The Most Popular Cat Breeds — 2000

What are the most popular cat breeds in America? The Cat Fancier’s Association, the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats, tracks pedigreed cats and ranks them based on registrations. A “pedigreed” cat has parents that are from the same breed. Most cats in the world are not pedigreed, but rather are combinations of various different breeds of cats. While the domestic shorthair continues to be the favorite non-pedigreed cat in America, below is a list of the most popular pedigreed breeds, as determined by the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Fact: The Persian Cat has been the most popular breed of cat in American since 1871.

2. Maine Coon

Fact: One of the largest domestic breeds, male Maine coons weigh in at 12 to 18 pounds, while the females range from 10 to 14 pounds.

3. Siamese

Fact: Siamese cats are famous for their ability to vocalize. Their loud raspy yowls are used to get attention and express their many moods.

4. Exotic

Fact: Dubbed “a Persian in pajamas,” the exotic is a solidly built, rounded cat that looks like a Persian, but has short fur that is easier to care for.

5. Abyssinian

Fact: No one knows where the Abyssinian first came from, but myths claim that the cat is descended from cats worshipped by the ancient Egyptians.

6. Oriental

Fact: This breed looks and acts like a Siamese, but comes in more than 300 color combinations.

7. Birman

Fact: This cat has a long, silky coat, striking blue eyes, and white gloves on each paw, making it look like it just stepped in snow.

8. American Shorthair

Fact: While the American shorthair comes in many colors, the most striking and best-known color and pattern combination is the silver tabby – black markings set off on a vivid silver background. More than one-third of all American shorthairs possess this color and pattern.

9. Scottish Fold

Fact: This cat is best known for her “folded ears.” The ears fold forward and downward, giving the cat the look of a wide-eyed owl or a teddy bear.

10. Burmese

Fact: The Burmese is a solidly built feline with a short, soft coat that requires little care. These cats love to play and prefer their owners’ stay at home to do just that.

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Most Popular Cat Breeds