Asian Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

2.5-6.8 kg

Length

20-38.1 cm

Lifespan

15-20 years

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About the Asian Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Asia is the birthplace of a variety of and some of the most beloved and well know kitties on Earth. Nowadays, these Asian cats come from everywhere.

They are as diverse as the cultures of Asia and just as mystical and beautiful. If you’re not sure where to begin in choosing the best breed to welcome into your family, it is highly recommended that you take a look at the Asian cat breeds.

What Is the History & Origin of the Asian Cat?

Throughout Asia, cats have always been a part of the human experience. From the Far East to the Middle East to the South East of Asia, felines have always been a part of society, community, and in some cases, governance. Feline remains dating to 3500 BC have been found in China.

What Is an Asian Cat Breed?

The Asian cat breed is any breed that originates from Asia. Numerous individual breeds fall under this category:

Burmese cat
Korat cats
Persian cats
Bengal
Japanese Bobtail
Turkish Angora
Raas
Thai Cat
Jungle Cat
Dragon Li cats (the unofficial national cat of China)
Oriental Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair
African Wildcat
Chinese Mountain Cat
Fox Flower Cat
Tonkinese
Singapura
Birman
Balinese
Himalayan

Not all of these are domestic cats, and nearly a third are of a naturally occurring breed. Some are among the most popular cat breeds in the world. For example, the Siamese cat is loved and known everywhere thanks to the fact that it is a beautiful feline with those iconic bright blue eyes and silky coat. Others have rare blue coats.

Some have Asian ancestry, but the modern bloodline has diverged greatly, like the Burmese cat. The Burmese cats of today are all descendants of a cat named Wong Mau that was brought to the US around the time of World War II.

Who Is an Asian Cat Best For?

It depends upon the specific breed. Librarians should probably avoid Siamese and Burmese breeds. All will do very well with families and even with other animals. Some require more space and exercise than others. Some require more grooming care than others.

What Does an Asian Cat Look Like?

There is a lot of variation in their coat colour and pattern, as well as the shape of their ears and their tails. A rounded head with pointed ears is typical. Most have big ears. Some are very athletic and strong. The Abyssinian cat is a muscular cat. Others are very proud of their fluff and chonkiness, such as the Himalayan.

Due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation, the Japanese bobtail doesn’t have a tail. It looks more like a rabbit’s than a cat’s tail.

Coat

There is a lot of diversity amongst the Asian breeds. Some have very fluffy coats, while some have a short coat, and yet others (like the Sphynx) do not have any hair at all. Some, like the Himalayan and Burmese cat breeds, have very silky coats, which is why they are great for shows.

Colours

Asian cat breeds come in an assortment of colours.

The most common are:

Chocolate
Cream
Blue

But some breeds, like the Oriental Shorthair, can come in as many as 300 different colour variations.

Patterns

This is also very unique to each breed. Some have a solid colour coat, while others have tabby patterns.

Asian Cat Grooming & Shedding

There is no universal shedding or grooming index for all of these kitties. Some, like the Sphynx, don’t have any hair. While others, like the Himilayan, are nothing but a big hairball.

How Do Asian Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Most Asian cat breeds are extremely affectionate, social, talkative, and easy to get along with. They tend to be easy to live with and do very well with other pets. Though bear in mind that some do demand individual attention.

A Siamese cat is probably the most popular on this list to have as a pet. And the reason is obvious. They are gorgeous and a bit of an elite breed. They were once considered royalty in Thailand, which was originally called Siam, thus Siamese cat. To this very day, they have not forgotten this.

They are very devoted to their families and are highly intelligent and trainable. In fact, you can train them to play catch. They simply make the most incredible pet.

Living Needs

Many of these breeds are very athletic, active, and need exercise. Most love to climb. So if you would love to save your home, a cat tree is highly recommended for most breeds. With that said, some like to be a bit more independent. They will let you know when it’s time for petting and exactly how many pets you may deliver. This will be enforced.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Asian Cats?

Habits

Most of these breeds are relatively easy to live with. Some prefer to have their own cat bed, while others will simply commandeer the spot they prefer at the moment. There is one specific habit worth mentioning about one specific cat breed; Bengals.

They are thieves. Simply put, they will rob you blind. Do not trust them. Their innocent, cute, and friendly demeanour is all a con job. They love to collect things, especially shiny things like jewellery, and hide them. They are why we say cat burglars.

Activity level

Most are very active. Even if they mellow out as an adult, like the Himalayan, as kittens, they will be energetic.

Vocalness

Most Asian cat breeds are vocal but to various degrees. For example, Siamese cats and Burmese cats are very vocal and love to talk all the time. We mean, all the time. They have nothing to say. Most of its gossip. Nevertheless, you will know about it.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of an Asian Cat?

Breed characteristics vary from one breed standard to the next. The biggest would be the Asian Leopard Cat (the breed from which Bengals originate) in China which can weigh 7.1 kg, be 75 cm long, and reach 41 cm in length.

Height

Some Asians are small, around 20 cm tall (like the Oriental Shorthair), while other breeds can get to be as tall as 38.1 cm (like Siamese cats).

Weight

Smaller breeds can be as little as 2.5 kgs (like Japanese Bobtail and Tonkinese cats), while others can reach 6.8 kgs (like the Thai cat).

Size

Most of these kitties are medium-sized cat breeds, though some do get large.

Are Asian Cats Easy to Train?

Every one of these kitties is intelligent. The ability to train them is more about their degree of independence and, frankly, the fact that they know better than you (or laziness, whichever is more polite).

The easiest to train are:

Abyssinian
Bengal
Japanese Bobtail
Ocicat
Siamese cat

The most difficult breed to train is universally considered to be Korat.

Does the Asian Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Health issues vary dramatically depending upon the breed. Cat breeds, generally speaking, that are considered to have the most health problems are:

Persian cats
Siamese cats
Abyssinian
Himalayan
Exotic Shorthair
Sphynx

Specifically, the Exotic Shorthair has a genetic mutation known as Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) that can lead to kidney failure. So, it’s best to research the health issues by the specific breed you are interested in.

What Is the Lifespan of an Asian Cat?

These breeds tend to live a lot longer than average cat breeds. Most live up to 17 human years or the feline age of 85.

How Much Does an Asian Cat Need to Be Fed?

Feeding these kitties is straightforward and doesn’t vary much regardless of the cat breed. Most are athletic and need good quality protein and low carbohydrate intake. Most love kibble as well as wet food. Hydration is an issue for all, and they should have clean water readily available.

Be careful with food portions and the frequency of feedings. Some, like the Himalayan, can go from kitten to chonk in no time. Always remember, the diet for a purebred cat (as some of these kitties are) is different for others, so if you get your cat from a breeder, always follow their directions.

With that in mind, unlike dogs, cat breeds do not typically have breed-specific feeding requirements. So focus on quality cat food for the proper stage of their lives.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an Asian Cat in Australia?

There will be a tremendous range in the costs for each of these breeds. Some are purebred; others are not. Some are rare; others are not.

For a Siamese kitten, you can expect the price to be between $250 and $800.
A purebred Burmese kitten can reach as high as $1200.
A Bengal kitten ranges between $1000 to $2500 (not including theft insurance).

Asian Cat FAQs

Are Asian cats hypoallergenic?

Many of these breeds are considered to be hypoallergenic. This is primarily because most of the breeds have short hair and do not shed very much nor create much dander. However, this is not universal. Himalayans, for example, have very long hair and are not hypoallergenic.

Are Asian cats friendly?

These breeds tend to be very interactive, chatty, and social. Of course, the term Asian breeds encompass many individual and unique breeds, each with its own tolerances and personalities. But generally speaking, they are friendly.

Do Asian cats get along with dogs?

Most kitties get along with other animals, including dogs. Some breeds, like the Himalayan, do not prefer loud, aggressive or overly playful dogs, but otherwise will be just fine. It’s best to match your pets’ energies. Siamese cats are very energetic and would be better with a more athletic and playful dog.