UK Cat Breed Guides
For an easy first pedigree cat, start with the British Shorthair, Birman or Ragdoll; the Bengal, Siamese and Sphynx need more time and attention than most buyers expect. Each guide below covers temperament, the health tests to ask a breeder for, grooming and UK costs.
British Shorthair
A calm, independent and heavier cat than it looks, which often prefers sitting next to you to sitting on you.
Bengal
A high-energy, vocal cat that needs daily play and climbing space, so it is a poor choice for a first cat.
Maine Coon
The biggest domestic breed, friendly and playful, with a coat that needs regular grooming and a food bill to match.
Ragdoll
A large, placid cat that tolerates handling and suits indoor life; ask the breeder for HCM test results.
Siamese
A loud, sociable cat that follows you round the house and does badly left alone all day.
Scottish Fold
The folded ears come from a gene that affects cartilage and joints in every Fold, which is why many vets advise against breeding them.
Persian
A quiet long-haired cat that needs brushing every day; flat-faced lines have breathing and eye problems.
Russian Blue
A quiet, reserved cat with a dense double coat that bonds closely with its own household and is wary of visitors.
Birman
A gentle, sociable semi-longhair with white paws that gets on well with children and other pets.
Norwegian Forest Cat
A large, independent cat with a waterproof double coat that is slow to mature and grows into its size over several years.
Sphynx
A hairless, very sociable cat that needs regular baths to remove skin oil and a warm house in winter.
Devon Rex
A curly-coated breed first found in Devon in 1959, very people-focused and happiest with company all day.
Prices, comparisons and breed kit
These pages cover what the popular breeds cost to buy in the UK, how males and females differ, and the kit some breeds need.
Ragdoll cat price UK
Registered breeder, unregistered and rescue prices, what a kitten should come with, and first-year costs.
Price guideBengal cat price UK
Prices by colour and source, the early-generation licence rule, and first-year costs.
Price guideMale vs female Ragdoll
Weight by age in kg, temperament differences that hold up, and UK price by sex.
ComparisonBengal cat enclosures UK
From pop-up runs to built catios: sizes, costs in pounds and planning rules.
Enclosures