10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the U.S.

Ragdoll
Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, Ragdoll cats have silky fur and are also very easy to care for, making them a popular choice for first-time cat owners. Ragdolls are known for their “ragdoll” reaction when picked up. When picked up, they will relax their muscles and go limp, as if they are made of cloth. This is why they are called “Ragdolls.” Fun Fact: Ragdolls were originally bred in California in the 1960s. Image Source: Purina

Maine Coon
Maine Coons are known for their long fur, bushy tails, and friendly personalities. They are also the largest domesticated cat breed. Fun Fact: Maine Coons are the official state cat of Maine. Image Source: Purina

Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are a cross between Persians and American Shorthairs. They have the flat faces and long fur of Persians but the short fur of American Shorthairs. Fun Fact: Exotic Shorthairs were first bred in the 1960s. Image Source: Purina

Persian
Persians are known for their flat faces, long fur, and sweet personalities. People who want a low-maintenance cat should consider this breed. Fun Fact: Persians have been around for centuries and are considered to be one of the oldest cat breeds. Image Source: Purina

Devon Rex
Devon Rexes are a unique-looking, rare breed of cat with curly fur. They are playful and affectionate. Fun Fact: Devon Rexes are a relatively new breed, first appearing in the 1960s. Image Source: Purina

American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are a medium-sized breed with a sturdy build. They have short, dense fur that can be any color or pattern. Their heads are round with broad foreheads and short noses. Their eyes are large and round, and their ears are medium-sized and wide apart. They are known for their laid-back personalities. Fun Fact: American Shorthairs are said to have come from British Shorthairs and are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. Image Source: Purina

Abyssian
Abyssinians are a breed of cat with a distinctive ticked coat. They are playful, energetic and are known to be easily trained to do tricks. They are known for being very vocal cats, and they often meow or chirp to communicate with their owners. Fun Fact: Abyssinians are a breed of cat that originated in Ethiopia. Image Source: Purina

Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are a breed of cat with folded ears. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Fun Fact: First discovered in Scotland in the 1960s, Scottish Fold cats are born with straight ears. The gene that causes the ears to fold is recessive, so a Scottish Fold kitten must inherit the gene from both parents in order to have folded ears. Kittens that inherit only one copy of the gene will have straight ears. Image Source: Purina

Sphynx
Sphynxes are a hairless breed of cat. They are friendly and playful. Fun Facts: This breed originated in Canada in the 1960s, and owners will often use sunscreen to prevent sunburns on their skin. Image Source: Purina

Bombay
Bombays are a breed of cat with a black coat. They are affectionate and loyal. Fun Fact: Bombay cats are not actually from Bombay, India. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1960s by Nikki Horner, who crossed black American Shorthairs with sable Burmese cats. She wanted to create a breed that resembled a miniature panther, and she succeeded! Bombay cats are now recognized by all major cat registries. Image Source: Purina