8 Cat Breeds That Get Stolen Most Often (With Pictures)

While it’s challenging to get solid numbers on the number of cats people steal each year, it’s estimated that in the UK alone over 360,000 cats are stolen in any given year ¹. Even more concerningly, only about 18% of those cats return home.

But which breeds do you have to worry about people taking the most, how can you keep your cats safe, and what should you do if you think someone stole your cat? We’ve sifted through all the data and come up with some great tips you should follow to keep your furry friend safe.

The 8 Cat Breeds That Get Stolen Most Often

1. Bengal

By far the most stolen cat in the world is the Bengal cat. Bengal cats have a unique appearance that makes them easy to spot and screams their value. You don’t have to be a cat expert to recognize the value a Bengal cat has, and this makes them an easy target for a thief looking to make a quick buck.

If you have a Bengal cat you need to take extra precautions to keep them safe. They have a four-figure price on their head, which is a big incentive for a thief.

2. Siamese

The Siamese cat is another extremely easy-to-recognize breed, and this makes them a target for thieves. They’re not worth nearly as much as a Bengal cat though, and they’re not even worth as much as many of the other cats on our list.

But their abundance and easy-to-recognize appearance make them an easy target even if the thief doesn’t know all that much about cats. They’re not as large as many of the other cats on our list, but if you have a Siamese cat, you’ll want to take a few extra precautions to keep them out of a cat nabber’s hands.

3. Russian Blue

If a cat thief knows what they’re looking at, they can make a pretty decent amount of money by stealing a Russian Blue. They don’t have the same signature appearance that you can find with a Bengal or Siamese cat, but they’re unique looking enough that cat thieves will often take a chance with them.

Plenty of cat thieves don’t even realize the value of the Russian Blue cat they just stole until well after the fact. Still, because of their small size and their value, it’s best to play it safe with a Russian Blue.

4. Ragdoll

One of the more ordinary-looking cats, the Ragdoll cat often becomes a victim of theft simply because of their luxurious coat. They’re also extremely popular cats, and with so many on out there and their laid-back personality, they’re one of the easier cat breeds for a thief to take.

A Ragdoll isn’t likely to fight back. Instead, they’re more likely to purr and love on the thief. Whether the thief is looking to breed the cat or sell them outright, there’s a pretty large market for Ragdoll cats.

5. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cats in the world, and their large size makes them easy for thieves to spot. They also cost quite a bit, so there’s a significant financial incentive for a thief to take one.

You’re not going to hide a Maine Coon very effectively, and because of their loving personalities, they’re one of the easier cats to steal. They’re also pretty laid back, so a cat thief doesn’t have to deal with an extremely disruptive cat until they can find it a new home.

6. Sphynx

Few breeds can fetch quite as much money as a Sphynx. They’re the only hairless cat breed to make our list. What’s surprising is how many of these cats end up stolen since they’re almost always indoor cats.

Without fur to keep them warm outside, we think plenty of Sphynx cats end up stolen simply because people find them and take them in to keep them warm. And since a Sphynx cat isn’t likely to head outside again, they don’t really have a chance to get back home!

7. Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold isn’t one of the most recognizable breeds on our list, but they are one of the cutest! The cost of a Scottish Fold varies quite a bit depending on the pedigree of the breed, so cat thieves usually can’t get a ton for them.

But because of their adorable appearance, many cat thieves simply take them because they want them! However, if your Scottish Fold has the signature fold on their ears, a cat thief might recognize the value and scoop them up for that alone.

8. Domestic Shorthair

Unlike the other cat breeds on our list that make it because of their high pedigree, the Domestic Shorthair makes the list simply because of how many there are. Domestic Shorthairs are essentially the “mutt” of the cat world, consisting of various other cat breeds.

They’re not worth all that much if someone steals one, but since they make up more than 50% of all the cats in the world, they still end up stolen quite a bit. But most of the time, people steal a Domestic Shorthair because they already have an attachment to the cat or simply because they don’t realize it already belongs to someone else.

Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe

There are a few things you can do to make it significantly less likely that someone will steal your cat. Start by keeping them inside your home. It’s much easier to steal a cat that’s wandering a neighborhood than it is to steal a cat that’s inside your home.

To further protect your cat while they’re in your home, set up a home security system. Cameras and other types of security features make it far less likely for someone to break into your home and more likely for you to catch them if they do break in.

Next, microchip your cat. If your cat has a microchip and someone does take them, it’s the most likely way for you to get them back.

Finally, when booking services like grooming and pet sitting, thoroughly check references before hiring them.

What to Do if Someone Steals Your Cat

If you think someone stole your cat, there are a few things you can do to try and get your cat back. Start by reaching out to the local veterinary offices and shelters in your area. This is especially true if your cat has a microchip. If any of these areas scan the cat, they’ll be able to reach out to you so you can get it back.

Next, talk to people in your neighborhood. The more people that know your cat is missing the better since they’ll be able to help you keep an eye out for them.

From there, contact the local authorities and animal control. They’ll help you fill out all the necessary paperwork. Stealing a cat is theft, so if your local police department tries to give you a hard time about it, stay persistent.

Finally, keep an eye out on local marketplace websites like Facebook, newspapers classifieds, and Craigslist. A cat thief wants to make money from the animal, and the only way they can do that is by selling them.

Conclusion

While it’s no fun thinking about someone trying to steal your fur baby, it’s better to stay aware and take the necessary steps to protect them than to pretend it’s not a real problem. Now that you know about the cats people are most likely to steal and how to protect them, you can take the necessary steps to ensure no one gets to separate you from your kitty!

Featured Image Credit: golubovystock, Shutterstock