In Australia, cat owners enjoy a myriad of choices when it comes to choosing a pet cat. The country is home to a wide range of cat breeds, each with its unique set of characteristics, attributes, and personality traits. This article explores some of the most popular cat breeds in Australia, as of 2023.

1. Domestic Short Hair

The Domestic Short Hair, commonly referred to as DSH, holds the crown for being the most popular cat breed in Australia. These cats are renowned for their short, sleek coats and their friendly, adaptable nature. Domestic Short Hairs come in a variety of colours and patterns, making each one truly unique. They are known for their robust health, easy-going temperament, and their ability to get along well with children and other pets.

Appearance
Domestic Short Hair cats can come in all sizes, shapes, and colours. Given their mixed-breed status, they exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics. They can have a variety of coat colours and patterns, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and tuxedo, among others. Their body size can range from small to large, and their weight can vary greatly, typically between 3 to 7 kilograms, depending on their specific genetic background.

Personality
DSH cats are known for their friendly and adaptable nature. Their personalities can vary greatly due to their mixed-breed heritage, but generally, they are known to be affectionate, sociable, and easygoing. Domestic Short Hairs can be playful and energetic, but also enjoy their downtime and lounging around the house.

Health and Care
Domestic Short Hairs are generally robust and healthy due to their diverse genetic makeup, which helps to reduce the risk of breed-specific health issues. However, like all cats, they require regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise to maintain their health.
Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance compared to longhair breeds. Regular brushing will help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. 

2. Ragdoll

Ragdolls have experienced a surge in popularity, known for their striking blue eyes, semi-longhair coat, and docile temperament. The name 'Ragdoll' comes from the breed's propensity to go limp when picked up, much like a child's rag doll. Ragdolls are affectionate and gentle, and get along well with families and other pets. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. 

Appearance
Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, typically weighing between 4 to 9 kilograms for females and 6 to 9 kilograms for males. They are well-muscled with a strong, sturdy body. They have a plush, semi-longhair coat that is soft and silky to the touch. Their coat is lighter in colour on the body and darker at the extremities, such as the ears, face, paws, and tail. Ragdolls are also known for their striking, deep blue eyes.

Personality
Ragdolls are named for their unique tendency to go limp when picked up, much like a child's rag doll. They are generally calm, affectionate, and easygoing cats. They are known to follow their owners from room to room, displaying dog-like loyalty. Ragdolls are often described as "puppy-like" cats due to their tendency to greet their owners at the door and their love for play.

Health and Care
Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, but they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a certain type of bladder stone called calcium oxalate stones. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensure they remain healthy.
Their semi-longhair coat does not mat as easily as other longhair breeds, but they still require regular grooming. Brushing their coat several times a week will help prevent knots and tangles and keep their coat looking their best. 

3. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair, famously recognised for its chunky body, dense coat, and broad face, is another favourite among Australian cat lovers. Most people identify the breed with the "British Blue" variant, featuring a blue-grey coat and copper or gold eyes, but they come in many colours and patterns. British Shorthairs are known for their calm, easy-going nature and their exceptional tolerance towards children. 

Appearance
British Shorthairs are medium to large-sized cats with sturdy and muscular build. They are known for their round face, full cheeks, and large round eyes that are usually copper or gold in colour. The most recognised colour is the "British Blue," which presents a solid blue-grey coat. However, British Shorthairs can come in many other colours and patterns.
Their coat is one of their defining features - it's dense, plush, and often described as 'crisp' to the touch. This double coat helps them stay warm and was originally developed as a response to the chilly UK weather.

Personality
British Shorthairs are known for their calm, easy-going, and placid temperament. They are not as playful or active as some other breeds, but they do enjoy a play session and can be quite affectionate. However, they are also quite happy to have some alone time and are not as demanding of attention as some breeds can be.

British Shorthairs are not known for being jumpers or climbers and prefer to keep all four paws on the ground. They are also not known to be 'lap cats' but enjoy sitting next to their owners and being petted.

Health and Care
British Shorthairs are generally a healthy breed with few breed-specific health issues. However, due to their propensity for a more sedentary lifestyle, they can be prone to obesity. It's essential to monitor their diet and ensure they get enough exercise.
Their dense coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and keep it in good condition. During the shedding season, more frequent grooming might be necessary to prevent hairballs. 

4. Siamese

The Siamese breed is another popular choice in Australia. Siamese cats are known for their striking almond-shaped blue eyes, short coat, and distinctive colour points on their ears, face, paws, and tail. They are vocal, intelligent, and social cats that thrive on companionship. Siamese cats are known to form strong bonds with their human companions. 

Appearance
Siamese cats are medium-sized with a sleek, muscular build. They are known for their short, fine coat, almond-shaped blue eyes, and distinctive colour points on their ears, face, paws, and tail. Traditional Siamese cats, often referred to as "Applehead" Siamese, have a rounder head and sturdier body, while the modern or "Show" Siamese have a more wedge-shaped head, slender body, and larger ears.
Their coat comes in several colours, including seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac points, amongst others. These colour points are a defining feature of the breed.

Personality
Siamese cats are known for their sociability, intelligence, and strong desire for companionship. They are incredibly vocal and have a loud, low-pitched voice, often described as a "meezer." They are not shy about using their voice to demand attention, express their needs, or engage in a "conversation" with their owners.

Siamese cats are also known for their playful, active nature. They enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or fetch games. Without adequate stimulation, they can sometimes become mischievous.

Health and Care
Siamese cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain genetic health issues, including dental disease, heart defects, and respiratory issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure they stay healthy.
Their short coat is easy to groom. A weekly brush is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. 

5. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for their large size, tufted ears, and bushy tails. These cats have a friendly, playful nature, and despite their size, they are often called "gentle giants." Maine Coons have a long, dense coat that requires regular grooming. 

Appearance
Maine Coons are large and muscular cats, with males typically weighing between 6 to 9 kilograms, and females slightly smaller. They are most recognised for their long, shaggy fur, large tufted ears, and bushy tail, which they use to wrap around themselves for warmth. Their coat can come in a variety of colours and patterns, but all share the quality of being water-resistant.
Their eyes are large, expressive and can be green, gold, or copper. Some Maine Coons even have blue eyes, or each eye may be a different colour.

Personality
Despite their large size, Maine Coons are known for their friendly, gentle, and easy-going nature. They are intelligent and curious cats, known to enjoy playing with toys, and learning tricks, and some even enjoy watching or joining their owners in water-based activities due to their unusual love for the water.

Maine Coons are known for their mouse-hunting skills, a trait that is thought to have been developed during their early years in North America. They enjoy interactive play and using their strong hunting instincts during playtime.

Health and Care
Maine Coons are generally healthy cats, but they can be predisposed to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and a type of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure these conditions are detected and treated early.
Their long, shaggy coat needs regular grooming - usually a good brush once a week - to prevent matting and hairballs. During the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more frequent grooming may be needed. 

6. Bengal

Bengals are well-loved for their wild, leopard-like appearance and playful, energetic nature. These cats have a short, silky coats with distinct rosettes or marbling, much like a wild jungle cat. Bengals are active, intelligent cats that require plenty of stimulation and exercise. 

Appearance
Bengals are medium to large-sized cats with a muscular build, reflecting their wild ancestry. They are especially recognised for their coat, which is short, dense, and incredibly soft. The coat features a distinctive spotted or marbled pattern that comes in a variety of colours, including brown, silver, and snow. This wild appearance is a defining characteristic of the breed and harks back to their leopard cat ancestors.

Personality
Bengals are active, playful, and intelligent cats. They have a strong curiosity and love to explore their surroundings. They are known to enjoy interactive play and can often be found climbing on high shelves or cat trees, investigating boxes, and even showing an unusual fascination with water.

Bengals are also known for their 'chatty' nature. They often communicate with their owners through a series of chirps, purrs, and growls. Despite their energetic nature, Bengals can also be affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human families.

Health and Care
Bengals are generally healthy cats, but they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which affects the eyes, and pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency), which affects the blood. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to ensure they stay healthy.
Their short, dense coat is relatively easy to care for. A weekly brush is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. 

7. Persian

Persians, with their long, fluffy coats, short muzzles, and round faces, are a classic favourite. These cats require a significant amount of grooming due to their long hair. Persians are calm, gentle cats that enjoy a quiet, serene environment. 

Appearance
Persian cats are medium to large-sized cats with a sturdy build. Their most striking feature is their long, lush, and dense coat that comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and colourpoint, among others.
Persians are known for their round face, full cheeks, and short, broad nose. They have large, round, expressive eyes that are usually a deep copper colour, although white Persians often have blue or odd eyes (one blue and one copper).

Personality
Persians are typically calm, gentle, and easy-going. They are not as playful or active as some other breeds, preferring a serene environment and gentle interactions. They enjoy the company of their owners and make great lap cats, but they can be a bit reserved, especially with strangers.

While Persians are not known for being particularly vocal, they can express their needs and feelings through a soft, pleasant meow and their expressive eyes.

Health and Care
Persians are prone to a number of health issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature, including breathing difficulties, dental malocclusions, and eye conditions such as excessive tearing. They are also at risk for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch and manage these conditions early.
Their long, dense coat requires daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Regular bathing is also necessary to keep their coat clean and shiny. Their eyes should also be cleaned regularly to prevent staining from excessive tearing. 

8. Burmese

Burmese cats are known for their muscular body, short coat, and expressive gold eyes. They come in a variety of solid colours, with the most common being sable brown. Burmese cats are affectionate, intelligent, and very sociable. They enjoy being around their human family and are known to be good with children. 

Appearance
Burmese cats are medium-sized, but they're often heavier than they appear due to their muscular build. They have a distinctive short, shiny coat that feels satin-like to the touch. Their coat comes in a variety of solid colours including sable (dark brown), champagne (light brown), blue, and platinum.
One of the most striking features of Burmese cats is their expressive, slightly slanted eyes that range in colour from gold to yellow. They have a round head with a short muzzle, and their ears are medium-sized and set wide apart.

Personality
Burmese cats are known for their playful, affectionate, and outgoing personalities. They are sociable cats that enjoy being around people and often form strong bonds with their human families. They are known for their 'dog-like' behaviour, such as following their owners from room to room, and can even be taught to fetch toys.

Despite their active nature, Burmese cats also enjoy cuddling and will often seek out a warm lap to curl up on. They are also known to be quite vocal, using a soft, sweet voice to communicate with their owners.

Health and Care
Burmese cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. These can include hypokalaemia (a condition causing muscle weakness), and Burmese head defect (a craniofacial abnormality seen in some kittens). Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect any health issues early.
Their short, dense coat is low maintenance and requires only weekly brushing to keep it looking its best. 

9. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are another popular breed in Australia with their short, dense coat of bluish-grey fur, bright green eyes, and muscular bodies. They are known for their gentle, somewhat reserved nature, but they can be quite playful and affectionate with their close family members. Russian Blues are intelligent and somewhat reserved, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a more independent cat. 

Appearance
Russian Blues are medium-sized cats with muscular yet graceful bodies. One of their most distinctive features is their plush, double-layered coat that is a shimmering silver-blue colour, giving the breed its name.
They possess a wedge-shaped head with a straight nose and high-set cheekbones. Their ears are large and wide at the base with a pointed tip. The breed's bright green eyes are large and rounded, adding to their overall allure and captivating gaze.

Personality
Despite their regal appearance, Russian Blues are known for their gentle and somewhat reserved nature. They form strong bonds with their human families and are known to be quite affectionate, but they can be a bit shy around strangers.

Russian Blues are intelligent and curious cats that enjoy interactive play and puzzle toys. They have a reputation for being relatively quiet cats, but they can express their needs and feelings to their owners when necessary.

Health and Care
Russian Blues are generally a healthy breed with few breed-specific health issues. However, like all cats, they should have regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they remain in good health.
Their thick double coat does not mat easily and requires only a weekly brush to keep it looking its best. Despite their dense coat, Russian Blues are known to shed minimally, which can make them a good choice for individuals with mild allergies. 

10. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian, often referred to as the "Aby", is one of the oldest known cat breeds. These cats are recognised by their ticked, warm-toned coat, almond-shaped eyes, and slender yet muscular bodies. Abyssinians are known for their high energy levels, curiosity, and love for exploring their environment. They enjoy being around their human family and are well-suited for active households. 

Appearance
Abyssinians are medium-sized cats with a muscular build and a distinctive "ticked" coat, where each hair is banded with multiple colours. The most common colour is a warm, glowing reddish-brown, often called "ruddy," but the breed also comes in other colours such as blue, fawn, and sorrel.
Abys have an arched neck, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes that can be gold, green, or hazel. They are athletic and agile, with a body built for movement and playful, active nature.

Personality
Abyssinians are known for their high energy levels, curiosity, and playful nature. They love to explore their surroundings, climb to high places, and interact with their human families. They can often be found perched on the highest point in a room, watching over their domain.

Unlike some breeds, Abyssinians are not typically lap cats. They prefer to be on the move and engage in active play. However, they are very sociable and enjoy being in the company of their human families, often developing a strong bond with their owners.

Health and Care
Abyssinians are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency), which can cause anaemia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure they stay healthy.
Their short, dense coat is relatively easy to care for. A weekly brush is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. 

In Conclusion

These are just a few of the most popular cat breeds in Australia. Each breed has unique characteristics, and the best fit will depend on an individual's lifestyle, living arrangements, and personal preference. Whether you prefer the playful and energetic Bengal or the calm and serene Persian, there is a cat breed to suit every household in Australia.

Before adopting or purchasing a cat, it's crucial to remember that every cat, regardless of breed, requires love, care, and commitment. Cat ownership comes with significant responsibilities, including feeding, grooming, regular veterinary check-ups, and providing a safe and loving environment. The joy and companionship a cat can bring are immeasurable, and with the right care and attention, it can be a beloved member of the family for many years.