Check Out The 5 Most Popular Cat Breeds in The US

We recently posted about the 20 most popular cat names in the US. So when we stumbled across the most popular cat breeds in the US, we knew we had to cover it! The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) has compiled a list of the breeds that cat fanciers fancy most. The list is based on data collected from the CFA's registration records and includes a whopping 42 different types of cats! 

We know that no two cats are alike. And while they can share some common personality traits, each cat is a unique and amazing individual. So what makes these breeds so special? Let's take a look at some of the reason these five cat breeds might be so popular! Bonus: there are cute cat photos to scroll through.

1. Exotic Shorthair Cat

Source: Başak Ekinci via Flickr

Exotic Shorthairs are essentially known as "shorthaired Persians" or the "Lazy Man's Persian," often chosen over the latter breed because their short coats require less grooming. Known for their round, teddy bear faces and large, expressive eyes, Exotic Shorthairs are quite a striking feline to look at. From their rounded head, rounded bodies, and large, round eyes, "round" is probably the best way to describe this rotund feline. They are also known for their calm, gentle dispositions. 

2. Ragdoll

Similar to the long-haired Maine Coon Cat, Ragdolls are a breed known for their friendly personalities, silky fur, and an unusual penchant for being held. Described as the ultimate lap cat, Ragdolls are known for actually liking to be held - which isn't fair to other cat breeds, as other cats of all shapes and sizes enjoy being held as well! On their own terms, of course. The breed gets its name from the tendency of the first few litters of kittens to go limp and relaxed when picked up, like little ragdolls. 

3. British Shorthair

These stunning gray cats are as English as they come! You don't have to serve them tea and scones, though. These soft, cherub-cheeked felines are known for their easy-going personalities and plush fur. The British Shorthair is one of the world's oldest cat breeds, stemming from cats imported to Rome from Ancient Egypt. The Romans then took these cats with them when they invaded Great Britain in 43 CE. And the rest is hiss-tory! Interestingly enough, this breed almost went extinct in World War I and II as cat fanciers in England stopped breeding them. But this tenaciously adorable breed has bounced back and is now #3 in popularity! 

4. Persian

These cats are more than just their large, striking eyes and glamorous coats! Besides their long, flowing fur and darling faces, Persians are also known for their calm, sweet demeanors. Persian cats first became popular in the Victorian era. They have always been bred to have short, snub-nosed faces, but over time those features have become exaggerated. Unfortunately, this has led to some health issues in the Persian breed. Persians are also known to be a bit high maintenance and require frequent grooming, but their glamour and purr-sonality combined are what makes this breed so popular. 

5. Maine Coon Cat

Known as "the dogs of the cat world" and "gentle giants," Maine Coon Cat's are known for their big personalities - and even bigger sizes! Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat: they can grow up to a record of 48 inches in length and weigh up to 30 - 35 pounds. Large Maine Coons can actually overlap in length with Eurasian lynxes and are often confused for bobcats in the US. And due to their rather friendly, affectionate nature, these cats are excellent family cats. Sociable and playful yet gentle and full of fluff, Maine Coons are great to have around kids.

While purebred or pedigreed cats are simply stunning, we always want to remind our readers that there are shelter cats that are just as deserving of a forever home as a purebred kitty! In fact, purebreds often end up in shelters, despite their popularity.