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The Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats, has revealed the most common cat breeds in 2016. The top eight feline companions listed below are those that Americans chose to take home in the previous year, out of the 42 cat breeds recognized by the CFA.
- Devon Rex cats
The Devon Rex is a new breed of cat found by chance in England’s Devonshire area in 1960. It has been dubbed a pixie cat, an alien cat, a cat that looks like an elf — or a bat. It has also been observed to act more like a dog than a pet.
The breed has won the interest of cat lovers worldwide, as well as the hearts of its owners, with its lovable, quirky, and mischievous personality.
- Abyssinian cats
As they are affectionately named, Abys are graceful and regal-looking cats who are easy to care for and make great pets for cat lovers. Abyssinians are lively and articulate animals with slightly wedge-shaped heads, half-cupped ears, medium-length bodies, and well-developed muscles. They have long, slender legs and short, close-lying coats. Their general appearance is similar to that of ancient Egyptian cats. Abyssinians are not lapped cats, but they are affectionate, loyal, and get along with children and other pets in most situations. Abyssinians are people-oriented cats who enjoy participating in the events taking place around them. They are known for their curiosity, playfulness, and need to explore their surroundings.
- Sphynx Cats
One of the newer cat breeds is the Sphynx, a hairless, wrinkled marvel with large ears and eyes and prominent cheekbones. According to the CFA, the first Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966. The loss of hair, a genetic disorder, is caused by Mother Nature and happens once every 15 years.
The Sphynx has been bred with standard shorthair cats and then back to hairless to produce a genetically sound, stable breed. Many cat owners have noticed the breed’s distinct appearance. Despite its rarity, it has recently become one of the most sought-after cats in the United States. Sphynxes are unquestionable “people cats.” They are energetic, silly, and playful creatures that enjoy being the center of attention. The Sphynx is not a cat that lives outside. Sphynx cats need to be shielded from the elements because their skin is exposed. That isn’t to suggest they shouldn’t go out; it just means they shouldn’t live outside.
- Scottish fold cats
Many Scottish fold cats are sweet-natured and demure, with a characteristic that distinguishes them from other cats: folded ears that offer the breed an owl-like look. Scottish fold cats are noted for their laid-back personalities and for being very affectionate and polite with people and other household pets. Outgoing and playful, this breed establishes a deep loyalty to one family member. The gentle voice of the Scottish fold cat is also well-known, as is its ability to “alk” in a range of purrs and meows not heard in many other cat breeds.
- American Shorthair Cats
The American shorthair cat is known as the “breed of America.” Early settlers brought the first cats of this kind over from Europe. The American shorthair is now a household favorite. It is still one of the top ten most common cat breeds. The breed is noted for its even temperament, pleasant demeanor, and keen intellect. The shorthair’s ability to get along with other pets and its sweet disposition around children is another testimony to its mellow nature. A shorthair is thought to be the perfect pet for a family with children who works.
- Maine Coon Cats
The shaggy coats and rugged appearance of Maine Coons are also well-known. Maine Coons’s weight can be up to 30 pounds when fully grown, with females weighing slightly less. By the age of three to five, these gentle giants have risen to their maximum height. Maine Coons are a breed that is quick to train because they are people-oriented, energetic, and intelligent. They’re often known for their canine-like behavior, which involves following their owners from room to room, listening to orders, and playing fetches with them.
- Persian Cats
Persian cats are affectionate, calm, beautiful creatures of habit, making them the most common breed among cat fanciers. They are renowned for their gentle, laid-back attitudes, sweet faces, and round eyes. Persian cats are not only the most common cat breed, but they are also the oldest. Hieroglyphics date back to 1684 B.C., according to their sources. After their supposed “country of birth,” the cats were named Persia (now Iran), which they are thought to have originated in. While the color and body shape of the breed has changed over time, one thing has remained constant: its dense and full fur. To avoid knots and matting of the hair, Persians should be groomed at least once a day. Bathe Persians daily to keep their coat clean and safe.
- Shorthaired British cat
The British shorthair is thought to have been introduced to England by the Romans in the first century when it coexisted and bred with wild cats native to the country. Many years later, the British shorthair was mixed with Persian cats, resulting in a significantly different appearance and thicker fur coat. It is not only one of the most common cat breeds, but it is also regularly considered on television, in movies, and even in books. Many Whiskas advertisements feature a British shorthair cat, which you might know. The cat raised from the dead (“Winston Churchill”) in Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, as well as “Arlene” in Garfield: The Movie and the “Cheshire Cat” in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, were both British shorthairs.
