Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a very active, playful, and inquisitive breed. This slender, shorthaired breed is distinguished by its ticked tabby coat pattern, which is a pattern more commonly seen in wild cats. Though ruddy is the color most associated with the breed, "Abys" are available in blue, fawn, and red (also known as sorrel), as well.
American Bobtail
This experimental breed has a naturally shortened tail, about half the length of a normal tail, but longer than that of the Japanese Bobtail. Whether the dominant gene controlling the mutation is the same as the Manx, or a new mutation, has not yet been established. American Bobtails are not widely recognized.
American Curl
The American Curl is recognized by its unusual ears, which are curled backwards. This is the result of a natural mutation. There are both longhair and shorthair varieties, and a rainbow of patterns and colors. This relatively new breed has an energetic, affectionate temperament.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair was developed from native American working cats. It is a moderately stocky, even-tempered cat with a short coat. Although this breed is accepted in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the silver classic tabby is perhaps best known.
American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is distinguished by its coat - as the result of a natural mutation, every hair is crimped and springy, including the whiskers. The original mutation occurred in a domestic shorthair, and the American Shorthair has also contributed to the development of the breed. Wirehairs may be either shorthaired or longhaired, in a variety of colors and patterns.
American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is distinguished by its coat - as the result of a natural mutation, every hair is crimped and springy, including the whiskers. The original mutation occurred in a domestic shorthair, and the American Shorthair has also contributed to the development of the breed. Wirehairs may be either shorthaired or longhaired, in a variety of colors and patterns.
Angora
The Angora is the British equivalent of the Oriental Longhair. In addition to all of the usual Oriental Shorthair colors and patterns, the British standard also allows green-eyed and odd-eyed whites.
Asian Shorthair
Asian Shorthair is actually a generic term, which refers to an entire group of cats. The cats in the "Asian Group" are all of Burmese type, but of varying colors and patterns. Within the group, some of the specific colors/patterns have their own names, such as Burmilla and Bombay, but all are considered to be part of the Asian Shorthair breed. The breed was developed primarily in Britain. It is not currently recognized by any U.S. Registries.
Asian Semi-Longhair
The Asian Semi-Longhair is like the Asian Shorhair except that they have semi-long hair instead of short hair. These cats are also known by the name Tiffanie. They are recognized in any of the Asian Shorthair or Burmese colors and patterns. Like the Asian Shorthair, the breed was developed in Britain, and is not currently recognized by any U.S. Registries.
Australian Mist
The Australian Mist (formerly known as the Spotted Mist) was developed in Australia, and is descended from the Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthair. Its alert and friendly personality combines qualities of all three. The Australian Mist is a shorthair cat with a spotted coat, and they are available in a variety of colors. They are not yet recognized by any U.S. Registries.