Some cat breeds have been around for thousands of years and are considered the second-most popular pet in the U.S. Thought to have been domesticated in Egypt, they have certainly traveled the world both far and wide. These predatory feline cat breeds have become companions to so many, and from over 70 popular cat breeds to choose from, finding a feline friend like yourself will be a piece of cake.
Cats have distinct personalities, a varied appearance, and individual traits. Of course, it’s no guarantee that your cat will be quiet all the time, much of it depends on their environment and genetics. Who knows, perhaps your cat might enjoy singing along with you in the bath! After all, your cat is just as unique as you. Regardless of how unpredictable they might seem to you at first, one thing’s for certain: you’ll build a lasting bond!
Below is a list of over 50 of the most popular/best cat breeds! Is your cat there? Perhaps they’re a mix of a couple of these? Let us know below!
1. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair was developed to be a short-haired version of the popular Persian cat. This breed has remained a favorite for years. It has many of the same physical characteristics as the Persian.
- Popularity: 1
- Temperament: Gentle, calm, curious, playful
- Size: 14 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
2. Ragdoll cat
The ragdoll cat breed has distinct blue eyes and a color point coat that is considered a semi-longhair. Described as a puppy-like cat, they get their name from their docile nature; when picked up they are like a ragdoll.
- Popularity: 2
- Temperament: Docile, quiet, friendly, playful
- Size: 18 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 17 years
- Origin: United States
3. British Shorthair
One of the most ancient cat breeds, the British Shorthair is known for its chunky body, dense coat, and broad face. The most common coat color is the British Blue but they have been bred to have many colors and patterns.
- Popularity: 3
- Temperament: Easy-going, dignified, sweet, loyal
- Size: 20 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 17 Years
- Origin: United Kingdom
4. Persian cat
The Persian cat is a long-haired breed most recognizable for its round face and muzzle. It has a long history of being a favorite breed. There are a few different looks that Persians have, the traditional or the very flattened Peke-Look face.
- Popularity: 4
- Temperament: Gentle, sensitive, quiet
- Size: 14 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 15 years
- Origin: Iran (Persia)
5. Maine Coon cat
One of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon cat is an excellent hunter with a long, thick coat made for colder regions. Nicknamed the “gentle giant” due to its calm personality, it is surprisingly a low maintenance long-haired cat.
- Popularity: 5
- Temperament: Gentle, loyal, intelligent, cautious
- Size: 18 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
6. American Shorthair
This breed has a powerful body and is considered a working cat that is low-maintenance. They can have a variety of colors and patterns. They are traced back to the cats brought over on the ships of early settlers.
- Popularity: 6
- Temperament: Calm, playful, social, independent
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 15 to 17 years
- Origin: United States
7. Abyssinian cat
A breed with a distinct “ticked” tabby coat where each hair is banded with different colors. They have been dubbed the clowns of the cat kingdom. They are a distance reddish brown in color and have a darker coating that lightens as they mature.
- Popularity: 7
- Temperament: Playful, intelligent, extrovert, curious
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 15 years
- Origin: Egypt
8. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cat breed is known for its distinct look where its ears fold down. This is due to a dominant gene that causes this ear mutation. It has been bred and registered as its own breed now. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns.
- Popularity: 8
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, loyal, intelligent
- Size: 11 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 11 to 14 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
9. Sphynx cat
Created through selective breeding, the Sphynx cat has no coat which makes it perfect for those with fur allergies. The skin should have the texture of chamois. Their skin will have the same colors and markings they would have if they had fur. Sphynx are considered a hypoallergenic cat.
- Popularity: 9
- Temperament: Intelligent, curious, affectionate, energetic
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
- Origin: Canada
10. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex breed has a unique wavy coat and slender body with large ears. Though its coat is more hypoallergenic than other breeds, it is not technically considered a hypoallergenic cat. They can be taught tricks but may be hard to motivate.
- Popularity: 10
- Temperament: Intelligent, active, mischievous, playful, affectionate
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
11. Siamese cat
The Siamese cat is the most recognizable breed with point coloration and blue eyes with large ears. Many cats have since been cross-bred with the Siamese, making it a very popular cat breed. These are very social cats and are frequently bought in pairs when they’re a kitten so they have a companion.
- Popularity: 11
- Temperament: Playful, intelligent, affectionate, extrovert
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Thailand
12. Cornish Rex
The “Greyhound” breed among cats, Cornish Rex cats are slender and very agile. Their fur consists of a down coat. They do best in a warm, dry climate due to their light coat.
- Popularity: 12
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, friendly, adventurous
- Size: 9 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 11 to 14 years
- Origin: Cornwall England
13. Oriental cat
This breed is very similar to the Siamese in shape, look, and temperament. The main difference is their coloring and markings. They are a very athletic cat that enjoys playing fetch.
- Popularity: 13
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, social, vocal
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
- Origin: United States
14. Burmese cat
These cats have very short fur with a glossy look and silky texture. Their coat can be sable, grey, black, cream, and tortoiseshell. They are very playful and can learn games like fetch and tag.
- Popularity: 14
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, intelligent, active
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 15 to 16 years
- Origin: Thailand/Burma
15. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest cat is an exceptionally agile and very adept climber. They are considered a long-haired cat and their full, thick coats are perfect for cold winters while the top layer is water resistant. They are known for their hunting skills. They were nearly extinct until an official breeding program in Norway brought them back to a healthy population.
- Popularity: 15
- Temperament: Curious, intelligent, loving, playful
- Size: 16 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: Norway
16. Birman cat
Also known as the “sacred cat of Burma.” They have distinct sapphire blue eyes and color-point coloration. Their fur is medium long and silky. Their point colors are seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, or cream in this breed.
- Popularity: 16
- Temperament: Gentle, kind, affectionate
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 15 years
- Origin: France
17. Siberian cat
They are believed to be the origin of all long-haired cats. They are incredibly strong and athletic cats that are excellent jumpers. With their long fur, they are better adapted to cold climates.
- Popularity: 17
- Temperament: Intelligent, agile, loyal, playful
- Size: 16 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Russia
18. Tonkinese cat
A cross breed between Siamese and Burmese, this breed is similar to the parent breeds. Many have a pointed color pattern. The faded watercolor pattern has also become a common pattern in platinum and blue.
- Popularity: 18
- Temperament: Playful, social, intelligent, affectionate
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
- Origin: Canada
19. Russian Blue
Russian Blues are plush, short-haired, shimmering pale blue-gray cats with emerald green eyes. Guard hairs are distinctly silver-tipped giving the cat a silvery sheen or lustrous appearance. They have bright green eyes, pinkish lavender or mauve paws.
- Popularity: 19
- Temperament: Loyal, reserved, intelligent, playful
- Size: 11 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Russia
20. Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau cats are one of the few naturally spotted breeds of domesticated cat. The spots of the Mau occur only on the tips of the hairs of its coat. There are distinct differences that lead breeders to believe the Mau is more closely related to the wild cats of antiquity. It is the fastest of all domestic cats.
- Popularity: 20
- Temperament: Athletic, agile, intelligent, loyal
- Size: 14 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 18 to 20 years
- Origin: Egypt
21. Ocicat
This breed is completely domestic but resembles the wildcat. The breed was established from Siamese and Abyssinian. It is a spotted cat that can be ebony, tawny, lavender, and chocolate.
- Popularity: 21
- Temperament: Playful, social, intelligent, affectionate
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
22. Turkish Angora
One of the original ancient domestic breeds. Most known for its long silky coat of white, they come in a variety of coat colors. They generally have blue or green eyes, but it is not uncommon for them to have “odd eyes” which means they have eyes of two different colors, like the cat featured above.
- Popularity: 22
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, playful, athletic
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 15 to 18 years
- Origin: Turkey
23. Manx cat
The main characteristic of the Manx is the shortened tail or “no tail”. A Manx cat can be short-haired or long-haired and have coats that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They attach well to their owners but tend to be shy around strangers.
- Popularity: 23
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, social, loyal
- Size: 13 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
- Origin: Isle of Man
24. Singapura cat
One of the smallest cat breeds with a distinct “ticked” brown coat, and a blunt tail. It is possibly a mixed breed with a Burmese, it is not a naturally occurring breed.
- Popularity: 24
- Temperament: Curious, playful, easy going, inquisitive
- Size: 8 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Singapore
25. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail is another naturally occurring “bobbed” tail breed. The tail is more like a rabbit’s tail. These cats can come in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common is a white calico coat. The breed has been known in Japan for centuries, and it frequently appears in traditional folklore and art.
- Popularity: 25
- Temperament: Lively, outgoing, family, loyal
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
- Origin: Japan/Southeast Asia
26. American Curl
The American Curl cat has a large genetic pool and as a result comes with long hair, short hair, and numerous colors and patterns. The distinct feature of this breed is the ears that curl back. It was a genetic mutation that has since been recognized as a separate breed.
- Popularity: 26
- Temperament: Loving, lively, interactive, family
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
26. Chartreux cat
This is a highly prized rare breed of cat that is an excellent hunter. They have a blue (grey) water-resistant coat and orange eyes. They also have a muzzle shape that gives them the appearance of always smiling. This particular breed has excellent reflexes.
- Popularity: 26
- Temperament: Quiet, observant, intelligent, loyal
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: France
27. Somali cat
This breed is frequently described as a one-haired Abyssinian. It was bred from Abyssinian cats that had a recessive gene producing long hair. They have been nicknamed the “fox” cat because of their coloring and bushy tails.
- Popularity: 27
- Temperament: Curious, interactive, loyal, playful
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: Somalia
28. Colorpoint Shorthair
This cross-bred cat is a mix between a Siamese and a Shorthair. They have the colorpoint patterns but have color variations. They have the traditional colorings of seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac point, as well as red, cream, and tabby.
- Popularity: 28
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, friendly, affectionate
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
29. Ragamuffin cat
A variation of the Ragdoll cat, this breed has medium-long, soft fur that is like that of a rabbit’s. Their coats come in all colors and patterns. Their long fur is considerably easy to care for and does not easily mat or clump.
- Popularity: 29
- Temperament: Friendly, gentle, affectionate
- Size: 20 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
30. Balinese cat
Also known as the purebred long-haired Siamese. With a distance colorpoint pattern and the coloration of a Siamese, it is easy to see why. They typically have stunning sapphire blue eyes. They can have chocolate point, seal point, and lilac point coloration.
- Popularity: 30
- Temperament: Intelligent, social, playful, inquisitive
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
31. European Burmese
These cats have very short fur with a glossy look and silky texture. Their coat can be sable, grey, black, cream, and tortoiseshell. They are very playful and can learn games like fetch and tag.
- Popularity: 31
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, intelligent, active
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 15 to 16 years
- Origin: Thailand/Burma
32. Bombay cat
Most closely related to the Burmese cat, the Bombay cat was bred to resemble a miniature black panther. So it fittingly has a solid black short hair coat that is silky. They typically have copper or green eyes.
- Popularity: 32
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, loving, sweet
- Size: 11 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
33. Havana Brown cat
Also known as the chestnut brown cat, this cat breed was developed by a group wanting a self-browning cat. By cross-breeding with Siamese and Domestic Black cats, they came up with an all brown cat. Their whiskers are also brown and they have green eyes.
- Popularity: 33
- Temperament: Friendly, demanding, curious, intelligent
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
34. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail cat has a shorter tail caused by a dominant gene mutation. It is a very stocky cat with a broad chest and thick bones. They can have short or long-haired coats. Some even have tufts of fur between their toes. They have been known to escape rooms and cages that they have been placed in.
- Popularity: 34
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, affectionate, athletic
- Size: 16 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 11 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
35. Turkish Van
This breed is a semi-long haired cat that is all white with other color limited to just its head and tail. The other color is usually red, cream, black, or blue. It is a rare breed and has remained a pure breed since it was first bred from cats brought to the United Kingdom from Turkey.
- Popularity: 35
- Temperament: Intelligent, vocal, playful, loyal
- Size: 20 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 17 years
- Origin: United Kingdom/Turkey
36. Burmilla cat
A cross breed between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese developed this breed. This was an accidental breed that has since been recognized and received championship awards. Their coat can be short or semi-long with colors including black, blue, brown, chocolate and lilac.
- Popularity: 36
- Temperament: Social, playful, affectionate, independent
- Size: 13 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
37. LaPerm cat
LaPerm is a Rex breed that has curly hair. They come in numerous patterns and colors. Their coat is soft yet textured and springs away from their body with no thick undercoat.
- Popularity: 37
- Temperament: Intelligent, clever, playful, friendly
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 14 years
- Origin: United States
38. Korat cat
This breed is another one of the original long-standing natural breeds of cats. They have a slender, smaller body with very little body fat and are very muscular. Their coat is short haired and slate blue-grey in color. They have large green eyes and are uncharacteristically heavy for their body type.
- Popularity: 38
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, active, affectionate
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: Thailand
39. American Wirehair
Though a well-known breed, the American Wirehair is among one of the rarest cat breeds with only 22 on registry. This breed occurred with a genetic mutation that left the fur springy. They are like American Shorthair cats in all other respects except for their fur. The few that have been seen come in a variety of colors and patterns with short hair.
- Popularity: 39
- Temperament: Family, energetic, friendly, loving
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 18 years
- Origin: United States
40. Bengal cat
The Bengal cat is a domestic breed developed to look like exotic jungle cats such as leopards, ocelots, margays and clouded leopards. They were developed by cross-breeding Asian Leopard Cats with domestic cats until they achieved a domestic cat with wildcat markings. Bengals can be bright orange to light brown color, although pale or off-white “snow” Bengals also exist.
- Popularity: 40
- Temperament: Athletic, energetic, family, inquisitive
- Size: 18 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
41. California Spangled
Another domestic cat that was bred to resemble wild cats, this breed particularly resembles the leopard. The breeding for this particular cat was overshadowed by the Bengal and Ocicat that have become more popular. Its appearance is that of a miniature leopard.
- Popularity: 41
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, social, curious
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
42. Cymric cat
Also known as a long-haired Manx, this breed has semi-long to long hair and has a stub tail. In all other aspects except for hair length, the Cymric is like the Manx. A Cymric and Manx can be born in the same litter with the only variance being that of the length of their hair.
- Popularity: 42
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, playful, loyal
- Size: 13 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 8 to 14 years
- Origin: Isle of Man, Canada
43. Munchkin cat
This controversial breed is noted for its short legs which occurred due to a genetic mutation. In every other aspect, they are like other domestic cats with exception to the length of their legs. Its coat is a plush medium length that can come in all colors and patterns.
- Popularity: 43
- Temperament: Agile, loving, playful, easy going
- Size: 9 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
44. Himalayan cat
Also known as the Himalayan Persian or Colorpoint Persian. It is essentially a long-haired Persian with a colorpoint pattern including colors of blue, seal, lilac, chocolate, red and cream. Their heads are the traditional Persian shape or ultra type shape.
- Popularity: 44
- Temperament: Sweet, intelligent, social, affectionate
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 9 to 15 years
- Origin: United States/United Kingdom
45. Australian Mist
Australian Mists are medium-sized short-haired cats, with a round head and large eyes. The coat is very short and lacks an undercoat. Australian Mists do not require much brushing because they lose little hair. The coat patterns have three aspects: the ground color, which is paler than the pattern, the
pattern, and the appearance of wearing a misted veil, caused by random ticking in the solid color areas.
- Popularity: 45
- Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, calm
- Size: 15 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Australia
46. Nebelung cat
Another rare domestic breed, the Nebelung is a long-bodied, semi-long haired cat that has a blue-grey coat and wide-set green eyes. Its characteristics are long legs, long neck, long body, long tail….everything about this breed is long and sleek.
- Popularity: 46
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate, intelligent
- Size: 11 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 11 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
47. Snowshoe cat
This breed is a rare breed that happened by accident when a Siamese breeder’s cat gave birth to kittens with white paws. However, this breed has been very difficult to reproduce with the correct markings. They are a shorthair cat with point coloration that includes colors of blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, chocolate, and seal.
- Popularity: 47
- Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, social, friendly
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 19 years
- Origin: United States
48. Savannah cat
A cross breed between a Serval and a domestic cat, the Savannah has the markings of the Serval. They can vary in size and look depending on factors regarding the males and generation of the breed. It is a difficult breed to create as Servals don’t usually mate with domestic cats.
- Popularity: 48
- Temperament: Curious, intelligent, loyal, social
- Size: 25 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 17 to 20 years
- Origin: United States
49. American Polydactyl
These cats have an abnormality that includes having extra toes on each foot. It is most common for cats to have five toes on the front paws and four toes on the back paws. Polydactyl cats can have as many as eight digits per paw. Their coats, colors, and patterns vary greatly.
- Popularity: 49
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, loyal, social
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
50. Aegean cat
The only naturally occurring breed in Greece. This is an original land race and is considered an ancient domestic cat breed. Their coats are shorthaired and can be various colors and patterns.
- Popularity: 50
- Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, playful
- Size: 10 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
- Origin: Greece
51. Chantilly-Tiffany
This breed has a semi-foreign body style and a full semi-long coat. The coat is silky, soft and smooth; the lack of undercoat usually makes grooming simpler than that of cats with an undercoat. It was originally chocolate in color but now comes in a variety of colors.
- Popularity: 51
- Temperament: Affectionate, demanding, loyal, interactive
- Size: 12 lbs.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
- Origin: United States
