Best Cat Breeds in India: Are you a feline lover but not sure about bringing a cat to your apartment because of the Indian weather conditions? Fortunately, there are a variety of cat breeds that are best to thrive indoors in India. Now you can admire these beautiful creatures and live happily by sharing day and night with your cat.
Whether you are planning to choose a cat breed that is suited to living indoors or you want a cat that can withstand the scorching heat, you have plenty of cat breeds in India to choose from in this blog! From the majestic Himalayan feline to the beautiful Bombay Cat, the energetic, playful Siamese, and more, we will list them all.
So, let’s take a look at the popular cat breeds in India, experience the companionship of a cat, and find out which breed is ideal for the Indian climate as well as your lifestyle.
Table of Contents: Top Cat Breeds in India
- Himalayan Cat
- Bombay Cat
- Rusty-Spotted Cat
- Siamese Cat
- Birman Feline
- Ragdoll Cat
- Oriental Shorthair
- Abyssinian
- Persian Cats
- Tonkinese Cat
- The American Bobtail
- Maine Coon
- Turkish Van
- Bengal Cat
- Indian Billi Cat/ Indian Domestic Cat
List of Best Cat Breeds in India for Home 2024:
1. Himalayan Cat:
Popular for luxurious, long fur and striking blue eyes, the Himalayan Cat is a crossbreed between the Siamese and Persian felines. This breed is appreciated for its gentle and calm nature, making it a suitable pet for apartment dwellers and those who want to live with a pet that has an affectionate and calm nature. Proper care is required to prevent matting and keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Pricing- INR 35,000-50,000
Food Consumption- Animal Meta (low fat, high protein), biscuits, a variety of pouched and tinned cat food
Lifetime- 9-15 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium to large
Hair Coat- Lengthy and Luxurious
Height- 10 to 12 inches
Weight- Male ( 9 to 14 pounds), female ( 7 to 11 pounds)
Eyes- Round, large deep blue color
Nose- Snub and short nose having a pushed-in, flat appearance
Tail- Bushy and short with a full plume of fur
Looks- Flat face, chubby cheeks, a notable forehead, the breed’s body is usually pale, with darker points on the ears, face, tail, and paws.
2. Bombay Cat:
Among all Indian cat breeds, the Bombay Cat is a versatile breed. Its adorable golden, coppery eyes sleek black color, and other features are truly a sight to behold. Popular for their affectionate and friendly behavior, these cats make great pets. Note that their short coat requires minimal grooming and care, which is why it is a low-maintenance companion and ideal for cat lovers. Whether you live in a spacious house or an apartment, this black cat is highly adaptable and can easily live in indoor environments.
Pricing- Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 or more
Food Consumption- Offer your Bombay cat grain-wet food made with lean proteins like tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey.
Lifetime- 12 to 18 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium-Sized
Hair Coat- Shiny and short with patent leather sheen
Height- 9 to 13 inches
Weight- Male (8 to 11 pounds), Females (6 to 9 pounds)
Eyes- Round and large, ranging from gold to copper, imparting an expressive, intense look
Nose- Medium length typically rounded a bit, going well with the overall rounded facial structure
Tail- Tapering and Straight, proportional to the body
Looks- Roundhead, broad, short-snout ears, deep black coat, contrast with expressive, bright eyes
3. Rusty-Spotted Cat:
Also known as the Indian Bengal cat or Indian leopard cat, the Rusty-Spotted cat is a widely popular cat breed in India. With its muscular, smooth body and distinctive spotted coat pattern, this feline captures intent. The Rusty-Spotted cat is renowned for its active and playful nature, making them suitable pets for individuals and families. Indulging them in exercise and mental stimulation keeps your Rusty-Spotted cat healthy and happy. This highly intelligent cat can be trained to use the litter box and perform tricks.
Pricing- Rs 16,000 to Rs 50,000 or more
Food Consumption- Small birds, reptiles, invertebrates, small rodents, and other small mammals.
Lifetime- up to 12 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Slender and Small
Hair Coat- Short, soft, dense, velvety coat with a greyish-brown or reddish-brown base color
Height- 7 to 10 inches
Weight- 2 to 3.5 pounds
Eyes- Expressive, large eyes; typically amber or golden, exuding an alert, keen expression
Nose- Pinkish, small nose combines well with the overall facial structure
Tail- Short to medium coat with faint stripes or spots
Looks- With a round head with a short muzzle, the cat has brownish-grey spots on its body and overall looks full of delicate beauty and agility.
Also Read: TOP 15 SMALL DOG BREEDS IN INDIA
4. Siamese Cat:
One of the best felines to thrive well in Indian homes, Siamese is derived in Thailand. This breed is known for its affectionate and social nature, while its small and almond-shaped beautiful blue eyes and fine coat make it look adorable. These cats often communicate with their owners through chirping and purring and are happy with human company. An active, charming, and intelligent cat breed, the Siamese loves mental stimulation and interactive play. It is advisable to keep them stimulated and entertained to prevent them from getting into mischief.
Pricing- Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000
Food Consumption- Animal meats loaded with high protein such as pork, turkey, beef, tuna, crab meat, etc.
Lifetime- 15 to 20 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Slender and sleek
Hair Coat- Fine and Short, with a glossy and smooth texture
Height- 8 to 10 inches
Weight- Male (8 to 12 pounds), Female (6 to 10 pounds)
Eyes- Large and almond-shaped with vivid, deep blue color
Nose- Medium length, going well with the wedged-shaped head
Tail- Tapering and long, usually curving gracefully and carried high
Looks- Wedge, triangular-shaped head with pointed, long ears set wide apart. It has a pale body having darker coloration on the face, paws, ears, and tail
Also Read: BEST INDIAN DOG BREEDS FOR HOMES
5. Birman feline:
Popularly known as the sacred feline of Burma, the Birman Cat is a regal breed that fascinates with its silky, lustrous fur and oval paws. It is a medium-sized Indian cat breed among all. These cats are cherished as one of the lovable companions. Due to their affectionate and gentle nature, Birman is one of the ideal cats for home. Individuals or families can expect unfailing loyalty from this feline companion. When bringing home a Birman, it is important to find a trustworthy breeder to ensure the overall health of the cat. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent any tangles and maintain their shiny coat.
Pricing- Rs 19,000 to Rs 29,000
Food Consumption- Low-carb, high-protein diet
Lifetime- 9 to 13 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium to large
Hair Coat- Semi-long, soft, and silky coat with a different ruff around the neck.
Height- 10 to 12 inches
Weight- Male (10 to 15 pounds), Female (6 to 10 pounds)
Eyes- Large and typically round
Nose- Medium length, slightly rounded
Tail- Bushy (plume-like) and Medium length
Looks- Full cheeks, round head, strong chin, color point pattern with stretched-out structure, and dark points on face, ears, tail, and paws.
Also Read: BEST PET CAFES IN INDIA
6. Ragdoll Cat :
Known for its gentle and calm nature, the Ragdoll cat thrives well with human companionship in Indian living conditions. This cat has a luscious semi-long hair coat, ranging from various patterns and colors, and remarkable blue eyes. This large-sized cat is a friendly pet that easily gets along with children and other animals, making them a prime choice for families. Regular grooming is recommended to maintain their amazing looks.
Pricing- Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000
Food Consumption- Rich in protein food, such as fish or chicken
Lifetime- 12 to 17 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Muscular and large
Hair Coat- Silky and semi-long with a dense undercoat
Height- 9 to 11 inches
Weight- Male (15 to 20 pounds), Female (10 to 15 pounds)
Eyes- Oval, large, deep blue
Nose- Medium length
Tail- Bushy and long with a full plume of fur
Looks- Broad head with a well-structured and flat-top cheeks, plus and soft appearance with a graceful and balanced look.
Also Read: Best Beds for Indoor Cats
7. Oriental Shorthair:
The Oriental Shorthair is a popular among various cat breeds in India, known for its elegant and sleek looks. With long legs, slender bodies, and large ears, these cats attract attention. Coming in many charcoal colors and patterns such as tabby, solid, and tortoiseshell, oriental shorthair cats look very attractive. However, these highly active and intelligent cats require a lot of time to thrive and mental stimulation. Being social personalities and affectionate towards humans, they share strong bonds with their owners.
Pricing- Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000
Food Consumption- high-quality protein food, such as meat
Lifetime- 12 to 15 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Elegant, sleek, long, and fine-toned structure
Hair Coat- Fine, short, smooth, close-lying, and shiny
Height- 9 to 11 inches
Weight- 6 to 12 pounds
Eyes- Almond-shaped, slanted green eyes
Nose- Straight, and long, creating a consistent line from the forehead
Tail- Slender, long, thinning to a fine point
Looks- The feline has exotic, striking looks, with sophisticated look and large ears
8. Abyssinian:
The Abyssinian cat breed stands out due to its ticket, short coat, as well as its active, playful nature. These cats are popular for being curious and active, usually eager to explore their surroundings. In addition to being very social, the Abyssinian gets along well with other pets and children. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them busy and happy. Fortunately, this low-maintenance and healthy breed doesn’t require a lot of grooming.
Pricing- Rs 5000 to Rs 15,000
Food Consumption- Grain-free, high-protein diet
Lifetime- 9 to 15 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium-sized cat with having muscular and slender structure
Hair Coat- Fine, short, and dense coat with an agouti and ticked pattern
Height- 8 to 10 inches
Weight- 6 to 10 pounds
Eyes- Almond-shaped eyes in green or gold color
Nose- Slightly curved with a gentle dip
Tail- Tapering and long
Looks- Regal, elegant, and strong with large, striking ears
9. Persian Cats:
Hailed from Iran, the Persian cat is one of the best cat breeds to thrive well in Indian homes. Famous for their long, luxurious fur, typically distinct flat faces, and round heads, these cats have a gentle and calm personality, making them great pets for individuals and families alike. To keep a Persian cat in good condition, frequent grooming is a must. Note that this low-energy creature requires a peaceful environment.
Pricing- Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000
Food Consumption- Turkey, chicken, fish and other types of seafood
Lifetime- 12 to 17 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Cobby, Sturdy, and well-balanced
Hair Coat- Thick, long, and luxurious
Height- 10 to 15 inches
Weight- 7 to 12 pounds
Eyes- Round, large, expressive, available in a range of colors
Nose- Flat, short, and wide, often called as snub-nosed
Tail- bushy, shirt, and proportionate to the structure
Looks- Distinctive round face with a flat structure, soft, luxurious coat, and a regal, calm look
10. Tonkinese Cat:
Somewhat a combination of Burmese and Siamese breeds, the Tonkinese Cat is popular for their affectionate and playful nature. With a muscular, medium-sized build and a silky, short coat in a variety of patterns and colors, the Tonkinese cat makes a great companion for humans who can shower them with love and attention. The best thing about them is that they are social animals who love to be around people and can be easily trained.
Pricing- Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh or more
Food Consumption- Animal-based protein
Lifetime- 12 to 15 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium-sized with well-proportioned and muscular body
Hair Coat- Fine, short, and silky
Height- 8 to 10 inches
Weight- 6 to 12 pounds
Eyes- Almond-shaped eyes, usually blue, green, or aqua
Nose- Medium nose with a gentle dip
Tail- Medium to long
Looks- Elegant and sleek with an expressive eye and softy rounded face
11. The American Bobtail:
A fascinating feline breed, the American Bobtail is popular for its distinctive physical traits. This breed stands out among other cat breeds – due to its unique short tail, medium-large size, and muscular body. Affectionate and friendly, the American Bobtail is a perfect choice for humans who are looking for a loving pet. Despite their wild-like characteristics, this cat thrives well in indoor environments and is domesticated. To maintain their coat in its condition, regular grooming is suggested.
Pricing- Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000
Food Consumption- Diet rich in animal-based protein
Lifetime- 13 to 18 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium to large
Hair Coat- Short to medium dense, long, and shaggy
Height- 9 to 10 inches
Weight- 7 to 16 pounds
Eyes- Almond-shaped, large, and expressive
Nose- Broad nose structure with a gentle curve
Tail- Short, typically 1 to 4 inches long
Looks- Rugged and wild look with a unique bobtail and an athletic and strong structure.
12. Maine Coon:
One of the most popular and largest domesticated Indian cat breeds, Maine Coon is popular for its long tail, large body, and muscular build. It stands out in the cat breed world thanks to its thick shaggy coat the range of colors and patterns it offers, and its large, colorful, and tufted paws. In addition to being large, Maine Coon is known to be friendly, social, and often gentle giants. Since they are curious and intelligent, they can make great companions for families with pets and children. While their long coat does require regular grooming, their grooming needs and overall health are low maintenance.
Pricing- Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000
Food Consumption- 00–250 grams of wet food/per day.
Lifetime- 13 to 14 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Large-sized, rectangular
Hair Coat- Dense, long, and hairy with a soft coat underneath
Height- 10 to 16 inches
Weight- 10 to 25 pounds
Eyes- Oval, large, and expressive; comes in numerous colors
Nose- Medium-length with a bit dipped curve
Tail- Bushy, long and flowing tail
Looks- Rugged, majestic, and tufted ears and a strong, elegant body.
13. Turkish Van:
The Turkish Van, a charming and unique breed, is a medium-large sized cat. It is known for its active and playful nature, always excited to play a game of chase or have a fun toy to play with. One of the most interesting things about the kitten is that it loves water as it enjoys water games, swimming in shallow pools, and playing with a running tap. Along with being playful, the kitten is also incredibly sweet, forming a strong bond with its human companion. While it requires regular grooming to maintain its lustrous coat, it is generally a low-maintenance breed that brings companionship and joy to any home.
Pricing- Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000
Food Consumption- High levels of protein and small amounts of carbs
Lifetime- 12 to 17 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Well-muscled, large, and semi-long
Hair Coat- Soft, semi-long coat that withstands water
Height- 10 to 14 inches
Weight- 7 to 20 pounds
Eyes- Oval, large, and expressive, varied in colors (odd-eyes, amber, and blue)
Nose- Medium to large with a gentle curve
Tail- full, long, and plume-like tail
Looks- Strong and elegant appearance with a unique Van pattern
14. Bengal Cat:
This feline is one of the most well-known in the feline world, renowned for its distinctive appearance with grey spots that look like a leopard. With its golden eyes, it catches attention. The playful and active feline requires physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Intelligent and easy to train, Bengal cats love playing in shallow pools. This social feline often builds strong connections with their human companions. Regular grooming is essential to preserve their premium coat.
Pricing- Rs 80,000 to Rs 1, 50,000
Food Consumption- Raw food diet
Lifetime- 12 to 16 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium to large
Hair Coat- Dense, short, and premium with a silky, soft texture
Height- 8 to 10 inches
Weight- 8 to 15 pounds
Eyes- Oval, expressive, and large, usually gold or green color
Nose- Wide with a leading whisker pads and slightly curvy
Tail- Medium-long, tapered with a rounded tip, and thick too
Looks- Exotic and wild with distinct spotted or marbled coat designs that resemble leopards
15. Indian Billi Cat/ Indian Domestic Cat:
Billi cat is one of the best cat breeds in India that lives in busy cities and rural villages across India generally lives an independent outdoor life with very little human contact. Despite having characteristics similar to domestic pet cats, these cats are a hereditary diverse group that is adapted to live an independent life outdoors with little or no human dependency for their needs. Yet they are great companions for humans who are looking for a lovable and caring companion. Regular nail trimming and brushing will help keep your Indian cat in tip-top shape.
Pricing- Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000
Food Consumption- Home-cooked food
Lifetime- 12 to 16 years
Physical Stats:
Body Type- Medium-sized feline
Hair Coat- Sleek and short
Height- 9 to 10 inches
Weight- 8 to 12 pounds
Eyes- Medium-large, almond-shaped, varied in colors (usually yellow or green)
Nose- Straight, medium-length, and well-structured
Tail- Medium-large, often pointed
Looks- Versatile and strong with a range of coat patterns and colors
Final Words!
In short, it is important to consider several aspects before bringing home a cat. Since Indian weather conditions are unpredictable, you will need to choose a cat breed that can withstand it. Whether you are looking for a friendly cat or a playful companion, you are covered in our list of cat breeds in India. Many breeds will suit the individual’s preferences and lifestyle. Always make sure to do research and consult leading breeders before making a final decision.
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