10 Most Popular Cat Breeds In Australia (2024 Update with Pictures)
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Cats make wonderful pets for people all across Australia, from the pretty Persian to the beautiful Bengal.
A large percentage of Australians own at least one cat in their household—at least 27% of the population own cats, making them the second most commonly owned pet in Australia aside from dogs.1
As popular as cats are in Australia, certain breeds are a favorite and more desirable to own than other breeds. Let’s see which type of cats have made the list as one of Australia’s most popular cat breeds.
The 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds In Australia
1. Ragdoll
| Origins: | Riverside, California |
| Coat: | Medium length |
| Weight: | 10 to 20 pounds |
The Ragdoll cat seems to be a common favorite, and they are known for their docile and affectionate temperament. The Ragdoll has a fluffy, medium-length coat with piercing blue eyes. Their fur is silky soft, and available in many different colors, with seal and blue being the most commonly seen colors in this cat breed.
Ragdoll cats will gladly join you for a cuddle while you watch television, or laze around in the sun during the day in a comfy spot. As an equally beautiful and good-natured cat breed, it is clear why the Ragdoll is so popular in Australia.
2. Bengal
| Origins: | United States |
| Coat: | Short |
| Weight: | 8 to 15 pounds |
Agile, reserved, and lithe, the Bengal is a delightful cat. Their features are slender, paired with large round eyes and pointed ears, with a small, angled face. Bengal cats have a short coat that is easy to manage, and they are popular for their low-grooming requirements.
You will find that Bengals are full of energy, and their agile body makes them great climbers and hunters. Although the Bengal can be quite shy at times, they can warm up to their owners quickly and easily adapt to their environment.
3. Maine Coon
| Origins: | Maine, United States |
| Coat: | Long |
| Weight: | 11 to 25 pounds |
As one of the largest and heaviest cat breeds, the Maine Coon is a popular cat breed in Australia. They can weigh nearly double the weight of a standard house cat, and their long coat and pointed ears can make them seem even larger.
They are seen as loyal and affectionate cats, that are known to form a close bond with those they love. Maine coons are known for their high energy levels and willingness to play, climb, and roam around, while also taking a nap in a sunny spot when the opportunity arises.
4. Siamese
| Origins: | Thailand |
| Coat: | Short |
| Weight: | 7 to 8 pounds |
The Siamese cat is a small and agile cat breed that weighs no more than 10 pounds. They have slender bodies with short coats and are considered to be an ancient cat breed.
They are a good cat breed for those who don’t want to deal with a lot of cat fur around the house, because their short hair is less noticeable than other cats, while also being easy to manage and groom. The Siamese can be quiet and shy, but their gentle temperament makes them perfect for apartments.
5. Persian
| Origins: | Italy, Persia |
| Coat: | Long |
| Weight: | 7 to 12 pounds |
Persians are a relaxed and affectionate cat breed that is quite sweet. They have a long and fluffy coat, with a round and short muzzle and long fur around their mouth. The Persian is considered a lazy cat that doesn’t mind spending most of their time lounging around the house or apartment.
They might have higher grooming requirements than other cats due to their long coat, but they make up for it with their affectionate temperament and willingness to cuddle.
6. British Shorthair
| Origins: | England, United Kingdom |
| Coat: | Short and dense |
| Weight: | 12 to 17 pounds |
The British shorthair is a round and heavy cat, with a short and thick coat. As a pet, the British shorthair is quiet and loving, and they are always ready for cuddles and pets from those they love.
Their temperament and adorable appearance make them quite a popular cat breed to own in Australia, and their characteristically rounded cheeks, large close-set eyes, and affectionate nature are a clear reason why.
7. Abyssinian
| Origins: | Ethiopia |
| Coat: | Short |
| Weight: | 7 to 10 pounds |
The small and agile Abyssinian cat breed has a short and manageable coat with an outgoing and curious personality. They are known for having large ears and a small head, with a characteristically reddish-brown tabby-like coat.
The Abyssinian is a relatively small cat, weighing no more than 10 pounds as an adult. Their curious nature keeps them active, and they will enjoy roaming around and playing with toys or perching on a tabletop to watch what is going on around the household.
8. Burmese
| Origins: | Burma |
| Coat: | Short |
| Weight: | 8 to 12 pounds |
Burmese cats are adorable and friendly, and their short coat that is available in a variety of different colors making them a desirable cat breed to own in Australia. Their short coat is easy to manage and doesn’t require much maintenance.
You will find that the Burmese is active and outgoing, and exploring is one of their favorite things to do. Burmese cats will benefit from regular exercise and plenty of toys that they can keep themselves occupied with.
9. Sphynx
| Origins: | Toronto, Canada |
| Coat: | Hairless |
| Weight: | 10 to 12 pounds |
Lithe and hairless, the Sphynx is a graceful and unusual-looking cat that is popular for those who don’t deal well with cat fur. The Sphynx is hairless, aside from some fuzzy hairs that coat their body.
They are medium-sized cats with slender builds, characteristically wrinkled bodies, and large ears framing their small faces. Even though the Sphynx has no fur, they are still available in different patterns that coat their skin, much like a standard cat, but without the fur.
10. Russian Blue
| Origins: | Arkhangelsk, Russia |
| Coat: | Short |
| Weight: | 10 to 14 pounds |
The Russian blue is a popular medium-sized cat that has a short and manageable coat in a distinctive blue color. Russian blue cats are known for being loyal and sweet-tempered, making them the ideal family cat.
This cat breed loves to play, so offering them interactive toys and games throughout the day can help keep them entertained. The Russian blue’s high intelligence and loyal personality make them a desirable cat to own in Australia.
Conclusion
These cat breeds are not only popular in Australia, but in many other parts of the world too. Cats in general make good family-orientated pets that can keep you company.
Most of the cats we have listed seem to be hairless or short-haired cat breeds, and their low-shedding and manageable coat might be the reason behind their popularity. However, the Ragdoll and Persian are still a common favorite in Australia thanks to their laid-back and docile temperament.
Featured Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock
