Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a colorful cat with a distinctly ticked coat, medium in size and regal in appearance. The Abyssinian is lithe, hard and muscular, showing eager activity and a lively interest in all surroundings. The Abyssinian comes in several colors. Ruddy, red, blue and fawn are the most widely accepted colors; the American Cat Association also recognizes lilac and cream. The Aby's eyes are gold or green. The Abyssinian is a busy, active cat, often with an agenda for its activities. It is also affectionate and loyal.

American Curl

The American Curl is best known for its unusual curled ears, which are the result of a spontaneous mutation. The ears are erect and open, curling away from the cat's face and adding to its sweet expression. A medium-sized cat, the gentle, congenial American Curl comes in many colors.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a true breed of working cat with a quiet, even temper. The general appearance is that of a strongly built, well-balanced, symmetrical cat with a look that indicates power, endurance and agility. Medium to large in size, the American Shorthair has a short, thick, even coat that comes in a rainbow of colors, the most popular being the classic silver tabby.

American Wirehair

The result of a spontaneous mutation, the American Wirehair has a springy, dense resilient coat that is coarse and hard to the touch. This unique coat, which comes in many beautiful colors, distinguishes the American Wirehair from all other breeds. In keeping with its curly, wild coat, the American Wirehair is active, agile and shows keen interest in its surroundings.

Balinese

The Balinese is a svelte cat with long, tapering lines and a lithe but strong body structure. Because of its longer fur, the Balinese appears to have softer lines and less extreme type than other breeds with similar type. Because of its Siamese history, the Balinese has deep, vivid blue eyes and pointed colors, including blue, chocolate, lilac and seal points. Some registries also accept lynx points, parti-color points and red and cream points.

Birman

A cat of mystery and legend, the Birman is a color pointed cat with long, silky hair and four pure white feet. The cat's body is strongly built, elongated and stocky, neither svelte nor cobby. Round blue eyes help give the Birman a sweet expression. The Birman comes in blue, chocolate, lilac and seal points. Some associations also accept red, cream, tortie and lynx points; The International Cat Association accepts many other point colors, including cinnamon and fawn.

Bombay

Because of its short, gleaming, jet-black coat and vivid gold to copper eyes, the Bombay has a look all its own. A medium- sized cat with a solid body and sweet facial expression, the Bombay is friendly, alert and outgoing. The breed's muscular body gives it a surprising weight for its size.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a compact, powerful cat with a broad chest and strong legs. Round is the key word for the British Shorthair, accurately describing the head, cheeks, eyes and paws. All this roundness is complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in many colors, the most popular being blue.

Burmese

The Burmese is a cat of medium size with substantial bone structure, good muscular development and surprising weight for its size. Expressive eyes and a sweet expression help give this beautiful brown cat a distinctive look. Though sable Burmese are most common and most popular, the cat also comes in blue, champagne and platinum.