The Cat Fanciers’ Association Announces Most Popular Breeds for 2020
February 25, 2021
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (CFA)—the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats—has tallied their worldwide registration statistics for 2020 to determine the most popular cat breeds.
CFA accepts 46 pedigreed breeds for registration, and registers companion cats and rescued non-pedigree cats under its Companion Cat World program.
2020’s most popular breed is the Ragdoll, which also topped the list in 2019.
Large and longhaired, with a soft, plush coat, the Ragdoll is noted for its intense blue eyes and mellow disposition.
Best Ragdoll 2020
Best Exotic 2020
In the number two spot is another repeat, the Exotic.
Developed to create an easier-care alternative for lovers of the Persian type, the Exotic has a shorter coat that is plush, dense, and full of life.
Rounding out the top three is the Maine Coon Cat.
Averaging anywhere from 10 to over 20 pounds, these “gentle giants” are known for their shaggy coats and dramatic tufted ears.
Best Maine Coon Cat 2020
Best Solid Persian 2020
In fourth place is the Persian, one of the most popular breeds around the world.
The luxuriously long coat, large, expressive eyes, and easygoing temperament endear it to cat lovers everywhere.
Number five is the British Shorthair, prized for its physical strength and hunting ability.
Most popular in the color blue, the Brits also come in many other colors and have incredibly dense coats.
Best British Shorthair 2020
Best Devon Rex 2020
Often described as the little elf of the cat fancy, the Devon Rex finished in sixth place.
Loved for soft, wavy coats, intensely expressive eyes and huge batwing ears, they are friendly, outgoing, and cuddly.
Number seven is the Abyssinian, known for its resemblance to the hunting cats shown in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings.
These active, agile cats were first brought to North America in the early 1900s.
Best Abyssinian 2020
Best American Shorthair 2020
The eighth most popular breed is the American Shorthair.
Selectively bred from cats that traveled with the original settlers, these cats have powerful builds and strong jaws yet a sweet and playful personality.
Number nine is the Scottish Fold, whose folded ears and big round eyes give it a unique, owl-like expression.
Folds are much sought after, but since not all kittens will have folded ears, it is hard for the supply to meet current demand.
Best Shorthair Scottish Fold 2020
Best Sphynx 2020
In tenth place is the hairless Sphynx, bred from a natural mutation.
Breeders have outcrossed to normal-coated cats and back to hairless cats to produce a genetically sound cat with hybrid vigor. These nude kitties have outgoing, attention-loving temperaments.
Eleventh place must also be noted—it’s the registered Companion Cat, which actually makes up 95% of the mainstream cat population in the U.S. Companion Cats compete in their own class at CFA shows and will have their very own virtual competition later in February.
In CFA, these family felines join Companion Cat World (CCW), which is quickly becoming one of the most popular class of cats in the fancy.
CCW cats receive a membership card, are highlighted in an online gallery, and can attend shows to compete and “Meet & Greet” their fans. Learn more at www.cfa.org/ccw
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.™
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc., a not-for-profit association of member clubs and the world’s most influential registry of pedigreed cats has been preserving, celebrating and protecting cats since 1906. CFA’s mission is to preserve and promote the pedigreed breeds of cats and to enhance the well-being of ALL cats. CFA promotes education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. CFA and its affiliate clubs work nationally with local shelters to help humanely reduce homeless and feral cat populations and to encourage voluntary neuter/spay of pet cats. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers’ Association or to find the nearest CFA cat show, visit https://www.cfa.org.
