While purebred cats are highly prized, mixed breeds (like these Maine Coon mixes) are more common and just as adorable.
Second only to dogs, domestic cats are among the most common pets that people keep in their homes around the world. Cat lovers raise these animals thanks to their ease of house training and gentle nature compared to much larger animals. All the variation may make you wonder: What are the most common cat breeds?
Here, we’ve highlighted several of the most popular cat breeds, diving into what makes each one unique and appealing as a pet.
As of 2024, pet care app Rover has published data on the most popular cat breeds based on which cats users of the app own. It’s worth noting that this data is only based on people who live in the United States and use this specific pet-care service. In other parts of the world, certain breeds may be more or less popular.
1. The Domestic Shorthair Cat
The Domestic Shorthair is the earliest example of domesticated cats living with humans, and it still remains the most popular to this day.
Domestic Shorthairs do not have one specific lineage, thanks to thousands of years of mixed breeding with domesticated and wild cats. As a result they come in nearly every color, including white, grey, orange and black.
These cats are thought to have been originally domesticated in ancient Egypt and brought over to North America thousands of years later to help control pests like mice. Their soft, short fur and medium build make them low-maintenance while their relatively long lifespan of 12 to 14 years makes them one of the best cat breeds to have as a companion.
2. American Shorthair Cat
The American Shorthair is the second-most popular breed of domesticated cats in the U.S. It has 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 are gray, brown and orange with striped marking and light-colored amber or green eyes. A similar variation bred over in the United Kingdom is known as the British Shorthair.
3. Domestic Longhair Cat
Like the Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Longhair cats are mixed breeds that were brought over to North America for rodent control. As the name suggests, this breed possesses a thicker coat of fur which is more well-adapted to cooler climates.
They are a higher-maintenance cat breed compared to other options since their long hair requires regular grooming.
4. Siamese Cat
Siamese cats are are a breed prized for their distinct appearance, which includes a slender body, blonde fur with brown patches and bright blue eyes. They are also known for high intelligence and loyalty to their owners.
The Siamese traces its origins back to Thailand in the 1800s and requires frequent grooming because of its propensity for shedding hair.
5. 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.
However, it is also known as one of the friendliest breeds toward humans. Unlike most other cats, the Maine Coon does not shy away from water and may try to play with a running faucet or shower.
6. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat is known for a puffy, light coat with dark patches around the face and tail, as well as blue eyes.
This is an excessively calm breed that loves to be pet and touched by its owner, although its large size and huge amount of fur might make it too much for apartment-bound cat owners.
