When most people hear “purebred,” they think of dogs – but cats are a different story. While pedigreed breeds like Siamese or Maine Coons exist, the concept of a truly purebred cat is much more complicated. In fact, most cats around the world share surprisingly mixed ancestry, making them far less genetically distinct than other domesticated animals.
This article is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary or genetic consultation. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
What “Purebred” Really Means
A purebred cat is one that comes from parents of the same recognized breed, with a documented lineage registered through a cat association such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). These records confirm that the cat’s ancestry follows strict breeding standards, covering appearance, temperament, and sometimes even colour patterns.
However, the idea of “purebred” doesn’t mean genetic purity in the strictest sense. Unlike dogs, cats have a relatively short history of selective breeding, which only became common in the late 19th century. Before that, cats were bred naturally, leading to an incredibly diverse gene pool that still defines most domestic cats today.
Most Cats Are Mixed-Breed
According to genetic research published in Scientific Reports, over 95 per cent of cats worldwide are considered “random-bred.” These cats aren’t part of any registered breed but instead descend from naturally mating populations. That’s why the cat sleeping on your couch may share traits with many breeds yet belong to none.
How Cat Breeds Came To Be
Modern cat breeds were mostly created by selecting cats with desirable traits, such as long fur, folded ears, or distinctive coloring and then breeding them for consistency. For example, the Persian’s long coat and the Siamese’s sleek frame both came from naturally occurring variations that humans began to formalize through breeding.
Why True Genetic Purity Is Rare
Because cats were domesticated differently from dogs, their genetic lines are far less separated. In most breeds, the gene pool is still open, meaning occasional crossbreeding is allowed to maintain health and diversity. Even pedigreed cats can carry genes from other breeds, especially those developed within the past century.
The Health Factor
Breeding for specific traits can lead to health problems in certain purebred cats. For example, flat-faced breeds like Persians are prone to breathing difficulties, while Scottish Folds can suffer joint issues linked to the gene that causes their folded ears. Mixed-breed cats, by contrast, often have greater genetic diversity, which can lower the risk of inherited conditions.
So, Do Purebred Cats Really Exist?
Yes, but only in the sense of having a recognized lineage, not in absolute genetic purity. Even the most pedigreed cats are part of a broader feline family tree shaped by thousands of years of natural breeding.
In other words, your purebred cat might have royal papers, but under all that elegance, they still share a common bond with the everyday tabby next door.
