Discover Australia's most Popular Cat Breeds
Deciding which cat breed is best for you is a matter of circumstance, lifestyle, and opinion.
To help you decide which breed could be right for you and your family, we’ve compiled a list of ten popular breeds of cats with characteristics and personality traits that make them unique.
1. Ragdoll cat
Ragdolls are gentle, easy-going, and affectionate. They make great family cats, perfect for any home, big or small. This breed has blue eyes with a distinct coat and has only grown in popularity over the years.
2. Persian cat
The Persian has always been a popular breed with families because of the love and devotion it shows its owners. Characterised by a squashed rounded face, the Persian cat is a high-maintenance pet that needs regular grooming. Persians are very devoted and will be your friend for life.
3. Siamese cat
One of the most recognisable breeds, the Siamese cat is characterised by its inquisitive and intelligent nature. A Siamese cat is an affectionate companion who likes to be cuddled and will let you know in a distinct voice whether that affection is adequate or not.
4. Burmese cat
The Burmese, like the Siamese, has a smooth and shiny short-haired coat that requires no additional grooming. Burmese cats tend to be vocal and tend to bond and trust their owners. Their warm nature and high intelligence make them a great choice as a family pet.
5. Tabby cat
Also known as the domestic shorthair or ‘moggie’, the tabby cat is the most common breed of cat found in Australia. Unlike all the pedigree cats in this list, the tabby has no defined lineage and is one of the most diverse groupings of cats – with personalities as wild and varied as the coats they come in.
6. Abyssinian cat
One of the most popular breeds of cat in the United States, the Abyssinian has grown in popularity in Australia due to its short and easy to manage coat paired with its playful nature. The Abyssinian breed is a people cat which makes it a very affectionate companion.
7. Birman cat
Also known as the long haired Siamese, the Burmese cat carries itself with the same poise as a Siamese without the vocal performances. They tend to not be as active as other breeds making them a great choice for families where space is limited.
8. Himalayan cat
Like the Persian and Siamese breeds, the Himalayan is also similar in temperament, with an intelligent nature that makes them very social and wonderful companions.
9. Australian Mist
What Australian list of cat breeds would be complete without our homegrown variety – the Australian Mist breed. With an easy to maintain short coat (much like a Burmese) the Australian Mist has been purpose bred to not attack our native plants and animals. With an affectionate nature and great love for its owners, this homegrown cat is the perfect addition to your family.
10. Russian Blue
A gentle and reserved cat, the Russian Blue is as intelligent as it is sensitive and quiet. Its short coat doesn’t require much (if any) grooming. Highly intelligent and reserved, the Russian Blue makes the ideal cat for families with quiet children.
There you have it – the ten most popular breeds of cats registered in Australia. Deciding which breed of cat will be right for you comes down to personality and circumstance, and the only prerequisite is that you have enough room in your home and enough room in your heart to accommodate them.