Like in lots of different international locations, canines are the most well-liked pets in India, however cats maintain the place of second place. With 20% of pet homeowners in India 1 proudly owning cats, you would possibly surprise which breeds are the most well-liked there.
Perhaps you’re shifting to the nation and wish to know whether or not your cat will slot in together with your neighbors, or maybe you’re simply visiting and are inquisitive about your fellow cat homeowners and the cats that you simply would possibly meet. This listing of the most well-liked cat breeds in India will introduce you to the breeds that the nation loves finest 2.
The 8 Most Common Cat Breeds in India
1. American Bobtail
| Origin: | Sixties in Iowa, U.S.A. |
| Life Span: | 15–20 years |
| Temperament: | Pleasant, adaptable, affectionate |
Fondly often known as the “Golden Retriever of the Cat World,” the American Bobtail has solely been round for the reason that Sixties, however they’re already a giant favourite for his or her easy-going and pleasant temperament. They had been developed by John and Brenda Sanders, an American couple in Iowa who discovered a male bobtail cat referred to as Yodi once they vacationed in Arizona.
Upon being introduced residence, Yodi was bred with the couple’s long-tailed cat, Mishi. The kittens had bobbed tails, and the couple started growing the brand new breed with the assistance of Mindy Shoultz and Charlotte Bentley.
Lately, American Bobtail cats have naturally quick tails starting from 1 to 4 inches in size. They’re infamous for his or her pleasant, gregarious natures and adapt properly to all kinds of dwelling conditions, from small RVs to massive houses. These cats are additionally well-loved for his or her unique, noticed coat and are widespread the world over, together with in India.
2. Indian Billi
| Origin: | India |
| Life Span: | 10–18 years |
| Temperament: | Pleasant, shy, quiet |
Of the favored cat breeds in India, the Indian Billi or the Noticed Cat is the commonest and acknowledged by their distinctive noticed coat. Whereas native to India, their historical past is a bit of unsure, and so they’re principally thought to be road cats because of how frequent it’s to see them on the streets. International breeds just like the American Bobtail or the Persian are extra widespread.
Regardless of many Billi cats having restricted human interplay, they’re a pleasant breed and because of their light nature, make glorious pets when tamed. Though they don’t stay lengthy once they’re on the streets, a Billi can stay as much as 18 years in a loving residence.
With 9.1 million stray cats in India 3, The Indian Cat Federation and cat fanciers are working to get the native breeds internationally acknowledged to assist encourage adoption.
3. Bengal
| Origin: | California, 1963 |
| Life Span: | 12–15 years |
| Temperament: | Clever, assured, energetic |
Tales of Bengal-like cats may be traced again just a few hundred years, however the first cat acknowledged as a Bengal was in 1963. Jean Mill, a breeder primarily based in California, was the primary particular person to develop the breed by crossing an Asian Leopard cat with a Home Shorthair.
From there, she labored to take care of the breed’s unique coat patterning whereas growing a relaxed, pleasant nature to make them beloved pets. They’re nonetheless a comparatively younger breed and are thought-about a hybrid reasonably than a pedigree by many breed associations.
The Bengal is energetic and extremely smart, making them a difficult however enjoyable cat to personal. They adore being round their members of the family regardless of their wild ancestors, and also you’ll usually discover them on high of cupboards. Whereas they’re an costly breed to purchase because of their wildcat look, they’re nonetheless a favourite for cat lovers world wide.
4. Bombay
| Origin: | 1958 in Louisville, Kentucky |
| Life Span: | 12–18+ years |
| Temperament: | Sociable, playful, clever |
With their ebony fur and brilliant inexperienced or orange eyes, Bombay cats appear to be miniature panthers. Whereas they’ve the looks of a wildcat, they don’t even have wild ancestors and are totally domesticated. They’re clever and like to be seen, particularly by their members of the family.
Regardless of their identify, they’re not native to Bombay however are nonetheless a favourite in India. There are two kinds of the breed, and each had been developed in the usA. and the U.Okay.
Most individuals are acquainted with the American Bombay. Nikki Horner, a breeder in Louisville, Kentucky in 1958, bred Burmese cats with American Shorthairs in an try to create a breed that resembled a wildcat with not one of the wild temperament. The British Bombay is extremely comparable in temperament and appears. In contrast to their American cousins, they had been bred from the Burmese and the British Shorthair and are acknowledged by their inexperienced or gold eyes.
5. Himalayan
| Origin: | Thirties, U.S.A. |
| Life Span: | 9–15 years |
| Temperament: | Mild, calm, affectionate |
A protracted-haired breed that’s widespread in India is the Himalayan. These cats had been first bred in 1931 by crossing Persian cats with Siamese cats. The purpose was to develop a cat with the lengthy, luscious fur and squashed nostril of the Persian with the color-pointed fur of the Siamese.
Whereas breeding started within the Thirties, it wasn’t till the Fifties that different cat breeders within the U.Okay. and the usA. started correctly growing the Himalayan cat. Though they sought breed recognition, the Himalayan cat’s similarity with the Persian breed has led to some cat breed associations contemplating them to be a variation of the Persian reasonably than a breed of their very own.
Whether or not they’re thought-about a pedigree breed or a variation, although, the Himalayan is a fantastically elegant cat with a delicate, docile, and affectionate nature.
6. Maine Coon
| Origin: | 1860s. Maine, U.S.A. |
| Life Span: | 12–15 years |
| Temperament: | Sociable, affectionate, playful |
The most important domesticated cat is a beloved and sought-after companion all through the usA., so it’s no shock that they’re additionally probably the most widespread breeds in India. The Maine Coon is acknowledged for his or her lengthy and fluffy coat, dimension, and mild temperament.
Believed to be descended from longhaired breeds dropped at the usA. by the Vikings that had been then bred with the native shorthaired breeds, the Maine Coon is likely one of the oldest American breeds. Their historical past may be traced again to the 1860s, when farmers in Maine stored them as barn cats and steadily took them to native competitions.
7. Persian
| Origin: | 1684 BC, Persia (Iran) |
| Life Span: | 12–17 years |
| Temperament: | Candy, light, quiet |
The historical past of the Persian is obscure regardless of the breed being one of many oldest round, with data going again so far as 1684 B.C. in hieroglyphic references. They’re a preferred breed all world wide, and their thick and luscious coat, round-tipped ears, and squashed noses have endeared them to cat homeowners in all places.
Persians are additionally among the many best cats to entertain, with a passion for quiet houses and well mannered playtime. Their lengthy fur wants work to maintain in high situation, and so they all the time like to discover a lap to nap on, however they’re additionally effective with being left alone whereas their homeowners are at work.
8. Siamese
| Origin: | Siam (Thailand) |
| Life Span: | 10–18 years |
| Temperament: | Talkative, clever |
Cherished for his or her distinctive color-point patterning, the Siamese is an previous breed that’s widespread all the world over. They’re pleasant, affectionate, and clever with a loyal disposition that usually rivals that of canines. Though their tendency to speak steadily makes some individuals keep away from these cats, others adore their attentive and sociable temperaments.
Originating in Thailand, which was as soon as referred to as Siam, the Siamese used to protect Buddhist temples. They had been notably adored by royalty because of their lovely fur coloring and had been believed to hold the souls of deceased members of the family. Lately, they’re present in all kinds of households and love following their homeowners round simply to chatter about their day.
The way to Select a Cat in India
A cat is a giant duty, and the method of selecting one so as to add to your loved ones is identical all around the world. Whether or not you’re in India or the usA., you have to just be sure you have the means to care on your pet and that their character matches yours.
As all the time, take into account adopting over procuring. Simply as many cats live on the streets in India as there are wherever else, and plenty of are more likely to be native to the nation. Whereas it’s good to have a preferred cat that everybody acknowledges, much less well-known animals want love too.
You may as well present your help for the native shelters and rescues by adopting deserted or surrendered animals. This helps a cat that wants a loving residence and permits the shelter to unencumber house for the subsequent animal that wants it.
Conclusion
Though cats won’t have all the time been widespread pets in India, the variety of cat homeowners is steadily growing. Many pet cats are former road cats, however the most well-liked breeds are additionally adored within the nation.
Everytime you’re touring to a brand new place, it may be reassuring to know that the cat breeds that you recognize and love at residence are simply as frequent abroad too. Don’t neglect to spare just a few scratches for all of the blended breeds that you simply would possibly stumble throughout throughout your journey!
Featured Picture Credit score: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
No comment yet, add your voice below!