Top 10 Cat Breeds in India: Pros and Cons

Aug 08, 2025

Cats have long held a special place in human history, worshipped in ancient civilisations, celebrated in art and literature, and cherished as companions in modern homes. From their graceful independence to their playful pounces and gentle purrs, cats bring both charm and comfort to our lives. Adopting a cat can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. With this in mind, let’s examine some of the most common cat breeds available in India, along with their pros and cons of adoption.

Persian Cat

The Persian Cat is one of the oldest and most recognisable cat breeds, with origins tracing back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). They were first introduced to Europe in the 1600s and gained popularity for their luxurious coats and dignified demeanour. The modern Persian, especially as seen in the West, was selectively bred in the 19th and 20th centuries in Britain and the United States to enhance its signature flat face and plush coat. Revered for their calm, gentle personalities and regal appearance, Persian Cats have long been a favourite in cat shows and among royalty and celebrities. Their laid-back nature and quiet presence make them ideal indoor companions.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Persian.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Persian Cats are exceptionally calm, affectionate, and gentle, making them ideal companions for quiet households or individuals seeking a relaxed, low-key pet.	Their long, dense coat requires daily grooming and frequent maintenance to prevent mats, tangles, and hygiene issues, which may be too time-consuming for some owners.
Their serene nature and low activity levels make them well-suited for indoor living, apartments, and owners who prefer less rambunctious behaviour.	Persians can be prone to several health problems, including respiratory issues, kidney disease, and eye infections, necessitating regular veterinary care and careful monitoring.
Persians form strong bonds with their people and offer loyal companionship, often following their owners from room to room without being intrusive.	Their flat-faced structure can cause discomfort or breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid conditions, and may limit their ability to exercise vigorously.
Their iconic, luxurious appearance and sweet expression have enduring appeal and make them favourites among cat lovers and show enthusiasts alike.	They are less interactive and playful than more active breeds, which may not appeal to families looking for a highly energetic or entertaining cat.
They are generally undemanding and content with a stable routine, cosy spaces, and gentle attention, making them easy to live with for many households.	Due to their quiet, sensitive temperament, Persians may be stressed by loud environments, active children, or frequent changes in routine, requiring a peaceful, predictable home.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon is a large and majestic cat breed that hails from North America, specifically from the northeastern United States. Known for their long, luxurious fur and bushy tails, Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. These cats were originally working cats on farms, prized for their excellent hunting skills. Over time, they gained popularity as companions due to their friendly and social nature. Maine Coons are often described as "gentle giants" due to their calm demeanour and affectionate behaviour. Their intelligence and adaptability make them well-suited to a variety of living environments.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Maine Coon.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Gentle and affectionate, Maine Coon cats are known for their friendly, easygoing nature and form strong bonds with family members.	Their large size can make them prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia, requiring weight monitoring and moderate exercise.
Their thick coat, while long, is relatively low-maintenance for a long-haired breed and resists matting with regular grooming.	Maine Coons are genetically predisposed to certain health conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and need regular veterinary checks.
Playful and intelligent, they enjoy interactive games and social engagement, making them entertaining and responsive companions.	Their dense fur requires consistent grooming to prevent tangles, especially in high-shedding seasons.
Highly adaptable, they adjust well to various living environments and typically get along well with children and other pets.	They thrive on attention and may become lonely or bored without sufficient interaction, leading to potential behavioural problems.
Maine Coons are known for their calm demeanour and vocalisations, often communicating with chirps and trills rather than loud meowing.	Maine Coons require more calories than the average cat, which can make feeding them more expensive and increase the risk of obesity.

Indie Cat

The Indie Cat, also known as the Indian Native Cat, has its roots in India, where it has been an integral part of the country’s diverse culture and ecosystem for centuries. Thought to have evolved from natural wildcats native to the Indian subcontinent, the breed adapted to local climates and environments. Although not officially recognised as a distinct breed until the early 2000s, Indie Cats are celebrated for their resilience and unique traits. These cats are often associated with the rural and urban landscapes of India, where they are valued for their hunting abilities and companionship. With their independent nature, they have gained recognition for their survival instincts and charm.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Indie Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Affectionate and independent, they form strong bonds with their families while appreciating personal space.	Prone to obesity if not monitored closely, requiring a balanced diet and regular exercise
Short, low-maintenance coat that sheds minimally and requires only occasional grooming.	Sensitive to extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold.
Agile and curious, enjoying interactive games and exploration.	May experience dental problems or allergies, requiring regular vet check-ups.
Highly adaptable and quick learners, responsive to positive reinforcement during training.	Can become bored without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, potentially leading to destructive behaviour.
Playful and intelligent, they keep themselves engaged with mental stimulation.	Their strong, independent and territorial nature can make them less tolerant of sudden environmental changes or new pets

Bengal Cat

The Bengal Cat is a striking and athletic breed that originated from the crossbreeding of domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, a small wild feline native to Asia. Developed in the United States in the 1970s, the breed was created to combine the exotic, leopard-like appearance of a wild cat with the temperament of a domesticated companion. Recognised officially by major cat associations in the late 20th century, Bengal Cats have gained global popularity for their distinctive rosetted or marbled coats, high energy levels, and intelligence. Known for their playful nature and love of interactive engagement, Bengals thrive in active households that can meet their need for physical and mental stimulation.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Bengal Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Striking, leopard-like coat with unique rosettes or marbling, requiring minimal grooming despite its luxurious appearance.	Extremely high energy levels can overwhelm owners who prefer a calmer pet, requiring daily active play and exercise.
Energetic and athletic, excelling in climbing, jumping, and interactive play.	Strong prey drive may lead them to chase smaller pets, making careful introductions essential.
Highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks, commands, and puzzle games.	Prone to boredom if left alone for long periods, which can result in destructive behaviour or excessive vocalisation.
Social and engaging, often bonding closely with their families and enjoying active interaction.	Can be demanding of attention, not well-suited for owners with limited time for interactive engagement.
Generally healthy and robust, with a strong, muscular build and high stamina.	Some individuals may develop territorial marking behaviours, especially if stressed or inadequately stimulated.

British Shorthair

Possibly the oldest cat breed in Great Britain, the British Shorthair began as a shorthair street cat, with breeders standardising and refining the cats, mixing them with Russian Blues and Persians, until they resembled the British Shorthair known today. In 1871, the breed was exhibited at a cat show in England. At that time, it was known as the British Blue as it was initially a popular colour in the breed. In the early 1900s, the breed was first brought to America, and they were popular as domestic shorthairs. Formally authorised by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1980, today this breed can be easily found all over the world.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the British Shorthair.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Calm and gentle temperament, making them well-suited for families, singles, and seniors.	Prone to weight gain if not given adequate exercise and portion-controlled feeding.
Dense, plush coat that is relatively low-maintenance compared to long-haired breeds.	May be reserved or aloof with strangers, taking time to warm up to new people.
Generally healthy and robust, with few breed-specific health concerns when responsibly bred.	A thick coat can shed heavily during seasonal changes, requiring more frequent grooming at those times.
Adaptable to both indoor living and moderate outdoor access, provided they are safe.	Less active than some breeds, which may not suit owners looking for a highly energetic or playful cat.
Not overly vocal, offering companionship without demanding constant attention.	Can be sensitive to extreme heat due to their dense coat, needing a cool environment in summer.

Siberian Forest Cat

The Siberian cat is a natural breed with ancient roots in Russia, dating back over a thousand years. These rugged felines evolved in the forests of Siberia, developing thick coats to survive the harsh, cold climate. They were common in Russian folktales and rural farms, known for their hunting ability and loyalty. Though well-known in their homeland, Siberians only gained international attention in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. The breed was introduced to the United States in 1990 and quickly gained popularity for its beauty, strength, and affectionate personality. Recognised by major cat associations like TICA and CFA, the Siberian is now beloved worldwide for its majestic appearance and warm nature.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Siberian Forest Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Siberians are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent cats that bond closely with their families without being overly clingy.	Their thick coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes, requiring frequent brushing to avoid matting.
They are excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal for multi-pet or family households.	While typically healthy, they can be predisposed to genetic conditions like HCM, necessitating regular veterinary monitoring.
Their majestic coat and expressive eyes give them a striking appearance, yet they require only moderate grooming.	They are intelligent and active, which means they need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom-related mischief.
They are playful, agile, and enjoy interactive toys and games, making them entertaining companions.	Their size and agility mean they may jump onto high surfaces or open cabinets, requiring cat-proofing at home.
Siberians are known to be less allergenic than other breeds, producing lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein that causes cat allergies.	Though hypoallergenic for some, they are not allergy-free and may still trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

Siamese Cat

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest and most recognisable domestic cat breeds, originating from Thailand (formerly Siam), where they were revered as sacred temple cats. They were first officially introduced to the Western world in the late 19th century when they were gifted to British and American dignitaries. Siamese cats gained popularity for their exotic appearance and outgoing personalities. Traditional Siamese cats had a more rounded body and apple-shaped head, but the modern breed has evolved into a sleeker, more angular form. Known for their striking blue eyes, pointed colouration, and vocal nature, Siamese cats have become beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and engaging personalities, often forming deep bonds with their human companions.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Siamese Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Siamese cats are affectionate, loyal, and deeply bonded to their humans, offering companionship and emotional closeness that many owners cherish.	Siamese cats have a high need for attention and may develop separation anxiety or behavioural problems if left alone for long periods.
Their sleek, short coat is easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming effort, which suits busy households.	Their frequent vocalisations can be loud and persistent, which may not be ideal for quiet households or noise-sensitive individuals.
Intelligent and interactive, they are highly trainable and thrive on engaging activities such as tricks, puzzles, and social play.	Their active minds and bodies require substantial stimulation—without enough play or interaction, they can become bored and destructive.
Social and outgoing, they typically do well in households with children, other cats, or friendly dogs, making them great additions to multi-pet homes.	Some Siamese cats may be prone to hereditary health conditions, particularly related to the eyes, heart, or respiratory system, which require regular monitoring and care.
Their vocal and expressive nature creates a lively and communicative relationship, making them captivating companions for those who enjoy a talkative pet.	Their slim, fine coat offers little insulation, making them more sensitive to cold temperatures and requiring a warm environment year-round.

Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan cat was developed through a cross between the Persian and Siamese breeds, combining the luxurious coat of the Persian with the colour-point pattern of the Siamese. Breeding efforts began in the 1930s in the U.S. and U.K., but the breed was formally established in the 1950s. In the United States, the Himalayan is often recognised as a distinct breed, while some cat associations consider it a variety of the Persian due to shared lineage. The breed’s name is inspired by the Himalayan rabbit, which also features a pointed colour pattern. Himalayans quickly gained popularity for their plush coats, striking blue eyes, and calm, affectionate personalities.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Himalayan Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Himalayans are calm, affectionate, and loyal companions who enjoy cuddling and staying close to their human family.	Daily grooming is required to keep their coat mat-free and healthy, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Their striking appearance, with blue eyes and luxurious, pointed coats, makes them one of the most visually captivating breeds.	Their flat face may lead to health issues like respiratory problems, eye drainage, and dental misalignment.
They are generally quiet and gentle, fitting well in low-stress households and ideal for people who prefer a serene, indoor pet.	They are not highly active or independent and may become bored or overweight without regular interaction and moderate play.
Though playful, they aren’t overly demanding, making them great for families, seniors, or singles looking for a low-key feline friend.	Due to their laid-back temperament, they are best suited to calm environments and may be stressed by loud noises or frequent change.
When socialised well, they are friendly and tolerant of other pets and children who treat them gently and respectfully.	As a primarily indoor breed, they require an enriched home environment with toys and human attention to remain happy and stimulated.

Bombay Cat

The Bombay Cat is a sleek, medium-sized breed developed in the United States during the 1950s by crossing a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the striking appearance of a miniature black panther—shiny jet-black coat, copper or gold eyes, and a muscular yet elegant build. Recognised by major cat associations in the late 20th century, the Bombay quickly gained admiration for its affectionate personality and striking looks. Known for being social, intelligent, and adaptable, Bombays thrive in interactive households where they can be an active part of family life.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Bombay Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Affectionate and people-oriented, they often form strong bonds with their families.	Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Sleek, short coat that requires minimal grooming and sheds lightly.	Requires regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
Intelligent and quick to learn commands, tricks, and routines.	May be vocal and demanding of attention, which might not suit quieter households.
Adaptable to a variety of home environments, including apartments.	Some individuals may be predisposed to health concerns like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Generally gets along well with children and other pets when socialised early.	Their strong attachment to people means they may struggle with frequent changes in routine or environment.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a large, affectionate cat breed developed in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker in Riverside, California. It originated from a white domestic longhaired cat named Josephine, whose unusually docile and relaxed temperament inspired selective breeding. By crossing Josephine’s offspring with breeds like the Birman and Persian, Baker established the foundation of the Ragdoll’s gentle nature and striking appearance. Known for their tendency to go limp when picked up—hence the name "Ragdoll"—these cats are loved for their calm demeanour, blue eyes, and semi-long silky coats. Ragdolls are often described as “puppy-like” due to their tendency to follow their owners around and their friendly, easygoing temperament.

For a more detailed view, check out our cat wiki page for the Ragdoll Cat.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Ragdolls are affectionate, gentle, and calm cats that form strong, loyal bonds with their families and enjoy close companionship, making them ideal for homes with children and seniors.	Their dependence on human interaction makes them prone to loneliness or separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Their relaxed temperament and tolerance of handling make them easy to care for and excellent for first-time cat owners or quieter households.	Ragdolls are less street-smart and better suited to indoor living; they can be vulnerable outdoors due to their trusting, non-territorial nature.
The Ragdoll’s plush, semi-long coat is surprisingly low-maintenance and sheds minimally compared to other long-haired breeds.	Although generally healthy, they may be genetically predisposed to certain conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, requiring regular veterinary checkups.
They are sociable and friendly, typically getting along well with other pets and adapting easily to multi-pet households.	Their large size makes them slower to mature physically and mentally, sometimes requiring more patience during kittenhood.
Their soft voices and easygoing demeanour create a peaceful presence, bringing warmth and companionship without demanding constant attention.	Because of their calm personality, they may not be as motivated to engage in active play or exercise without encouragement, which can lead to weight gain if not managed.