What is the most popular cat breed in the world? Feline organization ranks them. – pennlive.com
The world's largest registry of pedigreed cats has again determined the world's most popular cat breeds, based on registrations. This year's Top 10 list reflects the increasing popularity of certain breeds. However, registrations of ALL cats have increased substantially, reflecting the growing popularity of pet cats since the beginning of the pandemic.CFA – Cat Fanciers' Association
Many of us own cats (or do they own us?) that have no papers and came from shelters, rescues, friends or family.
In fact, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, which says it has “a deep love and respect for all cats,” 95% of the cat population is comprised of non-pedigreed “companion cats.”
In the Cat Fanciers’ Association Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2021, companion cat, or the “everyman cat,” ties for ninth place with the Scottish Fold.
What feline breed comes in at No. 1?
That would be the ragdoll.
CFA said the ragdoll, “a large, longhaired cat with a soft, plush coat,” came in first place for the third consecutive year. Ragdolls have “intense blue eyes and a mellow disposition.”
In second place is the “gentle giant,” the Maine coon cat.
“The largest of all pedigreed cats, these magnificent, shaggy-coated cats were first recognized by CFA in 1976, but their history goes back to Civil War days,” CFA said.
In third place is the exotic.
“Developed as an easier-care alternative for lovers of the Persian type, this breed has a shorter coat that is plush, dense, and full of life. Exotics are so popular in the show ring that they were recently broken out into six different competitive divisions, based on color and pattern.”
The Persian comes in at four place – “much loved for its luxurious long coat, refined features, expressive round eyes and easygoing temperament.”
The “elfin” cat, the Devon Rex, moved up to fifth place, CFA said.
“These outgoing, cuddly creatures have soft wavy coats, expressive eyes and huge batwing ears that give them the look of little pixies.”
Number six is the British shorthair, which has an “incredibly dense coat and gentle demeanor. Most popular in blue, the Brits also come in many other colors.”
The Abyssinian comes in seventh place. CFA said they are “often compared to the hunting cats of ancient Egypt. Agile and interactive, these cats have a ticked tabby pattern that gives them a unique wild look.”
The American shorthair is in eighth place. “These sweet, playful cats have powerful builds and strong jaws to catch and hold prey.”
The Scottish fold, which shares ninth place with the companion cat, has folded ears and round eyes that CFA said gives them “an owl-like expression.”
“Folds are much sought after, but since not all kittens will have folded ears, it is hard for the supply to meet current demand.”
Rounding out the top 10 is the hairless variety, the Sphynx. CFA said these cats have “outgoing, attention-loving temperaments” but are also difficult to adopt because breeders have long wait lists.
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