Most Popular Cat Breeds – CFA 2025 Registration Rankings

If you searched “cat breeds AKC registrations,” you ran into a wall. The American Kennel Club registers dogs, not cats. For feline breed popularity, the authority is the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). This page presents the CFA’s 2025 registration rankings for the top 10 pedigreed cat breeds in America, with a brief note on each breed.

How CFA Registration Rankings Work

The CFA tracks purebred kitten registrations submitted by breeders across the United States. The rankings reflect preference for pedigreed cats, not total cat ownership, which includes millions of domestic shorthairs and mixed breeds. Think of it as a snapshot of the formal cat breeding world rather than the average American household.

America’s Most Popular Cat Breeds (2025)

The 2025 CFA registration data ranks the top 10 pedigreed cat breeds in the United States. Here is the full list.

1. Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon reclaimed the top spot in 2025, overtaking the Ragdoll after several years at number two. Known as gentle giants, they are sociable and famously dog-like in their loyalty. Males typically weigh 13 to 18 pounds, and their tufted ears and bushy tails give them a wild, lynx-like appearance despite their friendly temperament.

2. Ragdoll

Despite dropping to second place, the Ragdoll remains enormously popular. True to their name, they go limp and relaxed when picked up. Their striking color points and calm demeanor make them a favorite. Ragdolls are large cats as well, often weighing 10 to 15 pounds, and their semi-long coat is silky rather than fluffy, requiring less grooming than a Persian.

3. Persian

Persians have a long history in the top ranks. Their luxurious long coat is the most recognizable feature, paired with a serene and laid-back temperament that suits quiet households. They require daily grooming to prevent matting, which is why some owners opt for the shorter-coated Exotic instead.

4. Exotic

The Exotic is essentially a short-haired Persian. Breeders developed it for people who love the Persian type but want a coat that requires far less grooming. The plush, short fur is the key difference. Exotics share the same flat face and calm temperament as the Persian, making them a practical choice for someone who wants the look without the daily grooming commitment.

5. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex stands out with its large ears, elfin face, and soft curly coat. These cats are mischievous, highly affectionate, and known for clinging to their owners like velcro. Their coat is low-shedding compared to most breeds, which makes them a practical choice for someone who wants a distinctive-looking cat without excessive fur around the house.

6. British Shorthair

With a round face and dense, plush coat, the British Shorthair looks like a teddy bear. They are calm, easygoing, and remarkably loyal without being clingy. The most common color is British Blue, a solid gray-blue with copper eyes, though the breed comes in many other colors and patterns.

7. Abyssinian

One of the oldest known cat breeds, the Abyssinian brings vibrant energy wherever it goes. They are endlessly curious, love climbing, and form strong bonds with their families. Their ticked coat, where each hair has multiple bands of color, gives them a wild, luminous appearance that stands out from smoother-coated breeds.

8. Siberian

Siberians are athletic and agile, built for cold climates with a thick triple coat. They are gentle giants like the Maine Coon, and a persistent rumor claims they are hypoallergenic, though no breed is truly allergen-free.

9. Sphynx

The Sphynx is unmistakable. Despite having no fur, their skin feels warm and suede-like. They are social, playful, and demand attention from their owners constantly. Without a fur coat to absorb body oils, Sphynx cats require regular bathing and ear cleaning, making them a higher-maintenance breed than their appearance suggests.

10. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are known for their distinctive silver-blue coat and bright green eyes. They tend to be quiet and reserved, but extremely intelligent and deeply loyal to their preferred humans. Their double coat, which is denser and softer than most breeds, gives them a plush feel and contributes to the shimmering silver tips that give the breed its signature look.

What the Rankings Tell Us

The Maine Coon reclaiming the top spot after Ragdoll’s multi-year reign marks the most notable shift in the 2025 data. Ragdoll’s sustained popularity at number two shows the drop reflects a close race rather than fading interest.

The Devon Rex earns a special callout as the most popular shorthair breed on the CFA list. That is notable because most top breeds are long-haired. It suggests a growing appetite for the Devon Rex’s distinctive look and clownish personality in a low-fur package.

The Exotic continues to gain ground as a practical alternative to the Persian. The short coat sidesteps the grooming demands that keep some would-be Persian owners away, while retaining the breed type and temperament.

The top end of the list shows real stability. Seven of the ten breeds held their position or moved only one spot from the prior year. The pedigreed cat world rewards established reputations.

Closing

CFA registration data reflects the pedigreed cat market specifically. Domestic shorthairs and mixed breeds make up the majority of pet cats in American homes. For the full list of CFA-recognized breeds and official registration data, visit CFA.org.