According to the most recent census information, there are close to 90 million cats living as pets in the U.
S.
Most people who choose to own a cat select a breed that in some way mirrors the owner's temperament and personality.
When it comes to personality, the cats in the middle of the top 10 list -- Siamese, Abyssians and Ragdolls -- are loaded with people pleasing qualities.
Persian Paws down, the Persian is the most popular breed of cat in the United States.
The breed has topped the favorites list consistently since 1871, when the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) started to keep track of which breeds were most beloved.
Persians are highly affectionate, and are very loyal to their owners and adopted families.
They can be rather high-maintenance, however, as they require daily grooming to keep their long fur tangle-free and looking beautiful.
Siamese Siamese are the "chatterboxes" of the cat world.
Their yowl is well known to purebred cat lovers around the world, and they don't just meow for the pleasure of hearing their own vocalization.
These graceful and athletic felines genuinely enjoy having a rather one-sided conversation with their owners.
Siamese cats tend to find one person they truly enjoy being with, and shower them with affection and constant attention.
Ragdoll Ragdoll cats received their name from their habit of going limp in the arms of anyone trying to pick one up.
These teddy bears of the cat world are definitely more lover than fighter, thus they require an indoor existence because they are not able to defend themselves very well.
Ragdolls are big sweethearts, literally, ranging from 10 to 20 pounds.
In general, the males tend to be a bit heavier than the females.
Abyssinian Whether it's the lithe and elegant Siamese or the ready-to-mix-it-up Maine Coon, it's not uncommon for a cat to look like his or her owner.
For the beautiful people who declare themselves cat lovers, their breed of choice is the Abyssinian, a breed thought to belong to Cleopatra.
These cats are thought by many purebred cat lovers to be one of the most attractive, because of their slender figures and glossy coats.
But Abyssinians aren't just another pretty face; these cats are active as well as attractive, enjoying play sessions and spending time with their owners.
Exotic If you're looking for more than just your run-of-the-mill cat, the Exotic might be the breed for you.
Resembling a Persian with shorter fur, this breed has a gentle disposition, and requires considerably less maintenance.
A good brushing once or twice per week is sufficient to keep the Exotic looking their best.
Because of the unique fur coloring, this breed is sometimes called a "Persian in Pajamas.
" Oriental For color and variety, few cats can go paw to paw with the Oriental.
Similar to a Siamese in body and behavior, this cat comes with two fur lengths and more than 300 possible color combinations! Orientals have the same affectionate and devoted personality as the Siamese, but they are not quite so "chatty".
Sphynx The most unique-looking cat is the Sphynx; with a complete lack of a fur coat and varying skin tone, this cat makes an intriguing addition to any household.
A tendency to clamber on anything and lively, active personality have earned the Sphynx the title "naked climber".
Like the Siamese, the Sphynx is a devoted and affectionate pet that is not shy about letting its owner known when it wants attention.
Maine Coon If you are looking for a cat as a companion, or one that would be good in a family that has young children, perhaps the Maine Coon is the breed you're looking for.
Maine Coons are big by cat standards, weighing anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
Like the first- place Persian, they have a gentle nature and sweet-tempered disposition.
In fact, the Maine Coon has been the second-most sought after cat for more than a decade.
Similar in appearance to the Persian, Maine Coons also have long fur; however, they do not require as much upkeep and grooming to keep tangles and mats under control.
American Shorthair For the family looking for a quiet, manageable cat, the American Shorthair fits the bill quite nicely.
These cats made the voyage to the New World alongside the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, most likely earning their keep by catching mice on board the ship.
This breed is generally healthy and is docile enough that they can be trusted around small children.
Birman If you are a devout dog person who is trying to make the move to cat ownership, the breed for you is the Birman.
This breed acts like a dog -- literally! Birmans are enthusiastic and social, possess an even temper and mild disposition, and tolerate change and new situations well, a rare and difficult quality to find in any pet.
This breed proves to be the exception to the old joke about cats taking a message when you call them.
In fact, Birmans have been known to come when their pet parent calls, and it is not unusual to find one waiting for you at the door when you return home -- unless, of course, you don't own one yet.
Tastes change and so do the types of cats American's prefer most.
Whatever your fancy may be, there is surely a cat out there to match it.
S.
Most people who choose to own a cat select a breed that in some way mirrors the owner's temperament and personality.
When it comes to personality, the cats in the middle of the top 10 list -- Siamese, Abyssians and Ragdolls -- are loaded with people pleasing qualities.
Persian Paws down, the Persian is the most popular breed of cat in the United States.
The breed has topped the favorites list consistently since 1871, when the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) started to keep track of which breeds were most beloved.
Persians are highly affectionate, and are very loyal to their owners and adopted families.
They can be rather high-maintenance, however, as they require daily grooming to keep their long fur tangle-free and looking beautiful.
Siamese Siamese are the "chatterboxes" of the cat world.
Their yowl is well known to purebred cat lovers around the world, and they don't just meow for the pleasure of hearing their own vocalization.
These graceful and athletic felines genuinely enjoy having a rather one-sided conversation with their owners.
Siamese cats tend to find one person they truly enjoy being with, and shower them with affection and constant attention.
Ragdoll Ragdoll cats received their name from their habit of going limp in the arms of anyone trying to pick one up.
These teddy bears of the cat world are definitely more lover than fighter, thus they require an indoor existence because they are not able to defend themselves very well.
Ragdolls are big sweethearts, literally, ranging from 10 to 20 pounds.
In general, the males tend to be a bit heavier than the females.
Abyssinian Whether it's the lithe and elegant Siamese or the ready-to-mix-it-up Maine Coon, it's not uncommon for a cat to look like his or her owner.
For the beautiful people who declare themselves cat lovers, their breed of choice is the Abyssinian, a breed thought to belong to Cleopatra.
These cats are thought by many purebred cat lovers to be one of the most attractive, because of their slender figures and glossy coats.
But Abyssinians aren't just another pretty face; these cats are active as well as attractive, enjoying play sessions and spending time with their owners.
Exotic If you're looking for more than just your run-of-the-mill cat, the Exotic might be the breed for you.
Resembling a Persian with shorter fur, this breed has a gentle disposition, and requires considerably less maintenance.
A good brushing once or twice per week is sufficient to keep the Exotic looking their best.
Because of the unique fur coloring, this breed is sometimes called a "Persian in Pajamas.
" Oriental For color and variety, few cats can go paw to paw with the Oriental.
Similar to a Siamese in body and behavior, this cat comes with two fur lengths and more than 300 possible color combinations! Orientals have the same affectionate and devoted personality as the Siamese, but they are not quite so "chatty".
Sphynx The most unique-looking cat is the Sphynx; with a complete lack of a fur coat and varying skin tone, this cat makes an intriguing addition to any household.
A tendency to clamber on anything and lively, active personality have earned the Sphynx the title "naked climber".
Like the Siamese, the Sphynx is a devoted and affectionate pet that is not shy about letting its owner known when it wants attention.
Maine Coon If you are looking for a cat as a companion, or one that would be good in a family that has young children, perhaps the Maine Coon is the breed you're looking for.
Maine Coons are big by cat standards, weighing anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
Like the first- place Persian, they have a gentle nature and sweet-tempered disposition.
In fact, the Maine Coon has been the second-most sought after cat for more than a decade.
Similar in appearance to the Persian, Maine Coons also have long fur; however, they do not require as much upkeep and grooming to keep tangles and mats under control.
American Shorthair For the family looking for a quiet, manageable cat, the American Shorthair fits the bill quite nicely.
These cats made the voyage to the New World alongside the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, most likely earning their keep by catching mice on board the ship.
This breed is generally healthy and is docile enough that they can be trusted around small children.
Birman If you are a devout dog person who is trying to make the move to cat ownership, the breed for you is the Birman.
This breed acts like a dog -- literally! Birmans are enthusiastic and social, possess an even temper and mild disposition, and tolerate change and new situations well, a rare and difficult quality to find in any pet.
This breed proves to be the exception to the old joke about cats taking a message when you call them.
In fact, Birmans have been known to come when their pet parent calls, and it is not unusual to find one waiting for you at the door when you return home -- unless, of course, you don't own one yet.
Tastes change and so do the types of cats American's prefer most.
Whatever your fancy may be, there is surely a cat out there to match it.
SHARE
