Most Popular Cat Breeds to Get Adopted, Ranked
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Many people find the company of a cat (or two) to be the best kind of company. After all, there's nothing like a soft ball of fur purring on your lap to make you feel better after a long day.
But since there are so many breeds and types of cats out there, it can be hard to decide which one might be the right fit for your house. Petfinder.com revealed the top 30 adopted cat breeds and types from over 22 million searches. Which one will you be adding to your family?
30. American Bobtail
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It's no surprise that the American bobtail has been searched over 75,000 times on Petfinder.com. People love this breed for its intelligent and loving personalities — they can even be leash-trained!
Those looking to adopt one also do so because they enjoy a cat that is more dog-like in personality.
American Bobtail in Action
29. Tortoiseshell
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Now the tortoiseshell is a specific type of coat color, not a breed per se, but over 75,000 people looked to adopt a tortoiseshell cat. These are cats with a coat consisting mainly of black and orange in a colorful pattern.
They may have some white on their paws or chest, but the white is not all over like on a calico. Tortoiseshells can be a variety of breeds or mixes, and long-, medium- or shorthaired.
Tortoiseshell in Action
Exotic Shorthair in Action
27. Oriental Shorthair
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The Oriental looks a lot like the Siamese breed but with many more colors and patterns, which is why people who like the look of a Siamese but want more color often choose the Oriental.
Over 83,000 people searched to adopt an Oriental.
Oriental Shorthair in Action
26. Burmese
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Just over 88,000 people searched for Burmese cats or Burmese mixes to add to their homes.
Burmese are known for their four rich coat colors — sable, champagne, platinum and blue — as well as their affection for people.
25. Extra-Toes Cat / Hemingway Polydactyl
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Who doesn’t love a little extra? This is another one that's not a breed, but rather something some cats are born with due to a mutation, as polydactyl have extra toes. The most famous ones are the polydactyl cats that still live at Hemingway’s house in Florida.
Over 90,000 people looked for a cat with extra toes on Petfinder.com.
Hemingway Polydactyl in Action
24. Bombay
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Looking like a mini jaguar, the Bombay cat is loved for its jet-black coat and its mischievous personality.
Over 94,000 people looked to adopt a Bombay or a Bombay cross on Petfinder.com.
23. Tabby
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Many people love the tabby coat pattern.
Coming in a range of colors from orange to grey as well as different styles, such as classic, mackerel, spotted and more, it’s no surprise that close to 95,000 people searched for tabby cats to adopt.
22. Munchkin
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If you want something that will melt your heart every time you gaze upon its face, search for a Munchkin as 95,000 others did.
The Munchkin is not a recognized breed by any industry association; however, there are breeders working to change that. Known for their short legs caused by a dwarfism gene, they are sweet and playful.
21. American Shorthair
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While domestic shorthairs are not a breed, the American shorthair is and follows them closely in searches, being searched around 98,000 times as well.
This is a sweet breed that is good with kids and dogs.
American Shorthair in Action
20. Domestic Shorthair
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It may surprise you that the domestic shorthair is No. 20 on this list and is searched for around 98,000 times, less than both the long- and medium-hair coat types.
But like the others, since this is a coat type, you can find any color and personality you want within this clowder of cats.
Domestic Shorthair in Action
19. Manx
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The Manx is known for its lack of a tail caused by a mutation. Some will have more of a stub than others, mixes included, but all will have the intelligence and great personality for which this breed is loved.
Over 103,000 people looked for a Manx or Manx mix on Petfinder.com.
18. Domestic Medium-Hair
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If you like a bit more coat on your cat but don’t want the grooming responsibilities of a longhair, then a medium-haired cat is for you!
Over 107,000 people searched for medium-haired cats, showing it’s a popular coat type for cat owners.
Domestic Medium-Hair in Action
17. Balinese
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Over 108,000 people searched for this breed, which you may not have heard of … but maybe you should! They are loved for their curiosity and affectionate nature.
Plus, the Balinese have a Siamese-type face and color with a flowing coat.
16. Scottish Fold
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Google “cute,” and the Scottish Fold should pop up. The result of a mutation, the folded ears give this breed its signature look, though purebreds with pricked ears are also born.
Regardless of whether their ears are folded or not, the breed is sought after for its wonderful personality, which is also dog-like. They were searched over 110,000 times on Petfinder.com.
Scottish Fold in Action
15. Sphynx / Hairless Cat
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Over 117,000 people searched for a Sphynx, Sphynx mix or a hairless cat. Many like these cats for their unique looks but also because they are good for those with allergies.
Plus, they are loving and demand to be the center of attention.
Sphynx Cat in Action
14. British Shorthair
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If you have never seen a British shorthair, then you are missing out on one of the cutest cats around, which is why it’s no surprise they were searched for over 118,000 times!
They have a round face and short, sturdy legs that, along with an affectionate nature, make them very popular.
British Shorthair in Action
13. Siberian
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This Russian breed has been carefully bred in its namesake region for hundreds of years. Siberians have a sweet face that draws you in, and they have some unique quirks, including the fact that they actually enjoy playing in water!
Over 124,000 searches were made for Siberians and Siberian mixes.
12. Snowshoe
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Another Siamese-type cat, the Snowshoe breed has a thick, medium coat and a striking coat pattern that is loved by many. People searched over 127,000 times for this breed or a mix, which is set apart from other Siamese-colored cats by its white feet over the black or blue points.
They are also active and intelligent.
11. Abyssinian
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The Abyssinian is a cool-looking cat that was searched for over 137,000 times. They are one of the oldest known cat breeds and still retain the look of cats often depicted in ancient artwork, especially Egyptian art and hieroglyphics.
Abyssinians are intelligent and fun cats that make good companions.
Abyssinian in Action
10. Norwegian Forest Cat
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With almost 140,000 people looking for a Norwegian forest cat or forest cat mix, we round out the top 10 with a lot of longhair kitties! The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, semi-longhaired cat that requires less maintenance than other long hairs.
They adapt well to change and have a fun personality. Some even believe they are hypoallergenic.
Norwegian Forest Cat in Action
9. Calico
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Calico is a color, not a breed of cat, but it happens to be one of the most popular colors for cat coats, with more than 140,000 people searching for the term on Petfinder.com. People love the mix of white, black and orange that makes up this unique coat.
They can be long- or shorthaired, but they are almost always female, as the color is gender-linked. Male calicos are rare (one in 3,000, according to a study by the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri) and sterile.
8. Himalayan
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The Himalayan is basically a Persian in Siamese colors. They are actually not a true stand-alone breed but considered a division of the Persian breed.
Over 150,000 people searched for a Himalayan or a Himalayan mix, looking for that beautiful longhaired Siamese coloring with a sweet temperament to match.
7. Domestic Longhair
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Not an official breed, domestic longhairs are basically any longhaired cat that isn’t the result of two purebreds being bred together. People searched over 220,000 times for a domestic longhair.
While personality and size vary wildly, one thing will remain the same: They will always have long, luxurious fur!
Domestic Longhair in Action
6. Persian
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The Persian cat is a classic old breed that has long been popular. Many love their luxurious long coat and signature flat face. Mixes often have the long coat with a bit more “face” to them, which some prefer.
Both mixes and purebreds have the Persian’s intelligence and good nature, making it easy to see why people searched over 240,000 times for them.
5. Bengal
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These tiny wildcats are coveted by people for their incredible coats, which make them look like mini leopards or ocelots. Bengals also have a great personality, which is smart and confident — they love to play and learn tricks!
Mixes often inherit a lot of their good traits, so it’s no wonder people searched for Bengal and Bengal mixes more than 300,000 times.
4. Ragdoll
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The Ragdoll is a large, longhaired cat with Siamese coloring. They are very affectionate with their family and are wonderful for anyone looking for a true lap cat.
It’s not a surprise that they rank fourth on this list.
3. Russian Blue
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The third cat on this list, the Russian blue, was searched for about 350,000 times.
That's because Russian blues are gentle cats known for their blue color that mixes often have as well.
Russian Blue in Action
2. Maine Coon
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Anyone that has been around a Maine Coon or Maine Coon mix can see why someone would want one. These big — some get up to 20 pounds! — chill cats remain playful and are really more like dogs.
In fact, it was searched for more than 660,00 times (almost twice as many as the Russian blue).
Maine Coon in Action
1. Siamese
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At the top of the list is the gorgeous Siamese cat. Although there is a Siamese breed, which happens to be one of the oldest domesticated breeds in the world, most people looking for a Siamese cat are referring to the beautiful coat pattern of a cream cat with dark points on their ears, face, tail and paws.
An impressive 680,000 searches for Siamese were conducted on Petfinder.com.
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