Cats have become beloved pets in Germany, with certain breeds rising to the top of popularity charts.
German cat lovers tend to favor breeds that combine beauty with distinct personality traits suited to their lifestyle.
The Maine Coon currently ranks as the most popular cat breed in Germany for 2025, followed by Norwegian Forest Cats and Bengals, with their impressive size and striking appearance appealing to German pet owners.
While Germany has its own native cat breed – the rare German Rex with its distinctive wavy coat – most German households prefer international breeds.
These popular cats range from the large, fluffy Maine Coon to the sleek, vocal Siamese, each bringing unique characteristics to German homes.
The popularity of certain breeds reflects German values of companionship and quality.
The top choices include both active breeds for families and more relaxed cats for apartment living.
British Shorthairs and Ragdolls round out the top list, showing that German cat enthusiasts appreciate a range of feline temperaments and appearances.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon ranks as the second most popular cat breed in Germany, capturing 6.9% of the cat-loving population according to recent statistics.
These gentle giants are beloved for their distinctive appearance and friendly personalities.
Maine Coons are known for their impressive size. They have a large, muscular body with a rectangular frame that gives them an athletic build.
Their sturdy physique makes them stand out among other domestic cats.
These cats didn’t become popular in Germany overnight. The first German Maine Coon breeders began establishing catteries in the mid-1990s, helping to introduce these magnificent felines to German households.
What makes Maine Coons so appealing to German cat enthusiasts?
Their characteristics include:
- Friendly, sociable temperament
- Dog-like loyalty
- Playful nature even into adulthood
- Adaptability to family life
German breeders like Cattery von Zumbusch focus on developing Maine Coons with balanced personalities and the social traits the breed is famous for.
Some German cat lovers opt for Maine Coon mixes rather than purebreds.
These crosses often retain the beloved Maine Coon traits while introducing genetic diversity.
Their tufted ears, bushy tails, and majestic ruffs around their necks give Maine Coons a wild, yet approachable appearance that many Germans find irresistible.
Their ability to adapt to various living situations makes them suitable for both urban and rural German homes.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is currently the most popular pedigree cat breed in the UK and has gained significant popularity in Germany as well.
These cats are instantly recognizable by their round faces, dense coat, and stocky build.
With their plush, dense fur and chubby cheeks, British Shorthairs have a distinctive teddy bear appearance.
The most common color is blue (gray), but they come in many varieties including chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, and tortie, as bred by some German catteries.
Temperament Traits:
- Gentle and calm disposition
- Independent yet affectionate
- Not typically vocal (soft-spoken)
- Patient with children and other pets
British Shorthairs are known for their easygoing nature. They enjoy company but aren’t demanding of attention, making them perfect for busy households or apartment living in German cities.
These cats have impressive longevity, often living 14-20 years when properly cared for.
They require minimal grooming despite their thick coat, needing just weekly brushing to remove loose hair.
The breed has a rich history, being one of the oldest cat breeds and among the first exhibited at organized cat shows.
Their popularity in Germany continues to grow, with several dedicated breeders like Crystal Flames Cattery producing top-quality kittens.
British Shorthairs are notably expressive in both voice and behavior, though they tend to be quiet compared to other breeds.
They’re intelligent cats that enjoy interactive toys but generally prefer less energetic play than some other breeds.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat has become increasingly popular in Germany due to its gentle temperament and striking appearance. These cats are known for their striking blue eyes and silky semi-longhair coat.
Ragdolls are large, muscular cats with a distinctive colorpoint coat pattern. They typically weigh between 4.5-9 kg (10-20 pounds), making them one of the larger domestic cat breeds.
Physical Characteristics:
- Large, muscular body
- Semi-long, silky soft coat
- Striking blue eyes
- Colorpoint pattern (darker extremities)
What makes Ragdolls particularly beloved in German households is their calm and patient nature. They tend to be relaxed and enjoy being handled, often going limp when picked up – which is how they got their name!
These cats are highly social and form strong bonds with their owners. Unlike some more independent cat breeds, Ragdolls typically follow their humans around the house and prefer company to solitude.
Health-wise, potential Ragdoll owners in Germany should be aware that the breed has some genetic predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that requires monitoring.
Ragdolls adapt well to apartment living, which makes them suitable for urban German households. Their gentle demeanor also makes them excellent companions for families with children and other pets.
Persian
Persian cats are among the most popular cat breeds in Germany. Known for their luxurious, long coats and distinctive flat faces, these felines have won the hearts of many German cat enthusiasts.
In Germany, Persian cats are often called “Perser” and come in two main varieties: extreme face and traditional (doll face). The doll face Persians, which have a less flattened facial structure, can be found in Germany by searching for “Perser mit Näschen”.
Popularity Factors:
- Gentle, calm temperament
- Elegant appearance
- Suitability for indoor living
- Low energy requirements
Persian cats require significant grooming attention due to their long, thick coats. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and hairballs.
While Persians aren’t the number one breed in Germany (that honor goes to the Maine Coon), they consistently rank among the top choices for German families seeking a relaxed companion.
For those interested in adopting a Persian in Europe, many reputable breeders provide kittens with proper documentation, including pedigree certificates and veterinary passports. These documents are especially important when considering a purebred Persian.
Persians thrive in calm environments and make excellent companions for those living in apartments or homes where a quieter, less active cat is desired.
Bengal
Bengal cats are gaining popularity in Germany among cat enthusiasts. These striking felines are known for their wild appearance with spotted or marbled coats that resemble their leopard cat ancestors.
In Germany, Bengals are treated as a standard cat breed, unlike some countries where they face restrictions. This means German cat lovers can own Bengals without special permits or documentation.
Several dedicated Bengal catteries exist in Berlin and throughout the country. These breeders often raise their cats as part of their families, ensuring well-socialized kittens.
German Bengal enthusiasts appreciate these cats for their:
- Playful and energetic nature
- High intelligence
- Distinctive leopard-like markings
- Strong climbing abilities
- Affectionate personality
While not as common as the Maine Coon (Germany’s most popular cat breed), Bengals are steadily growing in popularity. Their active nature suits the German lifestyle, as they require mental stimulation and physical exercise.
German breeders often focus on specific Bengal varieties, including silver Bengals and black tabby spotted patterns. These cats typically come with pedigree certificates, vaccinations, and health documentation.
For those interested in Bengal kittens, various European breeders ship to Germany and other countries. Prices vary based on coat quality, pattern, and lineage, but expect to invest significantly for a well-bred Bengal.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a stunning, strong-boned breed that has gained popularity in Germany. These cats originated in Northern Europe and have adapted perfectly to cold climates.
These felines are larger than average cats, with adult males weighing between 5.5 kg and up. Their robust build makes them similar to Maine Coons and Siberian cats in appearance.
The “Wegie,” as it’s affectionately called, developed naturally in Northern Europe. Their semi-long fur coat is thick and water-resistant, perfect for the harsh Scandinavian winters.
What makes Norwegian Forest Cats stand out among German cat lovers?
Physical Characteristics:
- Thick, water-resistant double coat
- Tufted ears and lynx-like appearance
- Strong bone structure
- Bushy tail
- Variety of colors and patterns
Temperament:
- Friendly and sociable
- Patient with children
- Independent yet affectionate
- Intelligent and playful
German families appreciate these cats for their friendly nature. They adapt well to family life while maintaining their independent spirit.
Though not originally from Germany, these cats have become beloved pets across Europe. They’re especially popular in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and France, with Germany joining the list of countries where these majestic cats are cherished.
Siamese
Siamese cats have gained popularity in Germany for their striking appearance and engaging personalities. These cats are known for their sleek short coat and distinctive color points, making them instantly recognizable.
German breeders often focus on the “old-style” Siamese, which has a more moderate body type compared to the extremely slender modern show Siamese. One notable German breeder operates under the cattery name vom Blauen Halbmond, specializing in healthy old-style Siamese cats.
The distinctive features of Siamese cats include:
- Striking blue eyes
- Point coloration (darker on ears, face, paws, and tail)
- Short, fine coat
- Vocal personality
Siamese cats are extremely social and form strong bonds with their owners. They’re often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty and desire to participate in family activities.
German Siamese enthusiasts appreciate these cats for their intelligence and interactive nature. They’re not the type of cat to hide away—they want to be involved in everything their humans do!
Temperature in Germany doesn’t affect their coat coloration, as Siamese color points are determined by temperature-sensitive enzymes that create darker fur in cooler areas of the body.
Despite some confusion about their origins, Siamese cats are originally from Thailand (formerly Siam), not Germany. However, German breeders have contributed significantly to preserving traditional Siamese characteristics that cat lovers admire.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a distinctive cat breed known for its unique folded ears caused by a natural genetic mutation. These cats have a sweet, rounded face that gives them an owl-like appearance that many find endearing.
Despite their popularity, Scottish Folds face significant health concerns. The genetic mutation that creates their signature folded ears is associated with osteochondrodysplasia, a painful bone and cartilage condition that affects all Scottish Folds to varying degrees.
Due to these health concerns, the breed is actually banned in parts of Europe, including Germany. Many ethical breeders and animal welfare organizations discourage breeding these cats because of the inherent health issues.
Scottish Folds typically have these characteristics:
- Medium-sized bodies weighing between 2.5-6 kilograms
- Lifespan of 11-15 years
- Gentle, calm temperament
- Various coat colors and patterns
Many people are attracted to Scottish Folds without knowing about their health problems. All cats with folded ears have some degree of bone deformity, though not all will experience pain from it.
For those interested in the Scottish Fold appearance without the health issues, the British Shorthair offers a similar look with the same round face and stocky build, but without the problematic ear-folding gene.
Sphynx
The Sphynx cat, known for its distinctive hairless appearance, has a complicated status in Germany. Unlike many popular cat breeds, the Sphynx faces significant legal restrictions in the country.
In Germany, Sphynx cats are considered a “torture breed” due to their lack of fur and whiskers (tactile hairs). German animal welfare laws take a strong stance against breeding animals with features that might cause suffering.
The breeding of Sphynx cats is prohibited in Germany under animal protection regulations. These laws aim to prevent the continuation of genetic traits that might compromise an animal’s well-being.
German and Austrian legislation makes it illegal to import, sell, or breed these hairless felines. This position stems from concerns about potential health issues related to their lack of protective fur.
Despite these restrictions, the Sphynx breed remains popular in other parts of Europe. Breeders in North America and Europe have spent more than thirty years developing the breed through selective breeding.
The Sphynx is known for its:
- Extremely affectionate nature
- Strong bonds with human companions
- Distinctive appearance
- Social personality
While some European breeders continue to produce Sphynx kittens for international markets, Germans interested in this breed must be aware of the legal implications before considering ownership.
European Shorthair
The European Shorthair is often considered the original “house cat” in many German homes. These cats have earned their place as one of Germany’s favorite feline companions due to their balanced temperament and adaptability.
They are especially popular throughout Scandinavia and Germany, where their practical nature and charming personalities make them ideal family pets. You might spot these cats lounging in flowerbeds on sunny German afternoons.
European Shorthairs have a robust, medium-sized build with strong muscles and a broad chest. Their coat is short, dense, and comes in various colors and patterns, making each cat uniquely beautiful.
Breed Standard Highlights:
- Head: Round with full cheeks
- Eyes: Round, expressive, and often match coat color
- Body: Medium to large with strong musculature
- Coat: Short, dense, and glossy
- Temperament: Balanced, affectionate, independent
These cats are known for their excellent hunting abilities, making them both practical and affectionate companions. They maintain a healthy balance between seeking attention and enjoying independence.
European Shorthairs are generally healthy with few breed-specific issues. Their lifespan typically ranges from 15-20 years when properly cared for.
Despite their popularity across Europe, these cats remain somewhat less recognized internationally compared to other breeds. In Germany, they’re valued for their adaptability to both apartment living and homes with gardens.
