Korat. Gino Santa Maria / Shutterstock.com
Many of our most popular cat breeds trace their roots back to Asia in one way or another. Some breeds developed naturally in Asian countries, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and Myanmar. Others were created in different countries but with cats that have Asian blood. These stunning cats come in many different coat lengths, colors, and body types. Let’s meet the most popular Asian cat breeds.
#1 Bengal
Bengal cats make for loyal companions. Svetlana Rey / Shutterstock.com
The Bengal was developed in the United States, but breeders used an Asian wildcat species, the Asian leopard cat, to give the Bengal its distinctive wild appearance. Other breeds that went into the Bengal cat’s development include the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese, Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, and domestic shorthair cats. Bengals are very energetic cats: curious adventure-seekers who love to climb, play, and explore.
#2 Birman
Birmans are friendly, sociable and loving. Borkin Vadim / Shutterstock.com
The Birman cat is from Myanmar (formerly Burma) in Southeast Asia. Although the origin of these social cats is somewhat of a mystery, according to legend, Birman cats were bred by priests in Burmese temples, where they were considered sacred. The cats are said to have been gifted their trademark golden fur, blue eyes, and white paws from the goddess Tsun-Kyan-Kse. Birman cats are gentle, loving, and affectionate cats. They make terrific companions, as they get along great with people of all ages, including respectful kids.
#3 Burmese
Burmese cat with an alert gaze. Nils Jacobi / Shutterstock.com
Although the Burmese was developed in the United States, the foundation for the breed was a small female cat named Wong Mau from Burma (today, Myanmar). Dr. Joseph Thompson brought the walnut brown cat back with him to San Francisco after a trip to Burma and used her in a breeding program that eventually gave us the Burmese. These sweet felines are both energetic and cuddly, and make wonderful family pets.
#4 Himalayan
These blue-cream cats have silky-soft coats. Dorottya Mathe / Shutterstock.com
Although the Himalayan cat was developed in the United States, it was created using two Asian breeds: the Siamese and the Persian cat. Himalayans look just like Persians in every way other than their coat pattern. They are colorpointed like the Siamese, with a lighter body and darker points of color on the head, legs, and tail. Himalayans are laid-back, cuddly lap cats that love to give affection.
#5 Japanese Bobtail
The ancestry of the Japanese Bobtail evolved away from human influence. dien / Shutterstock.com
The Japanese Bobtail developed naturally in Japan without human influence. They have a rich ancestry, appearing in Japanese art dating back to the 6th century. In Japan, these cats were prized as great rat catchers. The breed is bobtailed—the short tail is the result of a genetic mutation. Japanese Bobtails come in many different colors and patterns, but the mi-ke pattern (white, black, and red) is considered good luck and highly sought after. Japanese Bobtails are extremely friendly and outgoing cats.
#6 Korat
The Korat is one of Asia’s short hair varieties. Nynke van Holten / Shutterstock.com
The Korat originated in Thailand, where it has existed for hundreds of years. The breed, known as the Si Sawat in its native country, appears in an ancient Thai manuscript called the Tamra Maew (Cat-Book Poems), which includes other ancient cat breeds from Thailand, including the Siamese and the Khao Manee. The Korat’s short coat is a gorgeous silver-tipped blue. These cats are very people-oriented, preferring to be involved in everything you do which makes for extremely loyal companions.
#7 Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthair displaying the tabby pattern. VittoriaChe / Shutterstock.com
Although considered a specific breed, the Oriental Shorthair is essentially a Siamese cat that comes in colors and patterns other than the traditional pointed pattern of the Siamese. Although the Oriental Shorthair was developed through separate efforts in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is considered an Asian cat breed through its ancestor the Siamese. Oriental Shorthairs look and act just like Siamese, but come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. They are talkative, athletic, and very loving.
#8 Persian
Friendly and affectionate, Persians make for wonderful lap cats. Linn Currie / Shutterstock.com
The Persian cat comes from Iran (formerly called Persia), which spans both the Middle East and Asia. Persians are one of the oldest cat breeds—these beautiful cats were brought to Europe in the 1600s, but likely existed in Iran long before that time. The Persian cat’s hallmark features are its long, flowing coat and round, pushed-in face.
Persians are one of the gentlest and calmest cat breeds. They are fairly sedentary cats, perfectly happy to lounge around the house, warm your lap, and bestow you with snuggles.
#9 Siamese
Siamese cats have bags of personality and get up to plenty of antics! vivver / Shutterstock.com
The Siamese comes from Thailand, where it has existed for hundreds of years. It is one of the breeds that appears in 14th century Tamra Maew (Cat-Book Poems). Siamese are the original color-pointed breed. This pattern features a lighter-colored body with darker points of color on the head, legs, and tail.
The Western world instantly fell in love with the breed when a pair of Siamese were brought to England in 1880. The very vocal Siamese is an extremely engaging pet. Described as dog-like, they will follow you all over the house, greet you at the door when you come home, and crawl into your lap for cuddles and hugs.
#10 Singapura
The Singapura cat is known for its curiosity. Dany Store / Shutterstock.com
The Singapura cat was developed in Singapore, an island city-state in Southeast Asia. This beautiful cat breed came about when a U.S. geophysicist working in Southeast Asia in the 1970s sent some local ticked tabby cats home to his wife who began breeding them. The couple later relocated to Singapore, bringing descendants of the ticked cats and their Burmese cats with them. They eventually returned to the United States, where they worked to establish a new breed, the Singapura. The Singapura cat is active, extremely curious, and very social.
#11 Turkish Angora
The true origin of the beautiful Turkish Angora is unknown. Nynke van Holten / Shutterstock.com
The Turkish Angora developed naturally in Turkey, which is considered part of Asia. No one knows exactly how old the Turkish Angora breed is, but these cats were brought to France in the 1500s, and it was one of the earliest breeds exhibited in European cat shows in the late 1800s. The Turkish Angora’s trademark feature is its soft, silky, semi-long coat that does not tend to mat. Turkish Angoras are usually pure white, though other colors are acceptable. They are very affectionate and known to get up to some good-natured mischief.
#12 Turkish Van
The ‘van’ marking makes these cats very distinctive. Nynke van Holten / Shutterstock.com
The Turkish Van is also from Turkey, and like the Turkish Angora, the breed has existed for centuries, though in fewer numbers. Two British photographers traveling in Turkey were gifted a male kitten and a female kitten; they took the kittens back to England, introducing them to the Western world.
Turkish Van cats are white with colored markings on the head and tail (a pattern that is called “van”). They have a semi-long, silky coat with no undercoat. Turkish Vans bond closely with their people and need a lot of attention.
