Americans adore their cats, with roughly 46.5 million households having one or more, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). So why are certain cat breeds more popular in American homes? Is it their genetic varieties, cute behaviors, or quirky nature? Or is it their capacity to love their humans, thrive in various environments, or their inherent stress-reducing presence that makes them such beloved companions?
Whatever the reason, popular cat breed trends reflect broader cultural shifts, from the boom in pet-friendly apartments to millennial requests for low-maintenance pets. This listicle uncovers the top 10 cat breeds winning hearts (and couches) across America. Get ready to meet the stars of the cat world—cuddly, aloof, and all stops in between.
1. Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant
The Maine Coon is not just popular—it’s iconic. At some 18 pounds or more in weight and over 40 inches in length, they are the largest domesticated cat breed. Once native to New England in the 1800s, these cats were prized by both farmers and sailors for their hunting prowess and hardiness.
Nowadays, they remain beloved for their friendly, dog-like nature and elegant blend of size and affectionate behavior. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Maine Coons are still one of the top three highest-registered domestic cat breeds in the United States.
With tufted ears, lavish tails, and surprising chirps, they’ve even taken over meme culture, with cats like Samson, a 28-pound Maine Coon, becoming feline influencers.
2. Ragdoll: The Plush Sweetheart
Named after their tendency to go limp when picked up, Ragdolls are as beautiful as they are affectionate. Developed in the 1960s by California breeder Ann Baker, they were designed to be the ultimate lap cat. More recently, the breed has been used in medical research into the psychological benefits of cat cuddling.
With bright blue eyes and semi-long silky coats, Ragdolls now rank among the most popular registered breeds in the U.S. They thrive on human interaction and are known for their calm demeanor, which distinguishes them from high-energy felines.
In urban areas, they have adapted well to apartment living, which suits their soft-spoken disposition, making them even more popular. With both a soft-to-the-touch appearance and a calming vibe, Ragdolls are hardly traditional pets at all.
3. Exotic Shorthair: The Teddy Bear Cat
Think of the Exotic Shorthair as the Persian’s low-maintenance relative. They were bred to retain the Persian’s distinctive round face and large eyes but with a shorter, plusher coat. This genetic breeding has made them a favorite for owners who want the beauty of a Persian without the daily grooming requirements.
Now, because of their exaggerated, cartoonish faces, they are often used in commercials and social media campaigns. They’ve even proven popular on social media platforms such as Instagram for their seamless blend of appearance and easy maintenance.
Aside from their appearance, Exotic Shorthairs are also praised for their even temperament and easygoing nature, accounting for their ongoing popularity. This breed prefers companionship but doesn’t need it, providing owners with a happy medium on the feline personality spectrum.
4. Siamese: The Vocal Visionary
Few domestic cats are more well-known or vocal than the Siamese. Slim, sophisticated, and talkative, Siamese cats boast a storied past going back to ancient Thailand, where they were kept by royalty and worshipped as deities.
Their striking blue almond-shaped eyes and dramatic point markings give them a timeless appearance. On modern American sofas, they are prized for their intelligence and unmatched loyalty. They follow owners from room to room, vocalize their opinions loudly, and can even learn tricks.
But their passion is polarizing—some owners adore their demanding nature, while others can feel overwhelmed. Still, their popularity endures, challenging the myth that most cats are aloof by proving that some want to be front and center—always.
5. British Shorthair: The Aristocat
If the British Shorthair did have a slogan, it would be “grace under pressure”. Plush and round-faced, this breed is dignified as one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds in Britain. They’ve gained more popularity in the U.S. since COVID-19 because people began to look for more manageable, low-maintenance, and calm feline companions.
British Shorthairs are renowned for their dense blue-gray fur and copper eyes. Unlike high-maintenance breeds, they’re content to be alone for long periods of time without developing separation anxiety, making them ideal for those who work long hours or travel frequently.
Historically, they were used to catch mice and other rodents in Victorian England, and their resilient and calm nature still echoes through their lineage. While they might not become popular Instagram cats, they will quietly rule your house (and heart) from a sunny windowsill.
6. Bengal: The Miniature Leopard
At first glance, the Bengal looks like a wild animal. Its mottled, spotted fur is a nod to its ancestry, which includes the Asian leopard cat. But do not be misled by appearance—Bengals are affectionate, athletic, and highly intelligent.
They have become part of American families as high-energy, intelligent, and playful companions. This breed is known for its agility, love of water (yes, really), and frequent stimulation needs.
As a result, some owners even harness-train them for outings, defying lazy lap cat myths with an acrobatic flair. Bengals make ideal pets for energetic, engaged families seeking a curious, affectionate, dependable, and friendly feline.
7. Persian: The Regal Lounger
Persians are the ultimate queens, movie stars, and Instagram celebrity cats. This breed originates in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), where they were prized for their beauty and have been a symbol of opulence for centuries.
Their beautiful flowing coats, flat faces, and big eyes make it easy to recognize them. Known as “lap royalty”, these cats prefer lounging about over actively playing. But with all that glamour (and laziness) is a price tag: this breed needs daily grooming and regular vet visits due to respiratory issues.
Yet Persians are a staple in American homes because they’re gentle and loving. They’re the perfect pet for low-activity households and people who desire quiet companionship. In the hustle culture age, Persians encourage us to step back and enjoy the little things—like a good nap in a sunbeam.
8. Abyssinian: The Ageless Athlete
Dating back at least as far as ancient Egypt, Abyssinians are one of the world’s oldest cat breeds. They’re also among the most energetic. Sleek and muscular with very intelligent faces, Abyssinians are always on the go.
They love heights, puzzles, and interactive play. For those seeking an active, participatory pet, this is the breed for you. Despite their ancient origins, they feel remarkably modern—they thrive in high-energy situations, adapt well to change, and are prone to bonding strongly with humans.
They’re the ideal cat for curious minds and busy hands, as they feel more like smart roommates than pets. If you believe that all cats spend their days lying about, then Abyssinians will be delighted to disillusion you from this notion.
9. American Shorthair: The Common Man’s Cat
While the American Shorthair was previously the colonial barn workhorse, today, it is the common man’s house cat. Originally brought across on ships from Europe, they were brought in to control rodents. However, their friendly and versatile nature soon made them popular, earning them a place in American households.
Now, they are among the nation’s top breeds because of their health, longevity, and gentle nature. They are low maintenance, undemanding, and good with children, so they are ideal for families.
Picture them as the Labrador Retriever of cats—dependable, friendly, and earthy. In a world of high-maintenance, glamorous, and exotic breeds, the American Shorthair is a timeless classic.
10. Russian Blue: The Stately Feline
The Russian Blue is a stately cat with a shiny bluish-gray coat and piercing emerald-green eyes. The breed originated from the seaport town of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia, and its history is riddled with rumors that it was the chosen companion of Russian czars or sailors.
Their double-layered thick coat, which is suited to colder climates, makes them even more loveable. Russian Blues are smart, playful, and devoted, with a tendency to bond strongly with their humans. Despite their loving nature, they tend to be reserved around strangers and prefer more peaceful environments.
They are perfect for first-time cat owners because they have low grooming requirements and are well-suited to apartment life. With lifespans of up to 20 years, these refined cats provide long-lasting companionship.
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