Most Popular Cat Breeds in Australia

Cats are beloved pets that have been part of human lives for a long time. In Australia, there are dozens of different cat breeds, each with unique traits and personalities. Whether you prefer the regal Siamese or the cuddly Ragdoll, there is a breed perfect for you. In this article, we will discuss popular cat breeds in Australia and help you choose one that will perfectly fit your family.

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll cats are a beloved breed among cat owners due to their beautiful appearance and sweet temperament. They have long, soft fur in various colours, patterns and striking blue eyes.

Ragdolls are known for being friendly and affectionate towards their owners. They enjoy cuddling and will often follow their humans around the house. They also get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent family addition.

Abyssinian Cats

Abyssinian cats are a popular breed among cat enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and playful personality. These cats have a distinctive ticked coat pattern, which gives them a wild, exotic look.

In addition to their unique appearance, Abyssinians are known for being active and curious cats who love to explore their surroundings. They enjoy interacting with their owners and are often described as being dog-like in their behaviour. Abyssinians are also highly intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks and games.

Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are a fascinating breed that has captured the hearts of many cat lovers worldwide. These cats have a striking appearance with a coat pattern resembling a wild leopard, featuring spots and stripes in shades of brown, black and silver.

Bengals are highly energetic and playful cats that love to run, climb and explore their environment. They are also intelligent animals that enjoy learning tricks and solving puzzles. Since they are playful and active, you need to stimulate them all the time to keep them happy and healthy. They are also social cats that enjoy human interaction and do well in households with other pets.

Persian Cat

Persian cats are a classic breed known for their beautiful long, flowing coat and gentle personalities. These cats have been a popular pet choice for centuries, thanks to their elegant looks and calm demeanour.

Persians are typically quiet, relaxed cats that enjoy lounging around in comfortable spots. They are affectionate animals that love to be petted and cuddled, making them an excellent companion for those seeking a feline friend to shower with attention.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon breed hails from Maine and is revered for its sizable build and thick fur coat. After being recognised as purebred by the CFA in 1970, the Maine Coon became a popular pet choice. While they are big, they make up for it with their gentle nature. Plus, they have excellent hunting abilities that will keep your home pest-free. Maine Coons are charming, impressive and sweet feline pals.

Siamese Cat

The Siamese cat breed gained popularity in the 19th century, originating from Thailand and also known as Siam. They were involved in creating other breeds, such as Himalayan, Oriental Shorthair and Sphynx. Siamese cats have distinguishing markers and colouration on their tail, feet, face and ears.

There are two types, one with a slim body and a large head and another with a rounder body and a short head. These chatty and attention-seeking felines are known for being vocal and opinionated, making them a great fit for urban areas.

Burmese Cat

The Burmese is a beloved cat in Australia that is both smart and energetic. They quickly grab the attention of anyone and are fond of hugs. Burmese have a long lifespan of up to twenty years and they enjoy living alongside other pets, including dogs. They're proven to be great friends with other Burmese cats.

Thanks to their intelligence, Burmese can be trained to search for toys and balls. They also dislike being alone, so it's best never to leave them alone.

Birman Cat

Not much is known about the origins of the Birman cat breed aside from their official recognition in 1925 in France and in 1966 in England. However, according to legends, the breed's blue eyes and golden coat were a gift from a goddess. Birmans are often confused for Siamese cats since they share physical characteristics.

Birmans make for ideal companion pets due to their friendly and relaxed nature. They love being around family and are just as content with visitors. If introduced at a young age, Birman cats typically get along well with other cats and even dogs. Even though they have a weak hunting instinct, they enjoy "helping" with everything, like knocking pens off the desk.

Siberian Cat

Siberian cats were originally bred in Russia and have three unique layers of hair – guard hair, awn hair and down hair. Their coat is available in various colours such as tabby, tortoiseshell, solid or colourpoint. 

Siberians are medium-sized to large-sized cat breeds with an average weight of 4-7kg and medium-sized ears with a lot of hair, round eyes and a rounded head. Apart from being playful and great swimmers, they are quite flexible and easy to handle despite their size.

Sphynx

The Sphynx may fit the bill if you're looking for an energetic and clever cat. Originating in Ontario, Canada, in 1966, the Sphynx breed had come a long way from its humble beginnings when a chance hairless litter was born. 

Although not the only hairless breed throughout history, the Sphynx is the most popular in modern times. Remember that Sphynxes can get into trouble if undirected for too long, so they need stimulation. And as surprising as it may be, their lack of fur might require more care than a regular cat - think regular bathing and skin care to avoid dryness and other issues.

Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan is a stunning breed that can handle even the most extreme cold climates around the world, though there's no need to worry about that in Australia. They're indoor cats, so there is no sweat in the heat, either. Pointed ears, long coats and compressed faces characterise these delightful creatures. Their medium-sized frames, stocky builds and short tails make them appear larger than they are.

But it's their beautiful broad heads, wide eyes and flat face that make them so attractive to people. They're playful and affectionate but not clingy, which defines the breed's best trait. The Himalayan is undoubtedly an excellent feline companion to have in your home.

Russian Blue

This breed is rare and for that very reason has become highly sought-after. Their dark grey coat may look blue in certain lighting, as the silver-tipped fur contributes to their unique appearance. Despite having a very dense double coat that makes them seem heavier than they actually are, they have muscular bodies and long legs that allow them to run quickly.

These cats are playful creatures who love to spend time with their families. They can be vocal and demanding when they want attention or playtime. Stimulation through cat toys, puzzles and opportunities to climb and stalk will keep them happy and entertained. Typically, they have one person they particularly bond with but they enjoy being a part of the family group and are cautious around strangers.

Australian Mist

The Australian Mist is a native breed to the continent and was developed by Dr Truda Straede of Nintu Cattery. It took her almost a decade of work with over 30 cats to earn their full recognition after starting in 1977. This cute cat breed comes in many colours, with marbled or spotted patterns.

They are a great option for new pet owners, especially those with families. Australian Mists can be lively and tolerant of kids in busy homes but are equally content with older adults in a quieter setting. They love being showered with attention and prefer staying indoors with their owners. With so many desirable qualities and a rich history, it's no surprise that the Australian Mist is a popular breed.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is known for its fluffy coat, which comes in many varieties, all of which are long and luxurious. These majestic cats have a rough appearance and a sweet and lovable temperament. They enjoy sitting on laps and are always looking for family members to snuggle up to. Kids adore their long hair and friendliness and they love spending time playing with toys like laser pointers and balls. This breed is particularly popular in Australia.

Devon Rex

The Devon rex stands out among cat breeds due to its distinct characteristics. Their short, curly coat comes in different colours and is soft to the touch but it needs gentle care. They may also have areas with little to no hair on their belly and head top. The peculiar shape of their head makes them stand out compared to their neck and body.

Devon rex cats have a distinct personality characterised by playfulness and fun, which can sometimes be quite entertaining. They love to climb and jump and you'll want to provide them with plenty of perches and sunny spots to enjoy.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is an absolutely adorable cat breed known for their compact build. Despite their seemingly heavyset frames, they're not typically large cats.

Their coat is short and exceptionally dense, coming in various colours. One popular variation features a rich brown coat paired with bright orange eyes.

It's worth noting that these cats have a truly winning personality and an amiable temperament. They get along with other animals and humans, adapting well to various lifestyles.

British Shorthairs usually aren't aggressive or overly energetic and they're quick to accept both people and pets they meet for the first time.

Thanks to their laid-back nature, they make excellent candidates for basic training. These cats are intelligent and learn new things with ease and they bond closely with their owners and adapt fairly well to environmental changes.

Tabby

In 2020, Tabby was the most popular and the most famous cat in Australia. It is also known as Moggie. This domestic cat has short hair that doesn't shed much, making it a favoured house cat. Tabby cats come in different colours and patterns and have diverse personalities, are friendly, loving and intelligent.

How to choose the best cat breed?

Choosing the best cat breed can be challenging as there are many different breeds, each with unique characteristics and personality traits. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:

• Consider your lifestyle - If you live a busy life, you may want to consider a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require a lot of attention. On the other hand, if you have more time to spend with your cat, you may want to consider a more social and interactive breed.
• Consider your living space - Some breeds require more space than others, so it's important to consider the size of your home before choosing a cat breed. For example, if you live in a small apartment, you may want to consider a smaller breed that doesn't need a lot of room to roam.
• Think about your family - If you have children or other pets, you'll want to choose a friendly breed that gets along well with others. Some breeds are better suited for families with young children, while others are better for households with older children or adults.
• Research different breeds - Take the time to research different cat breeds to learn more about their personality traits, health concerns, grooming needs and other important factors. This will help you make an informed decision and choose a breed that is right for you.

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can choose the best cat breed for your lifestyle and needs.