Natural cat breeds are incredibly popular thanks to the fact that they’ve evolved unfettered by human intervention throughout the years, making them the definition of ‘natural beauties’. They’ve had little to no assistance from breeders, and there are no concerns that come with generations of inbreeding. As a result, natural cats often have fewer health risks associated with them and can even live longer lifetimes.
Natural cats occur all the time in the domestic cat world without us ever knowing. This means that most of the breeds are associated with a specific geographical location, so you’ll find certain natural cats much more popular depending on where you are.
To belong to the natural breed of cat, a feline must ‘breed true’ for traits that define the breed. When they breed with another natural cat with the same biological traits, it’s called ‘true breeding’. However, once a natural cat is bred with a different breed, their offspring is no longer considered a true natural breed.
Natural cats are beautiful and often healthy, and there’s so much variety out there that you can choose from plenty of breeds – long-haired, short-haired, large, small… the possibilities are endless. While we’re not able to look at every natural cat breed today, here are ten of the most popular in Australia right now.
Weight: 3.2 to 7.7 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Temperament:
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The British Short Hair is a simple yet loveable cat that doesn’t require too much attention from their owners. They can be left alone during the day and are more than happy to entertain themselves. They’re not super active, but they still enjoy playtime every now and then with toys, so make sure you have some on hand! British Short Hair cats are super popular so there are plenty outside to continue this natural cat’s lineage. Females tend to be more serious than males, so bear this in mind if you’re hoping for a loveable lapcat.
Weight: 3.6 to 5.4 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
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Japanese Bobtails are beloved by many for their affectionate and sweet nature, and how they love to make new friends with everyone. They’re also incredibly sociable with other cats, often communicating loudly with one another throughout all hours of the day and night. Japanese Bobtails have shorter tails than most other feline friends, and you can often determine whether one is a true natural-bred Bobtail by looking at the length of their tails. Anything longer than a bunny tail suggests that interbreeding has occurred.
Weight: 9 to 10 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
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Maine Coons aren’t only gorgeous, but they’re also often considered one of the biggest domestic cats! Despite their size, there’s no battle for dominance here and they’re more than happy to co-exist with their humans without a fuss. Maine Coons are considerably bigger than many other breeds, which is why they might be such a popular natural breed as other cats can be intimidated by their size. Don’t worry, though, these cats make amazing pets and are even called the ‘clowns of the cat world’ by the Maine Coon cat club.
Weight: 4 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
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Persian Cats are quiet and affectionate, who much prefer a gentle and relaxed environment to a loud home. They’re big believers in respect, so if you give it to them they’ll return it tenfold. They prefer lounging around and looking pretty to exploring, which is probably one of the reasons why they’re still successful natural cats. That, and breeders want to uphold the pedigree symbol for Persian cats to preserve their unique looks and gorgeous long coats. You’ll very rarely find a mixed breed that includes Persian ancestry.
Weight: 3.6 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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Russian Blue cats are so outgoing and friendly that they’re often said to be more like a dog than a cat! They love following their owners and are very affectionate, so expect to have your own little bodyguard when welcoming this breed into your home. Russian Blues are another incredibly popular cat breed that’s often bred specifically for their silver-blue coats and large eyes. Their characteristics make this breed one of the more expensive ones out there, but many owners agree that the price is well worth it for their divine looks and personalities.
Weight: 4 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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Siamese cats are very friendly and social beings at heart, and they’re sometimes considered more outgoing than other felines. They’re very human-orientated and trusting with their owners, so make sure you give them lots of human interaction and attention! They have plenty of energy to burn too, so they’re not the best if you’re out of the house all day. Siamese cats are considered one of the oldest cat breeds in the history books, having been naturally bred in Thailand for centuries.
Weight: 3 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
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The Somali has a huge personality that’ll definitely change your household for the better as soon as you welcome them into your family! They’re loud, large and in charge, and love any attention they can get. They’re also clever enough to demand attention from anyone, and they’re partial to a long game of fetch. They don’t like being left alone for too long either, so make sure they have a friend to keep them company while you’re out of the house. The Somali cat is a long-haired version of the Abyssinian cat, first bred when other long-haired cats were naturally introduced to the Abyssinian.
Weight: 3.2 to 4.5 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
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Turkish Angora cats are extremely intelligent and very sociable, with many cat lovers likening them to dogs. They love humans but will often bond with one person in particular, so if you’re the lucky person who gets your Turkish Angora’s undivided attention, cherish it! They also love playing with a large selection of toys or even household items. This breed was one of the earliest to be domesticated and came from their untamed ancestors. Since then they’ve been naturally bred to keep their unique traits, including their pure white fur and bright eyes.
Weight: 4.5 to 9 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
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The Turkish Van Cat has wild roots, but when domesticated and well-socialised, they’re actually very tolerant of humans. They might even become affectionate once they get used to your home and family! Still, the Turkish Van Cat appreciates plenty of space so we’d recommend creating a safe space in your home for them to go and chill when they need a break. This will make them more willing to reward you with attention and affection once they’re ready to give it. The Turkish Van Cat is thought to have originated from inter-species bonding in Turkey, making it a completely natural breed.
Weight: 4.1 to 6.3 kg
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
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The Chartreux is a very pleasant and amiable cat, but they don’t require undivided attention. This makes them perfect for busy professionals who are out of the house most of the day, but who also want a snuggle buddy to curl up with at the end of the day. Chartreux cats will often approach you when they want attention, usually with a toy in their mouth as they love playing. You might not even see them for hours, but they’ll see you – they’re excellent watch cats. Chartreux cats have Syrian roots, and with how frequently they’ve travelled around Europe, it’s impressive that this breed is still considered pedigree!
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