10 most popular cat breeds
- November 25th 2019
In making lists like these, it’s always complicated to try and define the word ‘popular’. Popular to whom? America (which is where most of the organisations that make these lists are from)? Popular to India (which usually doesn’t make these lists)? Popular to the world (which is impossible to define)?
So we’ve gone democratic – here are the 10 most popular cat breeds across a range of lists, the cats that manage to beat out the competition time and time again. But we would like to add a caveat: each cat is popular to us.
1. Bombay cat
Let’s start with the beautiful and sleek Bombay cat. These cats are jet-black and look like they’ve stepped out of a magazine. They are short-haired cats that have evolved by breeding Burmese cats with a black American short-hair. Their glossy coat has earned them the nickname of ‘mini panther’ but, unlike a panther, they are easy-going and friendly; they will get along with your dogs, your family, your friends. They make great companions.
2. Siamese cats
This breed is one of the oldest in the world. Thanks to the colouring of their coat, they always look dressed to impress: they have light coloured fur (usually white) with black colouring around their paws, tail and on their ears. Pair this with their sparkling blue eyes and they are truly stunners. First found in Thailand, these cats were believed to guard temples. Siamese cats are known for ‘chatting’ with their owners and they are deeply affectionate, which make them very involved companions to bring home.
3. Sphynx cats
And since we’re talking about old cat breeds, let’s move to one that’s named after an ancient mythological figure: the sphinx. Sphynx cats look hairless at first glance but, if you look closer, you’ll find that their skin is actually covered with a gentle coat of nearly invisible fur, like down hair. Hairless cats are a natural genetic mutation, but the Sphynx cat as we know it today is a product of selective breeding. These cats are mischievous and love attention. Their lack of fur means that you have to do very little coat upkeep (or deal with extensive shedding) but do keep in mind that they get cold faster and they may need some sort of protection if you’re taking them out into the sun.
4. Maine coon cats
Maine coon cats
are popular household pets and are the official animal of Maine. These cats are
known for their mice-catching skills (there are even competitions). They’re
sturdy cats with great health and usually do well in cold winters (they may
struggle in the hotter parts of India). They are relatively large for a cat but
they’re famous for their gentle disposition: in fact, they’re often known as
‘gentle giants’. They make wonderful family pets, especially if you have
children at home; they’re often sought after as therapy cats.
5. Ragdoll cats
These lovely cats have a pointed colouration, which means that (much like Siamese cats), their ears, paws and tail are a darker colour than their bodies. The colour differentiation is not as stark as on a Siamese cat, however, and this muted tendency extends to this cat’s personality as well. They are bred to be affable and gentle, and are often known as the most ‘puppy-like’ cat breed there is. They have earned this reputation by following their owners around – even from room to room – and generally being more interested in humans than other cat breeds. If you want an attentive, dedicated, and focused companion, then a ragdoll cat is the right choice!
6. Persian cats
Persian cats are named after their assumed origins: out in the deserts and caravans of Persia. They have long, thick coats that are made for showing off – and a Persian cat loves to show off. They will often pose, draping themselves across the furniture (or you) to better show off their splendour. They are wonderful house cats: they are affectionate, kind and caring once they are secure in their home environment. Plus, they aren’t a big fan of jumping, so you won’t find them perched above your door or on top of cabinets, which means you don’t have to find a way of getting them down.
7. Exotic short-haired cat
This cat is a variation on the Persian breed and is often more popular due to the nature of its coat. Unlike a Persian cat, an exotic cat has a short-haired coat, which means that grooming is much easier. Otherwise, it has all the traits of a Persian cat. Exotic short haired cats are affectionately known as ‘the lazy man’s Persian’ and are an excellent option for a family that doesn’t have too much time to spend on grooming and shedding, but that wants a beloved family cat in their midst.
8. The Birman cat
Uff, this is a gorgeous cat. It reminds us of that line in Despicable Me: ‘IT’S SO FLUFFY!’ And it is. A Birman’s coat is usually white and cushiony; their fur doesn't mat, which means it doesn’t require too much maintenance. These cats are docile and gentle-spoken; they’re people-oriented, as well as curious and smart.
9. Himalayan cat
The Himalayan cat breed evolved from crossbreeding a Persian with a Siamese. These cats have the pointed colouration of the Siamese cats but are otherwise more similar to a Persian in terms of their coat and personality. They exhibit bursts of energy but otherwise like to lie around in the sun – or next to you. These cats are delightfully easy-going and won’t stress out with changes in routine. Like a Persian, this cat needs some grooming maintenance, so make sure you brush that coat to stop it from tangling.
10. Spotted cat or the Indian Billi
The Indian billi is one of the most common cat breeds in India and if you adopt a stray cat, then this is the breed you have at home. These cats have rusted and diffused spots all over their backs, with a white underbelly. For this reason, they’re also known as the rusty-spotted cat; they’re only found in India and Sri Lanka. Indian Billis can live up to 18 years in a home where they are well cared for, which means they will be by your side for a relatively long time. They don’t have international recognition as yet, but the Indian Cat Federation is working on collecting information to make this happen.