Top Five Cat Breeds in America

Do You Know the Five Most Popular Breeds of Cat?

                Last week, we counted down the top five purebred dogs in the United Sates.  This week, we look at cats.  Most people own domestic shorthair or domestic longhair cats.  But there are 41 breeds of pedigreed cats recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association which is the feline equivalent of the American Kennel Club.  Which five are the most popular?  Read on to find out!

Number 5—The Abyssinian.   Abyssinians are a very old breed and resemble the cats seen in Ancient Egypt with large ears, long necks and a slim, muscular build.  Touted as being very intelligent cats, they are loyal, curious and friendly and love to be around people. 

Number 4—The Siamese.  Recognized since the 1800’s, this beautiful breed is known for piercing blue eyes, a sleek coat and an elongated muzzle.   They typically have cream colored bodies and dark feet and ears or “points”.  Seal point, chocolate point, blue point and lilac point are the four recognized coat colors. Siamese are known for being very vocal or “talkative” cats and love to be around people. 

Number 3—The Exotic.  I have to admit, I don’t think I have ever seen this breed, so it must not be very popular in York County, but the Exotic is listed as the number 3 breed in the U.S.  These quiet, loving kitties resemble Persians but have a unique short dense coat that does not require extensive grooming as a Persian would. 

Number 2—The Maine Coon.  One of the largest breeds of cat weighing in at 15-25lb, Maine Coons are a sturdy, docile, long-haired breed and they are touted as being very good mousers.  While generally healthy, these cats can develop hip dysplasia due to their size and can also be affected with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an enlarged, thickened heart). 

And, our number one breed is…the Persian!  References to the Persian cat date back as far 1684 B.C.!  These long-haired beauties tend to have sweet and gentle personalities.  Everyone recognizes the short muzzle and lovely round eyes of a Persian.   They have varied coat colors and require diligent grooming to keep their long flowing coats in good condition.  Persians can have respiratory difficulties due to their flat faces and small nostrils and they do not tolerate the heat well.  They are also prone to an inherited disorder known as polycystic kidney disease or PKD, but they are true companions to those who own them. 

We see a few other purebred cats at Patton such as the hairless Sphynx, Burmese, Egyptian Mau and Bengal.  All are beautiful and unique in their own way.  So, whether you own an exotic purebred or a domestic shorthair, cats are wonderful and loving pets and they bring beauty and joy to many people! 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding area. 

Cat breed info is taken from the Cat Fanciers Association website and from catster.com.