New Poll Reveals 25 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the US

Attention all cat lovers! Are you curious about which cat breeds are the most popular in the United States? Well, wonder no more. A recent poll has revealed the country’s top 20 most beloved cat breeds. Cats are a part of many people’s lives, with more than 45 million Americans owning a cat, according to the latest American Pet Products Association survey. Shockingly, fewer than 1 in 10 people purchased their cat from a breeder or a pet store. Others found their furry friends through adoption, family, and friends, or taking in strays.

YouGov just completed a comprehensive poll of the most popular cat breeds in the US. The results are rather surprising! In this article, we’ll dive into each breed’s characteristics and what makes them so lovable. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to discover the most popular cat breeds in America.

Snowshoe

The Snowshoe, a feline breed with a fascinating history, emerged in the United States during the 1960s. It was in Philadelphia where a Siamese breeder’s cat gave birth to three kittens with white feet, thus producing the first Snowshoes. Today, this breed continues to captivate cat enthusiasts with its striking appearance and charming personality.

Birman

The Birman, known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” is a beloved domestic feline breed recognized for its eye-catching appearance. The Birman stands out from other cat breeds with its long hair and color-pointed fur, silky coat, deep blue eyes, and distinctive white “gloves” on each paw. Interestingly, the name Birmanie (the French form of Burma) is the origin of this breed’s name.

Munchkin

The Munchkin, commonly called the Sausage Cat, is a feline breed famous for its distinctive short legs resulting from a genetic mutation. Despite being a relatively new cat breed, with documented origins dating back to the 1940s, the Munchkin has already captured the hearts of many cat lovers worldwide. In fact, it was officially recognized as a breed in 1991 and continues to charm people with its unique appearance and playful personality.

Highlander

The Highlander also called the Highlander Shorthair and initially known as the Highland Lynx, is a novel feline breed. This fascinating cat’s distinctive appearance stems from a purposeful crossbreeding of the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl breeds, which are relatively new. As a result, the Highlander has quickly gained popularity among cat enthusiasts for its striking looks and engaging personality.

African Serval

The serval is a type of wild cat that is indigenous to Africa. Although it is prevalent in many sub-Saharan nations, it is not typically found in rainforest regions. Throughout its habitat, the serval can be seen residing in protected areas where local authorities prohibit or restrict hunting. Interestingly, this majestic feline is the only member of the Leptailurus genus, and there are currently three recognized subspecies.

Serengeti

The Serengeti is a domestic cat breed that was created by breeding a Bengal cat with an Oriental Shorthair. This unique combination resulted in the creation of the first foundation Serengeti, which has since been recognized and registered by The International Cat Association. It’s worth noting that no other initial crossbreeds can be classified as Serengeti, making this feline genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a short-haired cat breed that typically falls into the small to medium-sized category. This feline is unique as it’s one of the few domesticated cat breeds with natural spotting on its fur. Interestingly, the spots on the Mau’s coat only appear on the tips of its hairs. Due to these distinct characteristics, many feline enthusiasts consider this breed quite rare and sought after.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is a domestic cat breed that’s considered one of the oldest and most natural breeds. Originating from central Anatolia, this breed has been documented as far back as the 17th century. Although it’s commonly referred to as the Angora or Ankara cat outside of the United States, it remains a beloved and well-regarded feline breed worldwide.

Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a beloved domesticated cat breed that’s recognized for its unique characteristics. Although it was once thought to be a variation of the Ragdoll cat, it was officially established as a separate breed in 1994. One of the most notable qualities of the Ragamuffin is their friendly and affectionate personalities, which makes them a popular choice among pet owners. Additionally, this breed is known for its thick and luxurious fur that adds to its overall charm and appeal.

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue Cat, also known simply as the Russian Blue, is a feline breed that boasts an array of colors ranging from glistening silver to a deep slate grey. For over a century, the breed has been recognized for its defining feature – a short and dense coat that stands out from its body. This hallmark trait distinguishes the Russian Blue as one of the world’s most unique and sought-after cat breeds.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a remarkable cat breed that features a striking colorpoint coat and mesmerizing blue eyes. This breed stands out among the rest with a large and sturdy physique and a semi-long, silky soft coat. Developed by American breeder Ann Baker in the 1960s, Ragdolls have become renowned for their gentle and easy-going temperament, making them an ideal pet for families seeking a loving companion. Their affectionate nature only adds to their charm and makes them one of the most beloved cat breeds worldwide.

American Wirehair

The American Wirehair is a unique domestic cat breed from upstate New York. While it is well-known among cat enthusiasts, it is ranked as the rarest of all 41 Cat Fanciers’ Association breeds as of 2017. Despite its rarity, this breed has gained popularity for its distinctive wire-like coat and charming personality, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a one-of-a-kind pet.

Napoleon

The Minuet is a delightful cat breed that results from crossing the Persian and Munchkin cat breeds. According to The International Cat Association, this charming hybrid is categorized as a domestic hybrid that was purposefully developed by crossing two existing domestic breeds, blending the characteristics of both parental breeds into a new and unique mix. With its adorable appearance and friendly nature, the Minuet has won the hearts of many cat lovers worldwide.

Cheetoh

Introduced in 2001 by Carol Dryman, the Cheetoh cat is a fresh and modern cat breed that resulted from crossing Bengal cats with Ocicats. The aim was to create a new breed of cat that possesses both the gentle, friendly nature of domestic cats and the wildcat-like physical appearance. Despite their increasing popularity for their striking looks and charming personalities, the Cheetoh cat is not yet acknowledged by the Cat Fanciers Association or any other breed registry. Nonetheless, these unique felines have captured the hearts of many cat lovers who appreciate their distinctiveness and affectionate disposition.

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian, also referred to as Abys, is a domestic short-haired cat breed recognized for its unique and distinctive “ticked” tabby coat. The hairs of the coat are banded with different colors, giving this feline a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Savannah

Bred in the late 20th century, the Savannah is a hybrid cat breed created by crossing a serval with a domestic cat. This crossbreeding typically results in large, slender offspring that inherit the Serval’s distinctively large ears and brown-spotted coat.

British Shorthair

With its uniquely robust physique, dense fur, and broad facial features, the British Shorthair is the purebred version of the classic British domestic cat. The most well-known color variation is the “British Blue,” distinguished by its solid grey-blue coat, medium-sized tail, and striking orange eyes.

European Shorthair

Originating in Sweden, the European Shorthair is a breed of cat known as the “European” in FIFe and WCF. However, this term has also been used to describe ordinary domestic cats in Europe, leading to some confusion. It’s worth noting that pedigree cats of this breed should still resemble the typical domestic cats found throughout Europe.

American Bobtail

Developed in the late 1960s, the American Bobtail is a rare domestic cat breed that stands out for its distinctive short “bobbed” tail. This tail is typically only about one-third to one-half the length of a typical cat’s tail.

Desert Lynx

Known for their outgoing, playful, and social personalities, the Desert Lynx is a mixed cat breed resulting from a cross between several other breeds such as the American Lynx, Maine Coon, Pixie Bob, and potentially even the bobcat.

Maine Coon

As one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed that originated in the state of Maine. Interestingly, it also holds the honorary title of Maine’s official state cat.

American Shorthair

Descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats, the American Shorthair is a domestic cat breed that has gained popularity over time. In fact, in 2020, it was ranked as the eighth most popular pedigreed cat globally by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Bengal

The Bengal cat is a unique domesticated cat breed that was created by breeding the Asian leopard cat with domestic cats, particularly the spotted Egyptian Mau. This hybridization has resulted in a distinctive and beautiful feline breed.

Himalayan

The Himalayan cat, also known as the Himmy, is a long-haired cat breed that shares many similarities with the Persian cat. However, it stands out due to its striking blue eyes and point coloration. These unique features were achieved by breeding Persians with Siamese cats, resulting in this distinctive sub-breed.

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Siberian

Drumroll! America’s most popular cat breed is the Siberian cat. It is a landrace breed that has existed in Russia for centuries. In the late 1980s, it was officially recognized as a formal breed with standardized characteristics that are recognized worldwide. Although its formal name is the Siberian Forest Cat, it is commonly referred to simply as the Siberian or Siberian cat.

There you go! Now you know the most popular cat breeds in the US. Which kind do you want? Which is your favorite? Be sure to tell us in the comments.