The flat-faced, wide-eyed Exotic has been named Americaâs most popular pedigreed cat breed. This round-up of the countryâs most coveted kitties comes from The Cat Fanciersâ Association (CFA), which operates the worldâs largest registry of pedigreed cats . The list was created based on cats that registered with the association over the course of a yearâand what better day to share their findings than today, National Cat Day? (An even better way to celebrate the occasion? Head to your nearest pet shelter and adopt a fuzzy feline of your own.)
With a name like Exotic, itâs perhaps no surprise that this feline is in such demand. Theyâre still a fairly new breed, having emerged in the 1950s or 1960s, when breeders mated American Shorthair cats with silver, green-eyed Persians.
Although they look similar to Persians, theyâre not quite as high-maintenance. Their fur doesn't shed as much, and they only require a weekly brushing. âThe Exotic is bred to meet the Persian standard in every way with one very special exception: the coat,â the CFA says. âThe thick, plush, short coat gives the Exotic a soft, rounded, teddy bear look.â
Ragdolls , which also emerged in the â60s, are the second most beloved breed among cat connoisseurs. These lap cats are known for their friendly personalities, brilliant blue eyes, large size, and silky fur. Theyâre also incredibly docile, and were supposedly named for the way their bodies go limpâlike a rag dollâwhen theyâre picked up.
Third on the list is the British Shorthair , which has been around far longer than the previously mentioned breeds. In fact, theyâre one of the worldâs oldest cat breeds, having descended from felines that were brought to Rome via ancient Egypt. They were worshipped by ancient civilizations, and continue to be worshipped by modern-day fur parents.
Does your fancy feline make the list? Check out the top 20 breeds below, courtesy of the CFA.
1. Exotic 2. Ragdoll 3. British Shorthair 4. Persian 5. Maine Coon 6. American Shorthair 7. Scottish Fold 8. Sphynx 9. Devon Rex 10. Abyssinian 11. Oriental 12. Siamese 13. Cornish Rex 14. Norwegian Forest 15. Siberian 16. Birman 17. Russian Blue 18. Bengal 19. Tonkinese 20. Burmese
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