It is helpful to alphabetically list the cat breeds. Either you are curious or you are making a research, list of cat breeds that start with m will help you.

Have you ever wondered how many cat breeds are there? Well, the answer to that question depends on where you stand on the question “what is a cat breed”. There are cat breeds “recognized” by international organizations, national organizations, local organizations or simply those that are only known in localities. Our list of cat breeds that start with m includes both recognized and unrecognized breeds for a more comprehensive approach.

M Cat Breeds
A Mekong Bobtail on leash

Currently, according to The International Cat Association (TICA) there are 73 standardized cat breeds, while Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) has 45 and Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) has 48 recognized breeds in their databases. The real number can be well above 100 not including the extinct or wild breeds.

In such an environment where a lot of scientific study needs to be made to determine if a cat can be considered a breed or not in accordance with its genetic structure, it is important to categorize these felines even alphabetically. That’s why we have our list of cat breeds that start with M. If you have one of these m cat breeds, you may want to have a look at our list of cat names that start with m, just for fun…

1 – Maine Coon

Maine Coon
Maine Coon

Maine Coon is a large cat breed and one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. It has a muscular and long body reaching up to 40 inches (100 cm) from nose to tail with a height of 10-16 inches (25-40 cm). It can reach up to 19 pounds (8.5 kg). But don’t let this huge physical appearance fool you. The nickname for this cat breed is “gentle giant” for a reason. They are loving and affectionate cats who love participating in every single family activity from watching TV to following you from room to room.

Did you know that Maine Coon is the official state cat of the US state of Maine? According to the CFA registry it is also the second most popular cat breed in US.

2 – Manx

Manx Cat
Manx Cat

Manx cat is the only cat breed that lacks a tail. However not all Manx cats are tailless. There are Manx cats with normal-length tails which are called “longies”, those with nubs or stumps which are called “stumpies” and then there are the famous tailless Manx cats or “rumpies”.

Manx cats are intelligent and can learn opening doors or turning on faucets. They can be taught to play fetch or walking on a leash. For a cat that loves riding in cars and being with its human all day long, walking on a leash can be a good quality. These felines like attention and it is not recommended to leave them alone for long hours.

3 – Munchkin Cat

Munchkin Cat
Munchkin Cat

Munchkin cats are known for their short legs but these short legs don’t prevent them getting around just like other cats with long legs. Actually they can do anything other cats can do except for jumping high places such as kitchen counters.

They are also called “Sausage Cats” due to this short legged, long bodied appearance. Most cat experts consider Munchkins as the original breed of dwarf cats.

They are curios cats who are famous for snatching and hiding shiny objects. So if you can not find your favorite piece of jewelry, it might be a good idea to look for it in unusual places.

They are also loving and friendly cats that can get along with anybody from children and to other cats and dogs. Although they love playing and running at fast speeds, when the playtime is over they love to snuggle on a warm lap.

4 – Minskin Cat

Minskin
Minskin Cat

The name Minskin comes from words “miniature” and “skin” for obvious reasons. This miniature cat reaches only about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) at maximum and although it looks hairless, it is actually not. They have a very short, soft and smooth hair covering their body.

If there is a cat that needs to be called “designer cat”, it is the Minskin. Paul Sorley of Boston, USA decided to have a cat that was uniquely designed to meet his desires and after mixing Munchkin, Sphynx, Devon Rex and Burmese breeds, he acquired what he wanted.

These are intelligent and active cats that love to climb, jump and run around. So it is important to keep them satisfied both physically and mentally. They are also very friendly cats who can form good relations with children and other pets.

Minskin is a rare breed of cat with some controversial arguments whether it is ethical to design a breed that has so many potential health issues due to its ancestors. Due to these controversies CFA does not recognize the breed but it is recognized by TICA.

5 – Mekong Bobtail

Mekong Bobtail
Mekong Bobtail

Mekong Bobtail is one of the natural cat breeds. Its origins is from Southeast Asia where it gets its name (Mekong River) but it is a widespread cat so it can be found it shelters and rescues so if you decide to have one, get one from shelters or rescues. It can easily be recognized with its bobtail.

Mekong cats are exceptionally loyal and they form long-lasting, string bonds with their humans. They are especially good with children and they even enjoy being around children. Needless to say such a loving and loyal cat that enjoys company, being left alone for long hours can be painful.

Mekong Bobtails love climbing so be sure to get a cat tree.

6 – Minuet Cat

Minuet Cat
Minuet Cat

Also known as “the Napoleon”, Minuet cat was created in 1996 by Joseph B. Smith, a Basset Hound breeder and American Kennel Club judge. Smith used Munchkin cats and Persians to get a short legged cat with the beauty of a Persian. Just like Muchkin, Minuet cat has no difficulty in running, jumping or playing.

Minuet cats are very affectionate and social. These gentle and curious cats have high energy levels so it is important to give them lots of attention and sufficient amount of toys. They get along well with children and other pets so they are good family cats. Like other cats who like company, Minuet cat should not be left alone for long.

7 – Mandalay Cat

Mandalay Cat
Mandalay Cat

Mandalay cat is not a very known cat and was created by accidental matings first in 1970s and then in 1988 in New Zealand. Its ancestors are Burmese and non-pedigree domestic cats. Mandalay look like Burmese in terms of eyes, body shape and musculature but they have darker colors.

This is a very sweet and friendly cat who loves attention. Just like their Burmese ancestors they can become quite vocal especially if left alone or not enough attention is paid. They are also great family pets as they are tolerant towards children and get along well with them as well as other pets.

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Author Yusuf Can Ekinci

Father of two cats named Tzatziki & Ouzo. Our small family tries to live without harming any living being. I am a small time farmer who tries to apply natural farming methods. Favorite activities: watching wild life at nature, passing time at home with my cats...

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