The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats and currently recognizes 41 different breeds. They prepare an annual report to identify which are the most popular feline companions that Americans preferred to take home in the past year.
Which brings us to the Top 10 List for 2015 of America’s most popular cats. Here’s the list:
#1. Exotic Shorthair
For the second year in a row, the Exotic Shorthair was named as America’s most popular registered cat, knocking the Persian off the podium again after 31 years as the reigning No. 1 breed. This breed is a cross between Persians and American Shorthairs.
They are bred to meet the Persian standard in almost every way with one exception: their coats. Exotics, unlike their Persian counterparts, have short, thick, dense coats, making them popular among people who enjoy the Persian personality but don’t want the hassle or the time required for daily grooming. The Exotic personality tends to mimic that of a Persian: sweet, affectionate and playful. Exotic cats are known to show more affection and loyalty than other feline breeds, and commonly follow their owners throughout the home.
#2. Persian
Persian cats are well known for their gentle, laid-back personalities, sweet faces and round eyes. They are affectionate, quiet, beautiful creatures of habit,and one of the oldest breeds. In fact, hieroglyphics reference their origination as far back a 1684 B.C. where they were thought to have originated in Persia (now Iran).
Although the breed has evolved over time in color and body type, one thing has remained the same: its thick and full fur. Ideally, Persians should be groomed at least once a day to prevent knots and matting of the fur and also bathed occasionally to maintain a clean and healthy coat. PS – we just loved this photo of such a gorgeous snaggle-toothed Persian.
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#3. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, and known for their intelligence and playfulness, as well as their size. One of the largest breeds of domestic cats, they are often lovingly referred to as “gentle giants.”
Cats of this breed are known for their shaggy coats and rugged appearance. Full-grown male Maine Coons can grow to be 30 lbs., with females weighing a little less. Maine Coons are people-oriented, energetic and highly-intelligent, making them an easy breed to train. They’re also known for their dog-like behavior: following their owners from room to room, coming when called and playing fetch with their owners.
#4. Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats get their name from their tendency to relax and go limp in one’s arms when picked up. One of the largest breeds of cats, ragdolls are also one of the most affectionate, often referred to as “puppy-cats” because of their dog-like personality.
These cats are extremely mild-mannered and friendly, and often seek out human companionship, and love sleeping with or simply flopping on their owners. This breed is particularly good with children and other pets and is easily trained to learn the same tricks as dogs, such as playing fetch, rolling over or begging.
#5. British Shorthair
Origins date back to the Romans when it was believed that they brought the British Shorthair to England during the first century, at which time they co-existed and bred with wild cats native to England. Many years later, the British Shorthair was crossbred with Persian cats, slightly changing the look of the cat and improving the thickness of its fur coat.
British Shorthair cats are commonly selected to appear on TV, in movies and even in books. A well known example is the “Cheshire Cat” in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
#6. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a family favorite and is regularly referred to as “America’s breed”. The first cats of this type were brought over from Europe with early settlers. It consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular cat breeds.
They have a very even temperament, good disposition and keen intelligence. Their mellow nature allows them to get along well with other pets and they are considered an ideal pet for a working family with children.
#7. Scottish Fold
Scottish fold cats are sweet natured and demure, with an easy-going nature, and tend to be very loving and friendly with people and other household pets. They are known to become particularly attached to one family member. Unlike other cats, they have folded ears that give them an owl-like appearance.
The Scottish Fold cat is also known for its soft voice and the ability to “speak” in a variety of different-sounding purrs and meows not commonly heard in many other cat breeds.
#8. Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats or ‘Abys’, as they are lovingly called, are elegant and regal-looking, easy to care for and make ideal pets for cat lovers. They are lively and expressive, with slightly wedge-shaped heads, half-cupped ears, medium length bodies and well-developed muscles, Abyssinians have long, slender legs and their coats are short and close-lying to their bodies.
Their overall appearance bears a resemblance to ancient Egyptian cats. Abyssinians are not lap cats, but are affectionate, loyal and normally mix well with children and other pets. Known for their curiosity, playfulness and need to explore their surroundings, Abyssinians are people-oriented cats who like to participate in the activities taking place around them.
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#9. Sphynx
The Sphynx, a hairless, wrinkled wonder with big ears and eyes and pronounced cheekbones is one of the newer cat breeds. The first Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966, according to the CFA. The lack of hair, a genetic anomaly, was a result of Mother Nature and occurs about once every 15 years.
Since this time, the Sphynx has been bred with traditional shorthair cats, and then bred back to hairless to create a genetically sound, healthy breed. The breed’s unique look has caught the eye of many cat lovers. Though rare, it has recently become one of the most in-demand cats in the U.S.
The Sphynx is definitely a “people cat”. They are energetic, silly and playful, and love to be the center of attention. However, they are not an outdoor cat because their skin is exposed and needs to be protected from the elements. That doesn’t mean they can’t go outside; just that they should not live outdoors.
#10. Oriental
Oriental Cats were created by U.S. breeders who wanted to expand the look of the Siamese cat by introducing a range of colors. The breed was divided into two groups: shorthairs and longhairs. In 1995, the two groups were merged into one, known simply as the oriental.
The personality of this popular pet is a winning one. The oriental cat tends to be an entertainer and loves to interact with people. They are also very vocal, so expect a lot of pleasant conversation in your household. The oriental cat is good with adults as well as older children, so it’s perfect for families or singles.
Summary
So there you have it. Any surprises?
The cat lovers at Nationwide Pet Insurance put together the easy-to-read infographic below which visually depicts the Top 10 Cat Breeds for 2015 and includes most popular cat names, common health issues and a fun fact. Enjoy!
Resources:
Any predictions for 2016’s most popular cat breeds? Leave a comment and tell us what’s your favorite cat breed?
the Maine Coon is my fav
We started breeding Oriental Short Hair cats since 2010 and after 2 years we accepted our first Bengal female