Cat Breeds Trivia

Cat breeds are a lot more varied than they get credit for. Some were shaped by centuries of natural selection on a remote island, others by deliberate breeding for a single distinctive trait, like folded ears or a completely hairless coat.

This quiz covers ten of the most recognizable cat breeds and the traits that set each one apart, from coat type to temperament to unusual physical quirks.

Built-In Personality Traits

A cat breed's history often explains its temperament just as much as its looks.

• The Siamese is known for its striking blue eyes and famously vocal, talkative personality.
• The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated breed, with tufted ears and a bushy tail built for cold winters.
• The Abyssinian, one of the oldest known breeds, is prized for its slender build and dog-like loyalty.
• The Ragdoll gets its name from going limp and relaxed when picked up.

Distinctive by Design

Some breeds are defined almost entirely by a single unusual trait. The Sphynx has essentially no fur at all, while the Scottish Fold is instantly recognizable by its folded ears. The Manx, tailless and originally from an island in the Irish Sea, and the Bengal, developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, both show just how much variation selective breeding — and geography — can produce within a single species.