy cuddling with an infant or lying on top of the child, and that can be very dangerous, particularly if the cat is heavy.

Introduce a new cat to the household gradually. If the proper training and introductions are made, children and cats can get along well and become close friends. Before getting a cat, discuss the responsibilities and changes cat ownership requires. Be sure your child knows how to care for and hold the cat, and how to properly play with the cat. Also discuss feline behavior and be sure your child understands body language that indicates the cat is becoming annoyed. Also teach your child not to bother a cat who is eating, grooming, using the litter box or sleeping. Be sure your child understands that cats are sensitive creatures who require time to themselves. You can include children 11 and older in the cat’s daily care.

It’s impossible to say with certainty that every cat of a certain breed will be appropriate for all children. The likelihood of a cat or kitten getting along with children is influenced by the children themselves as well as by how that kitten or cat has been raised and treated in the past. For example, a cat raised around gentle children is more likely to be comfortable around them. A cat who starts out life surrounded by a lot of human activity and with children is more likely to adapt to children, whatever the breed. However, some breeds are more tolerant or easier to handle than others, as reflected in our cat selector and profiles.

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It’s a common misconception that longhaired cats always require more grooming than shorthairs. The length of the hair doesn’t necessarily indicate the amount of grooming needed. It’s certainly true that some longhairs need a great deal of grooming; the Persian and Himalayan fall into this category. However, the length of hair is not as important as the length and thickness of the undercoat. For example, the Exotic Shorthair requires a good deal of grooming because of its thick undercoat, while the longhaired Balinese requires much less because it has minimal undercoat.

Some breeds have special grooming needs. The Sphynx is a good example: many people think this breed requires no grooming—after all, it’s virtually hairless. But the Sphynx is a high-maintenance breed that needs regular wipe downs with wet wash cloths or cat-safe wipes, and weekly baths with kitty-safe shampoo.

Routine feline grooming involves brushing or combing the fur according to the technique and schedule recommended for each breed and if needed removing mats from the coat, trimming the nails every two to three weeks, cleaning the ears and, with some breeds, cleaning the nose and eye areas. Regular tooth brushing is also recommended for most cats; some breeds are particularly susceptible to tartar buildup and gingivitis.

While some breeds do not require much grooming, all can benefit from at least weekly grooming because it cuts down on the hair they shed on your furnishings and clothes, and helps lessen the occurrence of hair balls—elongated compact masses that can accumulate in the stomach and intestines as a result of licking and swallowing fur. Many cats enjoy being groomed and regular grooming can help owners form loving bonds with their cats. For those cats who don’t enjoy grooming, regular grooming will help them accept it as just another of those incomprehensible things humans insist on doing.

For most cats who are not being exhibited in shows, routine bathing is not necessary. However, some longhairs may need a bath every few months or even more often because of occasional feces and urine staining. Some cats, particularly males, accumulate more sebaceous oil on their fur than is usual and can benefit from monthly baths. If you begin bathing your cat at an early age, he’ll become more accustomed to the procedure.

Show cats, of course, require a completely different grooming routine than a household pet. Your cat’s breeder is the best source of information about grooming a show cat.

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A cat who talks an average amount may meow to greet you, when it’s meal time, when she wants you to do something such as open a closed door, or at other times when she needs your attention.

A cat who talks a lot is a constant communicator. Any time is the right time for a chat: greeting time, meal time, happy time, complaint time, play time, I-need-attention time as well as other special and non-special occasions. Some breeds, such as those in the Siamese family, are known for communicating their every thought. This trait is endearing to some people and nerve-wracking to others.

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The amount of affection an individual cat shows her humans depends upon breed type, upbringing and genetic makeup. A cat who has not been well socialized and handled by gentle people as a kitten may grow up to be wary of people in general and may never learn to enjoy a close, affectionate relationship with humans. However, that’s not always so; it depends to a certain extent on the kind of first contact the cat has with humans and the cat’s own personality. And even with plenty of socialization, some breeds tend to be less affectionate than others.

Some cats tend to be "four on the floor" felines; they don’t enjoy being picked up, handled, held or carried, although some will tolerate it from their preferred person, particularly when they have close relationships. These cats often prefer sitting beside or near you, rather than in your lap. These natural tendencies are often inherent in their breed. That they prefer their physical freedom doesn’t mean they cannot be affectionate and loving.

A breed that doesn’t show much affection is likely to be more independent than a people-oriented breed, and is likely to need a bit less love and attention. A cat of this kind is likely to show affection on her terms and will seek you out when she wants to be loved, but may be less affectionate when you seek her out. She’ll often play on her own unless you bring out a cat toy to tempt her. She probably would not be a lap cat.

A moderately affectionate cat may or may not be a lap cat, but will likely purr happily when being petted and loved. He will probably rub affectionately on his owner’s legs and possibly give "head bonks" or "head presses"; the cat touches or rubs his forehead against yours in an obvious sign of affection. This is also called "forehead kisses," although lips are never involved—most cats dislike being kissed, even though they show affection in many other ways. This type may or may not enjoy being held.

A very affectionate cat will seek you out at all hours of the day and night for affection, petting and purring. He is likely to love any kind of attention, whether it’s during playtime, grooming or when you’re trying to nap. He will greet you at the door with happy meows and rub himself against any part of your body that’s accessible. Sometimes called "Velcro cats," this cat will follow his favorite person from room to room and will likely be a lap cat or even a shoulder cat, enjoying being as close to his owner as possible. Some people find this "always on" affection a bit annoying, while others crave close bonds with their feline friends.

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A cat who doesn’t need much attention will still be affectionate to her chosen people, but doesn’t need to spend every minute of the day following you around. Such cats enjoy their time alone, staring out the window, snoozing in a sunny spot, or simply entertaining themselves with toys or their other feline friends.

A cat who needs average attention enjoys some time alone, but still often seeks you out for playing and petting. This type of cat is affectionate and needs a good amount of time with his human family, but needs some time to himself as well.

A cat who needs lots of attention wants to be with her favorite people most of the time. She wants to spend as much waking time as possible with her people, and wants to sleep with her people, too, whether or not it’s bedtime. Expect this cat to follow you from room to room and participate in all your activities.

Note: The need for attention can be influenced by early conditioning. Cats who are members of breeds that usually don’t need much attention can be conditioned to want more, if they are handled affectionately a great deal as young kittens.

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A cat who’s easy to handle can be picked up and held with little or no trouble. Such cats may enjoy snuggling in your arms. In general, they will be amenable to routine duties such as nail clipping, grooming, and even bathing. They may not enjoy these activities, but will be willing to submit to them.

A cat who’s moderately easy to handle may or may not enjoy being picked up and handled, but will usually submit to routine essentials such as nail clipping and grooming. Bathing may or may not be a challenge, depending upon the way she was raised. If she was regularly bathed as a kitten, she will be used to bathing and even if she doesn’t enjoy it, bathing won’t be too much of a problem.

A cat who’s a handful to handle generally doesn’t cooperate as well with routine duties such as nail clipping and grooming, and usually doesn’t enjoy being picked up or held. Bathing is likely to be challenging; such a cat should be trained to accept regular bathing as a kitten if you don’t want bathing him to be a wet and wild experience.

Note: Ease of handling depends not only on the breed of the cat but also on the way the cat was raised. Well socialized cats tend to be easier to handle even if they are a member of a feisty breed.

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Although personalities vary, most cats would prefer not to be alone for many hours at a time. That said, a few breeds tend to do better than others for extended periods without companionship. Examples of cats who can spend more time alone include the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, Manx and Russian Blue. Some breeds that prefer not to be left alone are the Siamese family (Siamese, Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Javanese and Oriental), the Cornish Rex and the Tonkinese. The best source of information about this trait in a particular bloodline is the cat’s breeder.

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Some breeds tend to be more demanding of their owners’ attention than others. A demanding cat may meow a great deal to get your attention, follow you around the house, jump into your lap when you sit down or leap onto the counter when you’re cooking. He may walk over you when you lie down, walk across your computer keyboard when you try to type, lie across the open pages of a magazine, book or newspaper you’re trying to read, or bring you a toy to play with. Demanding cats may spend a good deal of time thinking up even more creative ways of getting your attention, some less amusing than others.

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