The Cat Breed Most Compatible with Your Zodiac Sign
Updated: Jun. 20, 2024
Searching for the perfect kitty? Look to the stars to find your ideal cat breed.
Which cat is right for you?
Looking to add a kitty to your world but uncertain how to claw through the dozens of breeds and pick the right feline friend for you? Maybe the answer is written in the stars. “Why not include a little astrology in the mix?” says Stina Garbis, an Oregon-based astrologer who took on the challenge of reimagining the zodiac signs as cats. “One can look to the stars to find a cat that matches one’s temperament, attitude and outlook.”
With Garbis’s help, we’ve figured out which cat breeds go best with each of the 12 zodiac signs. We also consulted two veterinarians about what these breeds are like and what to expect if you welcome one into your family. Of course, keep in mind that every kitty is an individual, so while breed characteristics can give you a sense of what those cats’ personalities might be like, there are always exceptions to the rules. “The books say Abyssinians aren’t lap cats, but I’ve had two that totally were,” says Susan Whittred, DVM, a veterinarian in Oyster Bay, New York. “Cats don’t read the books.”
One more thing to keep in mind? Give some thought as to whether you want a cat that matches your temperament or one that might add a little bit of variety to your life. “Sometimes opposites attract,” say Chris Pachel, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist based in Portland, Oregon. “If you’re a high-energy person yourself, do you want a cat that’s high energy too? Or do you want a laid-back cat that will help you stop and smell the roses?”
Read on to find out which of the cutest cats are most compatible with your zodiac sign.
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Aries (March 21–April 19): Bengal
What cat can hold its own with the wild and fiery ram? The exotic, leopard-like Bengal, which complements the essence of Aries’s zodiac element. “Aries is a fire sign that craves adventure, love and trying new things,” says Garbis. “Aries would love a cat that’s a little wild like them.” Bengals were developed in the 1960s, by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, a small wildcat species native to Southeast Asia. This hybrid breed boasts strikingly distinctive leopard-like spots, as well as lots of smarts and a loving personality.
But while Bengals can make affectionate and devoted pets, be forewarned that they still have a bit of a wild side. “Bengals tend to be high energy and intense,” says Dr. Pachel. “They love to play and climb and explore. They really need outlets for all that energy, and they do well with lots of activity and training exercises.”
Taurus (April 20–May 20): Scottish Fold
Tauruses are known to appreciate the finer things in life, says Garbis, which makes the eye-catching Scottish Fold a good match for those born under the sign of the bull. “Scottish Folds are very beautiful and unique-looking cats, and that’s part of the appeal to their owners,” says Dr. Pachel. A typical Scottish Fold cat has a round body and big, expressive eyes, but its most distinctive feature is its ears, which are folded tightly to its head. (The look is the result of a gene mutation that traces back to a Scottish barn cat named Susie.)
But there’s more to the Scottish Fold than just its pretty face. The cats are also known for being affectionate, cuddly and charmingly curious. “They’re very sweet, quiet and non-demanding,” says Dr. Whittred.
One thing to note: Because of the unique shape of their ears, it can be harder to read their body language. “Normally, cats flatten their ears when they are fearful or angry,” says Dr. Pachel. “Because the Scottish Fold’s ears are already flattened, you have to look for other signs of what they’re feeling.” Other signs your cat might be angry or afraid? Tense body posture, dilated pupils, puffed-up fur and a swishing tail.
Gemini (May 21–June 20): Cornish Rex
Known for being outgoing, Geminis are sometimes called the social butterflies of the zodiac. “They are highly intellectual, sometimes a little scattered, and great conversationalists,” says Garbis. And if you were to think of this zodiac sign as a cat, the Cornish Rex would be it. Even better? Gemini would absolutely love this cat’s playfulness, making it an excellent pet pairing.
This affectionate, people-oriented breed has a strikingly curly coat. “Even their whiskers are curly,” says Dr. Pachel. “Their fur is very silky, and it has a very distinctive wave, very tight to the body with a curl.” This breed’s unusual coat is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation: Most cats have three layers to their coats, but the Cornish Rex has only one, the very fine undercoat. (As a result, they are more predisposed to skin allergies than other cats.)
Personality-wise, Cornish Rexes have a reputation for being high-energy entertainers that are exceedingly social and always seeking to be in the center of the action. “They’re very sweet cats who love to play,” says Dr. Whittred. And that’s something a Gemini can relate to!
Cancer (June 21–July 22): Ragdoll
The water sign Cancer is famous for being a big sweetheart, says Garbis. Cancers love being at home and having people around them to shower with affection … which also sums up the gentle Ragdoll pretty perfectly. “Ragdoll cats are so easy to love,” she says. “They’re big and fluffy and would make a Cancer’s heart melt.” In fact, Ragdoll cats can make almost any heart melt. “They’re the Golden retrievers of the cat world,” says Dr. Pachel. “They’re big and laid-back, and they love being around their people.”
Semi-long-haired cats with big blue eyes, Ragdolls are known for being easygoing, quiet and affectionate. In fact, they got their name from the way they tend to just relax into your arms when cuddled, like a child’s ragdoll. “They’re very comfortable with being handled,” says Dr. Pachel. This is part of what makes them beloved family members in households with kids and other animals. Adds Dr. Wittred: “Every Ragdoll I’ve ever met has been super sweet and mellow.”
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22): Maine Coon
Born under the sign of the lion, Leos tend to think of themselves as the kings and queens of the zodiac jungle, says Garbis. “They like to be the center of attention,” she explains. “They are generous, have big hearts, love to love and like to hold court. Leos have that special edge that makes people exclaim, ‘Oooh!'”
Know who else does? Maine Coon cats! “Maine Coons are a breed that’s oversized in body and personality,” says Dr. Pachel. Named after the state from which they developed, Maine Coons are big-bodied felines—adults typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds—with flowing long fur and big pointy ears. But despite their impressive size, they are gentle giants, known for being incredibly loving and good around kids. “They’re not quite as easygoing as the Ragdoll,” says Dr. Pachel, “but they’re very friendly, social and interactive. Maine Coons are great cats.”
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Persian
It’s not easy being a Virgo. Those born under the Mercury-ruled sign are known for being hardworking perfectionists who sweat the details and demand the best of themselves and others. Which is why Garbis pairs the sign with the equally discriminating Persian cat. “The Persian is Virgo’s spirit animal,” she says.
With their regal bearing and long fur, “Persians are a bit fancy,” says Dr. Pachel. Although not quite the fussy felines they are often portrayed as, glamorous Persians do require plenty of hands-on attention when it comes to grooming and care. “They need pampering,” says Dr. Whittred. “Those luxurious long coats don’t brush themselves.” Because of their signature smushed-in faces, Persians are also more susceptible to eye issues, so regular cleaning of the eye area is essential. “There can also be a number of health issues connected to that smushy face,” says Dr. Pachel, “so extra care is required.”
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Siamese
For the Venus-ruled sign of Libra, the Siamese cat is a match made in heaven. “People born under the sign of Libra appreciate beauty and balance,” says Garbis. And Siamese cats have beauty in spades. With their long, athletic bodies, chiseled heads and deep-set blue eyes, the Siamese are “very refined-looking cats,” says Dr. Whittred. “They’re really pretty.” They’re also known for being smart, inquisitive and highly social. Siamese cats particularly love interacting with their humans.
One thing to know: They are generally not quiet pets. “Most Siamese tend to be very talkative,” says Dr. Pachel. “Whether it’s meows or yowls, they’ve very vocal. They’re always trying to tell you something.” Garbis says it’s just one more thing they’ll have in common with a Libra owner: a passion for communicating.
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Bombay
Scorpios are mysterious, mystical and private, says Garbis, but they meet their match in the curious and attention-seeking Bombay. “Bombays can be as dark and mysterious as their Scorpio owners,” she says. Known for their sleek black coats, copper-colored eyes and outgoing personalities, Bombays are a relatively new breed, created in the 1950s by an American woman who crossed a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. “Bombays have a very exotic look to them,” says Dr. Pachel. “And the folks who have them tend to be drawn to that exotic-ness.” The cats are sleek and muscular and are often called “little black panthers” because of their wildcat-like physique. The breed’s name is a nod to the black leopards native to India.
Bombays are intelligent, outgoing and affectionate, but they can be demanding. “They want lots of attention from their humans,” says Dr. Pachel. “They’re very playful and interactive.”
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): American Shorthair
“Sagittarius is a good-time, happy-go-lucky and go-with-the-flow sign,” says Garbis. “They’re easy to get along with and are always the life of the party.” And that’s why when she’s envisioning zodiac signs as cats, she believes Sagittarians will find a kindred spirit in the handsome and mellow American Shorthair, which tends to be easygoing and laid-back.
The breed traces its roots to the cats that worked as mousers on ships that brought early settlers to America. They were originally called the Domestic Shorthair, but their name was changed in 1966, to distinguish them from the randomly bred short-haired cats we all know and love. “Although they come in a range of colors, most of the American Shorthairs we see are silver tabbies,” says Dr. Pachel. “They’re a little stockier than Domestic Shorthairs, with a large head. They tend to be very sweet, and a lot of people have a soft spot for them.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Abyssinian
Capricorns are adventurous, smart and dynamic. “If you need something done, give it to a Capricorn, as they seem to work a million miles a minute,” Garbis says. Capricorns can be great friends but also like their space, she explains, so they may enjoy an Abyssinian cat that is as spirited and independent as they are.
“When I think of an Aby, I think of high energy,” says Dr. Pachel. With their sleek athletic builds and distinctive ticked coats (each strand of hair has several bands of alternating color), Abyssinians look a little bit like wildcats, but they’re known for being smart, highly affectionate and devoted to their humans. Just don’t expect to turn one into a lap cat: They’re more likely to be scaling the top of your refrigerator than settling in with you on the couch. “If you adopt an Aby, you’d better be prepared to play,” says Dr. Pachel. “They’re very social, and they love to run, climb and explore.”
Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Sphynx
Aquarians are brilliant trendsetters, problem solvers and great friends, says Garbis, but they also tend to think differently than others. That’s why she thinks water bearers may find their perfect feline match in the Sphynx, a cat as unique as they are. “Of course, Aquarians would get a cat that is unlike any other cat,” she adds, “because ‘untraditional’ is Aquarius’s middle name.”
And there’s no doubt about it: The Sphynx is untraditional. “The most distinctive thing about the Sphynx is that it’s hairless,” says Dr. Pachel. But these cats are also known for being friendly, energetic and affectionate. “They’re often big cuddlers,” he says. “Maybe they’re seeking warmth because of their bare skin, but they’re often very bonded to their people.”
One thing to note, though: Although Sphynx cats are often thought to be non-allergenic, they’re not. “It’s a misunderstanding,” says Dr. Pachel. “The allergen is in a cat’s saliva, not their hair or dander. So even though the Sphynx is hairless, because they’re still grooming themselves, they’re allergenic.”
Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20): Russian Blue
People born under the water sign of Pisces tend to be very kind and loving to others, says Garbis, so they’d do well with a Russian Blue. “Because Pisces tend to be on the more emotional side and act based on their feelings, they need a cat as sweet as they are,” says Garbis. Known for their shimmery silver coats and bright green eyes, Russian Blues are as good-natured as they are beautiful. “They are often on the shy side around strangers,” says Dr. Pachel, “but very affectionate with their close circle of individuals.” In fact, once they welcome you into their hearts, you may find you have a furry gray shadow tracking your every move.
Pisces are also said to be deep thinkers—which is something else they will have in common with Russian Blue companions. “They are very smart and interactive cats,” says Dr. Pachel.
Additional reporting by Cynthia Sanz Carstens.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on zodiac signs and cats, Stacey Marcus tapped her experience writing about astrology, and Cynthia Sanz Carstens, a former People magazine editor specializing in pet content, incorporated her knowledge and experience with cats. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Stina Garbis, astrologer and psychic; follow-up email interview, June 2024
- Christopher Pachel, DVM, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon; phone interview, June 2024
- Susan Whittred, DVM, executive director and veterinarian of the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, and a New York director of The Paw Project; phone interview, June 2024
Originally Published: March 12, 2024
