Pedigree vs mixed breed cats: Differences, costs and behaviour

When choosing your feline friend, you’ll likely come across mixed breeds. Mixed-breed cats are descended from two or more breeds. Think of it as the equivalent of a crossbred dog. 

A mixed breed is also known as a “moggie”. Rescue cats are often moggies as it’s not always clear where they’ve come from. Moggies can be any colour, from black and white to tabby, ginger, or tortoiseshell. They can also vary from slight to muscular builds. 

Moggies are bred from a large gene pool, so they have higher genetic diversity than purebred cats. This means they may have a lower chance of developing breed-specific hereditary conditions.

It’s all in the breeding. Purebreds have been specifically bred from certain cats for desired characteristics and ‘breed standards’, whereas moggies have evolved from natural selection.

Struggling to choose between a purebred or mixed breed cat? Take a look below at the key differences:

Breed

Personalities, temperaments, and activity levels vary depending on the pure or mixed breed you choose. Some cats are known for being vocal, loving, and even ‘dog-like’ – whereas others may be aloof and independent with the ‘black-cat energy’ you may expect from a feline. Siamese cats for example, are distinctive, with their signature creamy colouring and dark points. They’re particularly extroverted and chatty. Moggies are the dependable, old reliable of the cat world. They tend to be easy-going and can have a range of personalities from cat to cat. 

If you have specific requirements, certain breeds may suit your lifestyle more. For example, if you plan to keep your cat inside, you might pick a purebred that’s well-suited to an indoor environment. Or if you also have dogs, you may choose a breed that typically gets on with other pets.

While it’s harder to predict the temperament of a moggie, that’s part of what makes them special.

Gender

The difference between genders is less obvious in purebred cats, as temperament is part of the breed characteristic. With mixed breeds, their characteristics are harder to predict. 

According to Royal Canin, male cats are sometimes deemed cooler and more likely to explore, but females are more likely to stay close in the house. The opposite goes for inside the house, where female cats tend to be more dominant. 
Once your cat is neutered, their behaviours may change. And behavioural differences between the sexes – like urine marking and going into heat – should stop. 

Health problems

Hopefully, your feline friend will live a long, healthy, happy life in your care. The main difference between purebred and mixed breeds to be aware of is the variation in the gene pool. 

Purebred

Purebred cats tend to have a smaller gene pool, meaning their likelihood of contracting breed-specific conditions increases. They can be prone to health concerns like heart disease and eye or skin problems, according to Cats Protection.
Sometimes, genetic defects are deliberately bred into the breed to develop certain features. For example, Brachycephalic breeds with flat faces, like Persians, may develop breathing problems and eye and dental diseases. Short breeds, like the Munchkin cat, are bred to have short legs, which can cause painful arthritis and general mobility issues.

If you decide to adopt a pedigree is the right path for you, avoid breeds with extreme features and look for a breeder who values health and welfare. Speak to the breeder to make sure the cat's parents have had testing to ensure they don’t pass on inherited conditions to their kittens.

Mixed breed

On the other hand, mixed breeds have higher genetic variation, meaning they are less prone to specific health problems linked to purebreds. Even so, it’s still important to be aware of common cat health conditions, get your cat vaccinated, and take out pet insurance. 

Behaviour

Cats are unique in their behaviours. While certain purebreds are selected for their nature, moggies tend to be more of a mixed bag. If you have specific characteristics in mind, take a look at our cat breed guides to see which feline could fit into your lifestyle. 

Ragdolls are known to be relaxed and quiet, and Norwegian Forest cats are very sociable, so great with families. While moggie personalities can differ, they tend to be easy-going and friendly. Some may enjoy a cuddle, others may be more aloof.

Pedigree cats tend to be rarer, and some breeds may be in demand from reputable breeders. A registered pedigree may cost anything from £200 to well over £1,000. You’ll also need to be aware of the cost of treating any health problems they may be predisposed to. 

With moggies, while you’ll likely have a lower purchase cost, you’ll still need to factor in the costs of owning a cat. These include:

• Food
• Toys
• Litter tray and litter 
• Bedding
• Vet visits
• Insurance

Pedigrees tend to cost more to insure than moggies. This is due to their potential to develop additional health needs that can be expensive.

It’s completely your choice whether you want to open your heart to a purebred or a mixed breed. There’s no correct answer. Both make wonderful companions and will enrich your life with their toe beans and whiskers.

Some may prefer to rescue a moggie cat from a shelter, and others may seek out a reputable breeder for a pedigree. It's possible to find purebred cats in a rescue, too.

You’ll need to weigh up how important certain behaviour traits are, as well as factor in cost considerations. Whichever cat you choose, you’ll need to research the breeder or rescue to ensure you’re supporting a responsible organisation.

Whether you welcome a purebred or mixed breed into your family, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Cat insurance could come in handy if your moggie gets into mischief or your Persian is in a pickle.

For peace of mind, protect your feline from kitten to adulthood with Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance. 

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