Top 20 Popular Cat Breeds In India
Oh, to come home to affectionate purrs, four fuzzy paws and curious little whiskers—is that your dream life? It sounds like you might be looking to welcome a cat in your life!
Cats make adorable, life-long companions and cherished family members. Their playful antics and independent spirits let them easily and comfortably fit into life in Indian households. It helps to know the personalities and characteristics of different types of cat breeds before you bring one home. Here is a list of the most popular cat breeds in India to help you make an informed decision!
1. Spotted Cat (Indian Billi)
The Indian Billi or Spotted Cats are the most common cat breeds from India. This Indian cat breed has, over years of living as community street cats, evolved to be independent, active and inquisitive. They are also low-maintenance and don’t need an intricate grooming routine. Win their trust and watch them become loving and loyal friends forever!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 10 – 18 years
2. Bengal Cat
Descendents of the Wild Asian Leopard Cat, Bengal Cats are one of the most intelligent and elegant domestic cat breeds in India. They are known to be very talkative and expressive. They also need a LOT of exercise, so keep up with their energy levels—build a play-area for them, take them out for walks, and get interactive cat toys!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 10 – 16 years
3. Bombay Cat
Bombay Cats are one of the most affectionate and smart small cat breeds—it’s adorable to see how confidently they demand pets! With their sleek black coats and striking eyes, they are beautiful, like mini Black Panthers. They require minimum grooming and happily adapt to homes of any size. It’s super easy to train them too, with a few yummy cat treats!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 13 years
4. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are super friendly, sociable and lovingly called ‘gentle giants’. They can grow up to 10 kg and 40 inches in size. They adapt to domestic living easily, and are a great choice for families with children. However, due to their longer coat, it is important to keep them cool, well-groomed and hydrated in summer.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
5. Persian Cat
Persian Cats are one of the cutest cat breeds out there! They have a gorgeous coat, beautiful eyes and chubby cheeks. They are lovely indoor cats who love watching the world go by. They want to be the centre of your attention, but are equally content in their own company. Be prepared to groom and pamper them daily!
- Not ideal for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 10 – 17 years
6. Siamese Cat
Out of all the types of cat breeds, Siamese Cats have historically been the most popular pets! They are independent, sociable, loyal and very expressive. Their confident, loud meows will echo through your home. Fun fact: the colour of their coat changes with external temperatures!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
7. Himalayan Cat
Himalayan Cats are gentle and quiet balls of fur who make excellent indoor pets. They love a good cuddle session, but are also happy playing and keeping themselves entertained. However, they are notoriously fussy eaters and prone to health troubles. Understand their diets, and invest in quality cat food.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
8. Abyssinian
f you are looking for good cat breeds who are friendly with children as well as other cats or pets, the Abyssinian is your perfect companion! They are adored for their playful and inquisitive spirits, and short, low-maintenance coats. Just keep them active and engaged with stimulating cat toys!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
9. Sphynx Cat
Hairless and wrinkly, Sphynx Cats are unique cat breeds. Contrary to popular opinion, they actually have quite silly personalities, and form very strong, affectionate bonds with their humans! They just need some extra warmth during the colder months, and regular baths all-season to prevent oil build-up on the skin.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 6 – 18 years
10. American Bobtail
American Bobtails have unique traits—a distinctively short tail, muscular build and a highly intelligent mind. Promise them lots of cat treats and active playtime, and they will adore you! Be mindful of scheduling regular grooming sessions to keep their thick, double coat in pristine condition.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 13 – 18 years
11. Birman Cat
Birman Cats are majestic cat breeds—both in appearance and historically! They were considered sacred in Burmese temples. They are quite laid-back, relatively low-maintenance, and great around children—making them perfect, even for first-time cat parents!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
12. Oriental Shorthair
There are many different types of cat breeds, but the Oriental Shorthair stands out with a sleek and elegant appearance. They are active and intelligent, and very vocal about their wants and needs—so make sure you keep them engaged and entertained!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
13. Turkish Van
Turkish Van cats are a medium to large cat breed, known for their playful nature and a lush, low-maintenance white coat. Unlike others, most Turkish Vans love water! They enjoy playing in shallow pools or with running faucets. Shower them with love, and they will form strong bonds with every family member!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 12 – 17 years
14. Ragdoll Cat
True to their name, Ragdoll Cats have adorable, doll-like features and silky coats—one of the cutest cat breeds out there! You will find these gentle cats spending most of their time calmly curled up on the floor, or following their favourite human like a shadow!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
15. Tonkinese Cat
If you welcome a Tonkinese Cat home, be prepared to make them the centre of attention! It will be effortless though, because it is tough to not fall in love with their affectionate, playful spirits. They will learn tricks super fast, but need a proper diet and good amounts of exercise.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
16. British Shorthair
British Shorthair cats are easygoing, literal balls of fur! Their chubby build and friendly nature makes them one of the cutest cat breeds to welcome home! Their thick coat might overheat them, so make sure they stay indoors, cool and hydrated.
- Not ideal for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 12 – 20 years
17. Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cats are one of the most calm, gentle and loving domestic cat breeds. They are easy to live with and care for. They get their name from their unique ears, that bend or ‘fold’ forwards—making for a very expressive, adorable face!
- Not ideal for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 14 – 16 years
18. Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats are known to be fun-loving and super active. They love climbing everything, chasing and a good old game of fetch! Their big ears, curious eyes and a short, wavy coat gives them an eccentric look, matching their high spirits!
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 9 – 15 years
19. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is known to be intelligent, energetic and muscular. Their remarkably spotted, low-maintenance coat and strikingly pretty eyes make them picture-perfect pets. Be sure to buy them lots of cat toys that encourage and stimulate their natural hunting instincts.
- Suitable for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 13 – 16 years
20. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat is known for a beautiful bluish-grey coat that is short, but dense and dual layered. So, they need regular grooming. You will find in them a loyal, calm yet curious companion for life!
- Not ideal for Indian climate
- Life expectancy: 10 – 20 years
If you are thinking of adopting a cat, check out animal shelters and nearby NGOs. That way, not only do you give abandoned cats a loving home, but you don’t have to break the bank to buy a costly breed! If you have just welcomed a new furry one in your home, search “pet store near me” and get them the best welcome-home-gifts!