Last Updated: 2 months ago

Are you curious to learn which the most sought-after cat breeds are and if your kitty is on the list?

If that’s so, you’ve come to the right place to satisfy your curiosity.

We’re going to talk about some of the world’s cutest cats which are highly popular cat breeds.

Let’s get started!

9 Popular Cat Breeds

What makes some cat breeds so popular with the general public?

It’s likely a combination of appearance, temperament, and representation in the media. Exotic and hybrid cat breeds also tend to attract a lot of attention and admirers.

Unfortunately, all cat breeds are too cute to compare, and people like different things in a cat.

So, we used data from the Cat’s Fancier Association about new cat registrations to judge which the most popular cat breeds are.

#1 Ragdoll

According to the CFA’s association, the Ragdoll is the most popular cat breed for 2019, with over a 25% increase thanks to its rising popularity in China.

It’s easy to see why people are so smitten with the Ragdoll. They’re sweet, docile, and have the most stunning blue eyes you’ll ever see.

Their silky coat has the texture of rabbit fur, and it’s one of the softest you’ll ever have the honor to pet.

Moreover, unlike other breeds, Ragdolls don’t hate being picked and go lump in your arm. They don’t even mind if you cradle them like a baby.

But since Ragdolls aren’t one of the tiniest cat breeds, it’s easy to drop a Ragdoll if you aren’t careful.

Ragdolls are also famous due to their dog-like personality.

They come when called, retrieve toys, and can learn tricks with positive reinforcement. 

#2 Exotic Shorthair

Have you ever wanted to have a Persian but couldn’t imagine taking care of their long and silky fur?

You won’t be the only one, which explains the popularity of the Exotic. 

Breeders crossed Persians with American Shorthairs and Russian Blues to create a cat that resembles a Persian in every aspect, but the coat.

As a result, the Exotic has the same facial features as their Persian parents, but a short, easy to groom coat that doesn’t shed much. 

Besides their appearance, these exotic cat breeds have the same laid-back character as the Persian and their love for napping and cuddling.

Some people also consider them a dumb cat breed, but Exotic cats are just not eager to show off their intellectual abilities.

However, due to their flat faces, Exotic cats often have noisy or difficult breathing and teeth problems.

They’re also sensitive to heat since they can’t pant to cool themselves.

#3 British Shorthair

The British Shorthair has a long and complicated history.

They were first brought by the Romans and later became the first pedigreed cats in England.

Then they almost became extinct during World War II, and breeders had to work hard to preserve the breed.

Nowadays, the British Shorthair remains one of the most sought-after cat breeds. Their distinctive blue/gray coat, intelligent eyes, and round, sturdy bodies appeal to cat owners worldwide.

Moreover, British Shorthairs are easy-going, calm, and moderately active.

They’ve got the typical British reserved nature and aren’t likely to intrude upon your personal space.

But these adorable gray cats also don’t like to be carried around. 

Interestingly, the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland is a British Shorthair.

#4 Persian

Persian cats are among the oldest breeds since their origins go back to Mesopotamia and Persia, so it makes sense that they’re also one of the most popular cat breeds.

Their silky fur was likely the result of a natural mutation, but breeders shaped their short faces and flat noses throughout the years.

Besides their majestic appearance, Persians remain one of the most sought-after breeds because of their docile temperament.

These cats love to purr in your lap or nap on the couch instead of climbing up the drapes.

However, the Persian’s long coat requires frequent brushings to prevent mats and keep it silky and shiny.

The cute Persian also has health problems due to their flat faces and doesn’t deal well with changes and noisy environments.

#5 Maine Coon

With a weight of around 18 pounds, the Maine Coon is one of the biggest domesticated cats.

It’s no wonder that they remain one of the most sought-after cat breeds when it’s so easy to fall in love with their majestic fluff and bushy tails.

While Maine Coon cats might look intimidating at times, they’re sweet, gentle, and docile.

These fluffy kitties love to be around people without being too demanding, bossy, or chatty.

Playing fetch is a favorite activity, as is solving puzzles and learning tricks.

Fortunately, Maine Coons aren’t lap cats or avid climbers. They are a mouser cat and prefer to stay close to the ground.

Their magnificent coat also doesn’t require much care to keep it clean and shiny.

However, due to their size, Maine Coons need extra large litter boxes and can break stuff by accident.

They’re also predisposed to several genetic conditions and mature slowly.

#6 Devon Rex

Do you see those bat-like ears and the wavy coat? Devon Rex’s charming personality and cute appearance explain their rising popularity among cat owners.

As a whole, the Devon Rex is a friendly and people-oriented breed that greets family and friends warmly.

They like nothing more than perching on your shoulder and keeping track of your activities.

Moreover, Devon Rex is an intelligent cat, which makes life interesting for them.

These cats with big ears master tricks with ease and enjoy interactive toys, puzzles, and games.

Fortunately, the Devon Rex isn’t as highly energetic as other breeds, but they love to eat and put on pounds quickly.

While the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex have similar appearances, they’re separate breeds resulting from different genetic mutations.

#7 American Shorthair

With their muscular bodies, expressive faces, and sociable temperament, the American Shorthair is an all-time favorite.

These cats came aboard the Mayflower and were valued for their superb hunting abilities.

The American Shorthair is still one of the most popular cat breeds, likely due to their cheerful personality and middle-of-the-road temperament.

They are playful without being too active or demanding, and they don’t hide under the bed when guests come around.

Moreover, the American Shorthair needs minimal grooming and gets on well with children and cat-friendly dogs.

However, these shorthair cats don’t like to be held and have a strong prey instinct.

#8 Abyssinian

When it comes to the Abyssinian, people say they used to be the pharaoh’s cats. It’s easy to believe these stories when you see their proud stature, wild appearance, and intelligent yellow eyes.

However, the origins of the Abyssinian remain unknown.

People are so obsessed with the Abyssinian because these cats live their lives to the fullest.

They love running, chasing, jumping, and playing so much that it can be hard to keep up with their physical needs. It’’s never boring with them in the house.

Moreover, Abyssinians are curious cats that like exploring and investigating. They also tend to “steal” stuff that catches their interest and thrive when they’re the center of attention.

Abyssinians are also a highly trainable breed and can learn tricks with ease.

However, Abyssinians are energetic cats that are always in motion and prefer to stay as high as possible. Watch out for your drapes!

#9 Sphynx

Are you surprised that the Sphynx remains one of the most sought-after cat breeds?

Their unique, hairless appearance fascinates cat owners throughout the world, even though they’re a relatively “new” breed.

The Sphinx appeared due to a natural mutation—a single hairless kitten born in a litter of furry ones.

People were so smitten that they worked hard to reproduce the mutation during the 1960s and 1970s.

Sphynx might not be the most beautiful cats, but they still have charm and attract attention when they appear on social media and in cat shows.

They’re also very affectionate, people-oriented, and highly sociable.

However, the hairless coat of the Sphinx requires weekly baths to keep it clean and grease-free.

Sphynx cats also don’t tolerate cold as well as their brethren and often need extra heat during the winter.

Wrap-Up

While these most sought-after cat breeds have an impressive appearance that steals hearts, you should think carefully before you get a purebred cat.

You have to research the breeder well to get a healthy kitten since purebreds often have inherited conditions.

If you don’t care about pedigree or cat shows, adopt or rescue a stray cat.

Many resemble purebreds in appearance and will give you as much love and affection as any purebred cat with a family tree.

What do you think about these most popular cat breeds? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section.

Resources:

• CFA.org
• CatTime.com