Cat Types

Everyone has heard about Persian and Siamese cats, but not everyone has heard of circle, cobby and triangle cats. The Denver Dumb Friends League in the United States has been doing some interesting work regarding cat body types and how they relate to the cat’s personality. Their purpose is to identify some realistic expectations for cat adopters regarding the eventual size, coat type and personality needs of cats by concentrating on their body types. The three types they have identified are circle, cobby and triangle.

We at the Calgary Humane Society have received some training on cat body types and wanted to pass this fun information on to you. So, gather your cats around and try to determine what type they are!

Triangle Cats
When you look at these cats head-on you see triangles in the face shape and the shape of the ears. When looking at them from the side you should be looking at the cat in sections – the body, the legs and the tail. Triangle cats tend to be long and lanky, very sleek with exaggerated legs, tails and ears. Most of these cats have smooth coats and they can come in any colour.

These cats are described as the herding dogs of the cat world! They are athletic and busy, intelligent, curious and stubborn. Triangle cats can be very dominant, vocal, particular about affection and easily insulted. They like to play with toys that are more challenging. A little triangle kitten we had at the Shelter ignored the usual toys and was especially interested in playing with one where he had to figure out how to get to the mouse that was inside the tube. Does this sound like any cat you know?

Circle Cats
These are the “Betty Davis” cats with their large eyes. They have flatter faces and obviously round heads and bodies. When you look at these cats head-on, you see that even their ears are rounded and close to the head. Circle cats can be short- or long-haired and any colour. When they have long hair it mats easily because the coat is usually very fine and silky.

Circle cats love their family, are patient, mellow and have lower energy. Human companions need to be prepared for their high maintenance coats. They can be submissive, easily confused or frightened. In a strange situation, a circle cat may hide until he/she is more comfortable before coming out to explore. Oscar, a recent resident of the Shelter, had the typical circle cat personality as he just wanted to hang out and relax. Perhaps your cat is a circle cat like Oscar.

Cobby Cats
Think ‘squares’ when looking at a cobby cat. These guys are large and solidly built with square legs, tail and body. Cobby cats can remind you of a stocky little football player. If their coat is long it will be dense and double with a heavy plumed tail. Short coats will be dense and plush. Most cobby cats are tabbies, but they can come in any colour.

These cats are described as the retrievers of the cat world. Cobbies are affectionate to all, very social and prefer interactive play and snuggle time. They tend to be eager to please. Cobby cats that have come into our Shelter have marched onto the counter and rolled over for a snuggle. A cobby cat may treat a visit to the vet as a fun social outing. Your cat may be a cobby cat if he/she is the first to greet people who come for a visit or if he/she is unruffled in new situations.

So, have you determined what ‘type’ of cat you have?