To measure the popularity of cat breeds, what better place to go than the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the leading authority on pedigreed cat registration. According to the CFA website, Ragdoll, Siamese, Maine Coon, Exotic Shorthairs, and Persian cat breeds top the list of most popular felines.
5. Ragdoll
If the name Ragdoll conjures a picture of a soft, laid-back cat, you are correct. The docile Ragdolls go limp when you pick them up, just like the name suggests. Physical traits include wide-set blue eyes and light-colored coats with dark points. Ragdolls can be prone to hairballs because of their thick coats. Regular grooming will help alleviate this problem.
4. Siamese
The Siamese has a distinctive face with almond-shaped, deep-blue eyes and big pointed ears. Curious and very vocal, these athletic cats are also very affectionate. Characteristic coat colors include chocolate point, lilac point, seal point, and blue point.
3. Maine Coon
Of cat breeds with tabby markings, Maine Coons are probably the most recognizable breed. However, this cat with its telltale shaggy coat and bushy tail also comes in solid colors of black, red, white, and cream. Yes, it is the official cat of Maine, but there is no truth to the raccoon/cat breeding myth.
2. Exotic
As a cross between Persians and British or American Shorthairs, the Exotic Shorthair has large eyes ranging from blue green to green. Its dense fur requires less maintenance than Persians and feels plush. Exotics inherited the sweet personality of Persian cats and the same unmistakable facial expression. These intelligent cats are gentle and more playful than their Persian cousins, but just as loveable.
1. Persian
Regal and fluffy, the Persian is America's favorite cat sweetheart, loved for its innocent expression and long, flowing hair. Persians have round eyes that are usually blue, but they also come in copper, depending on the coat colors. While white and cream come to mind when picturing Persians, other coat colors include black, chocolate, and red, as well as shades of silver, lilac, and blue.
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