The most popular cat breeds, according to Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), are as follows:
- Persian
- Maine Coon
- Exotic Shorthair
- Siamese
- Abyssinian
- Rag doll
- Birman
- Oriental
- American Shorthair
- Tonkinese
Longhaired Persian cats some of the most popular cat breeds, especially among longhaired breeds. They are docile, loving, and calm, with distinctive “pansy-like” faces. Long flowing hair covers their compact, heavily boned bodies.
The second of the most popular cat breeds, Maine Coon Cats, are large, semi-longhaired cats with sweet, friendly natures. They originated in the state of Maine in the 1850’s, when seamen brought home longhaired cats who mated with local shorthairs. The resulting kittens grew into strong sturdy cats with tails that resemble the brushy tails of raccoons, thus the name. In order to withstand the harsh winters of Maine, these cats developed thick coats. Their coats include an undercoat and thick, glossy top coat.
Exotic Shorthair cats have the look of a Persian cat without the long hair. Like Persians, they are affectionate and loving, and are generally good with children. Bred from American Shorthair cats and Persian cats, the Exotic Shorthair is a medium sized cat with a round head and very large skull. They have full cheeks and broad noses, with the extremely short muzzle distinctive to Persians.
Siamese cats are one of the oldest, and most recognizable, popular cat breeds in the world. Siamese are very affectionate cats, and enjoy being around people. Along with their distinctive looks, Siamese cats are known for their recognizable voices. Siamese coats falls into nine basic color categories. Regardless of the actual colors, the patterns are the same: light bodies with darker points.
Another of the most popular cat breeds, Abyssinians, resemble mummified cats found in some Egyptian tombs, and are believed to have been introduced into North America around the turn of the 20th century. Intelligent and loyal, Abyssinians make devoted family pets. Their short hair is ticked with two or three bands of color, with darker hair on the back of the hind legs and around the eyes.
Ragdoll cats are large and laid back. When picked up, they become very relaxed, flopping like a rag doll, hence the name. Ragdolls get along well with other pets and are generally very good with children. Ragdolls are very large, usually weighing between 10 and 20 pounds at maturity.
Birman cats are gentle and playful. They are less demanding of attention than some other breeds. The Birman is a large, solid cat with silky long hair. They are light in color, and often appear to have been “misted” with gold. Birman cats originated in Burma, and a pair was believed to have been smuggled to France in 1919.
Oriental cats, similar to Siamese, are intelligent and playful cats unafraid to demand the attention they deserve. 
The Oriental is a created breed designed to mimic the Siamese but with different colors, with wedge shaped heads and large ears.
The American Shorthair was once referred to as the “Domestic Shorthair,” but the name was changed in 1966 to differentiate it from other shorthaired breeds. The American Shorthair is a strong, well-proportioned cat, slightly longer than it is tall. The American Shorthair is recognized in over eighty different colors and patterns.
The last on the list of the most popular cat breeds is Tonkinese. These cats are a cross between Burmese and Siamese, with medium build and slim, muscular body. Tonkinese are sociable, gregarious cats who enjoy the company of people as well as other animals. They are sometimes said to be more like dogs than cats, in their desire for affection and companionship.
