If you are looking to bring home a new cat, then it may be a good idea to look at the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the US.
There are dozens of registered cat breeds in the world, but the top 10 most popular breeds are known for their outstanding appearance and temperament.
As of 2021, the most popular cat breed is the Ragdoll, taking first place for the third year in a row. The Maine Coon took second place, while the Exotic took third. The Persian and Devon Rex placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Finally, The British Shorthair, Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Scottish Fold, and Sphynx placed sixth through tenth.
With so many wonderful cat breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which breed to bring home.
This is why we have compiled a list of ten super popular cat breeds in America, including information on their personality and appearance, so you can decide which cat breed is the best fit for you.
Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds In The US
The United States of America has a long history of loving cats, and these wonderful companions are only becoming more popular with each passing year.
Today, it is estimated that about 25.4% of households own at least one cat.
With over 58 million pet cats in the US, the total average of cats per household comes to 1.8, surpassing even dogs, which average 1.6 per household.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association is the leading governing cat body in the world.
This association focuses on preserving cat breeds, developing new breeds, and overseeing breeding projects and registration.
The CFA has also compiled a top 10 list of the most popular cat breeds for several years, and in February of 2022, they finally released the most popular cat breeds of 2021.
In actuality, the most common American cat breeds are the domestic shorthair and domestic longhair.
Like all purebred cats, domestic shorthairs and longhairs come from the species Felis silvestris, known as the domestic cat.
However, unlike purebred cats like Maine Coons or Persians, domestic shorthairs and longhairs are not a specific breed.
As a result, they are not typically registered under the CFA, except occasionally as companion cats, so they can compete in friendly, more relaxed competitions than purebred cats.
So, while the domestic shorthair and longhair are certainly the most common cats kept as pets in America, we are going to look at the most popular cat breeds as outlined by the CFA.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association keeps track of every cat that is registered to a new home, and after each year, they calculate which breeds were the most popular.
So, here are the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the US:
1. Ragdoll
For the third year in a row, the Ragdoll has been crowned the most popular cat breed!
These large, fluffy cats are known for going limp in their owner’s arms, just like a doll.
They are incredibly cuddly and affectionate, and they like to spend most of their time snuggling with their favorite people.
- Size: 10-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Colorpoint, mitted, bicolor
- Coat Color: Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, and cream
2. Maine Coon
It should come as no surprise that one of America’s most popular cat breeds is the Maine Coon.
After all, the Maine Coon is one of the few cat breeds that actually originated in America!
The Maine Coon is famous for being the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, but do not let their size fool you; these cats are also incredibly gentle and loving.
- Size: 8-25 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Virtually any pattern except colorpoint
- Coat Color: Virtually any color except rarer dilutes like fawn or chocolate.
3. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is closely related to the Persian, but has a shorter coat.
In the 1950s, these cats originated by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs, and they were later crossed with various other breeds including the Burmese and Russian Blue, until it was finally recognized as a breed all its own.
Exotic Shorthairs have large, adorable eyes, and a flat face similar to a Persian.
As cute as they look, however, it is important to note that their flattened face is due to brachycephaly, a condition that constricts their airways, makes their brains smaller, and generally shortens their lifespan due to health complications.
However, this breed does come in both traditional and extreme “looks.”
Traditional Exotic Shorthairs have a more rounded face, which causes less stress on their airways.
- Size: 7-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Solid, tabby, shaded, bicolor, colorpoint
- Coat Color: White, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, gold
4. Persian
The Persian is a luxurious, long haired cat breed known for its flattened face and docile nature.
Persians are the ultimate lapcat, as they love to cuddle and they are not particularly active.
These cats are often called “floor cats,” because they strongly prefer hanging out on the couch or floor to climbing or exploring up high.
Like the Exotic Shorthair, however, the Persian flat face is caused by brachycephaly. This condition constricts their airways, making it difficult for them to breathe, and making them prone to:
- Respiratory Conditions
- Eye Problems
- Skin Issues
- Other Health Problems
Persians do come in two different “looks,” though; the Peke-faced and the Doll-faced.
Doll-faced Persians have less squashed faces, making it easier for them to breathe.
- 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
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex originated due to a genetic mutation, which caused a kitten named Kirlee to be born with a wavy coat.
All Devon Rex cats today can be traced back to Kirlee, although the breed has changed a lot since then.
They have large ears and large, expressive eyes.
These cats are incredibly social, and like to spend time hanging out on your shoulder or sleeping under the covers with you.
- Size: 5-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Any pattern
- Coat Color: Any color
6. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a beautiful breed with a cobby body type and thick, plush blue fur.
These are quiet, social cats that have a distinguished manner.
They prefer to be petted on their own terms, and do not typically appreciate being picked up, but love to follow their owners around and sit right next to them.
Once they have outgrown kittenhood, they usually like to lay around on the couch, but they can also be very silly and like to “perform” for their owners when the mood strikes them.
- Size: 7-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-17 years
- Coat Pattern: Solid
- Coat Color: Blue
7. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is an energetic, dog-like breed.
These cats need lots of exercise, as they love to run around, climb anywhere they can reach, and play all sorts of games.
The intelligent Abyssinian can also be trained to learn tricks or even play fetch!
These cats can be a challenge, though, so they are best suited to owners who can keep up with their endless energy.
- Size: 6-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Coat Pattern: Ticked tabby
- Coat Color: Ruddy, sorrel, blue, fawn, and silver, more rarely tortoiseshell, red, cream, lilac, and chocolate
8. American Shorthair
American Shorthairs originally developed among sailors, who prized these cats for their remarkable hunting abilities.
Today, they are adaptable, easygoing companions with a sturdy body and personality.
They are moderately social and moderately playful.
Some can be quite cuddly, but most prefer to not be picked up.
- Size: 7-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Coat Pattern: Virtually any pattern except colorpoint
- Coat Color: Virtually any color
9. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is known for its folded ears and enormous, expressive eyes.
They are social, sweet cats that will not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time.
This cat breed are also quite intelligent, and enjoy puzzle toys and interactive toys.
They have an unusual habit of sitting in odd positions, laying splayed out or sometimes sitting like a meerkat!
- Size: 6-13 pounds
- Lifespan: 11-14 years
- Coat Pattern: Virtually any pattern except colorpoint
- Coat Color: Virtually any color
10. Sphynx
While there are a number of hairless cat breeds, the Sphynx is the most well known.
Sphynx cats are incredibly active, intelligent, and doglike.
They love being the center of attention, and they will perform all sorts of goofy tricks to make their owners smile.
- Size: 6-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-14 years
- Coat Pattern: All patterns
- Coat Color: All colors
(Sources 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Conclusion
The 10 most popular cat breeds in the US include the Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Exotic Shorthair, among others.
While there are dozens of different cat breeds to choose from, the top 10 most popular breeds are beloved for their unique personalities and appearances.
If you are interested in getting a cat, this top 10 list of most popular cats is certain to have a breed that fits well with your personality and lifestyle!
Related Questions
What Is The Most Popular Cat Breed 2022?
The Cat Fanciers Association has not yet released the most popular cat breeds of 2022, but there is a chance it will be the Ragdoll, as this breed has been the most popular for the past three years.