According to India National Trade, India has the fastest-growing pet population in the world.
Due to their lovable nature, cats rank as one of the favorite pets in India. Indian cat owners have been known to prefer exotic breeds to domesticated cats. Here are the 13 most popular cat breeds in India:
1. Maine Coon
These cats are recognized for having thick and lustrous fur. Maine Coon cats are called “America’s Cat” because they are considered the only long-haired domesticated cat native to America.
Cat enthusiasts speculate that this cat breed results from the mating between wild native American cats with cats brought by European seamen that sailed to New England.
Maine Coon’s have hardy personalities and can withstand harsher environmental climates than many other domesticated cats.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary:
- Gentle
- Rugged
- High-Energy
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Price: 40,000 to 45,000 INR
2. Persian Cat
These cats are recognized as one of the world’s most desirable cat breeds. Persian cats are fluffy and flat-faced with round eyes.
Many commercials and media like to showcase Persian Cats because of their striking and lovable appearance. While they enjoy good playtime, most Persian Cats come across as having placid personalities.
They enjoy lounging and lack inquisitive personality traits demonstrated in other cat breeds. This breed of cat is high maintenance and does require frequent brushing and occasional professional grooming.
Country of Origin: Iran
Personality Feature Summary:
- Placid
- Prefer lounging
- High-Maintenance
Lifespan: 10-17 years
Price: 15,000 to 40,000 INR
3. Bombay Cat
These cats are recognized for being muscular and stocky with rounded faces and body features.
This breed of cat displays shiny, smooth black fur with golden eyes. Bombay Cats have a lot of curiosity and enjoy observing and engaging with their nearby surroundings.
Many Bombay Cats appreciate the attention from their owners and do not hesitate to jump in a person’s lap or interrupt someone’s workspace.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary:
- Curious
- Observant
- Attention seeking
Lifespan: 12-18 years
Price: 10,000 to 20,000 INR
4. Siamese Cat
These cats are recognized for their short fur and striking coloring. The Siamese Cat breed originated from Asia and is considered one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds.
Many historical legends venerate Siamese Cats. Most Siamese Cats display blue eyes and have light beige-colored fur covering most of their body with dark fur accentuating their face and paws.
Siamese Cats have thin, athletic bodies. Compared to other cat breeds, Siamese Cats enjoy meowing and seeking attention from their owners.
Despite their elegant appearance, Siamese Cats require less grooming than other cat breeds.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Personality Feature Summary:
- Graceful
- Intelligent
- Attention seeking
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Price: 30,000 to 40,000 INR
5. Bengal Cat
Bengal Cats are controversial among cat enthusiasts because of how this cat breed came into existence.
In the 1960s, breeders bred Tabby Cats with wild Asian Leopard Cats to get the Bengal Cat breed. These cats are recognized for looking distinctively wild despite having been domesticated.
They have angled facial features and rough fur that displays erratic spots. Unlike their rugged appearance, Bengal Cats are extremely affectionate and gentle.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary
- Gentle
- Athletic
- High-Energy
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Price: 113,000 to 226,000 INR
6. Indian Billi Cat
Indian Billi Cats demonstrate rectangularly, and even limb proportions and have oval-shaped paws.
These cats are recognized for being street cats throughout the country of India. Because of their reputation for being street cats, Indian Billi Cats have not been recognized internationally as an official cat breed.
The Indian Cat Federation (ICF) has advocated for this cat to receive an internationally recognized status for being an official cat breed. Like most street cats, Indian Billi Cats are extremely intelligent.
They are shy, friendly, and easily tamed. Since Indian Billi Cats have yet to be recognized as an official cat breed, there is less information about this type of cat. The ICF is partnering with veterinary schools to learn more about this type of cat.
Country of Origin: India
Personality Feature Summary:
- Shy
- Intelligent
- Tamable
Lifespan: 15-18 years
Price: Free to 8,000 INR
7. American Bobtail Cat
These cats are recognized for having a naturally occurring bobtail. Rather than having a long tail like most cats, their tail feature looks short and stumpy.
Similar to the Bengal Cat Breed, these cats have a distinctively wild-looking appearance.
This breed of cat has several color variations. American Bobtail Cats enjoy socializing with people and animals and have “dog-like” personalities. Similar to dogs, these cats enjoy playing games like fetch.
Many veterinarians would recommend this breed of cat to families with children. They take several years to reach full size and maturity and maintain their kitten appearance longer than other breeds. They require frequent brushing and will shed their fur frequently.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Features Summary
- Social
- Dog-Like
- Adaptable
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Price: 20,000 to 40,000 INR
8. Himalayan Cat
Himalayan Cats, also known as Color Point Longhair Cats, were first officially bred in the 1930s by American breeders who wanted to combine the traits of Persian and Siamese cats.
These cats are recognized for being short, stocky, and with thick fur. Because of their ancestral heritage, they look like long-haired Siamese Cats.
Himalayan Cats have kitten-like temperaments and can be energetic, and playful, and enjoy interacting with other cats and humans.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary:
- Inviting
- Kitten-Like
- High-Energy
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Price: 10,000 to 30,000 INR
9. Abyssinian Cat
These cats are recognized for their distinctively prominent triangular ears and facial features.
Abyssinian Cats usually have smooth cinnamon-colored fur with green or gold eyes. This cat breed is playful and enjoys companionship from people and other pets. They will probably follow you around the house when they have the chance.
Despite their love for companionship, they are highly curious and usually do not like being held for long periods. These cats are lower maintenance than many other cat breeds and do not require frequent grooming.
Additionally, they are easily content with playing with toys or interacting with others. People who practice Islam highly regard this cat breed because it was Prophet Mohammed’s favorite cat breed.
Because of The Prophet Mohammed, this cat breed is also known as the Muezza Cat.
Country of Origin: Ethiopia
Personality Feature Summary:
- Loyal
- Curious
- Low-Maintenance
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Price: 7,000 to 25,000 INR
10. Birman Cat
These cats are recognized for their distinct four pure white paws. Birman Cats have dark sapphire-colored eyes and colorpoint features.
An old legend tries to explain the unique appearance of the Birman Cat with a story about a raid at a Buddhist monastery.
Birman Cats enjoy receiving affection. They like to approach strangers with curiosity and enjoy interacting with people and pets.
For this reason, these cats are suitable for families and households that host frequent guests.
Country of Origin:
Personality Feature Summary:
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Low-Maintenance
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Price: 13,000 to 20,000 INR
11. Oriental Shorthair Cat
These cats are recognized for their distinctive bone structure and pointed ears with bright blue or green eyes.
Oriental Shorthair Cats are extremely energetic and are best suited for owners who want an enthusiastic pet. Most cats are self-centered, but Oriental Shorthair Cats act like the world revolves around them.
Because of their personality and high energy, these cats are less independent than other cats and should not be left alone for long periods.
They like to reciprocate the amount of affection they receive. If you provide them with little affection, expect to receive little affection in return.
Similarly, if you give them a lot of affection, they will respond with a lot of affection. Additionally, they will need more toys and playtime than other cat breeds to offset their high energy.
Toys will distract them from using household objects for their entertainment. Oriental Shorthair Cats are loyal and usually bond with one or two people. For this reason, this cat is not the most family-friendly option.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary:
- Enthusiastic
- Playful
- Co-Dependent
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Price: 15,000 to 40,000 INR
12. Singapura Cat
These cats are recognized for being abnormally small with disproportionally large eyes.
Many people like to reference this cat breed as the “forever kitten” because of their permanently small stature.
There is significant controversy about whether or not the cat breed hails from Texas or Singapore. Regardless, Singapore has claimed this cat as one of its nation’s mascots. Singapura Cats are well-tempered and affectionate.
They enjoy being near people and will approach them with curiosity. They are as energetic as Abysinnian or Oriental Shorthair Cats but enjoy being playful.
Country of Origin: Singapore
Personality Feature Summary
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Temperate
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Price: 9,000 to 25,000 INR
13. Somali Cat
These cats are recognized for their soft fur and foxlike tails. Somali Cats have red, beige, and sorrel bands of colored fur similar to a fox or deer.
They have lighter fur around their necks, underside, and paws. These cats usually have green or gold-colored eyes.
Many breeders refer to the Somali Cat as a long-haired Abyssinian Cat because Somali Cats were bred from long-haired cats from Abyssinian litters. Similar to Abyssinian Cats, Somali Cats have a lot of energy.
They can play with toys or people for several hours without getting tired of having fun. Cat enthusiasts recommend that Somali Cats have high perches or cat trees for jumping, climbing, and observing.
Expect these cats to be affectionate to their owners. Somalia Cats enjoy playing alone and with others and can adapt to an owner’s lifestyle.
Country of Origin: United States
Personality Feature Summary:
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Adaptable
Lifespan: 10-16 years
Price: 2,000 to 15,000 INR
India’s Love for Pets
While it is difficult to understand the accurate assessment of the number of cat owners throughout the world, according to Euromonitor and India National Trade, India has the fastest-growing pet population globally. Cats rank as one of the most preferred pets for pet owners in India.
Final Thoughts:
There are many different breeds of cats favored by pet owners in India. Each breed has its own distinct features and personality traits. Regardless of their breed-specific traits, they make their owners loveable companions.
Explore cats from the neighboring country below:
Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in Pakistan
Resources:
12 Most Popular Cat Breeds in India: https://www.indianpets.in/cats/most-popular-cat-breeds-in-india/
Euromonitor.com
Here is Why Urban India is Bringing Pets Home Faster than Ever Before https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/animal-instict-here-is-why-urban-india-is-bringing-pets-home-faster-than-ever-before/story-vPwK5yRIOPH98EGRBlvNzM.html
Hillspet.com
Indian Cat Federation: http://indiancatfederation.org/
Petfinder.com
Popular Cat Breeds in India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/pets/popular-cat-breeds/articleshow/60827996.cms
Top Cat Breeds that Rule India: https://www.petsworld.in/blog/top-cat-breeds-that-rule-in-india.html
Vote for Indian Billi. Indian colony Cat Breed may get International recognition: https://www.petsworld.in/blog/vote-for-indian-billi-indian-colony-cat-breed-may-get-international-recognition.html
World Cat Federation: http://www.wcf-online.de/WCF-EN/
