There are said to be around 90 million pet cats in the US and probably an even larger number of cats that people care for but don’t classify as pets for one reason or another. Most of these cats are mixed breeds, but about 5% are purebred or pedigree cats. There are about 40 purebred cat breeds with more being added all the time.

Choosing a purebred cat is one way to get a good idea of ​​what kind of personality a cat is likely to have. It is by no means written in stone that all Persians are affectionate and friendly, but it is a guideline developed over many generations of ownership of the breed. Their appearance is another reason why people may be attracted to a certain breed: the silky longhair, the unusual hairless, the beautiful coat pattern of the shorthair.

Here we look at the 10 most popular cat breeds in America.

top five

The Persian has topped the charts in the US since the Cat Fanciers Association, one of the leading cat registries, began keeping records in 1871. Persians are known to be affectionate and very loyal to their owners, but that beautiful long coat requires daily grooming. by their owners and some may be more prone to health problems.

The Maine Coon has been in second place since the early 1990s and is one of the largest domestic cat breeds available. These gentle giants can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds and have a longer coat, but not as long as the Persian, which means less grooming. They are also very active cats and are excellent hunters to keep pest populations under control.

The exotic is relatively new in these terms and is effectively a Persian with a short-haired coat; breeders give it the nickname ‘Persian in pajamas’. They have the same mild and sweet temperament as the Persian, but require much less grooming.

The Siamese is a breed that even non-cat owners will recognize by their spiky coat pattern, slender build, and blue eyes. Siamese are also known as one of the noisiest cats that like to “chat” with their owners and follow them around the house, getting involved in what they are doing.

The Abyssinian is a true supermodel cat with its slender, elegant body and beautiful coat. It’s technically a type of brindle pattern, but unlike anything you normally see, it’s called a “checked” pattern.

the best of the rest

Number six on the list is a breed that has been created on purpose by interbreeding with other breeds and comes with a strange behavior: the Ragdoll. He got the name from him because when he stands up, he goes limp in the arms like a rag doll. A large, affectionate cat does not do well outdoors, so it must be a house cat.

The Burmese is known for his canine personality with a friendly and outgoing temperament. They come to greet you when you walk in the door and are very friendly to strangers. Despite having a long coat, they do not need much care.

The American Shorthair is a breed with history: the ancestors of these cats traveled to America on the Mayflower. They were bred for their hunting skills and have retained them, as well as being good with children and other pets.

The Oriental is similar to a Siamese but comes in different coat lengths and 300 different color combinations. They are calmer than their Siamese cousins, but otherwise have a similar personality.

The Sphynx is a cat that has a hard time adapting because it seems to be bald and naked. In truth, he has a very fine soft coat, but this means that he needs special care in extreme temperatures. They are very loyal and affectionate cats that need human company.