Glossary

Pedigree

A cat whose parents, grandparents and earlier ancestors are recorded by a registry, showing it belongs to a recognised breed.

Also called: pedigree cat, purebred, pedigreed cat, family tree

A pedigree is the written family tree of a cat. A pedigree cat, often called a purebred, has registered parents of the same breed, with several generations of ancestors recorded by a cat registry. The paper that proves this is called the pedigree certificate or registration. A cat can look like a breed without being a pedigree, and only the paperwork shows the ancestry.

The record lets breeders plan matings, track inherited health conditions and keep a breed to its breed standard. It also allows cats to be entered in a cat show. A pedigree is not a guarantee of health or temperament. Some breeds are prone to particular inherited conditions, and a mixed-breed cat can be just as healthy and affectionate.

If you are buying a pedigree kitten, ask to see the parents, the registration papers and the results of any health tests a breed requires, and visit the cattery in person. Be careful with sellers who offer a kitten only through the post or who cannot show the mother. Most pet cats are not pedigree: the majority are the domestic shorthair or domestic longhair kind.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Cat registry An organisation that records cats' ancestry, issues pedigree certificates, defines breed standards and licenses cat shows. Domestic shorthair The everyday short-coated cat of no particular breed, the most common type of pet cat in the world and in shelters. Breed standard The written description of the ideal cat of a breed, covering head, body, coat, colour and temperament, used by judges and breeders. Cattery A place where cats are bred, or where they are boarded while their owners are away, depending on the country and context. Pet quality A breeder's label for a pedigree kitten sold as a companion, not for showing or breeding, usually with a neutering agreement.

Related guides

How to choose a cat breed How to match a cat to your home by size, energy, coat, voice and health, and when a mixed-breed cat is the better choice. How to tell a reputable breeder What to look for and ask when buying a pedigree kitten, which health tests matter, when kittens should leave their mother, and the signs of a scam.