From physical quirks to charming personalities and even notable movie appearances, these twenty eight breeds stand out as the most popular among American favorites.
The world is home to a variety of feline creatures, with each breed possessing unique characteristics that have enamored cat enthusiasts worldwide.
Cats can be classified as either domestic, purebred, or hybrid. While domestic cats lack a clear lineage, purebred cats boast a pedigree history. On the other hand, hybrids result from crossbreeding domesticated cats with their wild feline counterparts.
The United States-based Cat Fanciers’ Association, the leading organization for pedigree certification, recognizes a staggering 45 purebred cat breeds, each with its distinctive traits and characteristics.
Cat Facts
- According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 42.7 million households in the United States own a cat.
- The total number of cats owned as pets in the United States is approximately 95.6 million.
- The number of pet cats in the United States has increased by 2% since 2017.
- Cats are the second most popular pet in the United States, with freshwater fish ranking first.
- In 2018, Americans spent approximately $72.56 billion on their pets, with $30.86 billion spent on pet food alone.
- The average lifespan of an indoor cat is around 16 years, while outdoor cats typically live for only 3-5 years.
- According to the ASPCA, the cost of owning a cat in the United States is estimated to be around $809 per year, which includes expenses such as food, veterinary care, and grooming.
Using this list to find the most popular and famous cat breeds, Impactful analyzed Google Trends data to find the most popular cat breeds in each state in the U.S.
Did your cat make the list?
5 Most Popular Breeds in America
- Savannah Cat (7 states)
- Ragdoll (5 states)
- Egyptian Mau (5 states)
- Munchkin Cat (4 states)
- Bengal Cat (3 states)
Most Popular Cat Breeds in Each State
Savannah Cat
- Fame: 70%
- Popularity: 48%
Most Popular in the following states
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
The Savannah cat is a hybrid breed that is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat. They are known for their striking appearance and high intelligence. Savannah cats are typically large, muscular, and have a spotted coat that can range from brown to silver.
Ragdoll
- Fame: 69%
- Popularity: 46%
Most Popular in the following states
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Wisconsin
The Ragdoll is a breed of cat that is known for its relaxed and docile personality. This breed is also known for its long, fluffy coat and bright blue eyes. Ragdolls are often described as being more like dogs than cats because of their loyalty and willingness to follow their owners around the house. They are also very affectionate and social, and they form strong bonds with their owners. Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Egyptian Mau
- Fame: 68%
- Popularity: 43%
Most Popular in the following states
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Nevada
The Egyptian Mau is a fascinating cat breed that has a long history dating back over 4,000 years. They have a distinctive spotted coat and large green eyes that give them a unique and regal appearance. Egyptian Maus are known for their intelligence, energy, and loyalty, making them excellent feline companions for families with children or other pets.
Munchkin Cat
- Fame: 64%
- Popularity: 42%
Most Popular in the following states
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
The Munchkin cat is a breed that is known for its short legs, which are the result of a genetic mutation. They are affectionate, intelligent, and playful cats that love to interact with their human family. Munchkin cats come in a variety of colors
Bengal
- Fame: 84%
- Popularity: 56%
Most Popular in the following states
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Utah
The Bengal cat is a highly energetic and active breed that is known for its striking appearance. These cats have distinctive coats that are covered in spots and stripes, and they are known for being highly athletic and agile. The Bengal cat is also highly intelligent and loves to play games, which makes them great companions for those who are looking for a cat that is both fun and engaging. However, because of their energy levels, they require a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
British Shorthair
- Fame: 74%
- Popularity: 49%
Most Popular in the following states
- Illinois
- New Jersey
- New York
The British Shorthair is a breed that originated in Great Britain and is known for its sturdy build, round face, and dense coat. They are affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable cats that get along well with children and other pets. British Shorthairs come in a variety of colors, but the most popular color is blue.
Peterbald
- Fame: 54%
- Popularity: 29%
Most Popular in the following states
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Oregon
The Peterbald is a breed of cat that originated in Russia in the 1990s. It is a hairless breed that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Peterbald cats have a slender, athletic build and friendly and affectionate personalities. They get along well with children and other pets and are known for their high energy levels.
Himalayan
- Fame: 87%
- Popularity: 59%
Most Popular in the following states
- Vermont
- West Virgina
The Himalayan cat, also known as the Himmy, is a breed of cat that is known for its long, fluffy coat and distinctive coloring. They are a cross between a Persian and a Siamese, resulting in their unique appearance. Himalayan cats are known for their calm and docile personality, making them ideal pets for families. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat and prevent matting. Himalayan cats come in a variety of colors, including seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.
Turkish Angora
- Fame: 67%
- Popularity: 43%
Most Popular in the following states
- Indiana
- New Mexico
The Turkish Angora is a breed that originated in Turkey and is known for its silky white coat and striking blue or green eyes. They are intelligent and playful cats that enjoy the company of their human family. Turkish Angoras are also skilled jumpers and climbers.
Serval
- Fame: 62%
- Popularity: 42%
Most Popular in the following states
- Delaware
- Missouri
The Serval is a wild cat that is native to Africa. They are medium-sized and have a slender build with long legs. Servals have golden-yellow coats with black spots and stripes. They are known for their hunting skills and are able to jump up to 10 feet in the air to catch their prey. Servals are not commonly kept as pets, as they require a large amount of space and special care
Ojos Azules
- Fame: 50%
- Popularity: 35%
Most Popular in the following states
- California
- Texas
Ojos Azules is a rare breed of cat that is known for its distinctive blue eyes. This breed originated in New Mexico in the United States in 1984, when a blue-eyed kitten was found in a feral cat colony. The breed has a muscular build and a short coat that comes in a variety of colors. Ojos Azules cats are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, making them great family pets.
American Bobtail
- Fame: 77%
- Popularity: 49%
Most Popular in the following states
- Alabama
- Tennessee
The American Bobtail is a breed of cat that is known for its short, bobbed tail. This breed is medium to large in size and has a muscular build. American Bobtails are playful and energetic cats that enjoy being around people. They are also known for their adaptability and are great with children and other pets. American Bobtails come in a variety of colors and patterns and have thick, fluffy coats.
American Curl
- Fame: 59%
- Popularity: 39%
Most Popular in the following states
- Michigan
The American Curl is a breed of cat that is known for its unique curled ears. This breed originated in California in the 1980s, and it has since become popular worldwide. American Curls have a soft, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities and are great family pets.
LaPerm
- Fame: 51%
- Popularity: 33%
Most Popular in the following states
- Iowa
The LaPerm is known for its curly coat, which is soft and has a unique texture. This breed originated in Oregon, USA, in the 1980s and is a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. LaPerms are affectionate and social cats that love to be around their owners, and they make excellent companions for families and individuals who are looking for a loving and loyal feline friend.
Cyprus cat
- Fame: 57%
- Popularity: 35%
Most Popular in the following states
- Florida
The Cyprus cat is a semi-long-haired breed that originated from the island of Cyprus. They are known for their affectionate nature and playful personalities. Cyprus cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most commonly in black and white or tabby.
Minskin
- Fame: 61%
- Popularity: 31%
Most Popular in the following states
- Massachusetts
The Minskin is a breed of cat that is known for its short legs and hairless body. It is a relatively new breed, having been established in 1998. Minskins are small to medium-sized cats that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are great family pets.
Maine Coon
- Fame: 75%
- Popularity: 52%
Most Popular in the following states
- Maine
The Maine Coon is a large breed of cat that originated in the United States. It is known for its long, fluffy coat and its gentle and friendly personality. Maine Coons are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them great family pets. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are known for their adaptability and ease of care.
American Wirehair
- Fame: 72%
- Popularity: 46%
Most Popular in the following states
- Minnesota
The American Wirehair is a breed of cat that is known for its distinctive wire-like coat. This breed originated in New York in the 1960s, and it is a relatively new addition to the cat world. American Wirehairs have a friendly and affectionate personalities and are great family pets. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are known for their adaptability and easy-going nature. This breed is low-maintenance, making them a great addition to families with busy schedules.
Pixie-bob
- Fame: 60%
- Popularity: 39%
Most Popular in the following states
- Nebraska
The Pixie-bob is a breed of cat that is known for its wild appearance and bobbed tail. This breed is medium to large in size and has a muscular build with a round head. Pixie-bobs are affectionate and playful cats that enjoy being around people. They are also known for their intelligence and are easily trained. This breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns and has a short, woolly coat.
Cheetoh
- Fame: 70%
- Popularity: 47%
Most Popular in the following states
- District of Columbia
The Cheetoh is a breed of cat that is known for its wild appearance and spotted coat. This breed is large in size and has a muscular build with a broad head. Cheetohs are affectionate and playful cats that enjoy being around people. They are also known for their intelligence and are easily trained. This breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns and has a short, dense coat.
Siberian
- Fame: 86%
- Popularity: 59%
Most Popular in the following states
- New Hampshire
The Siberian cat is a breed of cat that is native to Russia. They are large in size and have a muscular build with a broad head. Siberians have long, thick coats that are hypoallergenic, making them a great addition to families with allergies. They are affectionate and playful cats that enjoy being around people. Siberians come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Serengeti
- Fame: 66%
- Popularity: 43%
Most Popular in the following states
- Pennsylvania
The Serengeti cat is a breed that was created by breeding a Bengal cat with an Oriental Shorthair. This breed is known for its wild and exotic appearance, with spots and stripes reminiscent of a serval. Serengeti cats are also very intelligent and active, and they love to play and explore. They are also very social and affectionate, and they form strong bonds with their owners. Serengeti cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their coats are usually short and dense.
Cat Breed FAQs
Which cat breed is the best for families with children?
There are many cat breeds that are great for families with children, including the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and American Shorthair.
Which cat breed is the most affectionate?
The most affectionate cat breed is subjective and varies from cat to cat. However, some breeds that are generally known for being affectionate include the Siamese, Persian, and Sphynx.
Which cat breed is the most intelligent?
The most intelligent cat breed is also subjective and can vary from cat to cat. However, some breeds that are generally known for being intelligent include the Siamese, Bengal, and Abyssinian.
Are all cat breeds hypoallergenic?
No, not all cat breeds are hypoallergenic. Some breeds, such as the Sphynx and Devon Rex, produce less dander and are better for people with allergies, but there is no guarantee that a particular breed will not trigger an allergic reaction.
Can cats from different breeds mate and produce offspring?
Yes, cats from different breeds can mate and produce offspring. However, the resulting offspring will be a hybrid and will not be recognized as a purebred cat by cat breed organizations.
