Breeding purebred cats is strictly governed by specific cat breeding standards defined by various feline associations. These standards ensure the preservation of genetic characteristics, maintain the health of lineages, and prevent unwanted crossbreeding.
Each feline breed has its own reproduction rules. For instance, some breeds, like the Siamese, can be crossed with Balinese or Oriental cats, while others, such as the Maine Coon, strictly prohibit crossbreeding with other breeds. These rules are established by recognized feline organizations, including Société Centrale Féline Française (S.C.F.F.), The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.), and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (C.F.A.).
Explore the table below to see authorized breed pairings for each cat breed. This helps clarify breeding criteria and genetic restrictions outlined by these standards.
Cat Breeding Standards: Authorized Crossbreeding by Breed
| Breed | Authorized Crossbreeding | Reference Association(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian | Somali | – |
| American Bobtail | All breeds | – |
| American Curl | None | – |
| American Shorthair | American Wirehair | – |
| American Wirehair | American Shorthair, British Shorthair | S.C.F.F. |
| Turkish Angora | None | – |
| Balinese | Siamese, Oriental | – |
| Bengal | None | – |
| Russian Blue | Nebelung, Russian White, Russian Black | T.I.C.A., S.C.F.F. |
| Bombay | Burmese (Zibeline), American Shorthair | S.C.F.F., C.F.A. |
| British Shorthair | Scottish Fold, Manx, American Wirehair, Cymric | T.I.C.A., S.C.F.F. |
| Burmese | Bombay, Tonkinese, Burmilla, Siamese | T.I.C.A. |
| Burmilla | Burmese, Tiffany (Semi-longhaired Burmese) | S.C.F.F. |
| California Spangled | None | – |
| Ceylon | None | – |
| Chartreux | None | – |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | None | – |
| Cornish Rex | None | – |
| Cymric | Manx, British Shorthair | – |
| Devon Rex | None | – |
| European Shorthair | None | – |
| Exotic Shorthair | Persian | – |
| German Rex | None | – |
| Havana | None | – |
| Japanese Bobtail | None | – |
| Javanese | Siamese, Oriental, Balinese, Mandarin | – |
| Korat | None | – |
| Laperm | All breeds (until breed population stabilizes) | S.C.F.F. |
| Domestic Lynx | European, Maine Coon, American Shorthair | S.C.F.F. |
| Maine Coon | None | – |
| Mandarin | Oriental, Siamese, Balinese | – |
| Manx | Cymric, British Shorthair | S.C.F.F. |
| Egyptian Mau | None | – |
| Munchkin | Short-haired or long-haired cats (excluding heavy breeds) | S.C.F.F. |
| Ocicat | None | – |
| Ojos Azules | None | – |
| Oriental | Siamese, Balinese, Oriental Longhair | – |
| Persian | Exotic Shorthair | – |
| Pixie Bob | None | – |
| Ragdoll | None | – |
| Sacred Birman | None | – |
| Scottish Fold | British Shorthair | – |
| Selkirk Rex | None | – |
| Siamese | Balinese, Oriental, Oriental Longhair, Burmese (for Tonkinese) | – |
| Siberian | None | – |
| Singapura | None | – |
| Snowshoe | None | – |
| Sokoke | None | – |
| Somali | Abyssinian | – |
| Sphynx | None | – |
| Tonkinese | Burmese x Siamese (first generation) | – |
| Turkish Van | None | – |
| York Chocolate | None | – |
Legend of Reference Associations:
- S.C.F.F.: Société Centrale Féline Française
- T.I.C.A.: The International Cat Association
- C.F.A.: Cat Fanciers’ Association
