20 Most Popular Types of Mixed Cat Breeds (With Pictures)
By Misty Layne
Updated on
When it comes to cats, there are more than just purebreds out there. In fact, mixed cat breeds are much more common, and there are so many types of mixed cat breeds in the world! What exactly is a mixed breed? Just what the name suggests—a cat born of two or more different breeds that were mixed.
These mixed cat breeds can come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and temperaments depending upon their parent breeds, so you never know quite what you’re getting when you adopt one. Some mixed breeds occur naturally (think of the stray cats around your neighborhood), but some are created by breeders who use differing breeds to obtain certain qualities from each for a unique result.
Here you’ll find some of the most popular mixed cat breeds around. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find one that you’d love to bring home!
The 20 Most Popular Types of Mixed Cat Breeds
1. Australian Mist Cat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 18 years |
| Weight: | 9 – 15 lbs |
Australian Mist Cat comes to us from Australia, as the name suggests. It was created in the 1970s by mixing a Domestic Shorthair, Burmese, and Abyssinian and was originally known as the Spotted Mist (the name was changed in 1998). The Australian Mist is known for its large eyes and laid-back temperament. As of now, they’re fairly rare outside their home country, but they are becoming more popular in places like the U.S. and U.K.
2. Bengal Cat
| Lifespan: | 10 – 16 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 17 lbs |
Bengal Cat may look wild, but it’s a domestic cat breed and one that’s been around a while. The Bengal first appeared in California in the 1960s as a complete accident that came about from an unexpected mating between an Asian Leopard cat and a tomcat. When kittens were produced, the owner of the Leopard cat decided to keep breeding the two. This breed was acknowledged by the International Cat Association1 in 1991 and is known for being highly active and curious. If you want to take a walk on the wild side but without the danger, this breed is for you!
3. Bombay Cat
| Lifespan: | 9 – 13 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 12 lbs |
The Bombay Cat is a mix between the Burmese and black American Shorthair. It was created as an attempt to breed a cat that looked like a Burmese but with a glossy black coat. The breeders also hoped it would resemble a black leopard (which it does; hence, the name Bombay). These medium-sized kitties are stocky and muscular, so they feel rather heavy when you pick them up. They also appear to sway when they walk. The Bombay is incredibly affectionate and loves spending time with its people, and is active with a curious nature.
4. Burmilla Cat
| Lifespan: | 7 – 12 years |
| Weight: | 6 – 13 lbs |
The is a result of a crossing between the Burmese and Chinchilla Persian breeds. It came about because of an accidental mating in the 1980s and was so beautiful that people wanted to keep breeding them. The Burmilla Cat is known for its silver coat (which can be short hair or semi-longhair) and social nature. The breed is playful and affectionate, as well as gentle and fun-loving. They’re still fairly rare in the United States, but you will find a few around.
5. California Spangled Cat
| Lifespan: | 9 – 16 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 15 lbs |
The California Spangled Cat is truly a mixed cat breed. Its ancestry includes the Manx, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Angora, Siamese, and Abyssinian breeds. They were originally bred in California by Paul Casey and were meant to resemble wildcats—particularly the leopard. The idea was that if people had pets with spotted coats, they would no longer be interested in wearing fur coats from wild cats. The breed is long and lean and extremely gentle and affectionate. Despite how popular the breed has been, it is still at risk of becoming endangered.
6. Chausie Cat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 25 years |
| Weight: | 15 – 20 lbs |
Another cat breed designed to resemble a wild cat, the Chausie cat actually does have wild cat in their ancestry, as they are a mix between jungle cats and the Abyssinian breed. Created in the 1990s, the breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1995. The Chausie is known for being incredibly intelligent and acting more like a dog than a cat (they play fetch!). They’re quite outgoing and great with children, but they require a lot of attention and interaction.
7. Domestic Medium Hair Cat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 18 years |
| Weight: | 11 – 22 lbs |
The Domestic Medium Hair Cat is one of the “mutts” of the cat world. It’s not technically a breed in and of itself, but it can be a mix of any domestic breed. This cat is known for its medium-length coat but can come from either longhair or shorthair breeds. Because they can be a mix of any and all breeds, they come in a variety of colors and patterns. This also means you never know what you’ll be getting personality-wise; they may be sweet and gentle or mischievous and playful.
8. Domestic Shorthair Cat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 20 years |
| Weight: | 12 – 15 lbs |
Like the Domestic Medium Hair, the Domestic Shorthair cat is a grab bag of breeds. It’s also the most popular and common type of cat found in the United States. In fact, nearly 95%2 of cats in the U.S. are considered to be Domestic Shorthairs! Because they can be a mix of any breed, they are another cat with a wide variety of colors and patterns. It’s also a toss-up as to what kind of personality they’ll have. The good news? You can stop by nearly any shelter and find one to adopt!
9. Exotic Shorthair Cat
| Lifespan: | 8 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 10 – 12 lbs |
The isn’t a grab bag like the Domestic Shorthair but is instead a cross between American Shorthairs and Persians. First bred in the late 1950s, the breed almost faded out due to American Shorthair breeders not liking the combination. But a Cat Fanciers Association3 judge made efforts to include the mixed breed, which was finally accepted in 1967. The Exotic Shorthair Cat has the face of a Persian but with a coat that makes them much easier to groom. The breed is easygoing, cuddly, and very loyal to their people.
10. Havana Brown Cat
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 6 – 10 lbs |
This lovely breed, also known as “Chocolate Delights”4, originated in England as a cross between domestic black cats and Siamese. It first came to America in the 1950s. During the late 1990s, breeders began outcrossing with not only domestic black cats but domestic blues and particular colors of Oriental Shorthairs. The Havana Brown Cat is known for having a head that’s longer than wide and striking green eyes. Personality-wise, the breed is incredibly outgoing and will follow you around the house as you go about your day.
11. Himalayan Cat
| Lifespan: | 8 – 11 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 12 lbs |
The first crossing between a Siamese and a Persian came about in 1924 and was done by a Swedish geneticist. It wasn’t until 1957 that the breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, though. The Himalayan Cat breed may be of medium size, but they are heavily boned, so they can appear larger than they actually are. They also have incredibly thick coats, which can make them look bigger. The breed takes after the Siamese in that they love to play fetch, but they take after Persians with their sweet, docile natures.
12. Javanese Cat
| Lifespan: | 9 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 5 – 10 lbs |
The Javanese Cat have multiple parents in the Siamese, Balinese, and Colorpoint Shorthair. They don’t actually come from Java, though. The name is simply a reference to Java being a sister island to Bali. The breed used to be its own recognized one, but later the Cat Fanciers Association decided to make it a division of the Balinese breed. The Javanese has a coat that is medium length and a nice little plume of a tail. These cats are super energetic and highly social; they’re also big talkers, so if you want a quiet cat, this breed isn’t for you.
13. Ocicat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 18 years |
| Weight: | 12 – 15 lbs |
This cat breed may look wild, but they are all domesticated! In fact, the Ocicat is a cross between the Abyssinian and Siamese. The name came about due to their resemblance to ocelots5. The Ocicat is the only domestic breed with spots resembling a wild cat’s to be purely domestic. These cats are long and lean with a short-haired coat. They’re also highly athletic and can make incredible jumps. The breed is known for being quite chatty and dislikes being the only pet in the household.
14. Oriental Shorthair Cat
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 12 lbs |
These svelte kitties come from a Siamese hybrid in the 1950s. Back then, Siamese were mixed with Russian Blues and Domestic Shorthairs to create a cat that looked Siamese but that had more colors and patterns than the Siamese. The Oriental Shorthair Cat is long and lean but still quite muscular. The breed is a born entertainer that loves to be the center of attention. They are quite active, though, so they require people who are home more often than not.
15. Ragamuffin Cat
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Weight: | 10 – 20 lbs |
These gentle giants6 shouldn’t be confused with the Ragdoll Cat, even if they are thought to be a cross between Ragdolls, Persians, Birmans, and Turkish Angoras (although no one seems to be 100% on that, it’s widely accepted as fact). These large felines are known for being affectionate and clingy, making them the perfect lap cat. The Ragamuffin Cat has a beautiful silky coat and comes in several patterns and colors.
16. Serengeti Cat
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 8 – 15 lbs |
A cross between the Bengal and the Oriental Shorthair, the Serengeti Cat is yet another domestic breed that resembles its wilder counterparts. It’s also a much newer breed that only came about in 19947. The Serengeti has long legs (excellent for jumping!), large rounded ears, and a spotted coat. The breed also has a wonderful personality—Serengetis are quite active and outgoing, yet gentle enough to hang out with kids.
17. Singapura Cat
| Lifespan: | 11 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 4 – 8 lbs |
The smallest of the domestic cat breeds, these itty-bitty kitties were originally believed to have been brought to the states from Singapore. Later, though, it was discovered this wasn’t the case at all. Instead, the Singapura Cat is believed to be a cross between the Abyssinian and Burmese. They are known for their large eyes and ears, along with their size. However, don’t let their tiny size fool you! This breed has a big personality that involves a lot of energy and assertiveness.
18. Snowshoe Cat
| Lifespan: | 14 – 19 years |
| Weight: | 7 – 12 lbs |
The Snowshoe Cat originated when a Siamese gave birth to several kittens that had white feet. These white-footed kittens were then mixed with bi-color American Shorthairs to keep the trait of white feet. Besides the white feet, the breed has striking markings and beautiful blue eyes. Though they are rarer, the Snowshoe Cat is a highly affectionate kitty who tends to think it is people. They are outgoing, loyal, and incredibly intelligent.
19. Tonkinese Cat
| Lifespan: | 10 – 16 years |
| Weight: | 6 – 12 lbs |
This mix8 between the Burmese and the Siamese came about as an attempt to create a cat that was more moderate than the parent breeds. In this creation, breeders were also seeking a new mink color and aqua eyes. Tonkinese Cats are muscular cats that come in 12 patterns and color types. Though they are playful and active, they also make fabulous lap cats. They can also talk up a storm when they want!
20. Toyger Cat
| Lifespan: | 9 – 13 years |
| Weight: | 7 – 15 lbs |
These cuties are another attempt at making domestic cats look wilder than they are. A cross between the Bengal and a Domestic Shorthair, the breed came about in the 1980s. The name Toyger Cat comes from “toy” and “tiger” because they look like smaller versions of tigers. They are relatively friendly and generally laid back, as well as confident and outgoing. They love to play, so they’ll be sure to keep you busy!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a plethora of mixed cat breeds in the world! Some are more commonplace than others, but all of them are much-loved. If you’re looking for a cat of your own, why not adopt one of these lovely mixed breeds? They’re sure to make your life brighter!
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Featured Image Credit: Tania__Wild, Shutterstock
