Top Cat Breeds for 2005

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Top Cat Breeds for 2005

By: Petplace Staff

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Who's the fairest cat of all? According to the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA), there are at least ten fair cats. Each year the CFA compiles breed registration totals for each of the 41 pedigreed breeds it recognizes. Since the CFA is the world's largest cat registry, these registration totals are good indicators of overall popularity.

Today, the cat is the most popular pet in the United States and in some parts of Europe. And why shouldn't cats be popular? They more easily fit into our busy lifestyles than do dogs, and while you can't go to the park and play fetch with your kitty, you don't have to housebreak and walk her each day, either. With their clean, quiet habits and relatively easy care, cats adapt well to apartment and indoor living.

Since 1981, America's owned pet population has increased by a staggering 30 million, according to a study conducted by the Pet Food Institute.

According to the pet ownership statistics supplied by the American Pet Product Manufacturer's Association (APPMA) Survey, 37.7 million U.S. households own a cat totally to over 90.5 million cats! The average number of cats per household is 2.4. Interest in both mixed breed and purebred cats has grown as well.

While pedigreed cats have not attained the same popularity as purebred dogs, a total of 39,990 pedigreed cats were registered in 2005 down from 41,606 in 2004. with the CFA.

The Sphynx, appeared in this year's list pushing out the Tonkinese which dropped to #15. Last year, the Ragdoll appeared in the top 10 and has maintained its position. The American Shorthair jumped from #9 to #8 displacing the Oriental one notch. In 2005, registrations for the Persian, Maine Coon, Siamese, Abyssinian, Oriental, American Shorthair, and Tonkinese have declined slightly. Registrations for the Exotic, Birman, and the Ragdoll increased over last years numbers.

Drum Roll Please

According to registration totals, The CFA's top ten most popular cat breeds in 2005 are:

Number One: Persian

To say the Persian is popular is an understatement. This breed, with its laid-back, affectionate personality and long, lovely locks, has held the number one spot for decades. Despite their special needs – the breed requires daily grooming to keep that long silky fur mat-free – the Persian has been a favorite since the cat fancy began in 1871. Fans say they prize these cats for their sweet personalities. Persians form strong bonds of loyalty and love with their owners. In 2005, 16,657 Persians were registered with the CFA which is down from 18,176 in 2004, 20,431 in 2003, 21,978 in 2002 and 23,362 in 2001. Although numbers have dropped, the Persian's place as top cat is in no danger.

Number Two: Maine Coon

The made-in-America Maine coon has held the position of second most popular breed since 1992. Large, rugged, and hardy, these incredible hulks have hearts to match their size – their gentle, loving temperaments keep this breed high in the popularity polls. And although they have long fur, their coats don't require as much grooming as the Persian's. With 3,932 registrations in 2005, they are slightly down from 4,162 registrations in 2004 and 4,385 registrations in 2003, this breed has nearly twice the number of its next competitor.

Number Three: Exotic

Called the Exotic shorthair by some cat associations, the Exotic is often considered a shorthaired Persian and is gaining popularity with people who love the Persian personality and body type but hate the drudgery of daily grooming. The Exotic's short, dense coat needs only a twice a week combing. But the Exotic has its own history, personality and growing group of devoted fans that swear by the plush, cherub-faced, solid-as-a-brick feline. The Exotic is third most popular overall with 3,006 registrations. This is up from 2,838 in 2004 and 2,720 in 2003.

Number Four: Siamese

Arguably the most widely recognized breed in the known universe, the Siamese has enjoyed a long popularity that's showing no sign of waning. This cat's distinctive pointed pattern, trim body, big ears, and gregarious, talkative nature continues to charm cat lovers world wide. Their "painted on" coats are very short and close-lying with no noticeable undercoat. Their favorite grooming tool is your hand, applied gently down their backs. The Siamese had been the most popular shorthair for decades. In 2005, the CFA registered 1,445 Siamese, which is down from 1,621 in 2004 and 1,921 in 2003.

Number Five: Abyssinian

Prized for her active, people-oriented personality and colorful ticked coat, the Abyssinian has been in the top five for many years. The Aby is popular with cat lovers who enjoy busy, active, playful cats. Fanciers claim that you won't find finer home entertainment than one of these dynamic couch cougars. Allegedly, these cats are the descendants of the felines worshiped in ancient Egypt, although some dispute this. In 2005, 1334 were registered which is down slightly from 1,462 in 2004 and 1,417 in 2003.

Number Six: Ragdoll

Surrounded by myth and mystery, the Ragdoll is a large, laid-back, loving cat with a long, beautiful coat, lovely pointed pattern and big brilliant blue eyes. A hybrid breed, the Ragdoll was developed by years of selective breeding. In 2005, 1,215 Ragdolls were registered with CFA which is up from 981 in 2004 and 765 in 2003.

Number Seven: Birman

Also called the sacred cat of Burma, the Birman is arguably one of the most beautiful breeds. Her body style strikes a happy medium between the Siamese and the Persian, and her face is moderate and sweet. Long, silky fur, the pointed pattern, blue eyes, and a matching set of white boots add to the breed's beauty. The colorful legends that surround the breed only serve to make the Birman even more appealing to the fanciers of this breed. The Birman changed rank in the top 10 from the 2003 numbers, moving down from number six to number seven . In 2005, 991 were registered which is up slightly from 945 in 2004 and down from 1,057 in 2003.

Number Eight: American Shorthair

The American shorthair (ASH), whose ancestors came over on the Mayflower (or so the story goes), is a national treasure that's as all American as the Fourth of July. The ASH is popular for her comfortably familiar, middle-of-the-road body style and laid back, affectionate personality. However, while the ASH may look a little like your average random-bred feline, she has a long history of selective breeding and is just as pure bred as any other pedigreed cat. With 802 registrations for 2005, down from 846 in 2004. The ASH has continued to hold her place in the top ten since 1988.

Number Nine: Oriental

The Oriental has the body type and personality of the Siamese but comes dressed in two hair lengths and virtually every color and pattern in the cat spectrum. This breed is popular with those who love the Siamese but who crave creative packaging options. The colorful exterior and the pleasing personality have earned the breed an enthusiastic following. With 764 registrations in 2005, down from 854 in 2004 and 952 in 2003 the Oriental ranks nine overall.

Number Ten : Sphynx

Once you get past the shock of seeing a naked cat, you'll notice that this breed has other distinctive traits. The Sphynx are lively cat as they like to perform monkey-like aerialist stunts from the top of doorways and book shelves. Devoted and loyal, they follow their humans around, wagging their tails doggy style and purring with affection. They demand your unconditional attention and are as mischievous and lovable as children. The Sphynx had 704 registrations in 2005 which is up from 568 in 2004.

How Did YOUR Breed Score? Top Cat Breeds for 2005

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