Close up picture of Asian Cat with green eyes.

Asian Cat | History, Traits, and Care

The Asian Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?


The Asian cat is a medium-sized breed with a long, lean build. Males are more solid and muscular, while females are often described as dainty. They have a moderate wedge shaped head, medium-sized ears, and large eyes. Their short, fine coat lies close to the skin, giving them a unique and beautiful appearance, especially when in solid colors, as it looks almost like the cat has been painted in watercolors. The coat can also come in tabby patterns or with white.


Quick facts



  • Life Span  15 years.
  • Average Weight   3.5kg to 5.5kg
  • Colours   Their coats come in a diverse array of colors and patterns.


Essential Information



  1. Ideal for first-time cat owners
  2. Requires high levels of enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play
  3. Playful and curious by nature
  4. Independent yet friendly
  5. Moderately vocal
  6. Lean and elegant build
  7. Needs weekly grooming
  8. Benefits from both indoor and outdoor space
  9. Excellent family pet
  10. Can be left alone for extended periods
  11. Perfect for a relaxed home environment


Asian Cat Breed Health


The Asian cat breed may be susceptible to several health conditions:


  • Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, leading to weakness.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited disorder where cysts form in the kidneys, affecting their function and potentially leading to kidney failure. It's important to note that the risk for this disease in Asian cats is lower compared to other breeds prone to this condition.
  • Burmese Head Defect: A condition where the face and skull do not develop correctly.

Testing available:


  • DNA testing for hypokalemia, polycystic kidney disease, and Burmese head defect to determine whether a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.


Personality of the Asian Cat.


Outgoing, friendly, and lively, the Asian cat breed is very much a 'people' cat. The Asian cat gets along well with other cats and household pets if raised together. This breed Asian cats are entertaining to play with and are talkative without being too loud, often chatting with owners when spoken to directly. They have medium-length coats that come in various colors, including blue and chocolate. In a calm or relaxed environment, they are easy-going companions. However, they are sensitive to stress, and in multi-cat households, this can lead to behavior problems such as fighting, marking, and inappropriate toileting.


Breed Rating



  • Family friendly  5/5
  • Playfulness  3/5
  • Intelligence  4/5
  • Likes Other Pets  4/5
  • Grooming needs  3/5
  • Shedding  2/5


History and Origins


The Asian cat is the result of an accidental mating between a Lilac-colored Burmese queen and a Chinchilla Persian male in the UK in the early 1980s. The resulting kittens were so attractive that it was decided to develop this crossing into a new breed in its own right. Effectively, the Asian cat has the body type of a Burmese but with a coat that comes in various colors and both short hair (Asian) and semi-long hair (Tiffanie) varieties. By 2003, all varieties of the Asian cat received GCCF Championship status.


Outdoors or Indoors


The Asian cat will enjoy some outdoor space, but their fine coat is not well-suited to wet, cold, or windy conditions. A secure and sheltered cat run with free access to the main house will be greatly appreciated. This is not a cat to be given unsupervised access to the outdoors, as their curious and bold nature can easily get them into trouble and they are at a high risk of theft.


Enrichment and Special Requirements


Easily entertained and enjoying play and interaction with their owners, the Asian cat breed will delight in playing games with 'things on strings,' balls, and toys that can be fetched and carried. They also enjoy climbing cat-trees and generally helping to supervise human activity. Providing them with food dispensing toys that help recreate hunting and prey capture behaviors can enrich their daily routine.


Nutrition and Feeding


While every Asian cat is unique, each has its own particular likes, dislikes, and nutritional needs. However, cats are carnivores and must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in its diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations include feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preferences regarding wet or dry food recipes.


Grooming Asian Cat


Groom your Asian cat's coat once a week as an opportunity to bond and maintain healthy skin, as this breed is not prone to matting or tangling. A greasy coat may indicate that your cat is not self-grooming adequately, which could signal poor health.

As with all cats, it's important to ensure regular vaccination and parasite control.


Family Life Compatibility


The Asian cat can make an excellent addition to your family, particularly in households with children who are old enough to respect a cat’s space and handle them sensitively. These cats thrive best in environments where people are present for most of the day, ideally in quiet or relaxed homes with minimal hustle and bustle.


Consider dedicating time each day to play and interact with your Asian cat to ensure they receive the exercise and mental stimulation they need. Providing them with attention and companionship will not only strengthen your bond but also contribute to their overall well-being and happiness. With proper care and attention, the Asian cat can become a cherished member of your family for years to come.


Kelly with her cat Mary Poppins.

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.



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