US Citizens Prefer These 10 Cat Breeds!
Dive into the fascinating world of feline companionship as we explore the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the US.
The Maine Coon is the most popular cat breed to own in the United States, in 2024, likely due to this large cat breed’s laidback, sociable, and family-friendly personality. Other popular cat breeds include the Domestic Shorthair, Siamese, Ragdoll, Persian, Bengal, Scottish Fold, Sphynx, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair.
Keep reading to uncover the top 10 most beloved cat breeds in the US, and find out which felines are winning the hearts of cat lovers across the country!
10 Popular Cat Breeds
The most popular cat breed in the US, as evidenced by numerous studies, adoption trends, and polls, is the Maine Coon.
This breed’s unique characteristics, such as its friendly demeanor, striking appearance, and intelligence, contribute to its enduring appeal among cat enthusiasts.
According to the latest study conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 25% of American households own at least one cat.
Keep reading to discover if you live with one of the most popular breeds of cat!
1. Maine Coon
- Size: 8-22 pounds (According to TICA breed standards)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Color And Pattern: 75 different colors and patterns.
The Maine Coon, known for its large size, tufted ears, and bushy tail, is one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world.
With their friendly and affectionate demeanor, they are often dubbed “gentle giants.”
The Maine Coon cat breed boasts a thick, water-resistant coat and comes in various colors and patterns. Here’s a list of their 75 different colors and patterns.
Renowned for their intelligence, playful nature, and ability to adapt well to different environments and household pets, these cats make the perfect furry companion.
These pedigree cats have a long history steeped in mystery since no one knows for sure how this fascinating cat first arrived in Maine, Northeastern United States.
A fun fact about this large cat breed is that they are exceptionally dog-like, often nicknamed the ‘dog of the cat world’, and can be kept as either indoor or outdoor cats.
2. Domestic Shorthair
- Size: 8 – 12 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 – 20 years
- Coat Color And Pattern: Varies. Includes black, gray, brown, and white, etc.
The size of a domestic shorthair cat can vary widely, but they are typically medium-sized cats, weighing between 8 to 12 pounds.
However, some domestic shorthairs may be smaller or larger depending on factors such as:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Overall Health
Their appearance varies widely, but they typically have a short coat that comes in a multitude of colors and patterns.
Common colors include:
- Black
- Gray
- Brown
- White
- Orange
Coat patterns include:
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- Calico
- Solid Colors
Known for their friendly and adaptable nature, Domestic Shorthairs make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
They are generally low-maintenance cats with playful and affectionate personalities.
The lifespan of a Domestic Shorthair cat typically ranges from 12 to 20 years, although some can live even longer with proper care and attention.
Domestic shorthair cats, like all cats, may be susceptible to various health issues, including:
- Dental issues e.g. gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Obesity
- Urinary tract problems like urinary crystals or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
3. Siamese
- Size: 8 – 12 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 – 15 Years
- Coat Color and Pattern: Light-colored bodies with darker points on their ears, faces, paws, and tails.
The Siamese cat is renowned for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a sleek and slender body with striking blue almond-shaped eyes and large ears.
They typically have a short, fine coat that comes in various colors such as:
- Seal
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Lilac
They typically weigh between 8 to 12 pounds on average, with males usually being larger than females.
Siamese cats are known for their outgoing and social personalities, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
They are highly intelligent, vocal, and affectionate, enjoying interactive play and attention from their human companions.
The Siamese cat breed typically has a lifespan ranging from 12 to 15 years.
However, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, some Siamese cats can live into their late teens or even early twenties.
Siamese cats are known for their distinctive coat color and pattern. They typically have a light-colored body with darker points on their ears, face, paws, and tail.
The points can come in various colors, including:
- Seal
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Lilac
This pattern is known as “point coloration,” and it results from a temperature-sensitive gene that causes the darker pigment to develop on cooler parts of the body.
Siamese cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health issues, including:
- Respiratory issues such as feline asthma
- Dental problems
- Gastrointestinal issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Additionally, they may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to vision loss over time.
Learn how the Maine Coon Vs Siamese Cats compare, in this comparison article.
4. Ragdoll
- Size: 10-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Colorpoint, mitted, bicolor
- Coat Color: Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, and cream
The Ragdoll cat breed is renowned for its large size, striking appearance, and gentle personality.
These cats are known for their plush coat of fur, captivating blue eyes, and semi-longhaired coat that comes in various colors and patterns.
Ragdolls are affectionate, docile, and often referred to as “puppy-like” due to their tendency to follow their owners around and enjoy being held or carried.
They are generally healthy but can be prone to the following common health issues:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition)
- Urinary tract issues such as bladder stones or infections
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Dental problems
- Hip dysplasia
5. Persian
- Size: 7-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Solid, tabby, shaded, bicolor, colorpoint
- Coat Color: White, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, gold
The Persian cat is characterized by its small to medium size, rounded body, and distinctive flat face.
Known for its luxurious, long, and thick coat, this breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Persians have a calm and affectionate personality, often displaying a gentle and laid-back temperament.
They enjoy lounging around and are known for their affectionate nature towards their owners.
Persian cats are prone to several health issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure and long coat.
Common health problems in Persians include:
- Respiratory issues due to their flattened faces
- Dental problems
- Eye conditions e.g. cherry eye and entropion
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Heart conditions
6. Bengal
- Size: 8 – 15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
- Coat Color And Pattern: Spots or marbling, in brown, orange, or charcoal
The Bengal cat is a medium to large-sized breed known for its striking appearance and playful personality. They typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds.
Their coat is luxurious and features distinctive leopard-like spots or marbling, often in shades of:
- Brown
- Orange
- Charcoal
Bengals are highly active and intelligent cats, known for their curiosity and love of play. They enjoy interactive toys and engaging with their human companions.
Their outgoing and affectionate nature makes them popular pets for families and individuals alike.
The Bengal cat typically has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, although some individuals may live even longer with proper care and attention.
7. Scottish Fold
- Size: 6-13 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Virtually any pattern except colorpoint
- Coat Color: Virtually any color
Scottish Fold cats are a medium-sized breed known for their unique folded ears, which give them an adorable and distinctive appearance.
They typically have a round face with large, expressive eyes and a sturdy body, and weigh between 6 to 13 pounds (2.7 to 5.9 kilograms).
Scottish Folds are affectionate, gentle, and adaptable cats, known for their friendly and laid-back personalities.
They enjoy spending time with their human companions and are known to be quite playful and curious.
The lifespan of a Scottish Fold cat is typically around 12 to 15 years, although some may live into their late teens or even early twenties with proper care and attention.
8. Sphynx
- Size: 6-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-14 years
- Coat Color And Pattern: Varies, including solid colors and tabby patterns
The Sphynx cat breed is known for its unique appearance, characterized by its hairless body, large ears, and wrinkled skin.
Despite their lack of fur, this hairless cat is medium-sized with a muscular build, typically weighing between 6 to 12 pounds.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including:
- Solid colors
- Tabby patterns
- Tortoiseshell
- Bicolor
- Colorpoint
Their lack of fur allows their skin pigmentation to be visible, giving them a unique appearance.
Their personalities are often described as affectionate, energetic, and social, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
They enjoy attention and are known for their playful and outgoing nature.
The average lifespan of a Sphynx cat is 8 to 14 years. However, some Sphynx cats have been known to live into their late teens or even early twenties.
9. Abyssinian
- Size: 6-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Ticked tabby
- Coat Color: Ruddy, sorrel, blue, fawn, and silver, more rarely tortoiseshell, red, cream, lilac, and chocolate
The Abyssinian cat breed is known for its medium size, sleek and muscular build, and distinctive ticked coat, which comes in shades of:
- Ruddy
- Red
- Blue
- Fawn
With an active and curious personality, Abyssinian cats are affectionate, and intelligent, and enjoy interactive play.
This playful breed is one of the top cat breeds to own since they make great companions for households with plenty of activity and engagement.
The Abyssinian cat breed typically has a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, although with proper care, they can live even longer, sometimes up to 20 years or more.
10. American Shorthairs
- Size: 7-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Coat Pattern: Virtually any pattern except colorpoint
- Coat Color: Virtually any color
The American Shorthair cat breed is medium to large with a sturdy and muscular build, round faces, expressive eyes, and dense, and short coats.
These cats may also exhibit various markings such as stripes, spots, or patches.
They come in a wide range of colors, including:
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Cream
- Red
- Silver
Their patterns include:
- Solid
- Tabby
- Tortoiseshell
- Calico
- Bicolor
American Shorthair cats are adaptable, easygoing, and affectionate cats known for their friendly and laid-back personalities, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
One notable characteristic is their versatility and adaptability, making them well-suited to various living environments and lifestyles.
They are also known for their robust health and longevity, often living well into their teens or even early twenties.
These cats tend to be excellent hunters, thanks to their strong hunting instincts, which can sometimes lead to them engaging in playful antics around the house.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should now have a better idea of what types of cats have made it into the most popular cat breeds in the US, top 10 list!
Whether it’s the playful Maine Coon, the elegant Siamese, or the charming American Shorthair, each breed offers its unique qualities and characteristics.
By exploring these beloved feline companions, potential feline pet owners can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse and wonderful world of cats.
Once featured in the most popular breeds of cats, the British Shorthair appears to have now fallen off this prestigious ranking, along with the Oriental Shorthair!
Whichever cat breed you choose, their unique personalities and personality traits are sure to win your heart!
