There are some cat breeds that are more likely to be stolen than others, and this is not only because they are beautiful, but also because of their personality traits or pedigree. This is why the most popular cat breeds have a higher risk of being stolen.

According to statistics, these cute felines, such as Bengal, Siamese, Russian Blue and so on, are most commonly reported as stolen than some of their relatives. The reason that these cats are stolen is to be sold for huge amounts of money or to be used for breeding (because they are purebred), so their babies are sold after this process as well. Unfortunately, there are many such businesses in the United States.

According to Peter Laskay, a pet health blogger, “valuable cats can, of course, produce even more money for the thief during breeding. But there are those who simply resell the stolen cat, and that could be a faster way to make money for these people.”

So, if you own at least one of these cats breeds, you should pay more attention to your cat’s surroundings and try to monitor them closely. That being said, here are some cat breeds that are more likely to be stolen, according to statistics and experts. Read on for more info!

Bengal

This beautiful creature is actually one of the most muscular cat breeds with a thick tail and wild appearance. People who own this cat breed are very lucky because they are very affectionate with their family and love to play all day.

Many people don’t know but the Bengal is a relatively new breed that was created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat. Unfortunately, this popular and sweet cat breed is also commonly reported as stolen, and the reason may be due to their fur which has a glitter effect sometimes.

“This is likely because of its beautiful and, I hate to say it, ‘Instagramable’ fur that stands out with an almost tiger-like print. Because of this, people know that they can sell it at a much higher rate than regularly seen domesticated cats, and can also attempt to breed and cross-breed for even further money-making opportunities,” declared Charli Burbidge, co-founder of Petz.

Siamese

Siamese is a medium sized cat breed that has a strong personality and a slender body, and as you can see, their blue eyes making them some of the most beautiful cats in the United States.  Of course, they are not only beautiful, but very intelligent creatures, being easy to train and active all day.

In case you didn’t know this before, Siamese cats were used as guard cats at the King of Siam’s temple. It is said that these cats were ready to attack anyone who was trying to threaten the king. “They’re great indoor cats, very sociable, and have low health risks. They don’t require much grooming as well, so they’re perfect pets for busy people,” explained Mollie Newton, founder of Pet Me Twice.

Being considered one of the first pedigree cats officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1906, they are constantly stolen by those who want to illegally earn some money. “Siamese cats are also one of the most popular breeds owned in the United States, so it’s easy to find a buyer if a person steals for breeding purposes,” Newton added.

Russian Blue

The Russian blue cat has a beautiful coat and an incredible natural elegance. These cats are known for their loving personality, following their owner everywhere, just like a dog. People who want to adopt this cat breed will have a loyal friend for life.

“[This cat breed] is calm, with a sweet temper, and gives their owner undivided attention. This cat loves to be groomed and shown affection but it is not affected by the owner’s extended absence from the house,” declared Blake Trooy, owner of Pugsquest.com.

As you can see in the photo above, these beautiful cats have beautiful features, namely that their double coat and eyes are simply adorable. But that is not all! The Russian Blue is also extremely intelligent and needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Unfortunately, their friendly personality facilitates the work of cat thieves. According to statistics, the Russian Blue is very common on the list of stolen cats. So, if you own one, try to make sure that their environment is safe and monitor their outdoor activities.

Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats are not only absolutely gorgeous, but they are also very smart, especially because they can quickly learn new things, being extremely docile and loving. They can get along with other pets and can be the perfect pet for people who have children. But if you are ready to adopt one, you should know that they are stolen most often because of their beauty. This is the only disadvantage, otherwise this cat has just qualities.

This cat breed was first found in the 1960s in California and was created by crossing a white Persian cat queen and a Birman. They love to follow their owner everywhere, and this can also be a disadvantage because it facilitates the thieves’ work.

Maine Coon

Maine coon is one of the biggest domesticated cat breed which has an impressive coat and amazing features. They are extremely intelligent and friendly, so you can adopt one even though you have other pets or children. But you have to be careful of thieves because this cat breed is frequently stolen.

According to Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer at Rover, “the rare and unique looking breeds tend to get stolen the most. People either think they’re more valuable or they see something unique and want it for themselves.”

Unfortunately, many people steal these cats to sell them or breeding for their illegal businesses with purebred cats. That’s why it’s very important to ask for their family history and other details about pedigree when you want to adopt a purebred cat. If the breeder doesn’t have this information it may be a sign that your cat (or your cat’s parents) has been stolen.

Domestic Shorthair

These cats aren’t purebred, but they are commonly reported as stolen. But why are they likely to be stolen? Well, according to Alexandra Rodriguez, a veterinary technician and vet consultant, “the Domestic Shorthair is also one of the cat breeds most often reported stolen, likely because it accounts for 55 percent of the cat population.”