REVEALED: The UK's favourite cat breeds
It's clear that we're a nation of cat lovers, with a quarter of households owning a cat here in the UK!
There are so many breeds of cats out there, each with their own unique features and personalities. In fact, The International Cat Association recognises 71 breeds in total. But, which of the 71 breeds is our favourite?
Feline experts, Catit have researched which cat breeds are the most popular in the UK by city and country to find the nation's favourite.
Our data revealed that the Ragdoll is the most popular breed across the whole of the UK, and we're certainly not surprised. A favourite in 60 cities, these cats are characterised by their soft, fluffy coats and bright blue eyes. But they're not just beautiful, they're also incredibly gentle, quiet, and often playful. Their mild manners make them perfect family cats and apartment cats, which is possibly why Ragdolls are the most searched-for breed in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Coming in second was the Maine Coon, the largest domesticated cat breed around. Despite their size, Maine Coon cats are gentle giants and are favoured for their affectionate and playful nature. It's no surprise that this large breed was one of the top three most searched-for breeds in 49 cities.
In third place is the Bengal. With its striking markings, this breed almost looks like a miniature leopard. They're very lively and curious but can be incredibly affectionate too, which makes them good family cats. One particular thing to note about this breed is their unusual love for the water, and they'll often enjoy playing in water fountains, under taps, and may even join you in the bath!
Favourite breed by UK country
Ragdolls and Maine Coons are a firm favourite across the UK, coming in first and second respectively in all four countries. Bengals were also in the top three in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, the similarities end there. Both Bengals and British Shorthairs came in at a joint third in Wales, while England showed a joint preference for both the British Shorthair and talkative Siamese cats.
In fact, British Shorthairs are one of the first cat breeds ever recorded in Britain, having been brought over by Roman soldiers during the Roman invasion. With its rounded features and soft plush coat, both England and Wales are in love with this endearing breed.
In light of the results, Paul Trott from Catit said:
"Ragdoll cats are beautiful, calm, and affectionate, so we're certainly not shocked to see that it's the nation's favourite breed. It's also not too surprising to see the Maine Coon and Bengal cat up there as well. These are both breeds that are famous for their unusual features, whether that's their size or their markings.
"That being said, it's important not to choose a breed simply because it's popular or looks pretty. Each breed has its own distinctive features and personality. Some are very energetic and playful, while others are calm and independent. So, we'd always advise doing your research before welcoming a new friend into the family.
"Different breeds require more time and care than others too, so budgeting for toys, food, and grooming should be a consideration. For example, large energetic breeds like the Maine Coon will need more attention and larger food portions, which can make their care more expensive than smaller, calmer breeds like the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, or Siamese cat."
Catit's expert tips for choosing the right breed
While these are some of the UK's favourite breeds, there are so many other fantastic breeds out there. If you're thinking of sharing your home with a new feline friend, you may be wondering which breed is right for you. There are a few things you'll want to bear in mind when finding your perfect cat:
Indoor vs outdoor
You'll first need to consider whether your cat will live mostly indoors or outdoors (or both). Some cats, like Ragdolls, Sphynx cats, and Scottish Folds, are better suited to indoor life, while some prefer the freedom of being outside — Bengal, Maine Coon, and Norwegian Forest cats love being outdoors.
Independence
Some cats are much more independent than others, so you'll want to keep this in mind while choosing the right breed for your home. If you have a busy lifestyle and will be out of the house most days, you'll want to choose a breed that can be left alone. Russian Blues and Persians are highly independent, so are perfect for busy households.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a cat that will offer plenty of companionship, you may want to look at cuddly breeds like a Ragdoll, Siamese cat, or Sphynx cat.
Energy
The average cat needs around 20 minutes of playtime each day, but this may be more for particularly energetic breeds (PDSA). Whether you look for a playful cat or a more placid breed is entirely down to preference. High-energy breeds like Abyssinian, Sphynx, Bengal, and Burmese cats are very playful and will need plenty of enrichment and toys to keep them happy. In contrast, British Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, and Russian Blues tend to be much calmer — perfect for quiet households and flats.
Grooming
While shorthair cats usually only need brushing once a month, those with longer coats need more frequent grooming sessions. The longer the coat, the more often your cat will need grooming — sometimes even daily for longhaired breeds — so consider how much time you can commit to grooming sessions. Different breeds also require different grooming methods, which is something else to bear in mind.
Allergies
If you're a cat lover who's allergic to felines, fear not! There are a number of 'hypoallergenic' cat breeds out there that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Hairless and very shorthaired breeds, like the Sphynx and Cornish Rex, are often best for those with allergies, as they have very minimal (if any) shedding. Other low-shedding cat breeds include Siberian cats, Russian Blues, and Bengal cats.
