Cats have always held a special place in the hearts of Americans, but their popularity has surged even more since the Covid-19 pandemic. About a quarter of households in the US have at least one cat, with an estimated average of 1.8 cats per household, surpassing even dogs.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, which boasts the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats, has compiled a list of the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the US for several years. See the list below!
10Devon Rex
The Devon Rex cat has a unique and eye-catching appearance, with its wavy coat, playful face, large ears, wide eyes, and slender body. They enjoy spending time with their owners and grab lots of attention. These cats are amiable and love making new friends, so they are not the quiet or reserved type.
They are intelligent and gentle, making them great with children and they enjoy cuddling and playing around with them. Their high energy and playful personality always entertain those around them, but they can sometimes be demanding. They remain active and lively as they age, retaining their youthful energy.
9Sphynx
Sphynx cats are a highly popular breed in the US. Their personalities are often affectionate and adorable. They enjoy greeting their owners and playing games, such as fetch. These cats are highly responsive to their names and commands, surpassing many others. Sphynx cats get along well with all friendly household members and love interacting, especially with children.
Despite their hairless appearance, their hypoallergenic nature is not due to the absence of fur but because they produce relatively lower amounts of Fel d1 that cause allergies compared to most cats. Due to their charming personalities, distinct appearance, and friendly demeanor, many people enjoy petting and cuddling them.
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8British Shorthair
The British Shorthair has a friendly, affectionate, and loyal personality. They typically get along well with children and other pets, making them a popular choice among pet owners. Recent surveys have shown that more people in the US are becoming fond of British Shorthair cats, largely due to their calm demeanor.
These cats enjoy lounging around most of the day without making a fuss or being overly dependent on their owners. British Shorthair kittens are often chubby due to their round face, head, and body, which makes them comfortable to hold. Additionally, they are obedient and well-behaved, so many people choose them as pets.
7Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are medium-sized, active felines known for their triangular head, long body, and well-developed muscles. Their large, forward-tilted ears give them a keen sense of alertness as if they’re always paying attention to their surroundings. Their wide eyes showcase the breed’s inherent intelligence.
Most of their fur has a unique coloring, with the coat appearing darker along the spine. These easygoing cats enjoy being around people and other animals. They also love playing with toys and spending interactive playtime with their owners. Additionally, Abyssinians are affectionate and have a soft, gentle voice that endears them to anyone.
6American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a robust cat breed with a thick, muscular build and a rounded appearance. They have broad chests, strong necks, well-developed physiques, and sturdy jaws, making them seem too heavy to lift. These friendly and playful cats get along well with children and other pets but prefer independence over clinginess.
Their thick and tough coat protects them during winter, and their slim build and athletic nature make them excellent hunters. During the colonial period in North America, American Shorthairs were bred widely to control invasive pests such as rats and mice.
5Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cat is known for its cute, folded ears, making them adorable. Their round faces and big eyes make them even more charming. They often sit in a “Buddha Sit” position to stay alert whenever they hear a sound. Scottish Folds have a sweet temperament and cute appearance, making them a popular choice for many pet owners.
Their unique ear-folding is due to a spontaneous mutation caused by a partially dominant gene. The popularity of these breeds grew rapidly in the United States after Susie, a Scottish Fold found on a farm near Coupar Angus in 1961, gained attention.
4Main Coon
The Maine Coon cat has a very loving personality and forms close bonds with families. Being sociable cats, they are great with children and do not mind setting boundaries with young kids by gently patting them with their paws. They have a bizarre love of water and can even learn to swim or try to take baths with their owners.
Although they look so big and serious, their voice is so gentle that they sound more like birds than cats. Maine Coons usually appear in different colors and coat patterns. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train. But these loyal cat breeds are not that clingy or demanding. As a naturally occurring breed, Main coons are much healthier than many other cat breeds.
3Persian
The Persian cat is known for its luxurious coat, brilliant eyes, amiable nature, and royal demeanor. They have been one of the most popular pedigreed breeds worldwide since the first cat breed was registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1906. In addition to the typical white Persian cat, these fancy breeds come in various colors and shades.
They are generally quiet and love to relax, but they are also affectionate towards their loved ones. Although they can behave like reserved cats around new people, they become more friendly as they get to know them. Overall, these furry friends won’t require too much attention.
2Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a beloved cat breed known for its soft, short fur, big blue eyes, and heavy build. Their sociable and easygoing personality make them a popular choice among pet owners. While Ragdolls can be playful, they are also known for their stubbornness. These affectionate cats love spending time with their loved ones, especially children.
They have a gentle and sweet nature and enjoy following their owners around like loyal companions. Being highly intelligent, they enjoy playing games and solving puzzles. One unique trait of Ragdolls is their love for the water, many enjoy playing in the sink or bathtub, and some even have impressive swimming abilities!
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1Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are the most popular cat breed in the US, known for their silver coat, green eyes, and robust body. They combine the traits of the Persian and American Shorthair breeds. These felines are warm and loving companions, preferring to lounge in a cool space or sit on their owner’s lap for attention.
They can coexist with other cats or dogs with early training and socialization. As a loyal breed, they are alert to strangers, and male shorthairs tend to be more affectionate than females. Having this loving and caring cat as a pet can bring happiness to your life.
