Miau · Mixes
How to Tell What's in Your Moggy
Adopted a one-of-a-kind moggy? Working out what's in the mix is half the fun. Here's what actually helps — and what to take with a pinch of salt.
Looks give you clues, not proof
Physical traits — head shape, ear size, coat, body build — hint at the breeds involved, but mixes combine them unpredictably. A confident visual guess is still just a guess.
Photo identifiers: fast and free
An app reads your cat's features and shows the breeds it most resembles in seconds. Great for a quick, no-cost starting point, especially when a breed trait is obvious.
DNA tests: more definitive
Cat DNA tests are available and give a more detailed breakdown of ancestry, but they cost money and take a week or two. Use one when you want more than a best guess.
A sensible approach
- Start with a photo identifier for an instant best guess.
- Note the recurring breeds it suggests across a few scans.
- If you want proof, follow up with a DNA test.
- Remember: behaviour is individual, not just breed.
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.
Get the app
Miau — Cat Breed Identifier
Curious about a cat right now? Open the app page: Mixed-breed cat identifier.