The 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

There are about 100 million pet cats in theone up, it goes completely limp in your arms!
Western world. The most popular is a combinationThey are another large breed with males growing
of different breeds - the domestic shorthairedanything up to 20 pounds and females 15. They
cat. The Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) holds thehave blue eyes and mid-length, silky fur. They are
largest registry of pedigree cats in the world. Aextraordinarily affectionate and will follow you
pedigree is the product of two parents from theeverywhere.
same breed.They are so docile that it can be dangerous for
Let's take a look at the top ten most popular catthem to go out as they wouldn't defend
breeds of 2006, according to the CFA.themselves if another animal attacked them.
1. THE PERSIAN7. THE BIRMAN
Number one since the CFA first started keepingThis blue eyed cat also glories in the name of the
records in 1871! Although Persians areSacred Cat of Burma! They have characteristic
high-maintenance and need grooming every day,white paws, making them look as if they are
this is more than compensated for by theirwearing little white boots. They have even
affectionate and loyal personality.temperaments, and are known for adjusting to
2. THE MAINE COONyour daily routine. A Birman will often be waiting
This enormous all-American cat has been infor you when you get home from work (as do
second place since 1992. Maine Coons are one ofSiamese and Orientals). Although their fur is long
the biggest domestic breeds. Males average 12 toand silky, they don't require much grooming.
18 pounds in weight and females are usually 10-14.8. THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR
They are hardy, gentle and loving with long furThese look like regular tabbies but true American
but don't need as much grooming as a Persian.Shorthairs are pure-bred. These cats originally
3. THE EXOTICarrived in America on the "Mayflower" with the
These are also known as exotic shorthairs andpilgrims. They are good hunters, have a loving
are rounded and solid in appearance. This cat isnature, general good health, a quiet temperament,
like a Persian but with short fur. Some people calland they are great with children. They come in a
them 'a Persian in pyjamas'! They have the sweetmultitude of color combinations, the most popular
personality of the Persian but only need combingbeing silver. More than a third of all American
twice a week.Shorthairs have this coloring of black 'stripes' on a
4. THE SIAMESEbeautiful silver background.
These cats are very communicative, yowling in a9. THE ORIENTAL
rasping voice for attention or just to chat! TheyThis breed looks and behaves just like a Siamese
are slim and athletic with large ears. Their fur isbut is available in two different hair lengths and
short and lies close to their skin. They love to beover 300 different color combinations. They also
stroked, and are extremely loyal and close to onehave very sweet natures, and have many of the
person. They are very intelligent and loving.characteristics of Siamese, though they don't
5. THE ABYSSINIANquite talk as loudly. But they are very
It is said that these pretty cats are descendedaffectionate and loyal, very people-oriented.
from those worshipped by the ancient Egyptians -10. THE SPHYNX
but no one knows for sure. Their coat is tickedThis extraordinary naked cat has a rather bizarre
with colors. Abyssinians are very active, busy andappearance. Strangely, they are available in a
playful, and they love people.multitude of colors, albeit skin colors rather than
6. THE RAGDOLLfur! They are lively and athletic, and enjoy climbing.
Ragdolls, or 'Raggies' are extremely cute cats.They are loyal, loving and constantly demand
They are called Ragdolls because when you pickattention.