The 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the UK

Ever wonder where your furry friend truly came from? Maybe you got your cat as a gift. The cuteness might have made you forget to look up its background.

This article will help you out. We’ll explore your cat’s heritage. You’ll also learn about some of the unique traits that make them so popular with cat fans.

More than 40 cat breeds in the UK

You know, there are over 40 different cat breeds just in the UK. Your cat might even be one of the top 10 most popular ones. How do we know this? The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy creates a yearly list based on how many cats are registered.

Cats have many features that make them unique. Things like their fur, eye color, and coat patterns. For example, some common coat types include:

• Short hair, like the British Shorthair
• Semi-long hair, such as the Asian Semi-longhair cat
• Long hair, like the British Longhair
• Hairless breeds, such as the Sphynx

The Top 10 of cat breeds in the UK

Here’s a look at the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the UK. We’ve also added a bonus cat breed, one that’s well-loved in homes across the UK and around the world.

10. Bengal

The Bengal cat is truly striking. It’s a mix between a regular domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. This gives them a very unique coat with distinct patterns.

These cats are more than just their looks. They have a different personality too. Bengals are quite playful and full of energy. They get bored easily. They’re also very curious cats.

9. Russian Blue

As the name suggests, this breed comes from Russia. Sailors likely brought them to Europe a long time ago. They are known for their calm nature and can be a bit reserved compared to other cat breeds.

Russian Blues make excellent indoor pets. They aren’t fussy. They also have lower levels of a protein that causes allergies in people. No cat is fully hypoallergenic though, so some people might still react.

Their beautiful silvery-blue coat is quite easy to care for and doesn’t need much grooming. These cats take a bit of time to get used to new people. But once they trust you, they show great loyalty.

8. Birman

The Birman cat is sometimes called the “sacred cat of Burma.” It’s believed they came from Burma, not France. These cats are very loving and enjoy being close to people.

One interesting fact about Birmans is how their fur changes. Kittens are born nearly white. They develop their full color as they grow older. This means the color they start with isn’t the one they’ll always have. With good care and feeding, they can live for up to 15 years.

7. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair developed from the Siamese breed. They can look a lot like Siamese cats. But Oriental Shorthairs often have very large, noticeable ears and striking green eyes, which sets them apart.

These cats are super active and full of energy. They love to jump and chase things like birds or mice. They rarely sit still, which means they are pretty easy to train for different activities. They can live up to 14 years.

You can even take them for walks on a leash. They usually don’t mind wearing a cat jacket or harness. Just be aware, they can be very talkative. They will call for your attention and keep going until you answer them.

6. Persian

The Persian cat is truly adorable. Their flat face and round snout are part of their charm. They come from Persia, now known as Iran. Persians have long, flowing fur. This coat sheds a lot, especially in summer, revealing a beautiful, sleek undercoat.

These cats are quite loving. But they often prefer affection from afar. If you have a Persian, you might notice they don’t always enjoy being carried or played with too roughly by kids. Their fluffy appearance sure makes you want to cuddle them though.

5. Burmese

The Burmese cat is a very smart breed. Their intelligence makes them super easy to train. You can often teach them to fetch or play with toys. These fun-loving cats came from Thailand.

This lively cat can live up to 16 years with proper care. Burmese cats are social creatures. They enjoy being around people and like getting attention. They aren’t overly clingy, though. They just appreciate having company and spending time with you.

4. Siamese

You’ll often see Siamese cats in North America, even though they came from Thailand. They have a unique triangular head, long ears, and a lean, muscular body.

Many cat breeds today, like the Oriental Shorthair and Colorpoint Shorthair, came from crossbreeding with the Siamese. They have strong genes that pass down easily.

Siamese cats are very outgoing. They love to play and form strong bonds with children. They really are the extroverts of the cat world.

3. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon comes from the state of Maine in the USA. They are pretty calm cats and make great indoor pets. Maine Coons aren’t picky; just keep them well-fed and they are content. They have a light undercoat and shed quite a bit, so they need regular grooming.

These cats are smart and gentle, often living up to 15 years. They are not the best for rough play with kids, as they don’t like to be scared or startled. You might barely notice them around, because they love peace and quiet.

A Maine Coon’s meow is usually taken seriously. They are typically very quiet. So, if they do meow, it often means something isn’t quite right.

2. Ragdoll

With their striking blue eyes and bright colorpoint coat, Ragdolls really stand out. This breed comes in six main colors. The colors are darkest on their extremities, like the ears, nose, and paws. That’s what gives them their unique ‘colorpoint’ look.

The Ragdoll is a mix of different cat breeds. Many of its traits came from that breeding process. For instance, its calm behavior is likely due to its Persian and Birman background. Even though they are quiet, Ragdolls are very loving and often follow their owners all over the house.

1. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is the most popular cat in the UK. You’ve probably seen one, even if you don’t own one. This breed, known for its calm and loyal nature, is even linked to the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland stories.

They are very friendly, and kids usually adore them. These cats can be quite heavy, so petting them is often easier than carrying them. Their solid blue-grey fur doesn’t shed much, meaning less grooming for you.

British Shorthairs are not overly playful, so training them for tricks can be tough. They enjoy just sitting around the house, looking like royalty. They love getting petted. This cat only moves when it needs to and doesn’t like being picked up, making it a great indoor companion.

Bonus Cat Breed: Abyssinian

The Abyssinian cat comes from Ethiopia, in Africa. British soldiers brought them to the UK in the 19th century, and they’ve become quite popular. These are slender, medium-sized cats with a wedge-shaped head and a distinct reddish-brown coat.

Abyssinians are very playful and outgoing. They love to chase anything that moves. For a slender cat, they are impressively energetic. They can be quite strong-willed. They often try to ‘help’ you with tasks, even if they aren’t actually helping.

They crave attention. Not getting enough can make them feel down. Abyssinian cats can be wonderful show cats; their antics will definitely get your attention. Just know, they don’t like being left alone or having nothing to do.

Final Thoughts

So, the top ten most popular cat breeds in the UK include cats from all over the world. You might have thought they mostly came from Europe, but that’s not the case. Many people also assume the Siamese or Bengal cats are the most popular ones. What do you think after reading this list?