Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds of 2023
Cats make wonderful animal companions. There are over 70 recognized cat breeds that come in different colors, coat patterns, and have unique personalities. When considering getting a cat, one of the first things that comes to mind is – what breed?
Some of the most popular cat breeds today include mainstays like the playful Abyssinian to the social Siamese. New breeds gain popularity too for their distinctive looks like the hairless Sphynx. Other factors that influence a breed preference can be friendliness around families, low grooming needs, or scarcity that makes certain cats more in demand.
To help learn what cat breeds rank as most popular and maybe find your perfect furry match, here is a look at the top 10 based on registrations, surveys, and specialty breed popularity contests.
#1: Siamese
Originally from Thailand, the Siamese cat breed is highly recognized for its distinct coloring and bright blue eyes. Points on the ears, tail, feet, and face contrast with a lighter cream body color.
Beyond their flashy good looks, Siamese cats also take the top spot for popularity thanks to their outgoing, social personality. They actively seek human interaction and like being constantly by their owner’s side.
Their lean, muscular body type allows Siamese cats to be very active and graceful. They love to play and will retrieve toys for hours. Siamese can be talkative with an unusually loud, raspy meow too.
#2: Maine Coon
As one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, the Maine Coon is a gentle giant that continues rising in popularity. Their claim to fame is a big, rugged appearance featuring a plush, water-resistant coat well-equipped for cold winters.
While their size can be intimidating, Maine Coon personalities are friendly and social. Most enjoy playing games retrieving toys or learning tricks. They tend to get along well with children, dogs, and other household pets when properly socialized.
Beyond family-friendly temperaments, low-shedding coats also make Maine Coons a highly preferred choice for many cat lovers today.
#3: Ragdoll
A newcomer first registered in the 1960s, Ragdoll cats have quickly earned a spot among pedigreed cat breed popularity thanks to their stunning good looks and affectionate personalities.
Ragdolls get their name from going limp like a ragdoll when picked up. It highlights their docile, easy-going nature perfect for cuddling. Typically low-maintenance and easy to care for, they don’t tend to be high-strung or destructive.
Their semi-longhaired, pointed pattern coat requires weekly brushing to minimize tangles and mats. While expensive to purchase, Ragdoll cats shed very little compared to many breeds making them ideal for those concerned with allergens.
#4: Persian
Elegant and glamorous, Persian cats reign as one of the most recognized cat breeds. Their extra long, flowing coat gives them an appearance of luxury that contributes to their popularity over decades.
However, such high style comes at a price! The Persian’s longhair coat requires extensive grooming multiple times a week to prevent painful mats. Between bathing and brushing duties, owning a Persian is often described as a part-time job.
While high-maintenance in terms of care, Persian temperaments are relatively low-key. They enjoy lounging around the house posing to show off their beauty. Generally quiet and gentle cats, Persians tend to prefer calm environments.
#5: Sphynx
While technically not hairless, the Sphynx cat breed lacks the usual fur coat making it one of the more unique-looking breeds. Instead, Sphynxs have a light dusting of velvety down that gives them a soft, warm feel.
This distinctive bald appearance attracts attention wherever Sphynx cats go! They can’t help but stand out from the crowd. Some people are put off by their alien-like look at first while others are incredibly intrigued.
Beyond striking appearances, Sphynx cats have outgoing, clownish personalities. They thrive on silly antics and non-stop activity. Rare hypoallergenic qualities provide moderate shedding relief for allergy sufferers too.
#6: British Shorthair
Often confused with more common domestic shorthair cats, the pedigreed British Shorthair breed has a long history across the pond in Britain. Their stocky yet muscularly bodies give off an impression of power and strength.
While imposing physically, British Shorthair temperaments do not match the tough exterior. They are generally easy-going, gentle cats that remain playful and kittenish despite growing older.
Low grooming requirements make the plush British Shorthair coat maintenance fairly simple for owners. Daily light brushing easily keeps it tidy and tangle-free. Their calm demeanor fits well into both active and more quiet households.
#7: Scottish Fold
Perhaps best known for folded, tipped-forward ears, Scottish Fold cats claim recent fame as internet celebrities and meme stars! Photos and videos showing off their silly-looking ears never fail to garner a reaction.
However, concerns about osteochondrodysplasia causing painful bone and cartilage abnormalities make owning a Scottish Fold controversial. Reputable breeders carefully screen for joint disorders plaguing certain lines.
Big, round eyes and a cuddly appearance attribute to their popularity too. When healthy, Scottish Fold cats have very sweet, loyal dispositions that enjoy snuggling up with their owners for pets and belly rubs.
#8: Bengal
Seeking the look of a wild jungle cat but the temperament of a domestic pet? Enter the Bengal! They rank among the most exotic-looking domestic cats available today.
Bengal cats get their trademark spots and rosetted markings from ancestral Asian leopard cat hybridization. Continued breeding to domestic cats gives them typically friendly, lively personalities – with just a dash of wicked mischief!
As one of the most active cat breeds, pet Bengals require extensive exercise and mental stimulation. Cat trees, puzzle toys, clicker training, leash walks are all great outlets benefiting a Bengal’s needs.
#9: Abyssinian
Resembling miniature cougars, the active Abyssinian breed sports a distinctly ticked, wild appearance. Yet looks can be deceiving regarding this popular breed’s temperament.
Intelligent, playful, and very social, Abyssinians thrive when constantly engaged with their families. They typically greet owners excitedly at the door and curiously investigate any household activity.
Sometimes called “Aby-grabbys” for their tendency to take and bat small objects around like hockey pucks, this is a busy breed always on the go! Providing adequate outlets for play and exercise is essential for their happiness.
#10: Russian Blue
With their shimmery, silvery-blue dense coats, Russian Blue cats never fail to make a glamorous impression. It proves hard for fans to resist their glowing green eyes too.
While beautiful to look at, Russian Blues also endear people with their devoted yet charming personalities. They actively follow owners from room to room, curious about whatever task is at hand.
Gentle dispositions and quiet voices make Russian Blues ideal cats when living in apartments or small homes. Their playful spirit stays young at heart chasing after cat toys or stealing treasures like hair ties or pens!
How to Choose the Right Cat Breed
With over 70 popular cat breeds to choose from, selecting the right one for your family can feel overwhelming. Each breed comes with general temperament and care traits to consider before making a commitment.
Start by reflecting on your household lifestyle and activity level. Are you very busy and often away from home? Or able to provide a calmer, consistent environment? This greatly impacts the personality matches best suited for you.
Also evaluate if you have experience with cats or if this will be your first. An outgoing yet demanding breed like the Siamese likely frustrates a completely new cat owner. Whereas veterans enjoy the breed interaction.
Consider any family allergies as well. Though no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, some shed less dander. Breeds like the Cornish Rex lack much fur which may better tolerate sensitivities. Or the Siberian’s oilier coat traps more allergens close to their skin.
Desired activity levels differ among breeds too. Playful youngsters like the Abyssinian and Bengal require extensive daily exercise and stimulation. Quieter laps cats such as Persians lounge around more contentedly.
Grooming obligations factor in enormously. Longhaired varieties like the Maine Coon need brushed frequently to prevent painful mats and digestion issues from hairballs. Short-haired cats only require weekly wiping downs.
Making honest assessments about your family’s lifestyle, experience, allergy, and activity preferences allows the best personality and care trait matching. This gives both cat and human parties their best chance at forging an enjoyable, lifelong relationship together.
Cat Breed Personality Differences
While individual feline personalities always exist, general temperament traits often emerge among pedigreed cat breeds. Analyzing these noticeable differences provides critical insight when selecting a new cat.
For example, the vocal Oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese tend to be very loud and conversational. Their incessant chatter entertains some families yet frustrates those preferring less noise. Similarly, the playfully mischievous Abyssinian stays constantly on the go – leaping up cat trees and stealing household items to bat around. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation outlets, all that energy turns destructive.
In contrast, quiet lap cats such as Persians, British Shorthairs, and Ragdolls generally relax calmly around the house. Content with short play bursts, they want petting sessions, windowsills to survey outdoor activity, and soothing massages. However, their lower activity needs may disappoint families hoping for an engaged, interactive companion.
Territorial breeds also react differently to strangers and other pets. Russian Blues closely bond with their personal humans yet hide from unfamiliar guests. Meanwhile, the friendly Maine Coon gently plays with children and begs to meet every visitor. Tolerance varies greatly.
Recognizing these core personality differences, activity requirements, vocal tendencies, and territory preferences helps match prospective owners appropriately. Those able to meet the needs of their chosen breed reap rewards of a fulfilling relationship for years to come. Doing homework first prevents frustrating mismatches down the road.
Health and Genetic Testing
All responsible cat breeders invest tremendous effort genetic testing breeding stock to reduce inherited disorders. Still, certain breeds face higher odds for conditions new owners should understand before adoption.
For example, the extremely brachycephalic (flat-faced) Persian struggles with multiple health issues. Breathing difficulties, excessive tearing, poor bite alignment, and facial fold dermatitis frequently require veterinary management. Reputable Persian catteries carefully select to avoid exaggerating the baby-doll face.
The folded ears of Scottish Fold cats also pose severe risks. Without careful screening for osteochondrodysplasia, abnormal cartilage and bone development leads to degenerative joint disease. Milder folded-ear breeds like the British Shorthair monitor bone health too.
Heart disease threatens the Ragdoll and Maine Coon breeds in particular as well. Cardiomyopathy rooted in genetic mutations often progresses without outward symptoms until advanced stages. Responsible breeders echocardiogram screen all breeding cats to reduce chances of passing along the fatal condition.
Kidney issues in Persians, progressive retinal atrophy in Abyssinians, nerve degeneration in Bengals also require dedicated breed vigilance. Discussing testing with reputable breeders ensures the healthiest, happiest cats.
Where to Adopt Popular Cat Breeds
With so many homeless cats flooding animal shelters, adopting often costs less than buying directly from a breeder. Many cat rescue groups focus efforts on finding forever homes for purebreds too.
Check sites like Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com to search for specific breeds available in your local area. Filter by characteristics like age, coat length, colors, gender, size, etc. to refine your matches.
National breed-specific rescues also cater to popular cats like Maine Coons, Siamese, Ragdolls, and more. These groups pull homeless pedigreed cats from high-kill shelters to rehome in foster care until matched. Applications often waitlist if no cats currently available.
When buying from breeders, confirm health testing completed for common genetic issues. Ask to see documentation for heart, joint, eye exams proving due diligence to better the breed. Meet breeding pairs on-site to evaluate temperaments too.
Also inspect living quarters where cats and kittens are housed. Clean cages, enrichment toys, premium food, and gentle handling demonstrate quality care. Consider waiting lists from respected catteries too.
Taking time to research options provides the best odds of finding your perfect companion cat to welcome home!
Costs of Popular Cat Breeds
Many factors influence how much popular pedigreed cats cost including where obtained, rarity, pedigree ancestry, and more. Prices often range widely for the same breed.
For example, adoption fees typically run $50-$200 for mixed breed cats from shelters and rescues compared to $200-$600+ for purebreds. Higher demand breeds like Siamese, Ragdoll and Maine Coon kittens routinely fetch premiums from breeders and waitlists stand years long.
Rarer colors and coveted show qualities also increase value. A Best in Show winning majestic copper-eyed white Persian coachs over $5000 compared to pet quality silver tabby Persians around $1500-2000.
Exotic hybrid mixes like the Bengal bred from Asian leopards start around $1000-2000 on the low end. As multi-generational breeds achieving more domesticated traits, prices often exceed $5000+ especially for sought-after fur patterns like glittered snow Bengals.
Responsible ownership also requires an annual budget for veterinary exams, vaccines, preventatives, food, litter, toys/enrichment amounting $600-1500+ per cat. Emergency vet visits tack on more making pet insurance wise. Reputable breeders cover initial kitten vet fees too.
Understanding true costs long-term prevents unprepared impulse purchases lacking proper lifetime care funds.
Tips For Cat Owners
Preparing for a new cat takes research and planning before ever bringing one home. All cats have basic physical and mental needs requiring time, patience and responsibility no matter the breed.
Financially budget for essential veterinary care costs like:
- Annual exams, vaccines, preventatives
- Emergency visit fees just in case
- Premium food according to life stage
- Litter boxes/scoops plus cleaning supplies
Cat-proof your home by:
- Securing loose wires, toxic houseplants
- Installing sturdy cat trees/scratch posts
- Setting up puzzle feeders and water fountains
- Designating sunny window perches for watching outdoors
Additionally, go slowly when introducing new cats to your home. Set up a safe room with food, litter box, bed and toys where cats acclimate first. Swap scents with resident pets. Over days/weeks, permit cautious, supervised interactions until all relax together.
Remain patient throughout adjustments too. Let cats communicate through body language and behavior when uncomfortable. Building relationships takes time. Consult trainers for additional guidance easing transitions.
Investing fully in preparation sets you both up successfully for a lifetime of companionship!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular cat breed for 2023?
The Siamese cat continues holding the #1 spot for most popular cat breed going into 2023 based on registration data. Their distinctive looks and outgoing personalities make them a long-standing favorite.
Which cat breed lives the longest?
Several pedigreed breeds like the Siamese, Manx, and Persian often reach 15-20 years. Mixed breeds average 12-18 years. Factors like healthcare, indoor/outdoor status, and genetics influence lifespans too.
Do Siamese cats shed?
Yes, Siamese cats do shed like all other breeds. However, their short, fine coat does not produce excessive hair like longhaired varieties. Minimal grooming easily manages loose hairs drifting around your home.
Are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic since allergens stem from skin dander and saliva versus just fur. However, the Maine Coon produces less of the Fel-D1 protein triggering symptoms in people. Their long coat also traps more dander close to the body helping minimize environmental contamination.
Why are Persian cats so popular?
Elegant beauty, calm temperaments, and a long history as house pets contribute to Persian popularity. Their glamorous, high-maintenance coat appeals to owners preferring a decorative lap cat over a playful hunter.
