The Most Popular Cat Breeds – V2

Do you know what breed your cat is? If not, you’re in good company. A recent survey by Rover found that over one-third (38%) of cat owners don’t know their cat’s breed. Instead, many owners (46%) care more about their cat’s fur color than its breed (35%). While many people think of cats based on their appearance—like tuxedos or tabbies—there are actually many different and unique cat breeds out there.

Whether you focus on breed or color, when choosing a cat for your family, the most important thing is how family-friendly the cat is (26%). Other things people look for are if the cat is hypoallergenic (12%) and easy to take care of (10%). When it comes to personality, most Pet owners want a cat that is cuddly (32%), friendly and social (22%), and smart (10%).

We wanted to understand our relationships with cats, common cat breeds, and how cats become part of our lives. So, we checked our database of Canadian Pet owners on Rover.com. Here’s what we found out about the most popular cat breeds and how to identify your cat’s breed.

Domestic Shorthair

The Domestic Shorthair, not to be confused with the American Shorthair, is often called the “mutt” of cat breeds because of their mixed and unknown backgrounds. This means they can have a variety of physical traits. Generally, Domestic Shorthairs are medium-sized with round faces, sleek and soft short coats, and can come in any mix of colors.

Cats like the Domestic Shorthair are believed to have been domesticated in Egypt around 2000 BC. They eventually spread around the world, including to North America, likely on the Mayflower and other ships. These cats were popular as mousers, hunting rodents and other small pests, and were seen as hard workers. Domestic Shorthair cats typically live 12-14 years, but some have been known to live much longer.

American Shorthair

American Shorthair cats love to snuggle on the couch, but they are also known as working cats: strong, muscular, and alert. They usually get along well with both people and other animals and have a balanced temperament. Every cat has a unique personality, but American Shorthairs tend to be sociable yet independent. Unlike Domestic Shorthairs, which are a mix of unknown breeds, American Shorthairs are selectively bred to meet specific breed standards.

Like Domestic Shorthairs, American Shorthair cats came to North America from Europe and were used by pilgrims to control the rodent population.

Domestic Longhair

Like Domestic Shorthair cats, Domestic Longhair cats are just cats with long hair and unknown ancestry. They’re very common because most cats aren’t purebreds. They, too, were brought to North America from Europe on ships. These cats can be any color, from orange to white, black to gray. Their fur is usually a few inches long, with distinct tufts around their ears and on the bottoms of their paws. Regular grooming helps keep their beautiful coats in good condition.

Their exact History is unclear, but some think the long hair gene was selected by people in colder climates like Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Domestic Longhair cats are known for being great hunters, making them appealing to people who needed help controlling rodents.

Ragdoll

Large and fluffy, Ragdoll cats are known as a pointed breed, meaning they have lighter-colored bodies with darker faces, legs, tails, and ears. While their coloring can vary, their blue eyes are a standout feature.

Ragdolls are one of the more affectionate breeds. They often follow their humans around, greet them at the door, and love to snuggle in bed. They are known for being easy-going and not overly active.

Ragdolls were mostly free-roaming cats until the 1960s, when Ann Baker, a breeder in California, developed the breed into the Ragdolls we know today.

Siamese

Siamese cats are one of the most distinctive breeds, usually cream-colored with grey-brown paws and striking icy blue eyes. They have a pointier appearance than other breeds, with large, triangular ears and delicate paws. Their ears and faces often share the same grey-brown color. Siamese cats are now bred in various colors and patterns.

Known for their busy and talkative personalities, Siamese cats make great companions for active people. They don’t like being left alone for long periods and need more playtime than the average cat. Siamese cats are also highly intelligent.

Siamese cats get their name from their origin country, Thailand, which was called Siam until 1939. These cats eventually made their way to Europe in the late 1800s and later to North America. President Rutherford B. Hayes had a Siamese cat during his presidency from 1877 to 1881.

Bengal

A Bengal’s marbled coat is their most distinctive feature, and it’s also incredibly soft, covering a muscular body. While each Bengal has a unique personality, they are generally active and playful, maintaining a kitten-like energy even as they age. They need Pet parents who can keep them busy and entertained and who can provide a stimulating and enriched home environment.

Bengals are considered a hybrid species because they were bred with non-domesticated Animals. The breed was developed by Jean S. Mill, who crossed a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard Cat to create a cat with a mild, affectionate temperament and the striking appearance of a leopard. According to The Cat Fanciers’ Association, “The Bengal is the only domestic cat breed that can have rosettes like the markings on leopards, jaguars, and ocelots.” 

Maine Coon

Maine Coons are known for their relatively large bodies and thick, luxurious coats. They have a muscular build, giving them a sturdy and regal appearance. Their distinguishing features include large eyes, big paws, and prominent cheekbones, setting them apart from other cat breeds.

In terms of personality, Maine Coons strike a balance between wanting to be close to their humans and needing their own space. They are known for being very attentive and may follow their family members around. However, like many cats, they can be cautious around new people. What sets them apart is their dense, water-resistant coat, which means they might enjoy playing with water or even using a water fountain.

Maine Coons are believed to be native to North America, with roots dating back to the colonial era. There’s a popular tale about Marie Antoinette having several Maine Coon-like cats, supposedly brought to the continent during an expedition to rescue her. While the veracity of this story is uncertain, Maine Coons became popular for their attentive yet rugged personalities.

In the 1950s, with the introduction of Persian cats and other long-haired breeds to North America, Maine Coons were mistakenly declared extinct. However, they have since regained popularity and are now the fourth most popular cat breed in Canada.

British Shorthair

Originally valued for their strength and hunting skills, the British Shorthair is likely the oldest British cat breed. Today, they’re cherished for their round faces, big eyes, and gentle personalities.

These sturdy cats are medium to large in size, with dense coats resembling teddy bears. They mature slowly, reaching their full size around three years old. While they’re commonly blue in color, British Shorthairs can be found in various colors and patterns.

In terms of temperament, they are calm and quiet, not prone to vocalizing loudly. However, they can be a bit clumsy and typically don’t enjoy being picked up. British Shorthairs are very affectionate, get along well with other pets, and often form strong bonds with their favorite humans.

Persian

Persian cats are known for their stocky bodies and flat, somewhat squished faces, which many people find charming, but it can require extra medical attention. They have long, soft coats that come in various colors, including white and black. While they share some similarities with Maine Coons, Persians are typically smaller, weighing between 7-12 pounds.

While they can be sweet and affectionate with their owners, Persian cats are often a bit reserved with new people and are generally less demanding of attention compared to other breeds. They tend to have a laid-back and mellow demeanor.

The Persian breed is one of the oldest-known, originating from Iran, which was called Persia at the time. It gained popularity after being showcased at the 1871 Crystal Palace cat show and was favored by Queen Victoria.