Since 1906, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) has been hosting cat shows and keeping records of pedigreed cats in the U.S. and other countries. Today, it officially recognizes 45 different pedigreed breeds, ranging from the Abyssinian to the Turkish Van.
So, which breeds are the most popular? According to registration data from 2023, ragdoll cats are at the top spot. The CFA credits their “gentle nature and loving personality” for their popularity. However, if you’re looking for a smaller cat, you might want to consider a different breed. Ragdolls tend to be quite large, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females between 10 and 15 pounds. Despite their size, hefty cats like Maine Coons are also in high demand and came in second place in popularity.
Some of the most popular pedigreed cat breeds have been recognized by the CFA since its beginning. Persian cats (in third place), Abyssinians (in seventh place), American shorthairs (in 11th place), and Russian blues (in 12th place) were all recognized in 1906. The newest addition to the top 15 is Bengals, which were recognized in 2018.
Bengals are known for their striking appearance, resembling miniature leopards because they’re part Asian leopard cat. This uniqueness likely contributes to their high cost. Interestingly, many of the most popular breeds also tend to be the most expensive ones. However, even purebred cats can end up in shelters. So, if you’re set on a particular breed, consider checking shelters first.
