The Most Popular Cat Breeds
Your cat is of whatever breed? If you do not know, you are not alone. Based on a recent Rover poll, almost half (48%) of cat owners are unsure about the breed of their pet. Rather, pet owners believe that the colour of their cat’s fur (48%) matters more to them than its breed (43%). Although most people would consider cats just in terms of their appearance—from tuxedos to tabbies—there is actually a whole rich universe of rare and popular cat breeds available.
Breed—or color—aside, pet owners agree the most crucial consideration while choosing which kind of cat to bring into the house was family friendliness (23%). Other factors of relevance were minimal maintenance (10%) and hypoallergenic (11%) cats. Regarding personality, pet owners cite low-energy (10%), friendly and social (26%), and cuddly (30%) cat preferences.
Cat Breeds
We looked at our US pet parent database on Rover.com to discover more about our relationships with popular cat breeds, our interactions with cats, and how cats enter our lives. Here’s what we discovered about the most frequently occurring cat breeds and how to find out your own cat’s breed.
01 Domestic Shorthair
The domestic cat is often referred to as a “mongrel” among cat breeds, but due to its mixed and unknown ancestry, it should not be confused with the American Shorthair. Domestic cats can have a range of physical characteristics, but they are usually medium-sized with round faces, smooth and velvety short coats, and can have any combination of colors.
Cats like the Domestic Shorthair are said to have traveled the world following their domestication in Egypt in about 2000 BC, including to North America (perhaps aboard the Mayflower and other ships). These cats were regarded as hard workers and preferred to be mice. Although their average lifetime is 12 to 14 years, domestic shorthair cats have been known to live much longer.
02 American Shorthair
Though they would dearly love to curl up on a couch with you, American Shorthair cats are also known as working cats: strong, muscular, and attentive. Usually well-rounded in temperament, they also adapt rather nicely to both people and animals.
Though every cat personality is unique, an American Shorthair is probably going to be independent yet friendly. Unlike the domestic shorthair, which is a cross of unknown breeds, these cats are selectively selected for particular features that must satisfy the breed standard.
American shorthair cats originated in Europe, just like their domestic counterparts, and pilgrims often used them to control the local rodent population.
03 Domestic Longhair
Domestic longhair cats have lengthy hair and unclear ancestry, much like domestic shorthair cats. They are particularly common for this reason; most cats are not purebred! Like their short-haired buddies, they arrived in North America via ship from Europe.
These kitties range in hue from orange to white to black to grey. Usually only a few inches long, their coat features noticeable tufts on the bases of their paws and around their ears. Regular grooming keeps domestic longhair cats in their beautiful coats.
Although their precise history is unknown, some believe that people with cats live in colder climates, like Russia. Iran and Turkey selectively clipped the recessive gene for long hair. People trying to manage rats find domestic longhair cats especially appealing since they are known to be excellent hunters.
04 Siamese
Siamese cats, most usually cream-colored with grey-brown claws and crystal blue eyes, are perhaps among the most unique breeds. From the big, triangular ears to their delicate paws, Siamese are a breed with a certain pointiness about everything. Their ears and faces will typically show the same grey-brown hue. These days, same-sex cats are produced to vary in color and pattern.
They are great friends for equally active people since their personalities are generally busy and outspoken. They could need more play time than your typical cat and would rather not be left alone for extended lengths of time. Samese cats are also known for their high intelligence.
Thailand is where Siamese originated, hence their name. Thailand was known as Siam prior to its name change in 1939. Consequently, Siamese cats arrived in North America, where Rutherford B. Hayes owned a Siamese cat from 1877 to 1881, and subsequently spread to Europe, most notably in the late 1800s.
05 Maine Coon
The bodies of Maine coons are comparatively large, with thick, luxuriant coats. They have a strong, bulky build and a majestic appearance. They stand out from other cat breeds with their big eyes, substantial paws, and prominent cheekbones.
These cats have personalities that fall somewhere between needing their privacy and wanting to be close to their owners. They are said to be incredibly attentive and have been known to follow family members around. Like many cats, they may be wary of strangers, though. Maine Coons, on the other hand, have a thick, water-resistant coat. And might like playing in the water or even in a water fountain, unlike most other cat breeds!
The Maine Coons were recorded on maps during the colonial period. It is assumed that they are native to North America. There are also stories that Marie Antoinette owned six cats that resembled Maine Coons. Which were originally brought to the continent on an expedition to save the monarch from being beheaded. She did not make it, but the cats did. Regardless of the veracity of this tale, the Maine Coons gained notoriety for their tough yet devoted dispositions.
In the 1950s, the Maine Coon was wrongly declared extinct. Due to the importation of Persian cats and other long-haired cat species to North America,. Since then, Maine Coons have re-established themselves as the nation’s fourth-most popular cat breed.
06 Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are big, fluffy, and a pointed breed. Pointed-breed cats have darker faces, legs, tails, and ears and a lighter body. Their blue eyes stand out, even if their hue varies slightly.
Being one of the friendlier species, ragdolls frequently accompany their owners. Ring them up at the door and beg for a place in bed. They have a reputation for being laid-back and moderately energetic.
Until the 1960s, when California breeder Ann Baker created the modern Ragdolls, most Ragdoll cats were free-ranging cats.
07 Russian Blue
Russian blue cats have velvety, short coats that come in silver and dark grey hues. They have no pattern except for the occasional faint stripe. Due to their multiple coatings, Russian Blues‘ typically fragile frames take on a luxurious appearance. They frequently have a pronounced “smile” on their faces and yellow-green eyes.
In addition, Russian blue butterflies are generally considered peaceful. Friendly to their family, and able to find a comfortable place to sleep. They might be the kind to withdraw during sizable social events.
Though there are many unfounded rumors regarding cat origins,. Some people think the Russian blue originated from cats owned by Russian czars. After being introduced to North America in the early 1900s,. These cats grew in popularity and are currently the seventh most popular breed in the nation.
08 Bengal
A Bengal’s most distinguishing characteristic is its marbled coat, although they also have a muscular build and are incredibly soft. Bengal cats are often lively and energetic in a kitten-like manner, even at an advanced age. Despite the fact that every cat in the breed has a unique personality,. They require caregivers who will keep them occupied and amused. As well as understanding that a cat could require a more stimulating, enriching environment in order to flourish.
Interestingly, because they have mixed with non-domesticated animals, Bengals are actually regarded as a hybrid species. The origins of the Bengal cat breed can be attributed to Jean S. Mill, who crossed a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat to produce a cat. With the striking appearance of a leopard and a kind, loving demeanor. “The Bengal is the only domestic cat breed that can have rosettes like the markings. On leopards, jaguars, and ocelots,” said The Cat Fanciers’ Association.
09 Bombay
Bombay cats have a remarkably similar appearance to panthers. They were first created in the 1950s through the mating of a Burmese cat with a domestic shorthair. Breeders in America want a cat with a black coat and copper eyes with the body type of a Burmese. Despite not being the most popular breed, the new breed eventually gained popularity. Acceptance from The Cat Fanciers’ Association in the 1970s, and today it still has a sizable fan base.
Bombays are well-loved by many pet parents for their capacity to offer dependable playtime and affection, making them excellent companions for active pet owners. They also have a reputation for being intelligent and simple to teach. Even though they rank ninth on our list of the most popular cat breeds, Bombays are definitely adored.
10 Persian
Persian cats have flat, somewhat wrinkled noses and stocky bodies. Even though this quality attracts people a lot, it might require more medical care. They wear plush, long coats in a range of hues, such as black and white. Despite having some morphological similarities to Maine coons, they are typically smaller and weigh seven to twelve pounds.
Persians are known to be fairly reserved around strangers, even though they have a great affection for people. They are also thought to be less prone than other breeds to demand attention. In contrast to other breeds, they can also be calm and relaxed.
The Persian breed is among the oldest that are still in existence. The first place it was discovered was Iran, which was known as Persia at the time. The breed is well-known for having been a favorite of Queen Victoria. And it made its public debut in the 1871 Crystal Palace cat show. Even though they may not be the most common breed of cat in the US, people still adore them!
Conclusion
The reason why some cat breeds are more popular than others is usually a combination of their unique physical qualities and personalities and how well-suited they are to different living environments. For instance, some people prefer Persian and Maine coons because they have beautiful coats and are also very friendly, making them the best for homes with mixed dwellers. In contrast, Siamese and Bengal cats stand out due to their stunning appearances and interactive behavior.
While the demand for various breeds may fluctuate as societal tastes change over time, key attributes such as sociability, intelligence, and maintenance levels remain consistent determinants of breed popularity. On the whole, therefore, it is those cat breeds that achieve a fine balance between looking good and having traits that suit human company that become the most loved by people.
FAQs
Yes! These are some frequently asked questions about different cat breeds:
01: How many cat breeds are there?
Globally, there are more than seventy known cat breeds with individual qualities and attributes.
02: What are some popular cat breeds?
Among the often popular cat breeds are the Persian, Maine Coon, Siamese, Ragdoll, Bengal, and British Shorthair.
03: Which cat breed is best for allergies?
Among cat breeds, some—like the Sphynx, Balinese, and Russian Blue—are said to be more hypoallergenic than others. Individual cats of any breed can, however, vary in allergen generation.
04: What is the largest cat breed?
The Maine Coon is typically the largest domestic cat breed, and it stands out from the competition thanks to its busty tail, tufted ears, and substantial bulk.
05: Which cat breed is the most affectionate?
Among the most loving cat breeds are several, including Ragdolls, Siamese, and Burmese. Still, affectionate behavior might differ greatly among different cats.
06: Which cat breed is the most playful?
Playful breeds abound in Bengal, Abyssinian, and Scottish Fold varieties. These breeds often enjoy interactive play and toy interaction.
