The United States is home to myriad cat breeds, each with its own special set of characteristics. While some people may prefer a certain type of cat based on appearance, others may base their decision on personality or health concerns. Regardless of your preferences, there are certain breeds that stand out among the rest. Here are the top cat breeds in the United States, according to The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).
1. The Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is an incredible breed of cat that has been the number one choice for Americans for a few years now. As the name suggests, they are calm and cuddly, making them ideal members of any family. They also have delightfully playful personalities, sure to keep everyone entertained. Additionally, they're known for being intelligent, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance cats, making them great pets for people who lead busy lives. They are very interested in humans and, unlike many other breeds, enjoy following their owners from room to room and curling up on their laps. Some will even play fetch and come when called, much like a dog. If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance lovebug, you can't go wrong with a Ragdoll!
2. The Maine Coon
The Maine coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. It originated in—you guessed it—the state of Maine in the 1800s and is known for its large size, considerable intelligence, and affectionate nature. While they have a rugged exterior thanks to their heavy coat, Maine coons are actually quite gentle cats who love humans and easily bond with their owners. For this reason, they are often referred to as the "gentle giant" of cat breeds.
While people-oriented, they are not overly needy. Most are not lap cats, but they enjoy hanging out with their owners and "helping" with just about everything they do. They make excellent family pets due to their tolerant personalities and their ability to form close bonds with other animals within a household. If you ever get a chance to meet a Maine coon, take it. They are sure to steal your heart.
3. The Exotic
If you're in the market for a cuddly and easy-to-care-for pet companion, then look no further than the Exotic breed! Recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1967, this delightful feline is steadily rising in popularity, having secured a third-place spot on the list. While sharing many characteristics with its Persian relatives—including a lovely round face, quiet nature, and affectionate personality—the Exotic has a plush, dense coat that requires far less maintenance than that of a Persian. It doesn't tangle or mat, making it ideal if you are someone who loves Persians but can't keep up with their demanding grooming needs.
4. The Persian
Persian cats are one of the most luxurious breeds of house cats. Their thick coats and round faces make them especially cute, and many people simply fall in love when they see one. It's important to note, however, that because of their heavy fur coat, Persian cats can require more maintenance than other house cat breeds. If you adopt a Persian cat, prepare yourself for daily combings and occasional baths. You may also need to have them groomed professionally to keep their coats clean, mat-free, and in good overall condition. They also require regular grooming around the nose and eyes. Persians are considered “brachycephalic” meaning they have a very smooshy face. This trait comes along with added grooming needs to prevent skin and eye problems. With regular grooming and lots of love and attention from their owners, these beautiful felines will remain healthy and enjoy a long life. They are wonderful cats, so they truly are worth the effort.
5. The Devon Rex
The Devon rex, with its unique elf-like features and mischievous personality, has been gaining in popularity and recently secured a spot in the top five most beloved cats in the US. Their combination of intelligence, affectionate nature, athleticism, and commitment to playtime sets them apart from other breeds and makes it easy to understand why people love them so much. And thanks to this breed's active and inquisitive mind, you'll have hours of fun watching them enjoy stimulating puzzles and toys. They love investigating whatever crosses their path! If you're looking for a spirited feline friend who will keep your home lively, the Devon rex might just be the cat for you.
Conclusion
With so many different cats to choose from, it's important that you pick one that is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Some factors you'll want to consider are how active you are, whether or not you have kids or other pets in the home, and if anyone in your household has allergies. Also, do some research to gain an understanding of your chosen breeds' needs before adopting. While cats are often regarded as low-maintenance pets, some breeds have much more intensive needs than others.
Once you've found your new feline friend, schedule an appointment with your local primary care veterinarian as soon as possible to start them off on the right paw. They'll make sure they're up-to-date on all their preventive care and answer any questions you may have about taking care of your new pet.