Discover the top feline favorites found in American households, from the Domestic Shorthair to the Bengal Cat. Explore the characteristics and traits that make these breeds so popular among U.S. pet owners.
Domestic cats are one of the most common pets found in homes around the world, second only to ‘dogs.’ Their ease of house training and gentle nature make them a popular choice among pet owners.
Domestic cats are a subspecies of the wildcat, originating from the Middle East.
They have been domesticated for over 10,000 years, with evidence suggesting they were first kept as pets in ancient Egypt.
On average, a domestic cat weighs around 8-12 pounds and lives for 12-17 years.
Cats have retractable claws, excellent night vision, and are known for their grooming habits.
In the United States alone, there are over 95 million domestic cats kept as pets, making them one of the most popular household animals.
To determine which breeds are the most common, we looked at data from pet care app Rover, which publishes information on the most popular cat breeds based on user-owned cats. This data is specific to people living in the United States who use this particular service.
The Top 10 Most Common Cat Breeds
The ‘Domestic Shorthair’ is the earliest example of domesticated cats living with humans and remains one of the most popular breeds today. They come in nearly every color due to thousands of years of mixed breeding, including white, grey, orange, and black.
Their soft, short fur and medium build make them low-maintenance pets, while their relatively long lifespan of 12-14 years makes them a great companion for many families.
- American Shorthair Cat
The ‘American Shorthair’ is the second-most popular breed in the U.S., with very similar traits to the Domestic Shorthair but less variation in appearance due to selective breeding. Many pet owners love this short-haired cat for its mild-mannered temperament and smaller size.
Common fur patterns include gray, brown, and orange with striped markings and light-colored amber or green eyes.
Like the Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Longhair cats are mixed breeds that were brought over to North America for rodent control. This breed possesses a thicker coat of fur, which is more well-adapted to cooler climates.
However, they require regular grooming due to their long hair and are considered higher-maintenance pets compared to other options.
The ‘Siamese’ cat is prized for its distinct appearance, including a slender body, blonde fur with brown patches, and bright blue eyes. They are known for high intelligence and loyalty to their owners but require frequent grooming due to their propensity for shedding hair.
Siamese cats are one of the oldest cat breeds, originating from Thailand (formerly known as Siam).
They were highly valued by the royal family and were often given as gifts to foreign dignitaries.
The breed was first introduced to Europe in the late 19th century and quickly gained popularity for their striking appearance and outgoing personalities.
“Today, Siamese cats are a beloved breed worldwide, known for their intelligence, energy, and affectionate nature.”
- Maine Coon
Alongside the Norwegian Forest Cat, the ‘Maine Coon’ is one of the largest purebred cats to be domesticated. This cat’s thick fur and heavy weight (up to 25 pounds or 11 kg) may make it a handful for some owners.
However, it is also known as one of the friendliest breeds toward humans and does not shy away from water, often trying to play with running faucets or showers.
The ‘Ragdoll’ cat is known for its puffy, light coat with dark patches around the face and tail, as well as blue eyes. This breed is excessively calm and loves to be pet and touched by its owner but may not be suitable for apartment-bound owners due to its large size and amount of fur.
The ‘Russian Blue’ has a distinct silvery-gray coat of fur and green-blue eyes. This breed is not terribly active, usually curling up in a quiet place to sleep, and may be particularly skittish around strangers.
Although they have relatively thick fur, it doesn’t shed much, making grooming easier for owners.
The ‘Bombay’ cat was bred in America in the 1960s and resembles a miniaturized black panther with striking yellow eyes. This breed is known for being both playful and friendly, often getting along well with other domestic cats and dogs in the house.
They also aren’t likely to shy away from strangers and love attention during the daytime.
The ‘Bengal’ cat features markings on its coat reminiscent of a wild leopard, created by cross-breeding a domestic cat with a small breed of wildcat known as the Asian Leopard Cat.
This breed maintains a domesticated temperament along with the striking look of its ancestors but has a heightened energetic nature that may make it more high-maintenance.
The ‘Siberian’ cat features a muscular build and thick coat adapted to help it survive harsh winters when placed indoors, this breed is likely to require frequent grooming.
The Siberian cat is a natural breed originating from Russia.
Known for its thick double coat, they have three distinct coat lengths: short, medium, and long.
Their coat colors range from brown to silver tabby, blue, and white.
Siberians are large cats with males weighing up to 25 pounds.
They are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature.
According to the International Cat Association, the breed was recognized in 1996.
It gets along well with children and other animals but may have a tendency to dig through cupboards and cause trouble when left unattended.
Other Exotic Breeds
More exotic breeds include the ‘Devon Rex’ cat, which has a unique wool-like coat, and ‘Persian’ cats, which have thick luxurious fur and a short, pouty face. The ‘Sphynx’ cat is another rare breed that is almost completely hairless and perfect for owners who would otherwise suffer from cat hair allergies.
- howstuffworks.com | 10 Most Common Cat Breeds Youll Find in U.S. Homes
