Right after dogs, cats are the most popular pets in the world. But some cat breeds are more popular than others.
Read on to discover the 13 most popular cat breeds in the world, according to the Cat Fanciers Association:
1. Ragdoll
According to the association, the Ragdoll is the most popular cat breed in the world. They are known for their calm and placid temperament, their affectionate nature, and their ability to look like a ragdoll when picked up.
2. Maine Coon
In second place is the Maine Coon. These gentle giants are known for having dog-like traits, with a beautiful thick coat and a great reputation.
3. Persian
The Persian cat took the bronze medal. Unfortunately, like other “flat-faced” breeds, they can suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which causes respiratory and feeding problems.
4. Exotic
Exotic cats, which can have long or short fur, are a mix of Persian, Russian Blue, and Burmese cats. They are known to be lower maintenance than their Persian ancestors but are also prone to suffering from BOAS.
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, a breed developed in England, can be traced back to a cat named Kirlee, owned by Beryl Cox. Their unusual head shape and large eyes make them easy to identify.
6. British Shorthair
One of the oldest cat breeds, the British Shorthair is known for its relaxed nature, making it a wonderful companion pet.
7. Abyssinian
The name comes from Abyssinia, now known as Ethiopia, where they were first exported to the UK. They became very popular in the last decade after being considered “rare” for a long time. These cats are very affectionate and love to play.
8. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold got its name from its “folded” ears, a characteristic caused by a genetic mutation. This cat is so affectionate that it really doesn’t like being left alone. So, if you’re looking for a cat that you can leave at home while you go to work, the Scottish Fold is probably not the breed for you.
9. Siberian
An ancient breed from Russia, the Siberian cat was only officially recognized as a formal breed in cat registries in the early 2000s. It is known for its thick and distinctive tail.
10. Sphynx
Due to its lack of fur, the Sphynx can easily get cold. This means it seeks the warmth of the body, so it is known to stay very close to its owners. Additionally, the lack of fur also makes them prone to skin problems and sunburns.
11. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair was believed to have been used by Europeans to catch pests on ships heading to America. Because of this, it was selectively bred in the early 20th century to develop its distinctive traits, including medium-sized, slightly rounded ears.
12. Russian Blue
With its distinctive gray-blue coat, the Russian Blue cat is also known as the “Blue Angel,” named after the Russian port of Arkhangelsk, from which it is believed sailors brought the cats to Northern Europe in the 1860s.
13. Norwegian Forest
In last place is the Norwegian Forest cat. With its thick fur adapted to the cold climate of its homeland, it is believed these cats were brought to Norway by the Vikings around 1000 AD. They were nearly extinct until an increase in popularity helped the breed thrive in recent years.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
