Pedigree Cats - What Are Pedigree Cats?

Whilst you might think you’re clued up on all there is to know about cats, do you know your pedigrees? Fear not as we’re here to take a deep dive into pedigree cats and the different kinds available for you and your family.

A pedigree cat is a cat that has been specifically bred to exhibit certain characteristics or breed behaviours. There are now over 70 recognised pedigree cat breeds that have been created over 150 years of breeding. Wow.

Whilst pedigree cats are seen as the best of the best, we think all cats are special and don’t like choosing favourites - instead, we’re here to talk about how pedigrees differ from moggies (that’s a non-pedigree cat if you’re not familiar with the lingo) and why you should brush up on your cat knowledge before committing to buying a new furry friend.

Looking at other types of cats? Check out our fantastic guide to the biggest domestic cats and largest breeds. Or, to learn more about insurance (afterall, that’s what we do), then check out our cat insurance guide here.

Pedigree cats are bred to a specific purebred breed standard and knowing which one to choose can be a bit overwhelming when, in previous decades, breeders have been able to refine breeds and produce new ones with interesting and attractive features.

When it comes to pedigree cats, you’re spoiled for choice. Each one has a different look from the next and an entirely different set of personality traits.

From the British Shorthair and Maine Coon to Sphynx and Persian, pedigree cats come in all shapes and sizes giving you plenty of choices when deciding on your next pet.

Because pedigree cats are bred not just for looks but for their temperament, they’re often considered friendlier than moggies. This works through years of breeding and producing generation after generation of the same breed - eventually leading to a breed standard and identity.

Other pedigree cat breeds include:

• Ragdoll

• Birman 

• Burmese 

• Scottish Fold

• Siamese 

• Tonkinese

• Somali

• Bombay

• Abyssinian

• Japanese Bobtail

• And many more!

When it comes to finding the healthiest pedigree cat, there are certain breed characteristics to look for and some to avoid. Diet and exercise are also important factors that determine the health of a cat. Extreme phenotypes can also drastically affect feline health, especially when you take into consideration hereditary conditions.

Some pedigree cats are more likely to experience health issues and conditions than others. This can include hip dysplasia and also tends to be seen in brachycephalic breeds such as the Persian and Exotic Shorthair. Whilst it’s undeniable these cats are cute, they are bred for their flat faces which can cause lots of breathing problems - similar to that of the French Bulldog in the canine world. This is true of most animals with similar facial features and facial skin folds.

Scottish Folds are another example of cats that show health problems throughout their lives. Though they look adorable due to their folded ears, this is actually an inherited cartilage defect that causes other deformities throughout the body such as joint pain and disease, followed by a fusing of the tail, the ankles, and the knees.

In recent years there has been a lot of attention drawn to health over looks in the pedigree cat breeding industry as although these round-faced cuties look irresistible, continued breeding leads them to pain and future problems.

When getting a cat, or any pet, it’s always important to do your research and investigate the health conditions of your favoured cat breed. Statistically speaking, the American Shorthair, Savannah Cat, and Russian Blue are some of the popular cat breeds which are the healthiest pedigree breeds out there - with some living up to 25 years old!

Pedigree cats are more expensive compared to moggies which is typically the major downside to taking home one of these cuties. Whilst pedigree cats and kittens do cost more, it’s worth thinking of how much you’ll save in the future by investing in a healthy, purebred cat.

However, this isn’t an option for everyone which is why moggies are a popular choice too! If you still want a pedigree cat consider adopting one who has had a previous home. This way you get the cat of your dreams whilst giving them a second chance at life.

Buying a kitten should be a responsible and informed decision - not an impulsive choice. Firstly, we recommend researching the breed you want and local breeders who are registered with at least one of the following:

• Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)

• The International Cat Association (TICA)

• Another established body with ethical breeding practices 

Whilst it can be super tempting, don’t jump at the first cute kitten that you see. Researching their temperament and personality will help you to make the right decision. Any responsible breeder will be able to help you make this choice.

Pedigree kittens don’t usually leave their mum until they’re around 12 to 14 months old so make sure to check with your breeder that your new kitty is old enough to fly the nest. They should also have received their vaccinations and a course of flea and worm treatment before they come home with you.

Although we probably sound a bit biased, the answer is undoubtedly yes. Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat, not only when they are a kitten but well into their old age.

Taking out a pet insurance policy will help to protect your cat from unexpected accidents and illnesses. After all, why wouldn’t you want to protect what matters most?

Cat insurance can protect you from unexpected costs like surprising treatments or surgery bills. Though your pedigree cat may be healthy now, no one can predict the future so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

At Waggel, we provide exclusive member rewards and give every customer access to 24/7 online vet care with Joii. We also offer just one policy to avoid any confusion and help you get the most out of your insurance.

We cover a wide range of pedigree and moggy breeds making us the cat’s pyjamas when it comes to insurance.

So there we have it, the rundown on pedigree breeds of cats. Just remember, before making any hasty decisions, always research pedigree cat breeds and choose one that’s best for you and your lifestyle - not just because it looks irresistible. This is some of the best advice we can give, especially for first-time owners. After all, we want our pet to have the best quality of life.

Some pedigree cats can be exposed to poor breeding practices so it’s always best to meet with your chosen breeder and ensure they are a member of a professional breeding organisation. We want to make sure to avoid those unscrupulous breeders.

This will help to avoid any malpractice and bad breeding, allowing the best breeders to continue producing healthy and well-natured cats. Though cats with smaller, flattened faces may look like your dream cat, they can be predisposed to health conditions such as arthritis and suffer from breathing issues so it’s best to make sure your knowledge is up to scratch.

Whilst pedigree cats do tend to be a bit more expensive than moggies, this is because it costs to breed them initially and to preserve excellent standards in generational lines.

If you’re unsure if you want to commit to purchasing a pedigree kitten, we recommend getting in touch with a local shelter who we’re sure will be happy to walk you through their available cats including both pedigree cats and moggies.