When compiling a list of the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the Philippines, it doesn’t take long to make an important distinction.
Many breeds in the Philippines are imported from elsewhere- or at least they were for years. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular breeds within the Philippines, as well as the world.
10. American Curl
Breed Overview
American Curl cats have a distinctive feature that sets them apart from all other breeds.
The tips of their nearly rounded-topped ears curl back about 45 degrees, hence the “Curl” in their name.
This breed is generally considered a medium-sized cat, often weighing no more than 10 pounds. The breed can live up to or beyond 13 years on average.
American Curls are friendly, affectionate, and easily bond with owners. However, they’re not typically spoken of as lap cats or snugglers.
They are content with being close by and often enjoy the presence of their families whenever possible rather than being all over their owners.
American Curl History
The American Curl cats’ history only spans a few decades, surprisingly enough. Breeders in the early ’80s stumbled on the distinct curl of the cat’s ears quite by accident.
A couple took in a stray with the specific feature of the Curls, which became prominent in the corresponding litter.
Interesting Facts about the American Curl
- Their nickname is “The Peter Pan of Cats.” They have this nickname because, much like the fictional character, they never seem to want to grow up. They are curious critters that have a sense of adventure.
- In the world of cat shows, an American Curl’s ears must curl back at 90 degrees but not to exceed 180 degrees, or, as another way to put it, the curl can’t touch the back of the ear head.
- American Curls don’t start life with curled ears at all. When they’re born, their ears are as straight as any other breed until they hit the five-day mark. At which point, the ears begin their 4-month transformation to the finished curl.
American Curl Price: 14-50k PHP
9. British Shorthair
Breed Overview
The British Shorthair is the official name for what was once referred to as the British Domestic Cat.
They’re most commonly recognized for their wide face and short-blue coat. Though their blue coat is popular and common, this breed enjoys about eight colors.
These fuzzy fellows stand up to 14 inches tall and can weigh up to 17 pounds. As the weight and size suggest, this breed is a large breed of domesticated cats.
The British Shorthair has a wide and muscular frame, with legs that are a bit stout compared to other breeds of the same size and weight.
Another trademark feature of this breed is its deep orange set of eyes and medium-sized tail.
British Shorthair History
Where the Romans failed, the British Shorthair succeeded. When Rome attempted to overtake the British Isles, the Roman soldiers often brought their cats to keep food supplies safe from pesky varmints.
Though the Romans eventually abandoned their efforts in Britain and set for home, the cats stayed behind and have continued occupancy to this day.
Since nearly being starved out throughout World War II, they’ve bounced back in grand fashion and have become an extremely popular breed- particularly in the Philippines.
Interesting Facts about the British Shorthair
- The British Shorthair has one of the longest lifespans compared to other domesticated felines. Most healthy specimens can easily live 15-20 years old or more! An even more interesting fact: the oldest British Shorthair ever recorded lived to be 28 years old!
- Though this is a genetically diverse and healthy breed, the British Shorthair’s number one issue is obesity. This breed is more than willing to become as round as they are long if allowed to. Some care and attention need to be taken with their food to prevent any of the harmful effects that come by way of feline obesity.
British Shorthair Price: 10-35k PHP
RELATED POST: Why do British Shorthair Cats Hate Being Picked Up?
8. Bengal Cat
Breed Overview
Though the Bengal cat appears to be a hybrid of wild spotted cats, it’s a combination of other domesticated breeds.
The Egyptian Mau and the Abyssinian are the two most relevant breeds used in the original mix.
Their strong and muscular body is considered average to large due to their long, lean, and athletic physique. They often stand about 10 inches tall and weigh about 15 pounds.
The Bengal is widely renowned for its colorfully spotted, short coat, which has been deemed more hypoallergenic than other breeds- and also separates them from all other breeds in this list.
Though they might share the appearance of a wild cat, their temperament is often sweet-natured, loving, and sociable, but they can behave boldly at times.
Between their great temperaments and stunning appearances, it’s no surprise that this has become a favorite among Filipinos.
Bengal Cat History
Though there are records of similar breeds being concocted in the mid-to-late 1800s, the breed we recognize today wasn’t fully developed until the 1980s. The breeding program was spearheaded by Jean S. Mills back in 1963.
Interesting Facts about the Bengal Cat
- Unlike almost every breed of a domesticated cat, the Bengal Cat loves the water. If you’re not careful, they’ll play in the toilet, rudely interrupt a bath by jumping in with you or spend time figuring out how to make the sink work.
- Their nickname is the “Rolls Royce of cats.” This came about after a woman in London, England, paid $50,000 for a Bengal Cat.
- This breed’s name only came about during the 1970s to better reflect its lesser-known scientific name, “prionailurus bengalensis.” Before that, the breed was referred to as “Safari Cats” because of their exotic looks and wild-cat-looking coat.
Bengal Cat Price: 15-40k PHP
7. Exotic Shorthair
Breed Overview
The Exotic Shorthair is a breed meant to become a shorthaired rendition of a Persian Cat.
Because of its lineage, this breed shares distinct features often attributed to the Persians.
Among which is the wide head with the pushed-in look about the snout, and also eyes that don’t have the typical “cat eyes” shape but a more rounded appearance. Exotic Shorthairs stand up to 12 inches tall and can weigh up to 12 pounds.
The similarities aren’t only in appearance to the Persian, but share many of the same temperamental qualities typical with the breed.
They are overly friendly in a kitten or puppy kind of way, affectionate, but do demand plenty of alone time as most cat breeds do.
Exotic Shorthair History
At some point in the 1950s, American Shorthair breeders began to breed Persians, Russian Blues, and Burmese into their American Shorthair Breeds to capture the Persians’ popularity with a new breed.
According to the Cat Fanciers Association, this breed’s popularity has surpassed all other breeds except the Purebred Persian.
In short, what breeders set themselves to do in the 50s has reaped the benefits with amazing success.
Interesting Facts about the Exotic Shorthair
- Exotic Shorthairs are relatively easy to take care of. They don’t require much grooming (unlike their Persian counterparts), only needing an occasional brushing. Because of this, they’re nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian.”
- The original intent of breeders early in the history of Exotics was to name them Sterlings, as they wanted to keep their coats silver in color. This wasn’t meant to be, as many different colored Exotics bear different patterns.
Exotic Shorthair Price: 12-25k PHP
6. American Shorthair
Breed Overview
The most distinguishing feature that makes the American Shorthair cats different from other breeds is their “picture-perfect” facial structure.
What I mean is, when you think of a housecat, this medium to large breed will most likely come to mind.
The biggest difference between a common domestic shorthair and an American Shorthair is that the American Shorthair will yield kittens with the same distinct appearance every time. Common domestic shorthairs won’t.
This breed stands about 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to 15 pounds. Its coat is consistently short but tends to thicken toward cooler months.
American Shorthair History
Despite the “American” name, these cats originated from Europe and came along with settlers to protect their stored foods from small critters.
The first official breeding program to yield a standardized purebred American Shorthair occurred in 1904, and it has become a wildly popular breed worldwide.
Interesting Facts about the American Shorthair
- Back in the 16-1700s, cats weren’t seen as housepets as we see them today. Their manageability combined with their hunting ability was what people were attracted to as it pertains to the American Shorthair.
- Evidence suggests that author Mark Twain owned several American Shorthair cats. He passed away in 1910 but fortunately lived long enough to be around for the cats to be given the name “American Shorthair,” which came to pass in 1906 and was further made official in 1966.
- American Shorthairs are not the same breed as Domestic Shorthairs. Though they may look similar and behave similarly, people often can’t tell the difference between them. The American Shorthair is a purebred cat, and the Domestic Shorthair is not.
American Shorthair Price: 15-25k PHP
5. Russian Blue
Breed Overview
Its short, straight, and dense coat is the Russian Blue’s hallmark feature.
The coat is usually glossy silver or a deeper, dark gray silver-tipped. Both coat colors give the breed a blue-like appearance.
This breed commonly grows up to 10 inches tall and weighs about 15 pounds.
Their temperament is affectionate yet reserved and extremely intelligent. One outstanding trait of the breed is its longevity. Russian Blues can live up to and beyond 20 years old.
Russian Blue History
It’s understood that the origins of the Russian Blue are traced back to the port of Arkhangelsk in Russia.
However, much of the development of this breed took place in England and Scandinavia throughout the late 1800s through to the early 1900s.
Interesting Facts about the Russian Blue
- Russian Blues are sticklers when it comes to sticking to a routine. They enjoy keeping to a reoccurring regimen, and should anything interrupt this schedule, you will hear about it. This is particularly true when it comes to food. They seem to know when it’s dinner time and will remind you if you’re slacking.
- Despite being an affectionate, friendly breed, the Russian Blue has maintained a high prey drive. If you’re a critter smaller than the blue, watch out! Owners should beware of this if they have other small pets like lizards, rodents, or birds.
Russian Blue Price: 11-25k PHP
4. Himalayan Cat
Breed Overview
The Himalayan (otherwise known as the Colorpoint Longhair in Britain) is a recognizable breed with many features of a Persian but a coat heavily influenced by Siamese cats.
Himalayans are large-boned and often appear much larger than they are due to their long fur and wide head. These playful cats can grow to be 12 inches tall and weigh about 12 pounds.
Most of the time, the Himalayan has a pushed-in facial structure akin to the Persian but can sometimes have a more pronounced or lengthened snout.
Adult Himalayans are generally calm but enjoy playing if the toy is right. They make great companion cats with a coat that impresses any onlooker.
Himalayan Cat History
In the early 1900s, cats that bore similar markings to the Siamese cat became en vogue. Persians were crossbred with Siamese cats to create a breed that bore such markings.
However, their intentions were not to create a new cat breed but to create a Persian capable of achieving such a coat coloration.
Eventually, after the conclusion of WWII, the first successful Himalayan was created. “Successful” means that the cat maintained the Persian appearance but a long-haired variation of a Siamese-type coat.
Interesting Facts about the Himalayan Cat
- There are a lot of cat breeds that bear a long, thick coat of fur. However, in 2012, a Himalayan cat made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest fur coat. The longest parts were up to 9” long!
- Though this is still a popular breed worldwide (particularly in the Philippines), the Himalayan breed was deemed the most popular cat breed in the United States back in 1996. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, they consistently register as the second most popular breed.
Himalayan Cat Price: 7-20k PHP
3. Siamese Cat
Breed Overview
Instantly, when seeing a Siamese cat or even just hearing the name, you would associate them with their Asian beginnings.
Some breeds might leave you up in the air wondering where they started- not the Siamese.
This breed stands about 10 inches tall and can weigh up to 10 pounds. When you see a Siamese cat, they are instantly recognizable due to their world-famous pointed fur types.
With the popularity of the Siamese, it’s no surprise that this breed is one of the most popular breeds to be found resting in homes across the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
Siamese Cat History
The Siamese cat hails from Thailand and is among Asia’s oldest cat breeds.
Once upon a time, the Thailand area was called “Siam,” which gives more purpose to the “Siamese” name.
The “Siamese” enjoyed a stellar reputation and was often referred to as “The Royal Cats of Siam.”
Interesting Facts about the Siamese Cat
- There was a time when the Siamese Cat was lovingly called the “Crossed-eyed Crocked-Tail Cat” due to its eyes appearing to be crossed and the nature of its tail at the time. However, many old traits were bred out of the cat during the 20th century to the more sleek, sharper-focused feline we have today.
- There is such a thing as “National Siamese Cat Day.” This takes place on April 6th of every year. When did this become a thing? I don’t know. But now that you know about it, how will you plan on celebrating?
Siamese Cat Price: 2-12k PHP
2. Persian Cat
Breed Overview
Persians have always been instantly recognizable due to their pushed-in shout, large round head, long thick fur, and seemingly oversized eyes.
Some tout the Persian as the most popular cat breed out there, which creates little surprise that it falls at number 2 on our list of the most popular cat breeds in the Philippines.
Being a large breed, the Persian can stand up to 15 inches tall and weigh up to 12 pounds.
This docile, calm, and friendly breed enjoys being an affectionate lap cat. This breed has been the focal point for many an offshoot breed, many of which appear in this list.
Persian Cat History
As the name denotes, the Persians came from Persia, then known as Mesopotamia, now known as Iran.
The first longhaired cats from Persia were brought into Europe in the early 17th century.
Standards for the breed were difficult to pin down as the centuries passed but were finally bred into standardization, giving us the current breed we all know today.
Interesting Facts about the Persian Cat
- Persian cats were in attendance during the first cat show in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London, England. Not only was it in attendance, but it also won the show.
- It’s no secret that Persians are not an active or excitable breed. Because of their laziness, Persian cats have been nicknamed “furniture with fur.”
Persian Cat Price: 9-15k PHP
1. Philippine Shorthair (Puspin)
Breed Overview
This is the most common cat breed you’ll find in the Philippines. Not just in the home, though, but also roaming the streets, enjoying all the attention they can get as they play or hunt.
Puspin is short for Pusang Pinoy or Pinoy Cat, and they have no specific origin or breed standards.
Due to the mongrel nature of the Puspin, there aren’t any average heights and weights, as it varies from cat to cat.
They can also have a variety of coat colors but generally keep their short hair- which is among the only standards to be found within the group of cats.
There is growing interest within the Philippines to deem this a specific breed rather than an “other” category, though purists continue to resist.
Puspin Cat History
Unlike every other breed on this list, there is no recorded history concerning this breed.
That is likely due to the complex nature of the various combinations of the cat, always changing yet slowly becoming normalized to a certain extent.
Whether it’s due to being cheaper than other, more popular “purebred” breeds or it’s due to the charm and personality of the Puspin category of cats, these are the most popular among Philippine residents.
Interesting Facts about the Philippine Shorthair (Puspin)
- Like a few other breeds on the list, Puspins were at one time used as a means of rodent control because of their strong prey drive. In some places in the Philippines, they still are used for these purposes. However, most people don’t put them to work in this manner and keep them as loving house pets.
- The Philippine Shorthair cat is either extremely vocal or isn’t noisy at all. There doesn’t seem to be any in-between when spanning from individual to individual. They’re either one way or the other.
Puspin Cat Price: Free
Check Out The Latest Cat Prices Below:
Here’s the summary table of the popular cat breeds and their price ranges in the Philippines.
| Cat Breed | Price Range in PHP | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Siamese | 5,000 – 10,000 | Known for their striking blue eyes and sleek, color-point coats. |
| Himalayan | 7,000 – 20,000 | A cross between Persian and Siamese, featuring long fur and color points. |
| Persian | 15,000 – 50,000 | Known for their luxurious long fur and calm demeanor. |
| Bengal | 15,000 – 40,000 | Energetic and intelligent, requiring a lot of play and exercise. |
| Russian Blue | 11,000 – 25,000 | Appreciated for their silver-blue coats and green eyes, known for their gentle and shy nature. |
| American Shorthair | 15,000 – 25,000 | Robust health and amiable temperament, known for their “picture-perfect” facial structure. |
| British Shorthair | 25,000 | Known for their dense coat and broad face, they are loyal and enjoy playing. |
| Exotic Shorthair | 12,000 – 25,000 | A shorthaired version of the Persian, known for their easy-going nature and lower grooming needs. |
These prices are approximations and can vary based on factors such as breeder reputation, cat’s age, coat color and pattern, and overall health.
Consulting directly with local breeders or pet stores is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
For the cat breeds not yet mentioned in the table, such as the
- Ashera
- Chartreux
- Garfield (likely referring to Persian cats known for their resemblance to the cartoon character Garfield due to their orange color)
- Permese
- Exotic
- Egyptian Mau
- Abyssinian
- Persian Siamese
- and others
Their specific price information in the Philippines was not readily available from the sources I accessed.
These breeds may be less common or have a more niche market in the Philippines.
This makes their prices more variable and dependent on the breeder’s reputation, specific lineage, and unique characteristics of individual cats.
Less common breeds or those with special features (like the hypoallergenic qualities of the Ashera or the unique coloration of the Egyptian Mau) can command higher prices.
For the most accurate and current pricing, it’s recommended to contact local breeders, cat clubs, or pet stores specializing in exotic and pedigree cats in the Philippines directly.
Petfinder.ph or Rescuepets.ph can help you with your search for your next pet!
They can provide detailed information based on the current market and availability of these specific breeds.
Additionally, joining local online forums or social media groups dedicated to cat enthusiasts in the Philippines may provide insights and leads on where to find these breeds and their typical pricing.
Final Thoughts
Many cat breeds in the Philippines were imported, except for two wild varieties of indigenous cats.
They are the Palawan Leopard and the Visayan Leopard cats. These Philippine wild cats are subspecies of Sunda Leopard Cats.
Though these are roughly the size of a large housecat, they don’t usually make good pets as their wild instincts remain very close to the surface.
There you have it- The most popular cat breeds in the Philippines!
Thanks for reading!
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