TOP 20 MOST POPULAR CAT BREED

Cat breed make wonderful companions, some of them can be trained to do tricks like dogs, are friendly with children and other animals, and enjoy socializing. Some cats prefer to snuggle on their owners’ laps while others like to climb to high places like the top of the fridge. There are also many cat breed that are easy to groom, making them a low-maintenance pet option.

The Cat Fanciers Association publishes an annual list of the most popular cat breed worldwide, which includes well-known breeds like the Siamese as well as lesser-known ones like the Norwegian forest cat. If you’re thinking about getting a new cat, it’s a good idea to consider getting pet insurance to help with healthcare costs as your cat grows older. Let’s learn about cat breed with Petlandloves!

TOP 20 MOST POPULAR CAT BREED

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll, with its striking blue eyes, has been ranked as the most popular cat breed by CFA for four consecutive years.

Cat breed is easily identifiable by their long, fluffy fur and calm nature. They are known to be loving, playful, and smart. Ragdolls are also admired for their friendly and sociable demeanor, getting along well with other pets and children.

Due to their soft outer coat, Ragdolls do not shed as much as other cats, but regular grooming during seasonal changes is still necessary to maintain a healthy and shiny coat.

Maine Coon Cat

Referred to as gentle giants, Maine coon cats can reach weights of up to 20 pounds, making them the largest among pedigreed cats, as stated by CFA. Cat breed originates from America and has long hair, being recognized as the official cat of Maine. They are famous for their robust and tough nature, with a shaggy fur that provides warmth. Maine coon cats are sociable, good with children, and renowned for their exceptional intelligence. They enjoy playing, especially in water, and have well-tufted paws that help them walk easily in the snow. Their coats only need occasional grooming to maintain their smooth texture.

Devon Rex

The Devon rex cat is easily recognizable with its large ears and eyes. They are a playful breed known for their loyalty and companionship.

Devon rex cats are social and get along well with other pets like cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, and rabbits. Their coats are soft and unique, either short or wavy, and can be maintained by gently rubbing a warm washcloth through their fur. They are moderately active and enjoy playing with toys.

Exotic Shorthair

The exotic shorthair is described as squishy, soft, and cuddly, much like a teddy bear among cats. They share similarities with Persian cats, but have a denser, shorter fur that requires less maintenance.

These felines are known for being calm and are great for lounging on your lap or engaging in gentle playtime with their human companions. Their short coat means you only need to brush them once a week, which is convenient for families with busy schedules. The exotic shorthair is recognized for its flat, round face and a variety of coat colors available.

Persian

Persian cats are often seen as the ultimate example of feline beauty. Originating from Persia and Iran, they were brought along with precious spices and jewels, and are truly stunning creatures. Similar to exotic shorthair cats, Persians are known for being calm and delightful.

Their long fur needs to be brushed daily and given baths occasionally to prevent any knots or tangles. Persian cats come in a variety of colors such as white, black, blue, cream, chocolate, and red, all with luxurious coats. Despite their laid-back demeanor, these cats still require daily physical activity to ensure their well-being and happiness.

British Shorthair

The British shorthair is a sturdy and luxurious breed of cat that has been around for a long time, known for their hunting abilities and strength. They are often referred to as British blues because of their thick blue-gray fur, although they can have fur in various colors and patterns.

These cats are content to amuse themselves or spend time with their owners and are generally not very active. In terms of grooming, they may need more brushing during shedding seasons in spring and fall, but regular weekly brushing should be sufficient. They are friendly and relaxed around people and other animals, loving, and easy to train.

Abyssinian

Resembling the cats of ancient Egypt, Abyssinian cats have a lengthy, curved neck, strong body, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. They are among the oldest cat breeds known, characterized by a distinctive coat pattern that looks almost see-through and can display various colors. These felines are intelligent, agile, friendly, and inquisitive—often perching on high spots like refrigerators or bookshelves.

Regular brushing is all that’s needed to keep an Abyssinian’s coat looking beautiful. Graceful and playful, these cats thrive on human companionship and love being the center of attention.

Domestic Non-Pedigreed Cats

Domestic non-pedigreed cats are commonly found outdoors or in shelters, and are not a specific breed that is intentionally bred. These cats, also known as companion cats or household cats, have been around since ancient times, including the era of the Pharaohs. Despite being targeted during witch hunts in the 1500s and 1600s, they managed to survive and eventually became beloved pets once again.

Domestic non-pedigreed cats come in a wide variety of appearances, personalities, and behaviors, including different fur colors and patterns, energy levels, and characteristics. Just like purebred cats, these domestic cats can also participate in shows.

Scottish Fold

Scottish fold cats are famous for their circular head and big, round eyes. Their distinctive feature is their folded ears that bend downwards towards the head, resembling a cap and adding to their cute, rounded appearance. These cats have a short, thick coat and a medium-sized body. They are affectionate, gentle creatures with a calm demeanor that doesn’t demand a lot of attention to be content. They are low-maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, and they form strong bonds with their human owners.

Sphynx

The sphynx cat, named after the ancient Egyptian sculpture, is easily identifiable by their small heads, large pointed ears, and lack of fur on their bodies. They come in different colors and patterns with a soft, peachy fuzz. Their loose skin gives them a wrinkled appearance. This medium-sized and robust breed can be playful and awkward. They are social and enjoy human interaction and being active. Regular baths every few months are necessary to eliminate excess body oils.

Siberian

Siberian cats are highly valued in Russia and are considered a national treasure by the CFA. They have been present in the United States since 1990. These cats are known for their strength, alertness, thick triple coat, and fluffy tail. Their coats can display a variety of colors and patterns, requiring minimal grooming to prevent tangles. Siberians are friendly and playful, enjoying human company and engaging with toys. While not scientifically proven, they are believed to be hypoallergenic, making them suitable companions for individuals with allergies. When happy, Siberians often express their contentment through soft meows, chirps, and purring.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair earned a reputation for being robust and skilled hunters after arriving with early American settlers and helping to control rat populations on ships. These cats are medium to large in size, have short coats typically in tabby patterns but can be found in various colors. Known for their friendly and easygoing nature, they make excellent family pets. They are low-maintenance in terms of grooming and are easy to train. Their adaptability and occasional independence make them a good fit for both busy households and quiet environments.

Bengal

Bengals are house cats with striking spots or unique marbling, which are equally attractive. They are the only breed of domestic cat that have rosettes similar to the patterns on leopards and jaguars. Bengals are self-assured like their wild relatives, and recognized for being lively, inquisitive, and full of energy. They have a luxurious coat that is both soft and durable, bold markings, and big oval eyes.

Russian Blue

The Russian blue cat is easily distinguishable from other shorthaired breeds due to its stunning silver-blue coat and bright green eyes. Known for being intelligent, playful, and gentle, they are often found close to their owners and show affection towards their loved ones. Their short, silky coat requires minimal grooming and doesn’t shed excessively. These medium-sized cats are vocal, observant, and prefer sticking to a routine. They get along well with children and other pets as long as they receive enough mental stimulation.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian forest cat is a big, semi-long-haired breed with a double coat that is water-resistant. Their coat consists of rough outer hairs and a thick undercoat, perfect for harsh Scandinavian winters. They can have coats in various colors but are commonly seen with brown-and-white tabby fur. These cats have large, almond-shaped eyes and a triangular head shape. They are lively and need scratching posts and toys to keep them entertained. While they are friendly and sociable, they are not typically lap cats despite their gentle and calm nature.

Oriental Shorthair

Graceful, with elongated legs and wide ears, the oriental shorthair cat possesses a short fur that can be found in various colors, such as tabby and tortoiseshell. Belonging to the Siamese family, this breed is lively and enjoys interacting with humans by either nudging them or sitting on their laps. Known for their inquisitive nature and high intelligence, oriental shorthairs like to explore their surroundings and keep themselves entertained. They are energetic and open to being trained. These cats require a significant amount of attention and may exhibit destructive behavior if left alone for long periods. Maintaining their sleek coat is simple, only needing to be combed once every week or two.

Siamese

The Siamese cat is easily identifiable due to its light, silky fur and dark legs, tail, and face. They have striking blue, almond-shaped eyes and large ears. Siamese cats are intelligent, inquisitive, and sociable, known for their distinctive vocalizations. They enjoy human companionship and need mental stimulation through activities like puzzles and games to stay content. Grooming a Siamese cat is simple, requiring only a weekly brushing.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish rex has a very soft, curly fur and distinctive large ears. They are a lively breed that enjoys playing games like fetch and interacting with their human companions. This breed is robust, with a head shaped like an egg, high cheekbones, and a Roman nose, all set off by a slim body and long legs. They are highly energetic and enjoy being the center of attention, but their independent nature means they can keep themselves entertained. The Cornish rex requires minimal grooming and excessive grooming can damage their delicate coat.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk rex is a breed with naturally curly fur that can be either short or long. They have a round head and big eyes. This breed is friendly and likes being around people, including children, and other pets. Despite their sometimes unkempt appearance, they only need to be brushed once or twice a week to keep their coat in good condition.

Birman

Birman cats are known for their stunning appearance, including captivating blue eyes, a round face, and white paws. When they are born, Birmans are completely white and gradually develop their color as they grow older, which can be seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, cream, or tortie. These cats are famous for their gentle, loving, and sociable nature. They have soft, melodious voices and a calm demeanor that makes them great companions for children and other animals. Birmans are simple to care for, needing only minimal grooming to maintain their glossy and healthy single coat. Cat breed is considered a lap cat because they enjoy cuddling in your arms and following you around the house.