There are 73 breeds of cats recognised by The International Cat Association for but the number of breeds change when there is crossbreeding. Of those, there are many from the UK itself. After all with 10.2m owned cats in the country, it’s truly a nation of cat loving people.
There are many cat breeds that are from the UK originally and some were crossbred and developed here. Some of them have exotic names and you would be surprised to know that they are from the UK.
According to charity Cats Protection, 70% of domestic cats are moggies and only 24% are pedigree breeds. If you are looking for a pedigree breed, there are nine British and English breeds of cats that can make great pets.
If you are looking to get a cat, and are especially interested in ones with a British pedigree, you can consider these breeds :
5. British Shorthair
The British shorthair has been in existence for hundreds of years and is one of the most common breeds in the UK. They are sweet and affectionate and make for great indoor pets. They come in many colours and coat patterns. It’s easy to find one of them in any animal charity. (Photo - pexels/i̇sra-nilgün-özkan) | pexels/i̇sra-nilgün-özkan
6. Oriental
While the name may suggest that it is an exotic cat, the Oriental breed is actually British. Their ancestors include the Siamese cats. They are lean, medium sized, and lithe. These are active cats and would want access to the outside since they are high energy. (Photo - Pexels/Krista) | Pexels/Krista
7. Devon Rex Kitten
These large-eared cats are likely to make you think that they are aliens but fear not, they are only felines in need of understanding humans. They are social, curious, and lively. An active home with children might be perfect for them. Pets WebMD says they would need regular activity to not get bored. (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
8. Havana Brown
This breed was developed by crossbreeding the Siamese and a shorthaired black cat in England. The Havana Brown has a luxurious and chocolatey coat. They are active and would need access to the outside. They also like to laze around and cuddle making them great for families. (Photo - Dave Scelfo) | Dave Scelfo