Mini Profiles of the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Top Felines
What are the most popular cat breeds? Cat Fanciers’ Association registration statistics provide the answer to this question.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the top 10 cat breeds by popularity in 2022 were as follows.
Persian Cats
Persians topped the list as the number one cat breed by popularity. Although Persians require a lot of grooming to prevent their long fur from matting, these quiet, docile, affectionate cats are loved by owners both for their appearance and temperament. Petfinder’s owner ratings indicate that Persians tend to be laid back and good with children and other pets. Notably, a Persian holds the record for longest solo journey by a cat. The record holder fought his way across 1,000 miles of harsh Australian outback to be reunited with his human family
Exotic Shorthair Cats
Sometimes mentioned to as the “lazy man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair has the Persian cat appearance but with short hair, and thus minimal grooming requirements. Pet-finder owner ratings indicate that the Exotic Shorthair has a mellow, docile, easy-going personality, much like the Persian.
Maine Coon Cats
The Maine Coon, which took the number three spot in 2018, has a thick, water-repellent coat, a fluffy tail, and in many cases, tufted ears. These gentle giants are among the largest domestic cats, weighing in at 10-20 pounds on average. A slow-maturing breed, the Maine Coon takes at least 3-4 years to reach its full physical size (though it is capable of producing kittens at a much younger age). PetFinder owner ratings indicate that Maine Coons are generally healthy, good with kids and other animals, affectionate, and playful, but not particularly talkative.
Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are born with white or off-white fur and over time they develop point markings – darker fur on the ears, face, feet, and tail. How dark the points eventually become is determined by the temperature in which Siamese kittens are raised. Siamese cats are rated as among the most intelligent, talkative, affectionate, and active cats, and they are known for their longevity, with many indoor Siamese cats living 20 years or more.
Abyssinian Cats
Abyssinians have ruddy ticked coats (each hair has alternating bands of light and dark colour with a dark tip) and slender, athletic bodies. Abyssinians are among the most active and playful cats. Owners rate them as attention-seeking, good with other pets, and intelligent.
Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll is a large breed, topping the scales at 10-20 pounds. Ragdolls have Siamese point markings and long fur, which necessitates regular grooming. The personality is usually more like that of a Persian than a Siamese, with owners giving Ragdolls high scores for affection, docility, and being good with other pets and children, and relatively low scores for activity, chattiness, and independence.
Sphynx Cats
The nearly hairless Sphynx cat is covered in a fine, soft “peach fuzz” coat. Sphynx cats are known for their extremely high intelligence and loving personalities. Owners rate the Sphynx highly on nearly every measure, ranging from activity and playfulness to affection and talkativeness. Sphynx cats are usually good with both children and other pets, and tend to be very loyal and sociable.
American Shorthair Cats
The American Shorthair, available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, tends to be robust and adaptable, getting along well with other animals and children. Owner ratings suggest that most American Shorthairs are relatively mellow, quiet, and independent. While playful and affectionate, they usually dislike being picked up. Grooming needs are minimal.
Birman Cats
Birmans are long-haired cats with Siamese-style point markings and distinctive white “gloves.” Owner ratings indicate that the Birman personality is similar to that of the Persian, with a tendency to be affectionate, docile, quiet, easy going, and able to get along well with kids and other animals. Grooming needs are relatively high.
Oriental Cats
The oriental is essentially a Siamese that is available in many colours and patterns, rather than just the classic pointed pattern. Owner ratings indicate that the personality is similar to that of the Siamese, with high scores for intelligence, chattiness, playfulness, and overall activity levels.