Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Most Popular Cat Breeds in India (With Info & Pictures)

Woman holding a cat

Traditionally, cat ownership wasn’t that popular in India. Plenty of street cats hung out in the alleys, but they typically fended for themselves, with little human interaction. But while there are many such cats still lingering on the streets today, pet ownership in India is on the rise, with 20% of pet owners having at least one cat1. Many pet cats may be former street cats with an uncertain heritage, but some are purebred felines like a Siamese or Maine Coon.

Here are the most popular cat breeds in India today that you might see in your travels!

divider cat faces oct 2024

Cat Ownership in India

In 2023, an estimated 2.44 million cats lived in homes in India2. This number has doubled in the last decade, up from 1.21 million in 2014. The data speaks for itself: Cat ownership is becoming increasingly popular nationwide. Many of these cats may have been adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as pet adoption rates experienced an international surge because people were confined to their homes and needed companions. Many of those pets were unfortunately rehomed once normal life resumed, but cat ownership is still on the rise, even after accounting for the loss.

divider cat faces oct 2024

The 8 Most Popular Cat Breeds in India

1. Billi (Billy)

Bengal cat sitting on the bed
Image Credit: Shvaygert Ekaterina, Shutterstock
Origin: India
Lifespan: 2–18 years
Weight: 8–15 pounds

Native to India, the Billi cat usually lives on the street and isn’t considered a special breed. Cat fanciers in India are looking to change that in hopes that an international breed status may increase adoption rates and reduce the numbers on the streets3. On their own, they typically live between 2 and 10 years, but an indoor Billi kept as a pet may live 15–18 years, like the average domestic housecat. Forming a breed standard may prove a bit challenging since the most defining characteristics of a Billi cat are their large size and muscular body, not so much their patterns and colors. The most common colors are rust or gray with spots.


2. Siamese

applehead siamese cat lying on a carpet
Image Credit: big-dipper, Shutterstock
Origin: Thailand
Lifespan: 8–15 years
Weight: 8–14 pounds

Usually having a light-colored coat with black or brown seal points on their face and paws, the Siamese has a distinct appearance that’s adored around the world. So, it’s no surprise that they would be one of the most popular cats in India too. Siamese kittens are always born pure white. They start to grow their darker fur when they’re 1 month old. This is considered to be a small- to medium-sized cat that averages around 8–14 pounds when fully grown. Siamese cats like to “talk” and are very playful. Some have a mischievous streak, as depicted in popular movies.


3. Persian

cute ginger doll face persian cat_CKYN stock photo_shutterstock
Image Credit: CKYN stock photo, Shutterstock
Origin: Iran
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Weight: 7–12 pounds

An ancient breed originating from Persia, or modern-day Iran, the Persian cat is known for their fluffy double coat and compact features. The long coat may be of a variety of colors and requires a lot of brushing in order to catch all of the loose fur. The Persian may not greet you as soon as you walk in the door but is likely to become very affectionate once they get to know you better.


4. Himalayan

Himalayan cat lying on the floor
Image Credit: MULTI ILHMA ANUGRIYA, Shutterstock
Origin: United States of America
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 7–12 pounds

With seal points and compact features, the Himalayan is the adorable mix of a Persian and Siamese cat. They typically have the stocky legs of the Persian and the white body and blue eyes of the Siamese, though not always. Himalayan cats may have different colored fur inherited from the Persian parent.

The Himalayan is a very popular cat breed, despite their recent American origins and not being as widely available in India. But given that the parent breeds are among the most popular purebreds in India, it makes sense that they are so readily adopted.


5. Bengal

Bengal cat standing in the garden
Image Credit: Jeannette1980, Pixabay
Origin: United States of America
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Weight: 8–15 pounds

Imagine a miniature leopard sitting on your sofa, and you’ve got a pretty accurate picture of the spotted Bengal—except that they probably won’t sit still for very long. The athletic Bengal is one of the few cat breeds that actually likes to swim. They likely inherited this trait from their recent ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat, which lives in different places on the same continent, including the coastal regions of India. Despite their exotic name, the Bengal breed was created in the United States by mixing different domestic breeds with the Asian Leopard Cat to produce a wild-looking house cat.


6. Bombay

bombay cat
Image Credit: Pickpik
Origin: United States of America
Lifespan: 12–20 years
Weight: 8–15 pounds

A beautiful mix between the Burmese and the American Shorthair, the Bombay cat has jet-black fur that’s soft to the touch. Their olive eyes and round head, coupled with their dark fur, make them resemble the wild black leopard found in India around Mumbai (formerly Bombay), but they don’t technically have any wildcat blood in them. The Bombay cat is an extremely social breed. They can easily make friends with humans, other cats, and dogs as long as they’ve been accustomed to them from an early age.


7. Maine Coon

ginger-Maine-coon-cat-on-the-balcony
Image Credit: Meriluxa, Shutterstock
Origin: United States of America
Lifespan: 12–17 years
Weight: 15–20 pounds

If you’re torn between adopting a dog or a cat, the Maine Coon is likely the best choice for you. Their large size, love of water, and ability to walk on a leash enable them to go on almost any adventure with you. The Maine Coon was developed in the United States during the 1800s. They caught rats on ships that docked on the shores of Maine and worked as barn cats in rural America, but today, they are one of the most popular cat breeds in India and other countries.


8. American Bobtail

American-bobtail-on-white-background
Image Credit: OrangeGroup, Shutterstock
Origin: United States of America
Lifespan: 13–18 years
Weight: 7–16 pounds

American Bobtail cats have a naturally occurring gene that produces a stubby tail. While this type of cat has always existed, the breed wasn’t officially formed until the 1950s, when they were strategically bred in the United States. Their short tail and friendly nature define them. Unlike most breeds, their coat is incredibly varied and can be pretty much any color or length. You can expect to pay a pretty penny to adopt one of these beautiful felines in India unless you’re lucky enough to find one at a rescue.

divider cat faces oct 2024

Conclusion

Whether you live in India or are curious about what breeds are popular around the world, it’s interesting to learn about the different cats that call different places home. As pet ownership becomes more popular in India, we expect to see more of a variety of cat breeds—and mixed breeds—find their home there.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: VAKS-Stock Agency, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Most Vocal Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

A dog’s bark may be louder than a cat’s meow, but our kitty friends can still muster up some serious sounds if they...

Bengal kitten playing

8 Blue-Eyed Cat Breeds: Info, Pictures, Facts & Health (Vet-Verified)

There are quite a few cat breeds with blue eyes out there. A common misconception is that white cats with blue eyes are...

cute blue mitted ragdoll cat with long fur and blue dominant eyes

21 White Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

There’s just something about a white cat with its snowy coat that mesmerizes you. White is a common color for many recognized cat...

white Maine Coon cat at home

15 American Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Venturing into the unique and diverse world of cat breeds, we often find ourselves marveling at the myriad of shapes, sizes, and personalities...

More related

Smoke siberian cat

11 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People With Allergies (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are extraordinary companions that give us love, cuddles, and often more than a few laughs. No wonder they’re one of the most...

A brown, yellow and white color manx cat with no tail

10 Cat Breeds With Short Tails (With Info & Pictures)

Are you considering buying or adopting a bobtail cat? Long on love but short on tails, domestic bobtail cats have become increasingly popular...

grey nebelung cat with green eyes lying on the floor

10 Blue Cat Breeds: An Overview (With Vet-Verified Info & Pictures)

Blue cats are some of the most beautiful coats out there, and it’s not surprising that felines of diverse breeds presenting this color...

white scottish fold cat

White Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

The White Scottish Fold is a unique breed that is popular for their distinctive and charming physical traits. Most have folded ears, rounded...

Keep reading

9 Best Cat Foods for Shedding & Hair Loss in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

When you first got your little bundle of fluff, you might not have been ready for the shedding and grooming. But some cats, like American curls, shed tremendously, and others exhibit excessive grooming behaviors or develop allergies that lead to...

Hungry cat sitting next to bowl of food at home kitchen and looking at camera

Can Cats Have Allergies? Vet-Approved Signs, Treatment & Prevention Tips

Yes, cats can most definitely get allergies. Just like humans, cats can develop seasonal, environmental, and food allergies, and they can develop allergies to flea saliva too. Some allergies in cats are mild, but they can get severe, usually due...

cat scratching behind head

Why Does My Cat Bite Me When I Pet Him? 3 Vet-Approved Reasons & Solutions

Cats are not always the most predictable creatures. Sometimes, they adore your petting and practically beg for your attention. Other times, they get irritated and bite you during the petting process. Why is that? More importantly, what can you do...

cat bites the woman's hand

Why Is My Cat Eating Cat Litter? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats are capable of doing many things that leave us feeling bewildered and scratching our heads. It’s often challenging to figure out if something that’s strange to us is actually normal for cats. When it comes to eating cat litter,...

cat sniffing cat litter in the box

How to Trim Cat Nails at Home: Vet-Approved Steps, Tips, & Advice

Grooming your cat is an important part of being a responsible pet owner, and nail trimming is a step that should not be avoided. Still, trimming your cat’s nails can be daunting for finicky or skittish cats, especially if you...

close up trimming cat nails

Why Is My Cat Scratching the Walls? 6 Likely Reasons

Cats do what they want to do. If you have cats in your home, you’re already fully aware of this. Unfortunately, there are times when our beloved kitties push the boundaries and do things around the house they shouldn’t be...

cat trying to climb a wall

How to Play With a Cat at Every Age: Vet-Reviewed Guide

Playing with your cat is a fun way to strengthen your bond and help your kitty become a healthier version of themselves. Some people think that all cats play the same regardless of age, but the truth is that kittens...

woman playing with her cat

Why Does My Cat Have a Fever? 5 Vet-Reviewed Common Causes

Cats normally have temperatures between 100º F and 102.5º F; anything above that is considered to be a fever, also known as pyrexia. Fevers play an essential role in keeping cats healthy as they trigger their immune systems to shift...

digital thermometer showing a cat has a fever