Ever wonder which cat breed reigns supreme in your state? From Maine Coons in the Northeast to sleek Siamese favorites in the South, each region of the U.S. seems to have its own feline preference. This ranking of America’s 15 most popular cat breeds—broken down state by state—reveals some surprising regional favorites. Whether it’s the affectionate Ragdoll or the playful Bengal, each breed reflects a little bit of the lifestyle and personality of the people who love them. It’s fascinating to see how climate, culture, and even living space influence which cats people choose. Some breeds are adored coast to coast, while others are hidden gems in just a few areas. Curious to see if your favorite made the list in your home state? Let’s dive in!
The Rise of the Maine Coon: America’s Gentle Giant Claims the Crown
Have you ever wondered which feline friend sits at the top of America’s most loved cat breeds? Well, the answer might surprise you! The Maine Coon Cat, crowned as the top pedigreed cat breed for 2025, is adored for its gentle and sociable nature. Known as the “gentle giant” of the cat world, this breed boasts a striking appearance matched by a heartwarming demeanor. This majestic cat has literally knocked the competition off their perch with their impressive size and even more impressive hearts.
Despite their impressive size, Maine Coons are incredibly friendly and approachable, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. These majestic cats are famous for their intelligence and adaptability, quickly learning new tricks and fitting seamlessly into various household environments. The most fascinating part? These cats are so dog-like that they’ve earned the nickname “dog of the cat world,” often following their humans around like loyal pups.
The Beloved Ragdoll: America’s Lap Cat Extraordinaire
Speaking of surprises, let’s talk about the Ragdoll – the cat that literally goes limp with happiness! The Ragdoll is celebrated for its mesmerizing coat, a hallmark of its lovely persona. This breed’s semi-long fur is silky and luxurious, inviting petting and admiration from all who encounter it. The Ragdoll’s coat, often adorned in striking color points, adds to its visual appeal and enhances its soothing presence.
These cats have captured America’s heart with their unique ability to completely relax when picked up, earning their adorable name. It is no surprise that the Ragdoll takes first place again, making this the fifth year this breed has remained at the top spot. The breed’s combination of beauty and gentleness makes it popular among everyone. What’s truly remarkable is how these gentle giants form such deep connections with their families, often greeting visitors with the enthusiasm of a friendly host.
The Persian: Royal Elegance That Never Goes Out of Style
Imagine walking into a room and seeing what can only be described as feline royalty lounging gracefully on a silk cushion – that’s the Persian for you! Its long, flowing fur, combined with its distinctive face, gives the Persian an aura of opulence that is hard to resist. Despite their aristocratic appearance, Persians are quite playful, enjoying short bursts of activity and interactive toys. Their blend of regal beauty and loving nature makes them a cherished breed for those who appreciate the finer things in feline companionship. These cats have been captivating hearts for centuries, literally becoming the poster child for what many people think of when they picture a “fancy” cat.
Known for their extravagant long coats, expressive round eyes, and sophisticated features, Persians are frequently regarded as the pinnacle of feline elegance. The funny thing about Persians is that while they look like they belong in a palace, they’re perfectly content being pampered house cats who enjoy nothing more than a good brushing session.
The Exotic Shorthair: The Persian’s Low-Maintenance Cousin
What if you could have all the charm of a Persian without the daily grooming commitment? Enter the Exotic Shorthair – the cat that’s basically a Persian in pajamas! The Exotic is now ranked fourth. Originally developed as an easier-care alternative for lovers of the Persian look, Exotics typically have a shorter coat that is plush, dense, and full of life. Despite their coat length, they are judged in CFA as a longhaired breed since their structure is virtually identical to the Persian. These adorable cats have the same sweet, squished face that makes Persians so endearing, but with a coat that won’t turn your daily routine into a grooming marathon.
Despite its luxurious appearance, the Exotic is relatively low-maintenance compared to its Persian relatives, requiring less grooming while retaining the same endearing features. Its calm and laid-back nature makes it an ideal companion for a relaxed household, where it can enjoy leisurely naps and gentle play. They’re like the perfect middle ground for cat lovers who want elegance without the extra work.
The Devon Rex: The Pixie Cat with a Heart of Gold
Picture this: a cat that looks like it stepped straight out of a fairy tale, complete with oversized ears and a mischievous grin! The Devon Rex, the most popular shorthair breed on our list, is an enchanting blend of mischief and affection, charming everyone with its endearing appearance and playful antics. This breed is often recognized by its curly coat, large ears and impish expression, which perfectly complement its mischievous personality. These little pixies have captured hearts across America with their unique combination of elf-like features and dog-like devotion to their humans.
What makes the Devon Rex so special isn’t just their otherworldly appearance – it’s their incredible ability to form deep bonds with their families while maintaining that playful kitten energy well into adulthood. Their curly coat feels completely different from any other cat breed, almost like touching a warm, living teddy bear that happens to have the personality of a court jester.
The British Shorthair: The Teddy Bear Cat That Stole America’s Heart
If cats could be described as living teddy bears, the British Shorthair would win that contest hands down! The British Shorthair is the epitome of a loyal and gentle friend, making it a cherished member of many households. Its signature round face and plush coat add to its teddy bear-like charm, inviting affection and admiration from all who meet it. This breed’s loyalty is matched by its intelligence, making it quick to learn routines and adapt to changes.
Its gentle presence and steadfast friendship create a sense of comfort and warmth, endearing the British Shorthair to cat lovers worldwide. These stocky, round-faced beauties have a way of looking perpetually content, as if they’re always in on some delightful secret. What’s particularly endearing about British Shorthairs is their calm, unflappable nature – they’re the type of cat that will sit quietly beside you during a Netflix marathon, occasionally offering a gentle head bump as encouragement. Their dense, plush coat practically begs to be petted, and their patient temperament makes them excellent companions for families with children.
The Abyssinian: The Athletic Aristocrat of the Cat World
Meet the cat that could probably teach a fitness class if it wanted to – the Abyssinian! These sleek, muscular cats are like the athletes of the feline world, always ready for action and adventure. Their distinctive ticked coat gives them an almost wild appearance, as if a miniature cougar decided to become a house cat but kept all its natural elegance and grace.
Abyssinians are incredibly active and intelligent, often described as being more like dogs than cats in their loyalty and trainability. What makes them so beloved across America is their perfect balance of independence and affection – they’re happy to explore and play on their own, but they’ll also seek out their humans for cuddle sessions when the mood strikes. These cats have an almost regal bearing, carrying themselves with the confidence of creatures who know they’re descended from the cats worshipped in ancient Egypt.
The American Shorthair: The All-American Hometown Hero
If there was ever a cat that embodied the American spirit, it would be the American Shorthair! At number 11 is the American Shorthair. Recognized by CFA in 1906, American Shorthairs are known for their oblong head, short coat, and muscular build. Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance companion. These cats are like the friendly neighbor who’s always ready to lend a helping paw – reliable, sturdy, and completely unpretentious.
With its round face and stocky body, this breed is easygoing and friendly. Its history of being an effective rat catcher made this cat a popular addition to have on ships and farms for a few hundred years! The most amazing thing about American Shorthairs is their incredible versatility – they’re equally happy being lap cats or independent explorers, making them perfect for virtually any household. Their history as working cats means they’ve got that practical, no-nonsense attitude that Americans love, combined with a sweet nature that makes them wonderful family pets.
The Scottish Fold: The Owl-Faced Charmer
Have you ever seen a cat that looks perpetually surprised and delighted by life? That’s the Scottish Fold for you! The Scottish Fold, with its unique folded ears, ranks 8th. Recognized by CFA in 1978, Scottish Folds are known for their sweet nature and ability to pose in odd positions. These adorable cats have an almost owl-like appearance thanks to their distinctive folded ears, which give them an expression of constant curiosity and mild amazement.
What makes Scottish Folds so endearing is their quirky personality – they’re known for sitting in unusual positions, often looking like they’re meditating or pondering life’s great mysteries. Their sweet, gentle nature makes them excellent companions, and they have this wonderful way of making everyone around them smile just by being their wonderfully weird selves. The most charming thing about Scottish Folds is how they seem to approach life with a sense of wonder, as if everything they encounter is the most fascinating thing they’ve ever seen.
The Sphynx: The Hairless Wonder That Warms Hearts
Now here’s a cat that definitely stands out in a crowd – the Sphynx! The Sphynx is a breed that turns heads and captures hearts with its distinctive lack of fur. This hairless wonder compensates for its absence of a traditional coat with a plethora of charm and personality. Its smooth, suede-like skin feels warm to the touch, offering a unique tactile experience for cat lovers. This breed proves that fur is not essential for feline charisma, as the Sphynx’s vibrant personality and affectionate nature shine through unmistakably.
These cats are like warm, living sculptures that happen to have huge personalities and even bigger hearts. This hairless cat is known for being quite vocal, so be prepared to get serenaded! What’s truly remarkable about Sphynx cats is how they’ve completely redefined what it means to be beautiful in the cat world – they’ve shown that personality and warmth can be far more attractive than any coat pattern could ever be.
The Siberian: The Forest Cat with a Hypoallergenic Secret
Meet the cat that’s basically a living, breathing teddy bear from the Russian wilderness! The Siberian is a delightful blend of fluff and athleticism, earning it a well-deserved spot among the top pedigreed breeds. Known for its robust build and powerful muscles, the Siberian is an agile jumper and climber, often found exploring high perches and navigating tricky terrain with ease. These magnificent cats have thick, triple coats that make them look like they’re wearing the most luxurious fur coat imaginable, perfectly designed for surviving harsh winters. In 9th place is the Siberian.
Recognized by CFA in 2000, Siberians are admired for their powerful build, rounded ears, and thick, triple coat. Their friendly, intelligent, and agile nature suits those who appreciate an active and interactive cat. What makes Siberians particularly special is their hypoallergenic qualities – they’re often the answer for cat lovers who thought allergies would forever keep them from having a feline companion. Their personalities are as robust as their builds, combining the playfulness of a kitten with the wisdom of an ancient forest guardian.
The Russian Blue: The Silver-Coated Aristocrat
Imagine a cat that looks like it’s been dusted with actual silver and moves with the grace of a ballet dancer – that’s the Russian Blue! The Russian Blue is famed for its mesmerizing silver-tipped blue coat that captivates cat lovers. It is no wonder that the Russian Blue made it on this list! This beautiful cat is renowned for their slate gray fur and striking emerald eyes. Their playful and energetic natures make them excellent companions for all sorts of cat lovers. These cats have an almost ethereal quality, as if they stepped out of a mystical fairy tale where all the cats were nobility.
What makes Russian Blues so beloved is their perfect combination of elegance and playfulness – they can go from looking like living works of art to acting like silly kittens in the span of seconds. Their intelligence and loyalty make them wonderful companions, though they can be a bit shy with strangers at first, preferring to observe from their regal perches before deciding if someone is worthy of their attention.
The Norwegian Forest Cat: The Nordic Giant with a Wild Heart
Picture a cat that looks like it could have sailed with the Vikings and you’ve got the Norwegian Forest Cat! People who want a cat that is similar to the Maine Coon but not that large look to the Norwegian Forest Cat. This independent cat will choose to sit on your lap, but lap-sitting is on their terms, not yours!
Despite their self-sufficiency, they still enjoy being a part of their owner’s lives. These magnificent cats have that rugged, outdoorsy look that suggests they could survive in the wilderness if needed, but they’re perfectly happy being pampered house cats. And Norwegian Forest cats are the third most popular in 5 states: Alaska, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon and Vermont.
What’s particularly endearing about Norwegian Forest Cats is their independent spirit combined with deep loyalty – they’re the type of cat that will make you feel honored when they choose to spend time with you. Their thick, water-resistant coats and sturdy builds make them look like they’re ready for any adventure, whether that’s exploring a mountain trail or simply investigating what’s happening in the kitchen.
The Oriental: The Vocal Artist of the Cat World
Meet the cat that never met a conversation it didn’t want to join – the Oriental! The Oriental cat is another unique-looking breed. Their large ears, almond eyes, and slender body give them a striking appearance. Cat owners have stated that the Oriental cat is a perfect combination of beauty and affection.
Oriental cats are also intelligent, so they will be best in a home that has people who can offer them love and playtime. These elegant cats look like they were designed by someone who wanted to create the perfect balance of grace and sophistication, with their sleek bodies and enormous ears giving them an almost alien-like beauty.
What makes Orientals so special is their incredible intelligence and their need to be involved in everything their humans do – they’re like having a very opinionated, very beautiful roommate who has strong feelings about your life choices. Their vocal nature means they’ll provide running commentary on your daily activities, and their affectionate personalities ensure they’ll be your shadow throughout the day.
The Bengal: The Wild Child with a Domestic Heart
Imagine having a miniature leopard lounging on your couch, and you’ve captured the essence of the Bengal cat! Last on the CFA’s most popular cat breed list is the Bengal. This is quite a feat because Bengal cats are illegal to own in some states. Plus, this breed was only recognized by the CFA in 2018, making this the “newest” recognized breed on the popularity list. These stunning cats have distinctive marbled or spotted coats that make them look like they belong in the wild, but their personalities are pure domestic sweetness.
The most popular cat breed in the US is officially the Bengal! Bengal cats are the most popular cat breed in the States, accumulating the most average monthly Google searches per 100,000 people in 29 out of 51 states. What makes Bengals so captivating is their incredible energy and intelligence – they’re like having a perpetual kitten that can solve puzzles and probably plan elaborate schemes to get extra treats. Their wild appearance combined with their affectionate nature creates a fascinating contradiction that cat lovers find irresistible.
No matter where you live, it’s clear that cats have carved out a special place in American hearts—and on our couches! From the talkative Siamese to the fluffy Maine Coon, every state has its feline favorite. These rankings show just how diverse our tastes are when it comes to cat companions. Whether you prefer a low-key lap cat or a high-energy chatterbox, there’s a purr-fect breed out there for you.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
