Popular Cat Breeds for Sale in Australia

Selecting a breed is one of the most enjoyable decisions you’ll make for the next 15-20 years of your life. For those living in Australia, there are many popular cat breeds for sale to choose from. But understanding their differing temperament, needs and history helps make the choice much easier. From family friendly, to purring lap-cat, to aloof but loving, you’re sure to find your ideal match.

British Shorthair

History

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest pedigreed breeds we know today. It’s a descendant of the domestic cats from antiquity that traveled to Britain with the Romans about 2,000 years ago. As sturdy cats, they were known for their hunting capabilities, and after 19th-century standardization, breeders began to focus on the round traits and the plush coat pattern.

Temperament

British Shorthairs are docile, calm cats who are affectionate, but not overwhelmingly needy. This makes them the perfect addition to a busy house or family or as a first-time cat owner’s companion. They do well with children and other pets and maintain a gentle, dignified approach to life. They love attention but can play independently and don’t suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for short periods.

Care Tips

Due to their plush, dense coat, these cats should be brushed once per week to remove excess stray fur and prevent matting. During peak shedding seasons, it’s suggested that British Shorthairs are brushed 2-3 times per week. Furthermore, British Shorthairs struggle with weight gain during their life so it’s important to limit treats, maintain play schedules and monitor their eating habits. They’re generally healthy but should be tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Finally, these cats are well suited to indoor life and don’t require excessive exercise but could benefit from interactive playtime help maintain proper weight.

Ragdoll

History

The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed, originating in California in the 1960s. The original breeder was Ann Baker. The originating parental unit was a white longhaired female called Josephine, known for her placid temperament. The name Ragdoll comes from its tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up. Ragdolls were transported to Australia in the 1980s and subsequently became a mainstream favourite of all breeds.

Temperament

Ragdolls are known to be gentle, loving, and people-oriented. In fact, they’re like puppies in the way that they follow their owners from room to room. They can even be taught how to play fetch. Ragdolls love company and don’t do well if left alone for extended periods. They’re exceptionally tolerant with children and other pets. Ragdolls have soft, quiet voices and, overall, are very easy-going cats.

Care Guide

In terms of grooming, Ragdolls are relatively easy to care for despite their long, silky coat. A brush (2-3 times) per week is all that’s required to avoid tangles and minimise shedding. Their coat does not mat as easily as other longhaired breeds since they lack an undercoat, so there’s also little worry about matting. Ragdolls are slow to mature – up to four years to get to their full size – so prepare accordingly with high-quality, protein-packed food. Portion control is essential as Ragdolls are also prone to obesity so avoid overfeeding and giving too many treats. Ragdolls should be indoor cats as their trusting nature leaves them vulnerable if outdoors. Recommended dental care and annual check-ups should be made.

Maine Coon

History

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. With its origin in Maine – the official state cat of Maine – there are many stories as to how the breed began, although it likely came from longhaired breeds brought by sailors and adjusted to cold temperatures. By the late 19th century, Maine Coons were common among show felines. However, similar to other longhaired breeds, they lost popularity during the introduction of exotic breeds. By the 1950s, however, interest resumed.

Temperament

The Maine Coon is a gentle giant known for its friendly and outgoing personality. Despite weighing up to 25 pounds and being three feet long, they have a soft and gentle temperament. They are social but not demanding; they can be involved in family activities and often move around the house but don’t require constant attention. They remain playful into adulthood and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills. Many feel connected to the breed as they are often talkative (with chirps and trills) and can develop favourite members of the household.

Care Tips

They require brushing 2-3 times a week with a slicker brush to prevent mats from forming in their undercoat. Special attention should be paid around the ruff of the neck, the belly and the hindquarters. Like all longhaired cats, they are prone to hairballs. As massive cats, they need heavy scratching posts and cat trees to support their size. Feed them high-quality protein for large cat breeds. They are relatively healthy although predisposed to hip dysplasia and HCM, so annual vet visits for screenings are encouraged. In addition, they are known for loving water; they may be interested in your tub time or playing with their water bowl at times.

 

Bengal

History

The Bengal cat is a hybrid cat breed developed in the 1960s; domestic cats have been bred with Asian leopard cats (a small wild cat) to create breeding stock. The breed was developed by Jean Mill – a geneticist – who sought to make a domestic cat with the appearance of such wild and exotic ancestors but with the temperament of a house cat. The breed was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1983 and has become increasingly more popular in Australia over the last twenty years.

Temperament

Bengals are active, intelligent, and energetic felines with personality! They always want to know what you’re doing, where you are, and they’ll find their way up to the highest point in your house (the tops of cabinets and door frames). They jump, climb, and play all day like little dogs more than cats. They’re trainable for leashed walks, fetch, and tricks. They’re super vocal (and likely “talk” back to you). Bengals tend to form close bonds with their families (not unlike any other cat but much more so) and best with experienced owners as they need significant mental and physical stimulation to be happy. They also do well with other pets (cats and dogs) but can become more alpha than other animals if given the chance.

Care Tips

Bengals are easy to groom with their short fur coats that have dense hair follicles; thus, a no-maintenance requirement for grooming aside from once-a-week brushing. Daily care of a Bengal involves play/stimulation and feeding; if they do not exert all of their energy, they can become bored. Cat trees, puzzle feeders, and rotated toys for body/mind stimulation are necessities. Bengals like water more than most cats; thus, expect your Bengal to be in the tub with you or playing with their water bowl.

Bengals eat a high-protein diet (because of all that energy expended!) so ensure you have the right food on hand. Cat-proof your home by ensuring doors and cabinets are closed and secured and valuables or fragile items are off countertops as Bengals have great jumping ability and may knock things off without trying! Routine vet visits are suggested for all types of cats (vaccinations, boosters, etc.) but especially for Bengals who should be screened for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and HCM.

Persian

History

Persians are one of the most ancient and recognisable breeds around. They are said to be from Persia (Iran) and were brought to Europe in the 1600s by Italian cat merchants. The breed was developed in Britain during the Victorian era, where the distinctive flat face and long coat were increasingly bred for. Thanks to Queen Victoria, Persians became even more popular as a symbol of class and prestige.

Temperament

Persians are calm, gentle, and affectionate cats. They do better in stable, quiet environments versus active ones. While they will certainly play, they are not your most active breed; instead, you’ll find them lounging in warm, comfortable areas, looking outside for stimulation. As loyal companions, they enjoy sitting on their owners’ laps and being petted but are not overly attention-seeking. They possess quiet, soft voices that they use to converse with their owners but not much else. Children or dynamic pets don’t mix well with Persians as they prefer a more calm and stable environment.

Care Tips

Persians are the highest groomed breed. They require daily brushings to avoid matting in their long coats. Thus, many owners seek professional groomers every 4-6 weeks. Additionally, thanks to their flat faces, tear staining may occur, so owner’s must wipe away eye stains every other day with a slightly damp cloth. Persians are also brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means breathing problems could occur, and they get hot easily. It’s important to provide a cool, stable atmosphere for them to flourish. Shallow dishes are recommended for consistent feeding. Persians are also prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), so owners should purchase from breeders who screen for the disease. Finally, due to their long fur collecting dirt easily and potentially matting outside, Persians should be kept as indoor cats only.

Siamese

History

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest and most recognisable of the Asian breeds. It’s native to Thailand, or Siam, and bred among royalty and temple monks. The earliest manuscripts depicting cats from the 14th century show animals similar to what we see today as the Siamese. Westerners were introduced to Siamese in the late 1800’s with international exhibitions showing the popularity of this unique breed. Since then, they’ve transformed significantly (the modern ones are longer than the traditional), but their distinguishing factors remain.

Temperament

Siamese cats are incredibly vocal, social and intelligent. They talk loudly with an impressive repertoire of sounds and communicate with their masters as if they were people. Siamese Cats need a lot of attention and companionship from their owners and get depressed when their time spent alone is too long. Siamese are also known to latch on to one specific person in the household (although they love everyone) and follow them around. They’re also incredibly playful, acting more like kittens into their senior years.

Care Tips

Despite having short, fine coats, Siamese cats don’t require excessive grooming (one weekly brushing is enough). However, their intelligence requires upkeep with their mental capabilities, social skills and extensive engaged playtime. Puzzle toys, interactive play and getting another cat if one’s owner is gone too much are recommended. They’re healthy for the most part, but Siamese cats should get their teeth cleaned early on as dental problems can arise. They can also get progressive retinal atrophy and respiratory issues since their cute flat noses can sometimes lead to more obstructed airways. Siamese cats should remain indoors as their coats are thin and they’re sensitive to cold. Provide them blankets for sleeping when it’s cold and make sure they eat enough food as they are active cats and always on the move. Monitor their weight as they should be thin with long bodies.

Scottish Fold

History

The Scottish Fold descends from a single cat, Susie, first discovered in 1961 on a Scottish farm. Susie had folded ears due to a genetic mutation through inbreeding. A farmer and shepherd who specialised in cats began breeding her, and the Scottish Fold became a breed. The folded-eared gene is dominant; however, not every kitten born to a Scottish Fold will come out with folded ears. The 1970s brought international recognition of the breed, and it eventually came to Australia.

Temperament

A Scottish Fold’s temperament is sweet and affectionate with moderate energy levels. They’re adaptable and easy-going, making them great family cats. Scottish Folds like to be with their owners, but they’re not overly needy. They’re relatively quiet and gentle, enjoying time playing and taking naps. There are many youtube videos of the cutest positions in which Scottish Folds sit – they can sit like an otter on their haunches, for example – and they get along well with children and other pets.

Care Tips

Coat care depends on the length; those with short hair need weekly brushing while long hairs may require more than a few brushings per week. As for their ears, regular cleaning is imperative – as long as it’s not every day – so wax does not build up and infections arise. The folded ear gene is also responsible for cartilage tissue; therefore, many Scottish Folds develop osteochondrodysplasia over time, a degenerative joint disease. This happens especially if fold-to-fold breeding occurs; reputable breeders will never do this, however. It’s best to keep an eye on your Scottish Fold for symptoms of joint issues (preventative vet visits are recommended), so they know they have proper bedding (soft) and their litter boxes and food containers are easily accessible without too much strain. Give them a balanced diet, including properly portioned dry food, to ensure they don’t gain excess weight that can complicate joints and avoid stress on the joints through play.

Choosing Your Perfect Companion

Consider your lifestyle, living environment and time constraints for care and companionship when selecting a breed. Your breeder should have done parent temperament testing, socialisation and development and should have had a home environment. Also, you should ask about the temperaments of the parents and previously any health concerns. If you’re looking for a kitten, it should come from a household with predominantly human socialisation.

Ultimately, you will take what you’ve learned and apply it to what you’ve observed in your own potential adoptee and compare temperament and needs matched to the ideal for the best fit. It’s important to know that even if you’ve read all the breed guidelines for the cat you’ve chosen, every cat is still very individual and could be quite different from what you expected. The more time you spend with a particular litter or adult before making a decision, the better you will get to know your future companion.

Always get cats from responsible breeders and consider visiting shelters and rescues also if you would like to give a rescue cat a new lease on life. Regardless of where you choose to source your new feline friend from, know there’s a companionable bond waiting to be filled with endless loving and happiness.