The Most Popular Cat Breeds

Many owners enjoy their pet cats, but which types are the most coveted? Bald or furry felines are anywhere, and over 46 breeds are recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association and finding the one that’s right for you can be challenging.

Out of the 40 cat species that the CFA recognizes, the following top 10 companions were proven to be more prevalent in recent years. You can get a glance at the health conditions and fun facts about the breeds with the information below. The list may not be all-inclusive, but it will allow individuals to know why some of these felines are the top picks.

1. Devon Rex

One of the newer classes out there is the Devon Rex, which was accidentally discovered in the 1960s. It was first found in Devonshire, England, where it has been known to have many names in the region. Many describe the Devon Rex as an alien, pixie, or elf cat because of its unique appearance and characteristics. Some owners also notice that this pet behaves more like a dog than a cat.

With its uniqueness and grace, the Devon Rex has captured a lot of attention from many cat fans around the world. It has a mischievous, lovable, quirky, and sassy attitude that many pet parents find fascinating.

2. Gray Tabby

The term “tabby” does not explicitly describe a specific group but a kind of coat pattern and color. The sporty look is considered unique and peerless by others. The classic tabbies can be bred, but part of their charm is in their genetic disposition that can produce random patterns, colors, and combinations.

Classic colors of the tabby often include whorls, stripes, and markings on the body, tail, limbs, head, and more. However, the mixed-in ones are diluted or have broken patterns, and they usually have paws, white chests, and undersides. The diluted ones are more adorable, especially if the color is predominantly gray. This relatively neutral color goes well with pink noses, yellow eyes, and loving personalities.

3. Scottish Folds

The Scottish fold has a natural mutation of the dominant genes that causes the cartilage of the ears to fold. Since they have distinctive and rare physical traits compared to others, it’s no surprise that they are becoming popular to many owners. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have them, and they are usually good-natured. They can adjust to other animals in the house, and they have higher marks for intelligence, grooming, and playfulness.

They don’t adapt to loneliness, and they may become depressed at times. However, they are lively when outdoors and enjoy a lot of activities very much. It’s also common for them to be stubborn. Learn more about the Scottish Folds on this site here.

4. Persians

Persians are known as Longhairs outside the USA, and many know them to be the luxury felines. They are the ones that usually expect to be kept in luxurious rooms and live in affluent families. Even if they have these preferences for luxury, know that many still want to keep them as pets.

They are one of the most famous felines in the world, and some may have known them for the push Pekingese traits that they have. They have a more “pettable” nature than others, but they need lots of grooming. Know that Persians are more susceptible to kidney diseases, so you might want to do annual check-ups and ultrasounds for them.

5. Siamese Cats

Many owners can’t resist the charm and attractive blue eyes of Siamese cats. They usually have outspoken personalities and unique patterns that are well-known for many centuries. Long before becoming status symbols, these are known to be given to various dignitaries as a gift.

They became even more popular and made their debut in the US in 1878 when one was given to the then President Rutherford B. Hayes. His wife loved the feline, which came from an American consul, and the general public also began to want one. These felines are known to be very vocal with their loud meows and purrs. Sometimes, you can mistake them to be crying babies! Read more facts about the Siamese in this link: https://www.thesprucepets.com/facts-about-siamese-cats-4173491.

6. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is well-known for its looks. It usually has a fun-loving and easy-going personality where the face is more appealing than others. Some of its features include a chunkiness on its body and face, plus a thick and plush fur. This has a sturdy temperament in general, and they are also wide-cheeked.

Their expressions appear to be smiling and expressive compared to other felines. It’s said that the British Shorthair was the inspiration of the wide-grinning Cheshire in the famous book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. They have reputations for having a dog-like temperament, and they are keener on games like fetch outside the yard.

7. Polydactyl

Polydactyl kitties are one of those that give the best high-fives. Many fondly call them the thumb cats and mitten cats because they have genetic mutations that give them an unusual number of toes. These cats have six to eight toes on each paw, and the extra ones make them look like they have thumbs.

While the features of the polydactyl kitten can happen to any other animal, it’s primarily the cutest when it’s happening to cats. The writer, Ernest Hemingway himself, owns a polydactyl, and many others find them to be excellent companions with a sweet and gentle temperament.