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Australia’s Top Trending Breeds and Names 2021

Which cat breeds do Aussies love the most and why? To find out, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia has uncovered the latest insights on cat ownership, our favourite cat breeds and temperament types, and the top trending cat names of 2021. If you want to know more about top cat companions for the new year then check out the findings from our bespoke study below.

Over the last few year’s Australians have been spending more time at home than ever before and it’s no surprise that pet ownership has risen dramatically in that time. And when it comes to our feline friends, cats continue to be much-loved family members. Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia analysed Australian search behaviour to find out the top trending cat breeds, characteristics and names right now. The team looked at 163 million Google search volumes to reveal which cat breeds are in high demand, the temperaments we’re most interested in, and whether or not this differed by state or territory. Whether you’re a cat owner yourself, or just a fan of all things cat-related, read on for the latest ‘paw-some’ cat trends and insights.

Top Cat Breeds Australia 

Pandemic-led surge in cat adoption and rescue interest

For many Australians, cats make the perfect companions.

There has been a significant increase in overall pet ownership in Australia, with pets recently providing a source of comfort during a period of greater uncertainty and social isolation. According to Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), 69% of households now own a pet, up from 61% two years ago, and there are an estimated 30.4 million pets across the country. But what does this surge in interest look like when it comes to online searches for a new kitten or cat?

It’s official – we love our cats! In 2021, there were 4.9 million searches for cat adoption, cat rescue and new cats for sale. This represents a year on year (YoY) increase of 5% on 2020, which saw 4.7 million searches for cat adoption, cat rescue and new cats for sale nationally.

Interest in cat ownership increased significantly in April 2020 which saw a huge increase in searches for cat adoption, cat rescue and new cats for sale and was approximately double those in February and March 2020.

Over the last few years many of us longed for the comfort of a new four-legged companion. And for those of us lucky enough to be able to work from home, we had more time and energy to devote to integrating a new pet into the household. According to AMA, 24% of all pet cats in Australia were obtained during the pandemic. Companionship and rescue were the top reasons for getting a cat during this time.1

Our data also revealed that interest in cat adoption and rescue was significantly higher than interest in buying a new cat. In 2021, there were 3.4 million searches for cat adoption or rescue, which is more than double the number of searches for new cats (1.6 million searches). These results correspond to AMA’s findings that the most common methods of obtaining cats are through animal shelters (27%) and friends/family/neighbours’ family (25%). This was followed by breeders (14%), adopting strays (12%), pet shops (9%), vets (6%), other means (5%) and inherited (1%).1

These results show that Australians are an altruistic lot, with many potential owners keen to provide a cat in need with a safe and loving home. There could also be an economic reason for this, as a fostered or adopted cat is likely to be less expensive to obtain than one bought from a pet store or breeder.

1Pets and the pandemic, Animal Medicines Australia

  • National Interest around cat adoption Rise in Google Search Volume this year to date

    Search Interest 2020 2021 YoY%
    Adoption & Rescure 3,342,000 3,386,040 1%
    New 1,361,160 1,550,110 14%
    Total 4,703,160 4,936,150 5%

     

    Rise in searches for dog adoption in Australia 2020
  • Google AU Search Interest in getting a cat
  • Google AU Search Interest for name themes

Australia's top trending cat breeds revealed

There’s no doubt about it – Australians are smitten with kittens and cats! But which breeds are we looking for?

Top 10 trending cat breeds

We analysed Google searches of 73 cat breeds and types (pedigree and mixed) to reveal our top 10  breeds nationally, and by state and territory. All top breeds featured are ‘pedigree registered’ breeds.2

#1 Maine Coon

 

Maine Coon is top trending dog breed in Australia

 

The winner is… the Maine Coon! The Maine Coon took out the #1 spot in search interest nationally, and in every state and territory. In 2021, there were 821,000 searches for Maine Coon, almost double that of the nearest competitor.

 

A large, semi-longhaired cat, the Maine Coon is big-boned with a rugged, muscular appearance. But despite her size, she’s sweet and gentle, and can easily adapt to any environment as long as she has room to exercise.

 

#2 Bengal

 

Bengal is 2nd trending cat breed in Australia

 

The striking Bengal nabbed the #2 position nationally, and in every state and territory except for Victoria. With 434,000 searches to its name, there’s plenty of interest in this breed.

 

The Bengal has the exotic spotted or marbled appearance of a small forest-dwelling wild cat, combined with the domestic cat’s affectionate temperament. Curious and alert, this long, muscular cat needs plenty of room to run, jump and play.

 

#3 Ragdoll

 

Ragdoll is 3rd trending cat breed in Australia

 

An ideal apartment breed, the Ragdoll was Australia’s 3rd most searched for breed, with 397,000 searches.

 

The Ragdoll is a large, easy-to-handle cat, with a plush coat and relaxed nature. It’s her laid-back, tolerant disposition that gives this breed its floppy ragdoll impression. She usually adapts well to change, and gets along with the whole family.

 

#4 British Shorthair

 

British Shorthair is 4th trending cat Breed in Australia

 

In 4th place, the British Shorthair received 350,000 searches nationally in 2021, a YoY increase of 23%.

 

 A 19th century British breed, the British Shorthair is a compact yet powerful cat, with a thick dense coat that becomes thicker in winter. She’s playful and affectionate, making a loyal companion for someone living on their own.

 

#5 Sphynx

 

Sphynx is 5th trending cat Breed in Australia

 

Mid-way through the list is the Sphynx, and at 264,000 searches, his unique looks are clearly appreciated by Aussies.

 

Although she may look completely hairless upon first glance, the Sphynx has a very fine coat similar to peach-fuzz. With an intelligent, lively and amenable nature, the Sphynx is an acrobatic clown that loves to entertain and follow you around the house like a puppy.

 

#6 Persian

 

Persian is the 6th trending cat breed in Australia

 

With 259,000 searches, the elegant Persian comes in at #6.

 

The Persian’s refined looks and soft fur are easily recognisable and well loved. Not known for being an active cat (apart from sudden bursts of kitten-like activity), attention must be paid to the nutritional and exercise needs of this sweet-natured breed.

 

#7 Siamese

 

Siamese is the 7th trending cat breed in Australia

 

With a history going back to 13th century Thai royalty, the Siamese secured 7th place, with 238,000 searches.

 

The Siamese is elegant and slender, with an inquisitive face and piercing blue eyes. She’s an affectionate cat that demands affection and dedication from her parent in equal measure. She can be trained to walk on a lead – as long as she wants to, of course.

 

#8 Norwegian Forest

 

Norwegian Forest is the 8th trending cat Breed in Australia

 

Nabbing 8th spot and 197,000 searches is the Norwegian Forest cat, a hunter at heart who enjoys chasing toys as if they were real prey.

 

The Norwegian Forest cat is a semi-longhaired, strong and muscular cat that originally needed to endure the harsh conditions of Norway’s forest environment. A sweet and loving cat, she thrives on plenty of interaction and praise from her parent.

 

#9 Burmese

 

Burmese is the 9th trending cat breed in Australia

 

Independent and highly intelligent, the Burmese entered 9th place with 191,000 searches.

 

The Burmese has a short, smooth coat, and a stocky, muscular body. An athletic cat that loves to climb and jump, the Burmese tends to become more placid as she gets older, enjoying nothing more than sitting by the window and watching the world go by.

 

#10 Siberian

 

Siberian is the 10th trending cat breed in Australia

 

Rounding out our list of Australia’s top trending cat breeds is the Siberian in 10th spot. This fluffy breed saw a 19% YoY increase, bringing in a total of 132,000 searches across the board.

 

Having to survive Russia’s harsh winters, the Siberian is a strong, medium to medium-large cat, with a long, thick protective coat. She’s an active and playful cat who responds well to games and learning tricks. She loves to be around people, but you’ll often find her perched on the highest of heights, enjoying the view below.

 

Top 25 Trending Cat Breeds in Australia

Ranking Breed Registered Status 2020 2021 YoY%
1 Maine Coon Pedigree Registered Breed 736,000 820,500 11%
2 Bengal Pedigree Registered Breed 439,200 434,200 -1%
3 Ragdoll Pedigree Registered Breed 365,100 397,200 9%
4 British Shorthair Pedigree Registered Breed 284,500 350,300 23%
5 Sphynx Pedigree Registered Breed 256,500 263,900 3%
6 Persian Pedigree Registered Breed 239,200 439,700 84%
7 Siamese Pedigree Registered Breed 231,000 237,700 3%
8 Norwegian Forest Pedigree Registered Breed 184,700 197,400 7%
9 Burmese Pedigree Registered Breed 186,100 190,800 3%
10 Siberian Pedigree Registered Breed 110,500 131,600 19%
11 Devon Rex Pedigree Registered Breed 126,200 123,600 -2%
12 Russian Blue Pedigree Registered Breed 133,400 121,000 -9%
13 Munchkin Pedigree Registered Breed 111,100 99,300 -11%
14 Manx Cat Pedigree Registered Breed 70,800 78,000 10%
15 Havana Brown Not Registered on ANCATS 110,000 67,100 -39%
16 Bombay Pedigree Registered Breed 60,600 66,400 10%
17 Himalayan Not Registered on ANCATS 69,300 66,200 -4%
18 Abyssinian Pedigree Registered Breed 60,000 61,800 3%
19 Birman Pedigree Registered Breed 46,400 60,000 29%
20 Exotic Shorthair Pedigree Registered Breed 60,200 56,000 -7%
21 Oriental Shorthair Pedigree Registered Breed 51,300 50,100 -2%
22 Cornish Rex Pedigree Registered Breed 43,300 48,000 11%
23 Toyger Pedigree Registered Breed 38,000 46,900 23%
24 Chinchilla Not Registered on ANCATS 46,000 45,900 0%
25 Turkish Angora Pedigree Registered Breed 36,400 45,200 24%
2 Australian National Cats Inc, 2021
Top 25 trending dog breeds Australia

Top trending cat breeds by state and territory

Read on to find out which cat breeds take the top spots across our states and territories. Is your four-legged friend included in our list?

The Maine Coon is the favourite in all states and territories

The only breed to achieve a consistent ranking across all states and territories, the Maine Coon was the most searched for cat in 2021. She may be large in size, but her sweet and gentle nature has won over fans around the country.

Interest in the British Shorthair higher in Tasmania than QLD

In Tasmania, the British Shorthair ranked #3 for searches, but dropped to 7th place in QLD. This could be because the breed’s thick, dense coat makes him much more suitable for the cooler climate of Tasmania than the hot temperatures of QLD.

It’s a similar story for the Norwegian Forest cat which ranked #5 in Tasmania, 7th in ACT and 8th or 9th place in the other remaining states. It’s another breed that has a thick, heavy coat that’s better suited to a cooler climate.

Top Trending Cat Breeds by Australian State and Territory

Cat Breed NSW VIC QLD ACT SA WA NT TAS
Maine Coon 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Bengal 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ragdoll 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 4
British Shorthair 4 2 7 4 5 5 6 3
Persian 5 5 6 5 6 7 7 7
Sphynx 6 6 4 6 4 4 3 6
Siamese 7 7 5 9 7 6 5 8
Burmese 8 9 9 8 8 9 8 9
Norwegian Forest 9 8 8 7 9 8 9 5
Siberian 10 10 - 10 - 10 - -
Devon Rex - - 10 - 10 - - 10
Munchkin - - - - - - 10 -
Top Trending Dog breeds by Australian State & Territory

Cat traits and characteristics

We analysed Google search volume of specific characteristics such as fur colour and temperament to find out what Australians think is important in a new furry friend.

Tabby on top, but brown trending higher

The distinctive markings and stripes of a tabby cat are well loved by Australians, with 263,000 searches in 2021, a 17% YoY increase. This was closely followed by black coats, with 219,000 searches. Although cats with brown coats came in at #6 with 72,000 searches in 2021, it had a massive YoY increase of 418%. Solid brown coats tend to be rarer in cats and are often said to be the result of a brown gene variant that reduces the amount of black pigment in the fur. The rarity of this colour may partially explain the surge in interest.

Age is the number one factor

For Australians looking to adopt, rescue or buy a cat, age was the top consideration by a considerable margin, with 787,000 searches relating to the age of the cat (i.e. mature or kitten) in 2021.

This was followed by hair (i.e. lots of hair, long and short coats, no hair) with 292,000 searches. Out of the keywords in this category, ‘hairless cat’ was the highest searched term, with 222,000 searches. The Sphynx, which came in at #5 in our list of top trending cat breeds nationally, is the most well-known (almost) hairless cat.

The 3rd most searched for characteristic was sociability, that is, people looking for cats that will get along with family members, other people and potentially other pets. Keywords such as ‘friendly’, ‘affectionate’, ‘playful’ and ‘social’ ranked highly amongst searches.

Maintenance – the characteristic that ranked lowest on our list, but was still a highly searched for category – experienced the biggest YoY change at 23%. That means that there has been a big increase this year in people looking for cat breeds that are easy to look after, particularly in terms of grooming.

Top Trending Cat Coat Colour

Rank Coat Colour 2020 2021 YoY%
1 Tabby 224,080 262,850 17%
2 Black 187,400 218,660 17%
3 Calico 116,490 147,080 26%
4 Tortoiseshell 122,050 139,130 14%
5 Ginger 98,350 105,080 7%
6 Brown 13,980 72,470 418%
7 White 57,190 61,910 8%
8 Grey 56,140 57,530 2%
9 Pointed 780 900 15%
10 Agouti 400 620 55%

Top Trending Cat Traits

Rank Trait 2020 2021 YoY%
1 Age 770,370 787,090 2%
2 Hair 294,500 292,100 -1%
3 Sociability 27,070 26,440 -2%
4 Neuroticism 13,230 13,810 4%
5 Exercise 12,060 12,010 0%
6 Dominance 3,680 3,780 3%
7 Maintenance 2,370 2,920 23%

Trending cat names

How do you choose the perfect pet name?

Finding the perfect name for your new cat is fun, but can be challenging. You could choose a name to suit his unique personality or looks, or find one that reflects something (or someone) you admire. There’s an overwhelming number of options, so to help inspire you, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia has pulled together a list of the current top trending names.

Much like baby names, pet name trends change each year, and the names we’re loving at the moment are often a reflection of what’s happening in the world around us – from popular culture and celebrities to places and events.

To pull together our list, we analysed search volumes of 404 well-known names and popular cat names in order to reveal Australia’s current trending favourites through a search ‘popularity’ index score based on growth in search and Year-on-Year (YoY) change. We also looked  at categories such as movie/TV, music and food to see what is trending. Although this isn’t a definitive list of what Australians are actually naming their cats, you might be inspired by some of the trends and find just the right name for your new fur baby.

Overall name trends

44% (11 out 25) of the top 25 trending cat names are in reference to Movie/ TV Shows, followed by music, which account for 20% (5 out of 25) and Disney at 16% (4 out 25). 8% are traditional male names and the remaining few name taking top places are female, food & classic.

Top 25 Trending Names in Australia

Overall Rank Name Category 2020 2021 YoY% Index
1 Cruella Disney 40,300 1,098,400 2626% 27.26
2 Olivia Rodrigo Music 165,400 1,625,500 883% 9.83
3 Loki Movie/TV Show 167,400 1,093,700 553% 6.53
4 Shang Chi Movie/TV Show 51,000 324,100 535% 6.35
5 Raya Disney 35,800 196,800 450% 5.50
6 Wanda Movie/TV Show 23,700 102,500 332% 4.32
7 Lady Disney 58,800 248,400 322% 4.22
8 Dominic Toretto Movie/TV Show 26,200 110,400 321% 4.21
9 Agnes Movie/TV Show 28,300 96,600 241% 3.41
10 Lil Nas X Music 182,500 609,900 234% 3.34
11 Glass Animals Music 70,200 220,500 214% 3.14
12 Bucky Barnes Movie/TV Show 48,100 145,000 201% 3.01
13 Sophie Movie/TV Show 61,200 182,800 199% 2.99
14 Dodger Disney 53,700 142,800 166% 2.66
15 Sza Music 86,400 227,000 163% 2.63
16 Dababy Music 296,300 752,600 154% 2.54
17 Mimi Female 73,200 179,500 145% 2.45
18 Diana Movie/TV Show 76,500 172,300 125% 2.25
19 Coffee Food 2,751,000 6,166,000 124% 2.24
20 Wonder Woman Movie/TV Show 630,000 1,237,500 96% 1.96
21 King Kong Movie/TV Show 180,200 342,300 90% 1.90
22 Felix Male 105,300 191,400 82% 1.82
23 Joey Male 81,500 144,900 78% 1.78
24 Pepper Classic 172,200 305,500 77% 1.77
25 Vision Movie/TV Show 96,000 150,200 56% 1.56

Which name category was the most popular?

How do you choose the perfect pet name?

#1 Movie/TV show

The most searched name category was Movie/TV – perhaps an indication of our favourite pastime throughout the pandemic. This category received 16.3 million searches in 2021, representing a 23% YoY change. There were a number of big Hollywood movies released during the year which is reflected in the list of top five searches below:

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Loki
  • #2 Shang Chi
  • #3 Wanda
  • #4 Dominic Toretto
  • #5 Bucky Barnes
  • #6 Sophie
  • #7 Diana
  • #8 Wonder Woman
  • #9 King Kong
  • #10 Vision


Top Trending Movie / TV Themed Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Loki 167,400 1,093,700 553% 6.53 3
2 Shang Chi 51,000 324,100 535% 6.35 4
3 Wanda 23,700 102,500 332% 4.32 6
4 Dominic Toretto 26,200 110,400 321% 4.21 8
5 Bucky Barnes 48,100 145,000 201% 3.01 11
6 Sophie 61,200 182,800 199% 2.98 12
7 Diana 76,500 172,300 125% 2.25 17
8 Wonder Woman 630,000 1,237,500 96% 1.96 19
9 King Kong 180,200 342,300 90% 1.89 20
10 Vision 96,000 150,200 56% 1.56 24
Top 25 Trending Dog Names in Australia

#2 Music

In 2nd place, another entertainment category. Music received 12.9 million searches in 2021, a 21% YoY increase. Led by Olivia Rodrigo, who released her debut album this year, the artists we’re tuning into are listed below – do any of these inspire a new pet name?

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Olivia Rodrigo
  • #2 Lil Nas X
  • #3 Glass animals
  • #4 SZA
  • #5 DaBaby
  • #6 Cardi b
  • #7 Ariana Grande
  • #8 Kanye West
  • #9 Drake
  • #10 Justin Bieber

Top Trending Music Themed Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Olivia Rodrigo 165,400 1,625,500 883% 9.83 2
2 Lil Nas X 182,500 609,900 234% 3.34 9
3 Glass Animals 70,200 220,500 214% 3.14 10
4 Sza 86,400 227,000 163% 2.63 14
5 Dababy 296,300 752,600 154% 2.54 15
6 Cardi B 887,500 1,044,000 18% 1.18 55
7 Ariana Grande 1,956,000 2,240,000 15% 1.15 64
8 Kanye West 1,191,700 1,220,000 2% 1.02 113
9 Drake 1,060,000 1,054,000 -1% 0.99 130
10 Justin Bieber 1,532,000 1,384,000 -10% 0.90 165

#3 Disney

A favourite category that’s sure to inspire a new kitten or cat name is Disney. This category had 11.2 million searches and an 18% YoY change. The top Disney search term – Cruella – was also the highest ranked search term overall with a 27.2 index score and over 1 million searches (2626 YoY% increase), Cruella is a new Disney film based on the character Cruella de Vil from The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Cruella
  • #2 Raya
  • #3 Lady
  • #4 Dodger
  • #5 Mulan
  • #6 Merida
  • #7 Chip
  • #8 Dory
  • #9 Tinker Bell
  • #10 Belle

Top Trending Disney Themed Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Cruella 40,300 1,098,400 2626% 27.26 1
2 Raya 35,800 196,800 450% 5.50 5
3 Lady 58,800 248,400 322% 4.22 7
4 Dodger 53,700 142,800 166% 2.66 13
5 Mulan 601,800 833,200 38% 1.38 30
6 Merida 100,100 118,600 18% 1.18 52
7 Chip 246,700 290,900 18% 1.18 53
8 Dory 98,400 114,700 17% 1.17 57
9 Tinker Bell 226,200 258,400 14% 1.14 65
10 Belle 144,700 159,200 10% 1.10 77

#4 Food

Many cat owners look to their favourite foods for ideas on what to name their four-legged friend. With 11 million searches, food had a 51% YoY change, showing just how many of us are searching for food ideas and recipes. How sweet are the name ideas below?

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Coffee
  • #2 Pumpkin
  • #3 Butters
  • #4 Affogato
  • #5 Dumpling
  • #6 Candy
  • #7 Mocha
  • #8 Chocolate
  • #9 Mango
  • #10 Cappuccino

Top Trending Food Themed Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Coffee 2,751,000 6,166,000 124% 2.24 18
2 Pumpkin 229,800 329,500 43% 1.43 27
3 Butters 210,900 294,400 40% 1.40 29
4 Affogato 133,300 151,600 14% 1.14 68
5 Dumpling 567,000 640,000 13% 1.13 69
6 Candy 189,500 205,400 8% 1.08 83
7 Mocha 194,700 207,300 6% 1.06 91
8 Chocolate 662,000 700,000 6% 1.06 94
9 Mango 435,800 450,600 3% 1.03 105
10 Cappuccino 172,200 176,100 2% 1.02 114

#5 Male

With 9.8 million searches, male names also included character names and famous icons. The top male name – Felix – is the name of a Korean-Australian K-Pop star as well as a very famous cartoon cat. With 191,000 searches and a YoY change of 82%, could this be the name you’re looking for?

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Felix
  • #2 Joey
  • #3 Da Vinci
  • #4 Dexter
  • #5 Louis
  • #6 Casper
  • #7 Zeus
  • #8 Sam
  • #9 Simon
  • #10 Prince

Top Trending Male Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Felix 105,300 191,400 82% 1.82 21
2 Joey 81,500 144,900 78% 1.78 22
3 Da Vinci 104,600 151,900 45% 1.45 25
4 Dexter 259,000 323,100 25% 1.25 41
5 Louis 82,800 102,900 24% 1.24 42
6 Casper 110,800 137,400 24% 1.24 43
7 Zeus 236,000 291,700 24% 1.24 44
8 Sam 101,100 123,900 23% 1.23 45
9 Simon 188,200 224,900 20% 1.20 49
10 Prince 396,800 452,800 14% 1.14 66

#6 Female

Pet names often reflect what’s trending in baby names, and the top five female names below could inspire you. Overall, this category received 9 million searches, a 5% YoY change. The top trending name, Mimi, which received 180,000 searches (a YoY change of 145%), is also the name of a popular Indian Hindi-language film released recently. Top ten searches:

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Mimi
  • #2 Lucy
  • #3 Stella
  • #4 Bella
  • #5 Luna
  • #6 Pixie
  • #7 Zelda
  • #8 Jade
  • #9 Daisy
  • #10 Willow

Top Trending Female Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Mimi 73,200 179,500 145% 2.45 16
2 Lucy 115,900 167,300 44% 1.44 26
3 Stella 82,200 110,900 35% 1.35 32
4 Bella 72,300 97,000 34% 1.34 34
5 Luna 104,400 139,600 34% 1.34 35
6 Pixie 104,800 137,800 31% 1.31 37
7 Zelda 167,400 201,300 20% 1.20 48
8 Jade 161,400 188,100 17% 1.17 58
9 Daisy 279,900 326,100 17% 1.17 59
10 Willow 171,500 198,200 16% 1.16 61

#7 Classic

We also analysed traditional, popular pet names to see what’s trending. Overall, this category had 2.8 million searches – an 8% YoY change. What’s Australia’s favourite classic pet name? It’s Pepper, with 306,000 searches and a 77% YoY change. 

Top ten searches:

  • #1 Pepper
  • #2 Rusty
  • #3 Frankie
  • #4 Boots
  • #5 Socks
  • #6 Oreo
  • #7 Peanut
  • #8 Boo
  • #9 Smokey
  • #10 Banksy

Top Trending Classic Names

Category Rank Name 2020 2021 YoY% Index Overall Rank 2021
1 Pepper 172,200 305,500 77% 1.77 23
2 Rusty 290,900 371,700 28% 1.28 38
3 Frankie 182,100 222,900 22% 1.22 46
4 Boots 366,800 431,300 18% 1.18 56
5 Socks 211,700 228,600 8% 1.08 86
6 Oreo 151,800 159,800 5% 1.05 96
7 Peanut 157,600 164,700 5% 1.05 102
8 Boo 162,000 144,000 -11% 0.89 168
9 Smokey 343,300 296,600 -14% 0.86 172
10 Banksy 398,700 323,900 -19% 0.81 176

Looking for a new kitten or cat?

Bringing home a new kitten or cat is one of life’s joys, but they’re also a big responsibility. Your new family member is dependent on you to take care of all of his needs, and provide him with a safe and loving environment.

Start by choosing the right breed to suit you and your family. Consider how much time you spend at home each day, how much effort you’re willing to put into grooming, exercise and playtime, and what the ongoing costs, such as food, toys and veterinary care, are likely to be. Remember, cats can live for 15 – 20 years, so make sure you do plenty of research before you commit to a new pet.

If you decide you do want to introduce a new kitten or cat into your life, then why not consider adopting one from an animal shelter?  Cats adopted from shelters are desexed, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped, ready to enjoy their new home and family.

Find out more about how Hill’s Pet Nutrition support shelter pets

Helping your cat live its best life

We all love our cats, and try our best to make their daily lives happy and healthy. But if you’re a new pet parent, it can be hard to know how to look after your beloved friend the right way. Fortunately, Hill's Pet Nutrition is here to help. We’ve put together top tips and advice from our pet experts on topics from care, to training to nutritional needs. No matter which breed you adore, we’re there at every stage of your cat’s development to help them live their best life.

 

Methodology

Hill’s Pet Nutrition used data sourced from Google Keyword Planner to perform a bespoke data study based on over 163 million Google search volumes, to identify changes in search behaviour around cat ownership due to the current climate across Australia. The study identified search volume and interest around cat adoption and rescue, getting a new cat, cat breeds, cat characteristics and cat names, to highlight Australia’s current search interest in ownership and trending cat breeds and cat names.

The data was distilled at a nationwide and state level to provide further insights on cat ownership and the rise in search interest. 

All breeds were ranked in two phases, by search volume and by percentage increases. A search ‘popularity’ index score based on growth in search and YoY change was applied, in order to reveal a list of current top trending cat names. Further, for names, data was filtered to reveal the top 50% in terms of search volume in order to avoid anomalies. The data relates only to search term volume, which may not correlate to actual preference of the nation. We can, however, draw the conclusion that the rise in search terms may be indicative of popularity or favouritism.

The study collated and analysed Google searches from September 2019 – August 2021 which allowed isolation of search behaviour in two twelve-month periods (Sept 2019 - Aug 2020 & Sept 2020 - Aug 2021) to provide a YoY comparison. 

Data was collated and analysed September 2021.

Source and references:

Other:

Well-known, popular cat names:

 

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