Common Cat Breeds and How to Spot Them
A handful of breeds show up again and again — at shelters, in pet shops, and in the ancestry of countless moggies. Here's how to spot the most recognisable ones.
Maine Coon
One of the largest domestic breeds — tufted ears, a shaggy semi-long coat, bushy tail and a rectangular body. Friendly and dog-like in personality.
Siamese
Distinctive pointed colouring (dark face, ears, paws and tail on a pale body), wedge-shaped head and vivid blue eyes. Vocal and sociable.
Bengal
Spotted or marbled coat with a wild appearance, muscular build and bright eyes. Active and playful.
British Shorthair & Persian
- British Shorthair: round face, dense plush coat, sturdy body — the 'cheshire cat'.
- Persian: flat face, long flowing coat, calm and quiet.
- Both are commonly found in moggies with similar features.
Spotting them in a moggy
In a mixed cat, look for one dominant trait — the Maine Coon's ear tufts, the Siamese colouring, the Bengal's spots. A photo identifier can confirm your hunch in seconds.
Common questions
- How does Miau identify a breed?
- It reads the cat's features — face shape, ear set, coat type and colour pattern — and matches them against dozens of breeds, returning the closest match with a confidence score.
- How accurate is it?
- Very accurate for distinctive purebreds like Maine Coons or Siamese. For domestic shorthairs and moggies, it shows the closest matches and a confidence score rather than forcing a single answer.
- Does it work for mixed-breed cats?
- Yes. For a moggy it shows the breeds your cat most resembles, so you still get a useful answer.
- Can I identify a cat from a saved photo?
- Yes. Scan live with your camera or upload any photo from your gallery.
- Is Miau free?
- Yes. Miau is free to download and use, with no account required.
Curious about a cat right now? Open the app page: What breed is my cat.