With so many types of cats in Australia, it’s not surprising there are more than 3.9 million purring pets in our country’s homes. However, not every cat is made equal for everyone.
Cats can be short-haired or long-haired, quiet or talkative, or playful and lazy. There are also hypo-allergenic cats for those allergic to dander, so there is bound to be one you can fall in love with.
Typically, cats are independent animals (short of feeding, general care and love), so they don’t require as much attention as most other pets. It makes them ideal for those with a busy schedule.
To help you choose the ideal type of cat for your home, we’ve listed some of our favourite breeds in a range of categories, including popular, apartment friendly and more.
Image by Helga Kattinger from Pixabay.
10 Popular Types of Cats in Australia
1. Domestic shorthair.
Domestic shorthair cats are the most common breed of cat in Australia, coming in many different coat colours and patterns. They also have a variety of temperaments, however are generally considered as playful, laid-back cats.
How long do domestic shorthair cats live for?
Domestic shorthair cats live around 15 to 20 years, on average. Known to have good long-term health outcomes, keeping your domestic shorthair cat inside can positively impact their wellbeing.
How much maintenance does a domestic shorthair cat need?
When adopting a domestic shorthair cat it’s good to know these cats are low-maintenance, only needing a cat brush every now and then. Shorthair cats shed less than other breeds, so don’t fear the constant battle of fur on your clothes.
How heavy are domestic shorthair cats?
Domestic shorthair cats are a smaller breed of cats, with females weighing around 2.5–4kg, and males weighing around 4–5.5kgs. Overeating can be a common weight factor with this type of cat, so make sure you watch what you’re feeding your cat to prevent excessive weight gain.
2. Burmese.
Burmese cats are well known for their short, glossy fur, and can come in a variety of colours, including light and dark brown, grey with brown undertones and more. These beautiful cats have quite outgoing and energetic personalities. Known to have a friendly and social temperament, getting along well with families and children.
As Burmese are highly intelligent cats, it’s important they’re given interesting toys to exercise their minds. Burmese can also be taught tricks like a dog, so give that a try!
How long do Burmese cats live for?
Burmese cats can live on average around 10 to 16 years, but have been known to live even longer past 18 years with the right care. Although they’re known to be very healthy cats, Burmese are susceptible to muscle weakness and diabetes at older ages.
How much maintenance does a Burmese cat need?
When adopting a Burmese, it’s comforting to know they’re very low-maintenance cats that don’t require much grooming outside of regular petting.
How heavy are Burmese cats?
Burmese are only medium-sized cats, but are quite muscular and can weigh more than they look. Females can be around 4–5kgs, males being slightly heavier at around 5–6kgs. As they’re very sporty cats, Burmese have no predisposition to weight gain issues.
3. Ragdoll.
Ragdoll cats are named for their cute habit of going limp when being picked up. This goes with an easy-going temperament, as well as an affectionate and loyal nature. They’re also non-aggressive, making them excellent indoor pets for families and those with other pets.
This type of cat has a semi-long, silky coat that comes in a wide variety of patterns and colours, but starts as white when kittens. Their bright blue eyes are a distinct part of ragdolls, and are known to be intelligent, quiet cats.
How long do ragdoll cats live for?
Ragdoll cats can live on average around 15 years as long as they’re living a healthy, happy lifestyle. This type of long-haired cat is prone to some health issues, particularly heart, kidney, and gastrointestinal disorders. It’s important you get your furry friend to a vet as soon as you suspect an illness for higher chances of smooth recovery.
How much maintenance does a ragdoll need?
You may be concerned that ragdoll cats require a lot of maintenance and grooming because of their long coats. Thankfully, ragdolls are actually lower maintenance than most long-haired cats, and can be combed with either fingers or a cat brush a couple of times a week to prevent matting. Shedding is kept at a minimum because of their single coat, leaving less fur around the house.
How heavy are ragdoll cats?
Ragdolls are one of the larger cat breeds, but their fluffy coats can be deceptive to their true weight. Females can be around 4–7kgs on average, with males getting to around 5–9kgs. Overeating and excessive weight gain is a common problem with this breed, so keep an eye on what your cat is eating and ensure proper portion control.
4. Siamese.
Siamese cats are notorious attention seekers, with loud and outgoing personalities. Demanding constant affection, these cats can get restless if they aren’t kept busy. Be warned, the siamese may not fare well for you if you don’t have the time to play.
A short, fine, glossy coat, with a distinct colour pattern of a pale body, dark paws, tail and face, give the siamese their signature look. As kittens, siamese are completely white, taking up to a year to fully develop colour.
How long do siamese cats live for?
Siamese cats live on average around 15–20 years with proper care and a healthy diet. Hereditary conditions common within this breed include intestinal tumours and loss of vision or blindness.
How much maintenance does a siamese cat need?
When adopting a siamese, it’s helpful to know they’re low-maintenance cats. The Siamese tend to look after their own coats like most short-haired breeds, but will still enjoy extra grooming with a cat brush.
How heavy are siamese cats?
The siamese are a medium-sized breed with an athletic body, weighing on average around 3–7 kgs. Take care when feeding this breed, as richer cat foods can lead to vomiting because of their sensitive stomachs.
5. Australian mist.
Australian mist cats are very friendly indoor pets and are great for families with young children as they don’t mind being handled and aren’t aggressive in nature. If you’re someone who loves having their pet around them, then the Australian mist is for you.
This breed usually comes in a spotty or marbled coat pattern, with shades of brown or grey common, and with fur that is quite short and easy to keep clean.
How long do Australian mist cats live for?
Australian mist cats can live on average around 15–18 years. No specific health conditions are linked to this breed, but always keep an eye on your cat and report any issues to a vet.
How much maintenance does an Australian mist need?
The short coat of Australian mist cats require low-maintenance, but beware they do tend to shed quite a bit compared to other breeds. Giving your cat a groom with a cat brush once a week can help with excessive shedding.
How heavy are Australian mist cats?
Weighing in around 4–7kgs on average, Australian mist cats are of a medium-sized breed. Even though they may be an active breed, they are prone to weight issues, so be careful not to over feed them.
6. Persian.
Persian cats are quiet, indoor cats who enjoy being around their owners and having a clean, relaxed home. They’re very loyal and are great for people who are looking for a cat that will show them plenty of love.
This type of cat is well known for its squashed face and long coat. They can come in many colours, most commonly black, white, grey and brown.
How long do Persian cats live for?
Persian cats can live on average around 10–15 years. A number of health conditions are linked to this breed, mostly related to their facial structure, including eye conditions, breathing issues and more. To prevent many of these issues, it’s recommended to keep your cat indoors.
How much maintenance do Persian cats need?
When adopting a Persian cat, it’s important to know high-maintenance will be needed because of long, thick coats. They should be brushed at least once a day and a bath once a week. Dental hygiene is also needed for this breed to prevent hereditary teeth issues, and wiping of your cats eyes to get rid of excessive tearing.
How heavy are Persian cats?
Persian cats can weigh on average around 4–8kgs. No specific weight issues are common within this breed, but portion control and a healthy diet are important for any cat.
7. Russian Blue.
Russian Blue cats make very loyal companions, and are shy around strangers, but friendly and gentle with other pets and people they know, including children. They’re quite curious and intelligent cats, with playful personalities, so make sure you have plenty of toys lying around for them.
Short coats are typical of this breed with the most common colours being blue and grey, with black and white being rarer colour types. The Russian Blue is a very elegant looking breed, and looks like they are walking on the tips of their toes.
How long do Russian Blue cats live for?
Russian blue cats live on average around 10–20 years, but have been known to live up to 25 years old with lots of care. Some common hereditary health problems with this breed include loss of vision, kidney disease and feline lower urinary tract disease. Remember to always consult a vet as soon as your cat shows any signs of illness or strange behaviour.
How much maintenance do Russian Blue cats need?
When adopting a Russian blue, it’s good to know maintenance needs are low. This breed of cat enjoys grooming themselves and shed very little. Your cat will still love the extra attention of being brushed/petted.
How heavy are Russian Blue cats?
Russian blue cats can weigh on average around 4–8kgs. Weight problems are common with this breed, as overeating can occur if not properly monitored. Ensure a healthy diet for your cat and proper portion control.
8. British Shorthair.
British Shorthair cats are known for being easy-going, gentle cats while also quite affectionate. However, less is more for this breed as they prefer their own personal space, so they will be more likely to sit near to you but not on you as some other cats might.
This breed is known as being one of the largest types of cats, with a short, soft coat that comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns.
How long do British Shorthair cats live for?
British shorthair cats can live on average around 14–20 years. Quite healthy cats overall, some health problems to look out for include kidney disease and gum disease. Ensure you get health checkups for your cat and let a vet know of any signs of illness.
How much maintenance do British Shorthair cats need?
When looking around for a cat requiring low-maintenance, the British shorthair cat should be at the top of your list. Because of a thick, dense coat, grooming is usually not required until winter when the coat grows a little longer. These seasonal changes should bring with them semi-regular brushing of your cat to prevent tangles and shedding.
How heavy are British Shorthair cats?
The British shorthair can weigh on average around 4–7kgs. Although they may always look like quite thick cats, ensure you keep an eye on their weight and give them a nutritious, healthy diet.
9. Maine Coon.
Maine Coon cats are a breed that love the water, and are quite good swimmers! They’re also known for their intelligence and playful personalities. Great for families with children, these cats are very friendly and gentle.
A semi-long, thick, waterproof coat is unique to the Maine coon cat, coming in a variety of colours including white, tortoiseshell, tabby, and more.
How long do Maine coon cats live?
Maine coon cats are an overall healthy breed, known to live on average around 12–17 years. You can help your cat live a long, happy life by providing lots of love and care and keeping an eye out for early signs of potential health issues.
How much maintenance do Maine coon cats need?
When looking to adopt a Maine coon cat, it’s important to know although this type of cat can keep itself clean and requires little maintenance from an owner, moderate shedding is to be expected because of their longer coats. To reduce some of this, a weekly groom with a cat brush can be beneficial to both you and your cat.
How heavy are Maine coon cats?
Maine coon cats can weigh on average around 4–8kgs. Unlike other breeds, these cats can get quite large, and may need more food than other breeds would expect. As long as your cat is healthy and getting the proper nutrition, weight control and overeating shouldn’t be an issue.
10. Munchkins
The munchkin cat is known for its very short legs and small frame, with a short-long coat coming in a variety of colours and patterns.
This type of cat is described as having a playful, outgoing personality that does not mind being handled, and is also known for being an intelligent breed.
How long do munchkin cats live?
Munchkin cats can live on average around 12–15 years. Generally healthy cats, this breed is not known to have any genetic conditions or diseases to be wary of apart from other common breed issues like kidney disorders. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cat and let a vet know if you notice any signs of illness.
How much maintenance do munchkin cats need?
When looking to adopt a little munchkin cat, it’s comforting to know they’re a low-maintenance breed, with a weekly brush more than enough to keep a clean coat if you happen to choose a long-hair variety.
How heavy are munchkin cats?
Munchkin cats can weigh on average around 3–4kgs. Being a medium-sized cat, munchkins are happy with a healthy cat food diet, and aren’t prone to overeating or weight problems, but don’t let this give you a false sense of security if you notice any significant weight gain.
5 Easy-going types of cats for apartment living
The best type of cats for people living in apartments or small living spaces are those with more easy-going, laid back personalities with lower energy levels. It is important that you pick a cat that will be happy in the home you provide them, and that you give them plenty of personal space and areas to play and relax when they need it.
A happy cat is a happy owner, so we have found 5 types of easy-going cats in Australia that would live best in apartment spaces.
1. Ragdoll.
Ragdoll cats are perfect for apartment living, as they are happy in indoor environments and can adapt to their homes quite easily. They also have low-to-moderate energy levels, and don’t need as much space as some other types of cats. Being so easy-going and easy to move around, ragdolls would fit in well to these smaller living spaces.
2. Russian Blue
Russian Blues are another cat happy in small, indoor spaces, and enjoy lying around or napping in spots around the apartment. They also have quite low energy levels, and are very quiet, calm cats that are ideal for apartment living.
3. Persian
Persian cats are an ideal apartment cat, as they are typically keen on relaxing in any spot they can find, whether that be a couch, under a chair, or on a lap. They are lazy cats, with low energy levels that are perfect for homes with a lack of space.
4. Birman
What better cat to share your apartment with than the Birman — an affectionate, calm cat that doesn’t mind the smaller spaces of an apartment.
5. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are another easy-going, laid back type of cat who doesn’t need too much attention. They are friendly and gentle with moderate energy levels, but are happy to keep themselves entertained, making them an ideal type of cat for apartment living.
4 Hypoallergenic Cats for Allergy Sufferers
Cat allergies are common in Australia, and can typically cause sneezing, a runny nose, red, itchy eyes, and a rash where you’ve come in contact with a cat. This can be very annoying, but don’t fear, there are still options out there for those wishing to own a cat.
Hypoallergenic breeds are the perfect option for those with allergies, as these breeds tend to shed less and produce less of the protein that usually causes these irritating symptoms. We have found 4 hypoallergenic types of cats in Australia that could be the answer to your allergy issues.
1. Russian Blue
The coat of the Russian Blue cat is quite dense, and does not release as many allergens into the air as other cats do. They also produce low levels of the protein that is a common allergen (Fel D1).
2. Siamese
The Siamese cat has a very short-fur coat with very little shedding compared to other cats, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
3. Devon Rex
The fun, playful Devon Rex cat loves to play, and their hypoallergenic coats that hardly shed are just a bonus to these adorable felines.
4. Balinese
The Balinese are another cat producing low levels of allergen proteins, so you can enjoy their silky fur coats without the worry of a runny nose.
There are so many types of cats in Australia that you may have not heard of before, and you can find many of these at your local animal shelter on localsearch.com. Remember to adopt, don’t shop!
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