High Activity level Cat Breeds
Discover our comprehensive directory of cat breeds with high activity level.
Bombay
Bred in the 1950s to resemble a black panther. Jet-black coat, copper eyes. Despite the dramatic look, they are social and warmth-seeking cats that bond closely with their families.
Munchkin
Short legs from a natural mutation. Their legs do not stop them from running or playing. They move differently from other cats but are otherwise typical in personality: active, curious, and sociable.
Sphynx
No fur. Their skin feels warm to the touch, often described as suede. They are social to an unusual degree, following people around the house and actively seeking body heat.
Bengal
A cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. Their coat has rosette spots that catch the light. They are athletic and need a lot of activity. Not a good choice for a quiet household.
Abyssinian
One of the oldest known breeds. Their ticked coat gives them a wild look but they are fully domestic. Busy, athletic, and curious. They rarely sit still.
Siamese
Colour-pointed coat, blue eyes, loud voice. They are vocal to a degree that surprises a lot of first-time owners. Siamese tend to have strong opinions and share them frequently.
Savannah
A cross between a domestic cat and an African Serval. Tall, spotted, and athletic. They can jump very high and are fond of water, which most cats are not.
Siberian
Russia's natural forest cat. Triple-layered coat built for cold winters. Large but agile. One of the breeds considered to produce fewer allergens, though not fully hypoallergenic.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Built for Scandinavian winters. Dense, water-resistant coat, strong frame. They are calm and independent, happy to spend time outside if given the chance.
Devon Rex
Large ears, big eyes, a short wavy coat. They look unusual and behave accordingly. Active, mischievous, and closely bonded to people. They often perch on shoulders.
Cornish Rex
Very slender build, arched back, fine curly coat with no guard hairs. They are constantly active and feel cold easily, which keeps them close to people and warm spots.
Egyptian Mau
The only naturally spotted domestic cat breed. Fast runners, capable of reaching around 30 mph. Loyal to their families and wary of strangers.
Burmese
Dense for their size, often described as a lot of cat in a small package. They are social, vocal, and do not do well being left alone for long periods.
Ocicat
Looks like a small ocelot but has no wild DNA. The result of accidental Siamese and Abyssinian crosses. Trainable, sociable, and more dog-like than most cats.
Balinese
A Siamese with a longer coat. Same colour points, same blue eyes, same talkative nature. The coat is silky rather than fluffy, which means less shedding than you might expect.
Singapura
The smallest domestic cat breed. Ticked sepia coat, large ears. High energy for the size. They tend to stay curious and active well into adulthood.
Turkish Angora
An ancient Turkish breed. Long silky coat, athletic build. They are active, sociable, and tend to insert themselves into whatever is happening in the room.
Caracal
A wild cat, not a domestic breed. Native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. Known for its long tufted ears. Occasionally kept as exotic pets, but they are wild animals.
Japanese Bobtail
Their tail is short and often curled, looking more like a pom-pom. Considered good luck in Japan and the basis for the Maneki-neko figurine. Vocal and people-oriented.
Siamese Tabby Mix
A Siamese with tabby striping in the colour points, sometimes called Lynx Point. They tend to be sociable and vocal like the Siamese, with slightly softer point markings.
Turkish Van
From the Lake Van region of Turkey. An unusual fondness for water sets them apart from most cats. White coat with colour only on the head and tail.
Tonkinese
A cross between Siamese and Burmese. More moderate in both looks and personality than either parent. Sociable and vocal, but less intense than a Siamese.
Lykoi
Called the werewolf cat for its patchy, wiry coat and partially bald face. The look comes from a natural mutation. Affectionate and curious despite the haunted appearance.
Toyger
Bred to look like a small tiger. Mackerel tabby stripes in a branching pattern across an orange-gold coat. Energetic and trainable.
Somali
A long-haired Abyssinian. Same ticked coat, same athletic build, but with a bushy tail and full ruff. Active and rarely still.
Snowshoe
Colour-pointed with white paws. The contrast is distinctive. Sociable and vocal, they tend to pick one person and stay close to them.
Chausie
A domestic and Jungle Cat hybrid. Large, leggy, and built for speed. They need space and activity. Not suited to small apartments.