Breed Characteristics
About Puspin
The Puspin, short for Pusang Pinoy(Filipino Cat), is the native domestic cat of the Philippines. Unlike purebred cats, the Puspin is a mixed-breed feline that developed naturally over centuries through the interbreeding of cats brought by traders and colonizers such as the Chinese, Malays, Spanish, and Americans. These cats arrived mainly as ship companions used for pest control, and over time, they adapted to the country tropical climate and street environments. As a result, the Puspin evolved into a hardy, intelligent, and independent cat known for its resilience and charm. Culturally, the Puspin has long been a familiar sight in Filipino homes and streets. Though once seen as ordinary compared to imported breeds like Persians or Siamese, the Puspin has become a proud symbol of the Filipino spirit resourceful, adaptable, and enduring. Animal welfare groups such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) now promote campaigns like Adopt, Don Shop to encourage people to value and care for native cats instead of buying expensive foreign breeds. Modern recognition has also grown, with some cat shows in the Philippines including categories specifically for Puspins.
Puspin
Available Colors
Recommended Diet
What to Avoid
Puspin cats, or Pusang Pinoy, are known for being strong and adaptable, but there are still several things that owners should avoid to keep them healthy and happy. Even though they are hardy, skipping vaccinations and deworming can make them vulnerable to common diseases and parasites, so regular vet visits are important. Feeding them human food should also be avoided, as ingredients like onion, garlic, chocolate, and salty or oily dishes can be toxic to cats. It’s best to stick to a balanced cat diet and provide fresh water daily. While Puspins often enjoy exploring, letting them roam freely outdoors can expose them to dangers such as traffic accidents, fights with other animals, and infections like FIV or FeLV. Keeping them indoors or allowing supervised outdoor time is much safer.