Coolest cats on the block: The top 10 cat breeds Australians have felines for
Alright, let’s get one thing straight – here and meow.
All cats are created equal. Big kitties, small kitties, red kitties, blue kitties – you’re purr-fect just the way you are.
But, certain breeds have us humans right in the palm of their paw.
Which ones, you ask? We’re counting down the top 10 in this impressive cat-alogue.
10. Siamese
Talkative, trainable, tender
Siamese cats are the supermodels of the feline scene, with their long body, distinctive colouring and graceful prance.
And they’ve got the chat to match, the show-offs.
Just kitten! But seriously – they are known to be very sociable, meow-ing their owners’ ears off about the latest gossip from the Sphynx down the street.
One thing to note? Although these felines generally stay in fine form, they may be prone to conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and amyloidosis.
But with you and your vet on the job, there’s no need for it to become a cat-astrophe!
9. Devon Rex
Magnetic, mischievous, magic
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No… it’s a Devon Rex!
At number 9, this breed is more shapeshifter than cat. Having been likened to a dog, a pixie, an alien, a bat – even an elf – these kitties are perfect for Harry Paw-ter fans!
But if you prefer your magic more practical, a Devon Rex’s affectionate side is sure to draw you in. Even if you struggle with allergies, don’t fear: these kitties are hypoallergenic!
Just be sure that you’re looking after your kitty’s heart – as all best friends should. They can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
8. Scottish Fold
Affectionate, adaptable, adorable
You know those kitties who have their ears folded over, making them look a wee bit like an owl?
If you answered, ‘Aye’, then you know all about the Scottish Fold cats coming in at number 8.
And unlike their kin, the Loch Ness monster and haggis, this Scottish export is extremely personable. So you can count on them not to get hiss-ed off at either people or pets.
Just keep an eye on your kitty’s kidneys, because it would be a shame for polycystic kidney disease to keep them out of their kilt.
7. Burmese
Sociable, smart, spirited
As all us cat people know, Sir Isaac Mew-ton was definitely a Burmese.
And with one of their most quirky qualities being their love to learn new things, chances are the next great philoso-fur will be a Burmese, too.
Who knows? With their muscular, athletic build, they could even give our world-famous cat-hletes a run for their money.
The one thing that could stand in their way? Asthma. But with you on their side, your furry friend can breathe easy.
6. Sphynx
Hypoallergenic, hairless, heartwarming
It’s been well-documented that, sometimes, the emperor has no clothes.
So just because the number 6 Sphynx is technically naked, that doesn’t make them any less regal – or confident!
Although it started as a genetic mutation, it would seem their hairlessness was kitten in the stars – seeing as how much we love them for it.
The only downside is that less fur means less skin protection. So you’ll need to make sure your kitty has a skincare routine fit for royalty.
5. Persian
Habitual, historic, harmonious
Did you know, the Persian cat features in hieroglyphics from as early as 1684 BC?
So, them making the top 10 list of popular cat breeds is a tail as old as time.
Persian cats are cool, calm and collected – with an effortless elegance about them. So it’s no wonder families feel drawn to their flair (and hair!)
But with such luscious locks, comes a tall toll. These kitties are known to have some coat conditions. So it’s best to make grooming a top priority.
4. British Shorthair
Laidback, loving, low-maintenance
Alright, lad? Let us tell you all about the cat coming in at number 4. You’ll be positively chuffed!
The British Shorthair is so relaxed and calm, it’s fancied by families everywhere.
And we know what you’re thinking, ‘These are the chaps from TV, innit?’
Right, you are! Starring as Winston Churchill in Pet Sematary, Arlene in Garfield, and the Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, these kitties’ star power will have you thinking ‘Blimey, they’re practically purr-fect!’
3. Bengal
Exotic, energetic, endearing
A leopard never changes its spots. So it makes sense that a kitty created by breeding an Asian leopard with a domestic cat wouldn’t, either!
But although Bengals may appear wild-looking, their cat-itude is anything but. Because even if it was raining cats and dogs, these kind kitties would be feline fine.
In fact, they might even try to impress the masses with some paw-ty tricks – seeing as they’re highly intelligent and incredibly easy to train.
Just keep in mind: even though they’re generally considered healthy, they can be prone to lymphosarcoma. So if you notice anything abnormal, get your pet to the vet.
2. Ragdoll
Floppy, friendly, full package
Coming in at number 2 is the feline answer to lapdogs.
A Ragdoll’s (extremely relatable) tendency to ‘flop’ or go limp when picked up didn’t just earn it its name – but also our hearts.
Not to mention their fun and outgoing personalities. These kitties really know how to live in the meow.
Sometimes a little too much, to the point that they can’t look past their current indulgence to see their future. (Or past their waistline to see their paws.) So be sure to keep their health top of mind, as these pussycats can be prone to obesity.
1. Maine Coon
Graceful, gentle, giant
‘Fee-fi-fo-fum! If you’re ranking cats, I’m sure I’ve won!’
That’s what the Maine Coon on their way to collect their first-place trophy is saying.
Because it’s true! Relatively low maintenance, extremely loving – but weighing up to 11kgs – Maine Coons are the de-fur-nition of ‘gentle giant’.
But having to bear the brunt of such a big body can be difficult. So next time you ask them, ‘How’s the weather up there?’ make sure to check in with them about their hips, too. They can be prone to hip dysplasia.
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