AUSTRALIA’S 15 MOST POPULAR CAT BREEDS IN 2024

Are you looking for a new kitty? There are so many cat breeds available that it can be daunting. One way to start your search is with Australia’s most popular cat breeds. The 15 breeds listed below are popular for many reasons, from being quiet and reserved to being energetic and playful. Start with the qualities that would make the best cat for your home, and then check these out. You might find a few that you want to learn more about!

The 15 Most Popular Cat Breeds in Australia

1. Australian Mist

The Australian Mist is one of the few breeds native to the continent and was the idea of Dr. Truda Straede of Nintu Cattery. Her work began in 1977 with more than 30 cats and took nearly a decade to earn full recognition. There are many colors, but the Australian Mist can be either marbled or spotted.

This breed is perfect for new pet owners, especially those with families. Australian Mists can be energetic and tolerant of kids in busy homes but are just as happy in a quiet one with older adults seeking companionship. They love attention and are happy to stay indoors with you. With pride in their heritage and so many desirable qualities, it’s easy to see why the Australian Mist is so popular.

2. Abyssinian

While the Australian Mist has only been recognized for the last 50 years, the Abyssinian made its debut at a cat show in 1871. The true origin of the breed is unknown. The owner of the first cat claimed to have had her imported from Abyssinia or modern-day Ethiopia. However, genetic testing shows it’s more likely to have originated in Southeast Asia.

Abyssinian cats are very active and curious. They must have opportunities to jump, climb, and crawl. They love puzzle toys and interactive play with their humans. You may get a long snuggle from time to time, but it’s more likely that this cat will be up and moving. Kids and other pets get along well with an Aby as long as they respect their independent nature.

3. Burmese

The first Burmese cat to land in America, Wong Mau, helped produce this beautiful breed. Her human, Dr. Thompson, worked hard to establish the rich, deep brown coat color that most Burmese cats wear. Today, there are 10 other colors recognized by most associations, and they can be found in solid colors or tortoiseshell patterns.

In addition to their beautiful coats, Burmese cats have a medium to large build that is muscular and stocky, making them heavier than they look. They are just as limber as they are strong and are excellent jumpers and climbers. They love to play like kittens, no matter their age. Older cats will like observing their surroundings from a tall perch or comfortable resting place.

4. Russian Blue

Purebred Russian Blue cats are rare breeds, making them one of the most sought-after. Their dark grey coat can appear blue in the right light due to the silver-tipped fur. A very dense double coat makes them feel “fluffy” and look heavier than they are. Their thick coat also hides a muscular body and long legs that allow them to run quite fast.

Russian Blues are very playful at times but are also happy to relax with the family. When they want attention or time to play, they demand it and can be pretty vocal about their needs. Keeping them stimulated with toys, puzzles, and opportunities to stalk and climb will be appreciated. They also tend to become attached to one human more than others but will make themselves part of the family unit while shying away from strangers.

5. Bengal

Bengals are newcomers, having been recognized in the 1990s. However, they’ve already become one of Australia’s most popular cat breeds due to their dog-like personality and beautiful appearance. They got their name due to their spotted or marbled coat, like their wild Asian Leopard cat cousins. In fact, these cats were initially bred with them.

Some cats are quiet companions that are perfectly content to sit on your lap or the back of a couch and nap away the day. That is not the Bengal cat. They are highly active and will get into trouble if they don’t have plenty of positive and cat-appropriate enrichment to keep them occupied. You should research this breed thoroughly before adopting it, but many current owners enjoy the Bengal’s highly playful and social nature.