Top 10 most popular cat breeds in the world
There are more than 600 million domesticated cats in the world. They have become beloved and popular pets for millions of people and families around the globe. But cats come in many different breeds. The following chart ranks the 10 most popular cat breeds in the world right now.
Top 10 most popular cat breeds in the world
The 10 most popular cat breeds in the world (summary)
1. Short-haired cat
Origin: Hybrid (mainly from Europe and North America)
There are British Shorthairs, some European Shorthairs and even American Shorthairs. To sum up, the Domestic Shorthair Cat is the most popular cat breed in the world. They do not have a specific origin but have been bred with many variations over time. Genetically, however, most Shorthairs are descended from European and/or North American ancestry. Indoor Shorthair cats are known and valued for being exceptionally low-maintenance and very independent pets. They are also among the smartest cats in the world.
2. Persian Cat
Origin: Iran
The Persian cat is one of the oldest domesticated cats that have survived to this day. Originating in present-day Iran, the continent-wide popularity of Persia as a pet began in the 17th century when Italian merchants introduced the breed to Europe. The Persian has a very long coat, which is a rare trait in the descendants of the African wildcat, the common ancestor of all domesticated cats. Their beautiful coat requires constant maintenance. However, besides that, Persian cats are known to be quite pleasant, easy-going and very calm pets. This explains their centuries-old popularity worldwide.
3. Maine Coon
Origin: United States of America
There are many legends surrounding the origin of the Maine Coon. Some early theories falsely claimed the Maine Coon was the product of a cross between a cat and a raccoon (hence the name). In fact, the Maine Coon most likely originated from a cross between a domestic short-haired cat and a long-haired Angora cat. The breed was first introduced and popularized in the US state of Maine (hence the name). Throughout the 20th century, the Maine Coon became increasingly popular throughout North America and even beyond. Today, the breed is the second most popular in North America and the third most popular in the world. The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed. Adults can reach up to 48 inches (120 cm) in length and up to 16 inches (41 cm) in height. Maine Coons are known to be gentle pets and unlike many other cats, very harmonious in their interactions with children. Therefore, this breed is often called "the dog among cats".
4. Ragdoll Cat
Origin: United States of America
The Ragdoll breed was developed by the famous American cat breeder Ann Baker in the 1960s. It is most genetically related to the Persian and Birman breeds. The Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cats in the world. Adult female Ragdolls can weigh up to 15 pounds (7 kg) and male Ragdolls even up to about 20 pounds (9 kg). Ragdoll cats are extremely docile and affectionate towards humans. Unlike independent domesticated cats like the Shorthair, Ragdolls hate being left alone and will sometimes follow their owners from room to room. Ragdoll is also known for her sweet voice and music. Unfortunately, they are also among the shortest-lived domesticated cats and rarely live longer than 15 years.
5. Abyssinian Cat
Origin: Ethiopia
The Abyssinian cat originated in what is now Ethiopia in East Africa (historically also known as Abyssinia, hence the name). It is believed that British sailors brought the cat to Europe in the mid-19th century. The Abyssinian quickly gained popularity throughout Europe and then around the world. As a short-haired cat, the Abyssinian does not require much maintenance. Personality wise Abyssinians are known as very outgoing, playful, and active cats. They don't like being locked up in small houses and prefer to spend their days outdoors. The Abyssinian cat is also characterized by an above-average level of intelligence for cats.
6. Sphynx Cat
Origin: Canada
The Sphynx cat, or simply the Sphynx, is a breed of cat known for its lack of fur. Hairlessness in cats is a natural genetic mutation, and the Sphynx was developed through selective breeding of these animals, beginning in the 1960s.
By breed standards, the skin should have the texture of chamois skin, as it has fine fur, or the cat may be completely hairless. Beards may be present, complete or broken, or may be absent. The cats have narrow, long heads and webbed paws. Their skin is their coat color and all the usual feline markings (snake, pointed, van, tabby, tortie, etc.) can be found on Sphynx cats' skin. Because they are hairless, they lose more heat than fur-covered cats, which makes them warm to the touch and easier to find warm places.
7. Siamese cat
Origin: Thailand
Derived from the Wichianmat Landrace, a breed of cat native to Thailand (formerly known as Siam), the original Siamese became one of the most popular cat breeds in Europe and North America in the 19th century. modern style, extremely characteristic, more carefully refined with features of blue almond-shaped eyes, triangular head, large ears; an elongated, slender and muscular body; and different forms of point coloring. Other than colour, the modern Siamese bear little resemblance to the original breed, and the more moderate, traditional or "old-fashioned" Siamese, with a much rounder head and body, have been more muscular. The registrar was re-established as Thai Cat. The International Cat Association describes modern Siamese cats as affectionate, social, intelligent and playful cats as adults. usually like to play hunting game. Siamese tend to seek human interaction and also enjoy the company of other cats.
8. Scottish Fold Cat
Origin: United Kingdom
The Scottish Fold was originally a white barn cat named Susie, found on a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961. Susie's ears have an unusual crease in the middle, making it resemble a cat. owl. When Susie had kittens, two were born with folded ears, and one was acquired by William Ross, a neighborhood farmer and cat lover. Ross registered the breed with the Governing Council of Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1966 and began breeding Scottish Fold kittens with the help of geneticist Pat Turner. Breeding programs produced 76 kittens in the first three years - 42 with folded ears and 34 with straight ears. The conclusion from this is that the ear mutation is caused by a simple dominant gene
9. Bengal Cat
Origin: India
Bengal cats have a wild appearance; Their golden sparkle is derived from their leopard cat ancestors, and their coats may have spots, asterisks, arrowheads, or marbled markings. They are an active breed that needs a lot of exercise and play.
10. Birman Cat
Origin: France
Birmans are medium-sized, rectangular bodies with a broad face and distinct Roman nose. Ideally, their ears should be wide at the base because they are tall and should rest on top of the head as much as on the sides. The eyes are round and should have a deep sapphire blue color.