Which Cat to Breed? A Guide to Aspiring New Cat Breeders

So, you're thinking about becoming a cat breeder — exciting! But before you dive into pedigrees, litter trays, and kitten cuddles, there’s one big question to answer first:

Which breed is right for you to start with?

Choosing your foundation breed isn’t just about picking the prettiest cat or the most popular one. It’s about finding a breed that fits your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals as a breeder. Here's what to think about before you take the plunge:

1. Temperament Matters: Do You Click?

Different breeds have very different personalities. Do you want a playful, chatty companion like a Siamese, or a calm, cuddly lap cat like a Ragdoll?

Make sure you like living with the breed you choose — you’ll be spending a lot of time with them. Meet adult cats (not just kittens!) to get a true sense of what you’re signing up for.

2. Health Comes First

All breeds come with genetic risks, but some have more than others. You need to:

• Understand common health issues in your chosen breed

• Some breeds reproduce easily and have large litters, this is an important consideration when you're learning. Vet bills can really blow out after hours with urgent issues.

• Be ready to invest in genetic testing and health screening

• Commit to breeding only from healthy cats, even if that means difficult choices

• If you choose a breed with a small local gene pool you will need to consider importing or outcrossing to maintain genetic diversity.

Some breeds, like Sphynx or Persians, are prone to more serious conditions and need extra care and planning.

A comparison of litter size by breed, note that Asian breeds such as Siamese, Burmese etc have much larger litters, some lines of Maine Coons are known to have 10-12 kittens per litter. This has pros and cons - pros, plenty of kittens to sell, cons - many kittens require supplementary feeding and vet assistance. More heartache when a few pass on.

3. Grooming and Day-to-Day Care

Can you commit to daily brushing, bathing, or skin cleaning?

Longhaired breeds (like Maine Coons) require regular grooming. Hairless breeds (like Sphynx) need skin care and warmth. Some breeds are more prone to digestive issues or dental problems. Choose a breed whose care needs you can genuinely keep up with — day in, day out.

4. Popular vs. Preservation

Popular breeds like British Shorthairs or Ragdolls have strong demand and support networks. Starting with a well-known breed can make it easier to find mentors and homes for kittens.

Beware of fads or breeds trending. Those breeds can be expensive to get into and when the market is flooded, difficult to sell kittens.

But there’s also value in preserving rare or heritage breeds, especially if you're passionate about genetics or conservation. Just know this path often requires more commitment and education.

Top Breeds CFA 2023 (USA Registry)

Catstar rankings of cat breeds based on Instagram, TikTok and Google search volumes (2023).

Top 10 breeds with GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) 2023 (UK)

A graph from LOOF (The French Cat Registry)  showing the top breeds in 2016-2018.

5. Mentors Make a Huge Difference

Breeding isn't something you should do alone. It’s important to choose a breed with an active breeder community, both online and in your region. Look for:

• Mentors willing to guide you

• Clear breed standards through a registry (like NZCF or TICA etc)

• Local breeders’ groups or cat shows where you can learn and connect

  
  

6. Will You Be Showing Your Cats?

Many breeders aim to show their cats to improve their lines and meet the standard of the breed. Showing is a great way to network, make new friends and learn.

Make sure:

• Your breed is recognised by your local registry

• You understand what makes a show-quality cat in that breed

• You’re excited to learn and improve through feedback and judging

• It's competitive out there - expect it to take time before you start winning anything.

  
  

7. Follow Your Passion

At the end of the day, breeding is a long-term, often emotional journey. Choose a breed you genuinely love — not just one that looks good or is trending.

You’ll be living with your breeding cats for years, raising their kittens, and caring for them in sickness and in health. Passion and connection will carry you through the hard days. Having said that, choose a breed that's going to help you ride up the experience curve relatively unscathed too!

Final Thoughts

Starting your breeding journey is about more than producing kittens — it's about improving, preserving, and respecting the breed you choose. Take your time, talk to breeders, attend shows, and don’t rush into it.

A well-matched breed will set you up for a rewarding, ethical, and joyful breeding experience.

Feel free to comment below and ask questions.

What's not to love about Burmese? The best breed ever!