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The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (CFA) – a non-profit association and the world’s largest purebred cat registry – has released the Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds, based on records from this year. Cats include (from most to least popular): Ragdoll, Maine Coon Cat, Exotic, Persian, Devon Rex, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Companion Cat and the Sphynx.
According to a statement from the organization, the CFA has preserved the unique characteristics of each cat breed since 1906. It now registers 45 pedigreed breeds, as well as sterilized non-pedigreed domestic short-haired and long-haired cats, recognized under the of its Companion Cat World program.
#1: Rag doll
This large, long-haired cat with a fluffy coat is ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Ragdolls were first recognized as an official breed by the CFA in 1998, and they come in 3 different designs, all with piercing blue eyes and a calm personality.
#2: Maine Coon Cat
Also called the “gentle giant,” the Maine Coon cat, the largest purebred cat, has climbed the ranks to second place. The CFA recognized these shaggy-haired cats in 1976. However, their history dates back to the Civil War era.
#3: Exotic
Recognized by the CFA in 1967, the Exotique has a shorter, sumptuous and dense coat. This breed was popular in the ring and divided into 6 unique competitive divisions based on color and pattern.
#4: Persian
The Persian is well known for its long, luxurious coat, sophisticated features, expressive round eyes, and even temperament. This breed was recognized by the CFA in 1906 as the founding breed of the fancy cat.
#5: Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats are sociable and cuddly with soft, wavy coats, expressive eyes, and large bat ears. They were recognized in 1983 by the CFA.
#6: British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is renowned for its extremely dense coat and gentle demeanor. Most popular in blue, they also come in various other colors. The British Shorthair was recognized by the CFA in 1980.
#7: Abyssinian
This breed appears in the same ranking one year in a row and is often compared to the hunting cats of ancient Egypt. These agile and endearing cats have a ticked tabby pattern that gives them a one-of-a-kind wild look. It was one of the founding breeds recognized by the CFA since 1906.
#8: American Shorthair
American Shorthair cats are gentle and feisty, with a sturdy build and strong jaws for catching and holding prey. They were bred from cats that traveled to the United States with the early settlers. American Shorthair cats were recognized by the CFA in 1906.
Two cats got 9th place.
#9: Scottish fold
The Scottish Fold has been recognized since 1978 and has folded ears and round eyes for an owl-like expression. This breed is highly desirable, but not all kittens have folded ears, making it difficult for supply to meet demand.
#9: Pet Cat:
The registered pet cat is a domestic short-haired and long-haired cat without a pedigree. Pet cats carry official cards and compete in their own class at CFA shows. A portion of the profits obtained from membership in this breed goes toward rescue and welfare efforts in their region of residence.
#10: Sphynx
This hairless breed is the result of a natural mutation. Breeders crossed with normal-haired cats and again with hairless cats to produce a genetically healthy cat with hybrid vigor. With an extroverted temperament, the Sphynx is often difficult to adopt because breeders have long waiting lists. They were recognized by the CFA in 2006.
Reference
Who is your favorite feline? CFA presents the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Press release. Association of Cat Lovers. February 14, 2022. Accessed February 14, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whats-your-favorite-feline-cfa-reports-the-10-most-popular-breeds-in-the – world-301480797.html