If you ask a dog owner what breed of dog they own, they’d be able to tell you in a heartbeat and likely wouldn’t hesitate before giving their answer – whether it be a lab, pug, German shepherd, or mix.
But one thing I’ve realized about cat owners is that they often struggle to understand what breed of cat they have – even though the breed has a lot to do with their cat’s appearance, behavior, and personality.
If that sounds like you, then don’t worry – we’ll teach you some of the basics down below!
What Are the Most Common Breeds of Cats?
Did you know there are anywhere between 600 million and one billion cats on planet Earth? What about the fact that 60 million of those cats (about 10% of all domestic cats) are living in American households?
While it’s difficult to tell exactly how many cats there are in the world, those numbers give us a glimpse of just how popular they are – even in the United States, where cats are inferior to their canine counterparts.
But what’s even more surprising is that there are around 20 to 75 unique breeds of domestic cats – which might catch a lot of you off guard, especially since most people think all domestic cats are the same.
Of course, some breeds are more common than others – and we’ll detail them for you down below!
1. Exotic Shorthair Cats
Exotic shorthair cats are a mix between the American shorthair and Persian cat breeds. It hasn’t always been one of the most common cat breeds, but has risen – and continues to rise – in popularity recently.
Its personality tends to mimic that of a Persian cat – meaning they’re sweet, affectionate, and playful. They’re more loyal to us than most cats and are known to follow close behind their owners at all times.
What separates an exotic shorthair cat from its Persian counterpart is its coat. Unlike Persians, they have short, thick, dense coats that don’t require as much brushing – but don’t worry, the personality is there!
2. Devon Rex
Known for their big eyes, large round ears, and small triangular heads, Devon Rex cats have a distinct appearance that owners either fall in love with or avoid at all costs – but, like all cats, they’re very cute!
Because of their appearance, many people call them pixie cats, alien cats, or elf cats. They get their name from the town in England (Devonshire), where they were first discovered in 1960 by Beryl Cox.
They might look like a cat, but they behave like a dog – often considered a people pleaser that enjoys a good cuddle session on your lap. They’re also excellent communicators and are great at learning tricks.
3. Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are one of the first recognized breeds of oriental, or foreign, cats. They were originally discovered by the English more than 100 years ago, but are believed to have hailed from Thailand (Asia).
They often have creamy coats, but are easily recognized by their blue, almond-shaped eyes – as well as their elongated body and chiseled, wedge-shaped faces. They also have a muscular, lithe-type build.
As far as their personality goes, Siamese cats are some of the most sociable and intelligent cats on this planet – but don’t be surprised when you hear how loud, low-pitched, and frequent their meows are.
4. Maine Coon Cats
The Maine Coon cat isn’t just one of the most popular breeds of cats in the United States – they’re also one of the largest and are commonly referred to as ‘gentle giants’ because of their loving personality.
They’re known for their long fur on their neck and stomach, which helped them adapt when they migrated from Europe to New England in the 17th and 18th centuries – protecting them from the harsh winters.
Despite being rather large in size, Maine Coon cats don’t have a big voice – with their meow sounding more like a chirp than a cry. They’re fairly independent, but love attention and are very easy to train.
5. Ragdoll Cats
A white ragdoll cat breed with bright blue eyes. (Credit: CasarsaGuru from Getty Images Signature)
Ragdoll cats are one of the newest breeds of cats. They were developed by a Riverside, Calif., breeder named Ann Baker in the 1960’s, and quickly grew in popularity thanks to their beautiful bright blue eyes.
So, how do they get their name, you ask? Well, that’s actually a pretty funny question to answer. Believe it or not, they have a tendency to go limp in their owner’s arms when picked up – hence, the ragdoll name.
They can learn a lot of the same tricks that dogs learn, and are among the most popular cats for those with children – but they aren’t that good at protecting themselves, so don’t let them roam free outdoors.
