Cat Breeds : Top 5 Cat Breeds To Keep At Home In United State 2022

CFA Names Nation's Most Popular Felines

The Cat Fanciers' Association, the world's largest registry of pedigree cats, has announced which cat breeds were most popular in 2016.

Of the 42 cat breeds recognized by the CFA, the top 10 feline companions listed below are those which Americans preferred to take home in the past year.

Check out our Top 10 Cat Breeds 2016 infographic with fun facts and at-a-glance top health conditions.

Devon Rex Cats

The Devon Rex has been called many things: a pixie cat, an alien cat, a cat that looks like an elf — or a bat. With its unique appearance, the breed has captured the attention of cat lovers worldwide—and the hearts of its families with its lovable, quirky and mischievous personality.

History

The Devon Rex is a relatively newer breed of cats, discovered by accident in the region of Devonshire, England, in 1960. When a curly haired kitten was spotted in a litter of kittens living in a tin mine that was no longer used, cat fanciers initially thought the kitten was a Cornish Rex.

Beryl Cox, the cat fancier who found the unusual looking kitten, kept a close eye on his new subject and noted that the litter of kittens ultimately produced by the cat and a calico resulted in one kitten with the same curly hair. Curly hair in cats is a recessive gene; for the offspring—named Kirlee— to be born with the unusual curly coat meant both parents had to have the recessive gene as well, which could also mean the parents were in fact related.

When Kirlee was cross bred with a Cornish Rex cat, the litter was born with straight hair. This surprised the breeders; further testing revealed that Kirlee was not a Cornish Rex but in fact a breed thus far undetected. A new breeding program was then established to maintain the lineage of the Devon Rex. All Devon Rex owners should be able to trace their cat’s lineage back to Kirlee.

Personality

The Devon Rex is a people pleaser, a breed whose owners have said recognizes not only its name but their names as well. Preferring a warm lap as a comfy spot on which to rest, the Devon Rex is known to behave more like a dog than a cat, following family members around the house, learning tricks, fetching toys, walking on a leash and showing off a fun-spirited personality.

The breed is also highly intelligent and has a very inquisitive nature with a healthy dosage of mischievousness in the mix.

Abyssinian Cats

Abys, as they are lovingly called, are the fourth most popular cat breed according to statistics from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. Elegant and regal-looking, Abyssinians are easy to care for and make ideal pets for cat lovers.

History

According to the CFA, the first Abyssinians to exhibit in England cat shows got their names from Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, the country which they are reported to have been imported. The first mention of Abyssinians dates back to 1872; the cat wasn’t imported to North America until the early 1900s.

However, top quality Abyssinians forming the foundation of the current American breeding programs didn’t arrive from England until the 1930s.

Personality

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.

American Shorthair Cats

The American shorthair cat has a reputation as “America’s breed.” The first cats of this type were brought over from Europe with early settlers. They were valued for their ability as great hunters and killing disease-carrying rats that threatened passengers.

In later years, this breed was put to work hunting rodents during the Gold Rush of 1849 and was a favorite of farmers.

The American shorthair in 1906 was recognized as one of the first five registered breeds by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

History

In later years, this breed was put to work hunting rodents during the Gold Rush of 1849 and was a favorite of farmers. The American shorthair in 1906 was recognized as one of the first five registered breeds by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Personality

The American shorthair has gained respect over the years. First, it was admired for its hunting ability and now it is beloved as a family pet. It is a docile creature that is good with other pets and people alike. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that displays a playful personality and a fierce loyalty, the shorthair is a perfect fit.

Another testament to its mellow nature is the shorthair’s ability to get along with other pets and its gentle nature around children. A shorthair is considered an ideal pet for a working family with children.

Maine Coon Cats

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, Maine Coon cats are known for their intelligence and playfulness, as well as their size. One of the largest breeds of domestic cats, they are lovingly referred to as “gentle giants.” The breed is so well-liked that they’re the No. 3 most popular breed registered in North America according to the American Cat Fanciers Association.

History

Believed to be brought over to the New England states from Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, Maine Coons had to adapt to the harsh winter climates common in the Northeast United States.

As a result of their environment, Maine Coons adapted the following characteristics: their long fur on their neck and stomach helped to protect them against the wet snowy weather and their large, round paws aided them as they made their way through snow.

Personality

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.

Relaxed and easy-going, Maine Coons are not overly dependent. They have a very small voice for their large size; their voice is more of a chirp than it is a meow.

Persian Cats

Known for their gentle, laid-back personalities, sweet faces and round eyes, Persian cats are affectionate, quiet, beautiful creatures of habit, making them one of the most popular breeds among cat fanciers.

History

Ancient Beginnings Persian cats are not only the most popular breed of cats, they’ve also been around the longest. In fact, hieroglyphics reference their origination as far back as 1684 B.C.

Thought to have originated in Persia (now Iran), the cats were named after their believed “country of origin.”

Persians are the most popular breed registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats.

Personality

Persians tend to have a sweet and gentle nature, making them great pets and companions. Although they can be both playful and affectionate, they tend to be more calm and quiet, and get along well with other pets and children.

British Shorthair

The cat has made its presence known. Not only is it one of the most popular cat breeds, it is also commonly selected to appear on TV, in movies and even in books.

You might recognize the cat in many Whiskas brand ads as a British shorthair.

The cat raised from the dead in Stephen King’s Pet Sematary (“Winston Churchill”) was a British shorthair, as was “Arlene” in Garfield: The Movie and the “Cheshire Cat” in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, just to name a few.

What is it about the British shorthair that has made it so in demand?

History

It is believed that the Romans brought the British shorthair to England during the first century, at which time the breed co-existed and bred with wild cats native to England. Hundreds of 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.

By the late 19th century, the breed was very popular, although its existence was threatened—as were many dog and cat breeds—during World War II. Since 2001, the British shorthair cat has been the most popular breed in the United Kingdom.

Personality

British shorthair cats are known to be a bit on the independent side, often choosing to sit near their owners rather than on their owners’ laps. They are also known to find a spot on which to perch and observe goings-on within the house for long periods of time.

While the British shorthair cat may not be the most social of cat breeds, it does like to play with typical cat toys and will let its family know when it wants some attention and chin rubs. Many British shorthair cat owners note that the breed becomes vocal when playing or when waiting for dinner to be served.

An intelligent breed, it can learn new tricks quite easily and can be trained to fetch, amongst other things.