PetMall Encyclopedia
Browse published cats breed profiles curated by the PetMall editorial desk.
71 breeds available
The Abyssinian is a highly intelligent, active, and curious athlete. Known as the 'clowns of the cat world,' they love vertical space and being in the centre of family action. They are perfect for active Kiwi households that enjoy interactive pets.
A rare, natural breed from Greece, Aegeans are sturdy, social, and adaptable. They are famous for their love of water and their balanced, communicative nature.
With a wild look and a loyal 'dog-like' personality, the American Bobtail is a highly adaptable companion that often enjoys walking on a harness.
Famous for their unique backward-curling ears, the American Curl is an affectionate, 'Peter Pan' breed that stays kitten-like well into adulthood.
A versatile, sturdy, and easy-going companion. American Shorthairs are quiet, gentle cats that adapt well to various Kiwi living situations and are known for their longevity.
Characterised by their unique crimped coat, American Wirehairs are affectionate, gentle, and quiet companions that enjoy human company without being demanding.
A natural desert breed, the Arabian Mau is athletic, energetic, and independent. They are high-energy cats that thrive on plenty of play and interaction.
Bred to be the ultimate indoor pet, the Australian Mist is relaxed, affectionate, and social. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them perfect for NZ apartments.
The elegant long-haired version of the Siamese. Balinese are vocal, intelligent, and deeply affectionate 'velcro cats' that crave constant interaction.
A hairless, short-legged cross between a Sphynx and Munchkin. They are incredibly outgoing, affectionate, and require specialized skin care and warmth.
The Bengal is an athletic, spotted, high-energy cat that needs far more enrichment than an average companion cat. New Zealand owners should plan indoor climbing, puzzle feeding, catio access, and import/breeder documentation checks before choosing one.
The Birman is a gentle, blue-eyed, semi-longhaired cat with a calm family-friendly reputation. New Zealand owners should plan indoor safety, moderate grooming, weight control, and careful breeder questions.
The 'miniature panther.' Bombays are sleek, black, and copper-eyed. They are intensely people-oriented, affectionate, and love to investigate everything with their paws.
The long-haired counterpart to the British Shorthair. They are easy-going, dignified, and have a plush, dense coat. They are ideal indoor companions for busy Kiwi homes.
The British Shorthair is a calm, round, plush-coated cat that suits many New Zealand apartments and family homes. The key risks are weight gain, under-exercise, dental care, and choosing a breeder who takes health seriously.
The Burmese is a social, affectionate, playful cat that often wants to be part of every household activity. In New Zealand it suits owners who can provide company, warm indoor living, weight control, and safe enrichment.
A cross between Burmese and Chinchilla Persian. Burmillas are elegant, social, and more relaxed than the Burmese, known for their stunning silver coat.
Developed to look like wild cats, they are athletic, intelligent, and social. They are energetic companions that love to climb and play.
A medium-sized, long-haired companion known for its loyal and quiet nature. Often called 'chocolate lovers,' they are gentle, devoted cats.
Sturdy blue-grey cats from France with a silent and 'smiling' nature. They are loyal, intelligent, and quiet companions that adapt well to routine.
Majestic, large athletes developed from Jungle Cats. Chausies are high-energy and best suited for experienced owners who can provide significant stimulation.
Designed to look wild with a sweet, dependable temperament. Cheetohs are social, affectionate, and larger than most domestic cats.
Extroverted, vocal relatives of the Siamese. They are highly intelligent, loyal companions with a wide range of striking coat colours.
Famous for their curly 'wave' coat and bat-ears. Cornish Rex are playful, high-energy, and exceptionally soft to the touch.
The long-haired, tailless counterpart of the Manx. Sturdy and gentle with a rabbit-like hop, they are excellent companions for quiet homes.
Hardy, athletic Mediterranean breed. Cyprus cats are balanced, sturdy, and intelligent companions that enjoy both play and quiet time.
The 'alien cat' with large ears and a wavy coat. Devon Rex are social, mischievous, and love perching on their owners' shoulders.
The Domestic Longhair is a non-pedigree long-coated cat, not a single breed. For New Zealand owners the big care difference is coat management: daily or near-daily grooming, mat prevention, flea control, and quick attention to painful tangles are essential.
The Domestic Mediumhair is a mixed-ancestry companion cat with a coat longer than a shorthair but usually less demanding than a full longhair. It is a practical NZ adoption category and should be judged by personality, health, coat care, and lifestyle fit rather than breed mythology.
The Domestic Shorthair is the everyday Kiwi cat: a non-pedigree, short-coated companion with huge variation in colour, personality, and lifestyle. It is often healthier and more adaptable than highly selected breeds, but it still needs microchipping, desexing, parasite control, dental care, enrichment, and a safe indoor/outdoor plan.
Unique hairless breed from Russia. Exceptionally affectionate and intelligent 'people magnets' that require specialized skin care.
A natural Chinese breed with a wild mackerel tabby coat. Intelligent and alert independent thinkers that bond loyally with family.
The fastest domestic cat. Athletic spotted beauties that are loyal, intelligent, and possess a unique chirruping voice. Caring for an Egyptian Mau in New Zealand involves meeting their physical and mental needs to ensure a happy, healthy life.
Elegant, social companions that crave human interaction. They possess a refined build and a talkative, playful nature. Caring for a European Burmese in New Zealand is a truly rewarding experience, primarily centring on providing consistent companionship and a stimulating indoor environment.
The 'Persian in pyjamas.' Easy-going and affectionate with a short, plush coat. Perfect for low-maintenance glamour cat lovers. Caring for an Exotic Shorthair in New Zealand is generally straightforward, making them a popular choice for many Kiwi households.
Rare chocolate beauties with green eyes. Exceptionally people-oriented and intelligent, investigating everything with their paws.
Persian coat meets Siamese colour. Sweet, quiet, and devoted indoor companions that require high-maintenance grooming. Caring for a Himalayan in New Zealand involves a commitment to their specific needs.
Famous for pom-pom tails, they are active, vocal, and highly social. Known for being very 'talkative' and affectionate with Kiwi families.
The Javanese is a long-haired, vocal, and highly intelligent companion. Known for their acrobatic skills and intense loyalty, they are 'velcro cats' that thrive on being the centre of your world in an active Kiwi household.
The 'Diamond Eye' cat of Thailand, known for its striking white coat and varied eye colours. They are social, outgoing, and highly intelligent companions that treat everyone as a friend.
The 'Good Luck' cat of Thailand, Korats are intelligent, sensitive, and bond deeply with their owners. They possess a shimmering silver-blue coat and striking green eyes, preferring a peaceful home environment.
A natural breed famous for its pom-pom tail and wild look. Kurilians are sturdy, athletic, and surprisingly intelligent. They are known for their love of water and excellent fishing abilities.
Known for its unique, curly 'permed' coat and gentle personality. LaPerms are social, intelligent, and love human companionship, making them wonderful pets for active Kiwi families.
The Maine Coon is a large, rugged, sociable cat with a semi-long coat and a playful temperament. Kiwi owners need space, sturdy furniture, grooming routines, weight control, and breeder questions about heart and joint health.
The non-sable version of the Burmese, sharing the same muscular build and affectionate personality. They are social, people-oriented cats often described as 'bricks wrapped in silk'.
Famous for its lack of a tail, the Manx is a sturdy, intelligent, and loyal breed. They have a unique rabbit-like hop and are known for their social nature and excellent hunting abilities.
Known for their short legs, Munchkins are playful, extroverted, and surprisingly agile. They are fast runners and love to cuddle, making them great house pets for modern, indoor-focused Kiwi families.
An elegant breed with a shimmering silver-blue coat and green eyes. Often called a long-haired Russian Blue, they are shy with strangers but incredibly loyal to their chosen human family.
A large, sturdy 'Wegie' with a thick, water-repellent coat. They are natural athletes and climbers, well-suited for the cooler regions of the NZ South Island or alpine-style environments.
Designed to look like a wild spotted cat but with a domestic temperament. Ocicats are athletic, intelligent, and social, often acting more like loyal dogs than typical cats.
Orientals are passionate about the people in their lives. They become extremely attached to their humans, so be prepared for a lifetime commitment. When you are not available to entertain her, an Oriental will divert herself by jumping on top of the refrigerator, opening drawers, seeking out new hideaways.
The Oriental Shorthair is a sleek, vocal, high-energy member of the Siamese breed family. In New Zealand it suits indoor homes that want a highly interactive cat and can provide daily play, warmth, vertical space, safe outdoor choices, dental care, and plenty of company.
The Persian is a calm, long-coated indoor cat with very high grooming needs and special attention required for eyes, breathing, heat, and coat comfort. In New Zealand it suits owners who want a quiet companion and are realistic about daily coat care and vet costs.
Bred to resemble a wild bobcat, the Pixie-bob is a sturdy, loyal, and laid-back breed. Often polydactyl (extra toes), they possess a friendly, 'dog-like' personality and love to be involved.
The Ragamuffin is calm, even tempered and gets along well with all family members. Changes in routine generally do not upset her. She is an ideal companion for those in apartments, and with children due to her patient nature.
The Ragdoll is a large, gentle, blue-eyed companion cat known for its relaxed temperament and soft semi-long coat. In New Zealand it suits indoor homes that can provide grooming, weight control, enrichment, and careful breeder selection.
The Russian Blue is a quiet, elegant, silver-blue cat that often bonds closely with familiar people and prefers predictable routines. It can suit New Zealand apartments well when owners provide gentle enrichment, hiding spaces, and stress-aware care.
A cross between a domestic cat and a Serval, the Savannah is an athletic, high-energy companion. They possess a wild look and adventurous personality, requiring a dedicated owner and space.
Famous for its unique folded ears and round face, the Scottish Fold is a sweet-tempered companion. They are devoted but come with health considerations due to their unique genetics.
The 'cat in sheep's clothing,' known for its unique, curly coat and sturdy build. They are patient, affectionate, and easy-going companions that thrive in busy households.
The Siamese is a social, vocal, intelligent cat that wants interaction and routine. In New Zealand it can thrive indoors or with a catio when owners provide company, puzzle play, warmth, dental care, and realistic expectations about noise.
A majestic, large triple-coated breed with a sweet personality. They are natural athletes and problem-solvers, often described as 'hypoallergenic' by some owners.
One of the smallest breeds, known for its big ears and big eyes. They are high-energy, mischievous, and intensely social 'lap-magnets' that love being part of everything.
A cross between Siamese and American Shorthair, famous for white 'boots'. They are vocal, social, and affectionate companions that enjoy being around people and water.
The long-haired version of the Abyssinian, looking like a little fox. Active, intelligent, and curious athletes that love to be at the center of all family activities.
The Sphynx is a hairless, social, indoor cat that needs warmth, skin care, sun protection, ear care, and careful health screening. In New Zealand it is a specialist choice, not a low-maintenance novelty pet.
A Siamese-Burmese cross. Intelligent, vocal, and highly affectionate. They possess the social nature of both parents and are known for striking aquamarine eyes.
Designed to look like a miniature tiger. Sturdy, intelligent, and laid-back hunters. They are sociable companions that thrive in active, interactive Kiwi households.
Elegant, intelligent, and determined ancient breed. They are highly active and will likely be the 'alpha' in any household, known for silky coats and striking eyes.
The 'Swimming Cat' from Lake Van. Athletic, intelligent, and independent companions that thrive in active households and are famous for their love of water.
A true lap cat with a sweet temperament and a stunning chocolate coat. They are curious, affectionate, and love to follow you everywhere, including near water.