Persians Still Reign As America's Most Popular Cats

Persians Still Reign As America's Most Popular Cats
Steve Dale

As the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America (according to American Kennel Club registration statistics), the Persian is our most popular pedigreed cat.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recently announced annual registration numbers for 2010. It so happens that CFA President Jerry Hanza has been a Persian cat breeder for 15 years.

"Persians are clearly good friends, they want to be with their people. Mine enjoy my lap while watching the (New York) Jets games," says Hanza.

Persians have held the title as America's top cat since the 1970s.

"Of course, they know how beautiful they are," says Joan Miller, CFA vice president and chair of outreach and education. "Persians are just glorious. Some are so beautiful they can make your heart stop. They enjoy being groomed, which is required for Persians, and often purr while we brush them." Miller says that when she had Persians, she found brushing them therapeutic.

The Maine Coon has been the second or third most popular cat breed since the 1990s, and now stands at No. 2. Miller suggests that Maine Coons' ability to live well with others plays a role in their popularity, since an increasing number of cat homes (well over a third) also have a canine, and most homes with a cat actually have at least two cats.

"They're big and bold," says Miller. "Some men want a macho cat." Still, despite their imposing appearance (tipping the scales at about 20 pounds), Maine Coon cats are particularly gentle and a good choice for children.

No. 3 on the popularity list goes to a breed called the Exotic.

"An Exotic is pretty much a Persian cat with short hair," says Hanza. "A good choice for people who like the Persian laid-back personality but don't want to deal with the grooming." Their coats have a fuzzy texture, with a unique, soft feel.

Since 2006, the Ragdoll has been in the CFA top-10, but never before as high as their current rank at No. 4. The name derived from their being so affectionate; they relax like ragdolls in the laps of their favorite people.

"Though not as long as a Persian's, they have a lovely, long coat," says Miller, who's been an all-breed judge for 29 years. Ragdolls come in many colors, and tall have blue eyes.

The Sphynx peaked this year at No. 5 on the CFA list. Though many people still aren't familiar with the name, they do know Mr. Bigglesworth from the Austin Powers movies. Since first appearing on the big screen in 1997, this hairless cat has climbed in popularity.

"They're interesting," says Miller. "People either like the look or they don't. But I will say once you get to know some Sphynx cats, you'll understand what the fuss is about. They love their people, are very, very bonded. They love attention and are very responsive." Among the top five most popular breeds, Sphynx are the most active.

Two breeds have fallen out of the top five. Siamese cats now rank at No. 6. The Abyssinian is now the 7th most popular breed. Both Siamese and Abbys are considered very active cats.

"Maybe people don't want all that activity," says Miller. "But actually, I know these breeds remain popular; it's just that some others are today more of an interest."

Despite its popularity, the trendy Bengal is not accepted as a CFA breed. Originally developed from crosses between domestic cats and the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal is the only domestic cat that can have rosettes, like the markings on Leopards, Jaguars and Ocelots.

"We are concerned about the breeding of the Bengals and Savannah cats (a cross of wild Serval cats and domestic cats)," says Miller. "The early generations don't make for very good pets. If you desire a domestic cat with a wild look, there's the Ocicat (No. 19 on the CFA popularity list), or adopt a cat from a shelter and save a life." There are some reports that Bengal and Savannah cats are over-represented with behavior problems.

There are 41 CFA registered breeds. (No. 41 is the little known Chinese Li Hua), "powerful cats with bold mackerel tabby markings," says Miller. "They've lived in a wide area of China for centuries and are known as good hunters."

Learn more about all 41 breeds at www.catscenterstage.com.