Which of the cat breeds do people prefer? Take a look at the Most Popular Cat Breeds
The list of the most popular cat breeds is compiled using the number of registered owners of a particular breed and the ranking is done according to The Cat Fancier's Association (CFA), which is the world's largest cat registry.
What you might find surprising is that the most popular cat is not actually a registered breed, but this type of cat makes up 92 percent of the UK's cat population.
And in the first place we have...
1. The Persian
The Persian
has consistently been ranked the world's most popular cat breed since 1871. Even
though the Persian is a high-maintenance cat that requires daily grooming sessions,
the appearance and temperament of this cat makes it a sought after breed.
2. The Maine Coon
This
big, fluffy cat has been in the 2nd place for the most popular cat since 1992.
These cats are gentle and loving giants and do not need as much grooming as the
Persian even though their coats are long and thick.
More on the Maine Coon Cat Breed
3. The Exotic
Known
as Exotic or Exotic shorthair. These cats are called the "Persians with short hair."
They have the same gentle temperament as the Persian.
More on the Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed
4. The Siamese
The Siamese
is a slim and athletic cat. Of all the popular cat breeds, they are known to be
talkers and often yowl in a loud voice, having a conversation with their owners.
5. The Abyssinian
You
will be hard pressed to find a more loyal cat than the Abyssinian. They are very
active and playful and just love being around people.
(Abyssinian cat Quiomme's Gustav owned by Karin Langner-Bahmann)
More on the Abyssinian Cat Breed
6. The Ragdoll
The name of this popular cat breed is quite appropriate as it goes limp when you
pick it up. Ragdolls are friendly and easy going.
7. The Birman
The Birman with its blue eyes and silky fur is a very friendly cat and you will
often find him waiting at the door to greet you when you come home.
8. The American Shorthair
These
cats are great with children and have a loving nature. The American shorthair is
also known for its general good health.
More on the American Shorthair Cat Breed
9. The Oriental
The Oriental is a very people orientated cat and will actively seek out human company.
They are highly intelligent and active.
More on the Oriental Cat Breeds
10. The Sphynx
This "hairless" cat
is in fact not completely hairless, it just has very fine hair that lies very close
to its body. They are loyal and loving cats.
Although the cats listed above are all purebreds, there are two other kinds that are amongst the most popular of cats - the domestic longhair cat and the domestic shorthair cat.
The Domestic Longhair
These silky, long haired cats come in every shape, size, color and pattern. These
cats have a diverse mix of genes and personalities.
The domestic longhair is the result of many generations of mixed breeding with different types of cats and therefore is not considered a purebred cat.
More on the Domestic Longhair Cat
The Domestic Short Hair
Although domestic shorthair cats are not purebred cats, this popular cat wins the
contest hands down. As with the domestic longhair cat, it comes in a variety of
colors and shapes, and it is due to this fact that they are considered to be the
most popular cats.
The domestic shorthair and the domestic longhair cats are closely related, the only big difference is that the short coat gene is dominant in this cat.
More on the Domestic Shorthair Cat
Is your cat a Pedigree, Non-pedigree or a Mixed breed?
(Persian, Exotic, Siamese, Ragdoll, Birman & American short-hair photos courtesy of www.i-love-cats.com)
