Which Cat Is Popular In Instagram?

Cats have become social media superstars, attracting millions of followers on Instagram. In fact, cats make up 35 of the top 50 most popular pets on Instagram, dominating the platform. With their silly antics and adorable faces, it’s no wonder cats capture so many hearts online. Instagram allows cat owners to give their pets a voice and share their unique personalities with the world. Some cats even make big money through sponsored posts, merchandise sales, and other opportunities that arise from social media fame. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular cat breeds and individual felines lighting up Instagram feeds across the globe.

Table of Contents

Persian

With their incredibly fluffy fur and flat faces, Persian cats are consistently ranked as one of the most popular cat breeds on social media as they are well known to be display many endearing qualities and highly photogenic [1]. Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Cat World”, Persian cats trace their origins to Persia (modern day Iran) where they were prized possessions and symbols of wealth amongst nobility. They were introduced to Europe in the 17th century from traders who brought them over from Persia. Since then, they have become one of the most beloved cat breeds around the world.

Some key facts about the history and origins of the Persian cat include [2]:

Persian cats can be traced back to the 1600s when they were imported from Persia into Europe.
In 1871, they were first exhibited at the Crystal Palace in England, helping establish the Persian breed.

The exact origins prior to importation from Persia remain mysterious.
In Persia, Persian cats were treated as prized possessions amongst nobility.
Their long, beautiful coats were well suited to dealing with cold winters and hot summers in the mountainous region of Persia.

With their regal and gentle personalities combined with their striking physical features, it’s no surprise that Persian cats continue to capture the hearts of feline lovers globally and maintain a strong social media presence.

[1] https://weareallaboutcats.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-persian-cats/
[2] https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/persian-cat-facts/

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat developed to be a short-haired version of the Persian cat. The Exotic Shorthair first appeared in the late 1950s and was developed by crossing Persian cats with American Shorthair cats. Some key facts about the Exotic Shorthair breed:

The Exotic Shorthair has a round, massive head with large, round eyes and small, rounded ears. Their faces are sweet and open, with a short nose and thick, fleshy cheeks. They have a thick, muscular body and short, sturdy legs (according to the Daily Paws).

Exotic Shorthairs have a gentle, calm personality and adjust well to other pets and children. They are not overly active but enjoy playing and interacting with their owners (according to the ASPCA).

While Exotic Shorthairs may appear overweight, their large frame and broad chest are characteristics of the breed, not excess fat. Their thickset, cobby body gives them a cuddly teddy bear-like look (according to Mental Floss).

Overall, the Exotic Shorthair combines the Persian’s sweet face and laidback personality with a low-maintenance short coat. Their calm, affectionate nature has helped make them popular on Instagram and beyond.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll breed originated in the 1960s in California. Ann Baker, who lived in Riverside, California, is credited with developing the first Ragdoll cats. According to the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International, Baker’s Persian/Angora cat became the father of the first litter of Ragdolls after mating with a domestic long haired white cat.

As described on Wikipedia, “All Ragdolls are descended from Baker’s cats through matings of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat.” Baker established the Ragdoll breed and carefully controlled its further development to ensure the cats retained their docile temperament and large size.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds on Instagram due to their large size and lovely coat. Maine Coons are known as “gentle giants” with a very friendly and laidback personality that makes them great models for photos and videos.¹ They have a lifespan of 9-15 years.

Some key facts about the Maine Coon breed:²

They are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with males weighing up to 25 lbs and females up to 15 lbs.

Their coat is medium-long to long and soft. The fur is longer around the neck, giving a lion-like appearance.
Personality-wise, they are very friendly, laidback, intelligent, and enjoy being around people.

The striking size and coat of the Maine Coon, coupled with their calm personality, makes them extremely photogenic and popular on Instagram.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed that originated in Toronto, Canada in 1966 when a domestic shorthair cat gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune (Wikipedia). This natural mutation was bred to create the Sphynx breed. The first notable hairless cats were born in Minnesota in the 1960s on a farm belonging to Milt and Ethelyn Pearson (Hill’s Pet). These hairless cats were the foundation for the Sphynx breed. The Sphynx was originally called the Canadian Hairless but was later renamed.

While Sphynx cats appear hairless, they are not truly hairless but have a very thin layer of down. They usually have some hair on their nose, tail, and toes. Their skin is very soft and warm to the touch. The lack of coat makes the Sphynx sensitive to temperature extremes and sun exposure, so they tend to seek out warm places and need protection from the cold and sun (The Spruce Pets).

Bengal

The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed that was developed by crossing small Asian leopard cats with domestic cats like Abyssinians, Ocicats, and Egyptian Maus in the late 1980s. The result is a striking, medium to large cat with a vividly patterned coat that resembles the leopard cat ancestor. Bengal cats have a sleek, muscular body, large oval eyes, small rounded ears, and a thick tail. One of the most identifiable features of the Bengal is its luxuriously soft, velvety fur. Bengals are known to be highly intelligent, curious, and active cats that bond very closely with their human families.

Bengals have lively, dynamic personalities. They are extremely energetic cats that love to play and jump to high places. Many Bengals enjoy playing in or near water. Most are very social and outgoing with humans, vocalizing frequently and seeking interaction. Despite having a “wild” appearance, Bengal cats that have been bred properly have sweet, friendly temperaments. However, their high energy and activity levels do require plenty of playtime and interaction to prevent behavior problems. Bengals are best suited for active households that can provide them with abundant play, exercise, and mental stimulation each day.

As noted in “10 Fascinating Facts About Bengal Cats” from Rover.com, “Bengals are talkative. One more special fact – Bengals are one of the most talkative cats. They like to communicate very much, and will certainly let you know their opinion.”

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds on Instagram due to their calm, easygoing personality and their plush, teddy bear-like appearance. Often referred to as the “British Blue” for their gray-blue dense coat, British Shorthairs are medium to large in size and very muscular (The Spruce Pets, 2023).

British Shorthairs are known for being quiet, gentle, and relaxed, making them excellent lap cats. They enjoy affection from their owners but are not needy or demanding. British Shorthairs get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Despite their laidback nature, they are still playful and energetic at times, capable of intense play sessions with toys or chasing a laser pointer (Hill’s Pet, 2023).

This breed comes in a wide variety of colors beyond just blue, including black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, silver, golden, and blue-cream. The most distinctive feature of the British Shorthair is its round face, large eyes, chubby cheeks, and broad smile, which gives these cats an endearing, friendly expression that contributes to their popularity online (Daily Paws, 2021). Overall, the British Shorthair’s cute face, snuggly body, and calm demeanor make this breed photogenic and lovable on Instagram.

Conclusion

From Sphynx cats to British Shorthairs, we’ve covered some of the most popular cat breeds on Instagram. Persian cats take the top spot as the most popular overall, likely due to their sweet, docile temperaments that make them great for photos and videos. Exotic Shorthairs are similar in looks but have a playful, mischievous personality that shines through in social media posts. For those who love fluffy furballs, Ragdolls and Maine Coons are can’t-miss breeds, boasting lush, long coats perfect for cuddling. And hairless Sphynx cats attract attention with their unique, wrinkled appearance unlike any other breed. Bengal cats are a favorite thanks to their exotic leopard-like markings. And the round eyes and smushed faces of British Shorthairs make them an Instagram darling. Whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a breed that captures your heart and receives all the likes.

Most Popular Overall