The ten most popular pedigreed cat breeds of 2026, ranked by annual registration data from the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the world's oldest feline registry.
Quick answer: 1. Maine Coon Cat, 2. Ragdoll, 3. Persian, 4. Exotic, 5. Devon Rex, 6. Abyssinian, 7. British Shorthair, 8. Siberian, 9. American Shorthair, 10. Russian Blue.
Every March, the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) — the world's oldest and largest pedigreed cat registry — releases its eagerly anticipated ranking of the top cat breeds based on the previous year's registration data. The 2026 list (based on 2025 registrations) sees the Maine Coon Cat hold the top spot for the second year running, while the American Shorthair makes a welcome return to the top ten. This ranking reflects the breeds that cat fanciers are actually registering and breeding.
The 'gentle giant' of the cat world has held the top ranking for two years running. Ever since a Maine Coon took first place at the first US cat show in 1895, this breed has captivated feline fanciers. Intelligent, adaptable, and sociable, their characteristic shaggy coats and imposing size never fail to attract attention.
Known for their vivid blue, oval-shaped eyes and silky-soft medium-long coats, Ragdolls are famous for their relaxed, peaceful temperament. They thrive on human interaction, become devoted to their family members, and are happiest when they can relax and stretch out on your lap.
Widely considered the epitome of feline beauty, the Persian's gentle, serene nature has made it a cherished companion throughout the world. Caring for the luxurious, flowing coat is a labor of love, but their round, expressive eyes and affectionate purrs make it worthwhile.
Developed by selective breeding of Persians with several shorthair breeds, the Exotic combines the baby-faced charm of a Persian with a medium-short coat that is easier to maintain. Placid and mild-mannered, these cats are quiet, loving, and adaptable to virtually any home environment.
With its mischievous, elfin expression and wavy, tissue-soft coat, the Devon Rex has reigned as the most popular shorthaired breed for the past five years. So devoted that owners call them 'Velcro' kitties, these cats are passionately interested in all human activities and shed dramatically less than most breeds.
Each individual hair on an Abyssinian has multiple bands of color, giving the coat a vivid, glowing intensity unmatched by any other breed. Extremely active and exceptionally intelligent, Abyssinians possess a virtually insatiable curiosity. Their energy level makes them well suited to active families.
With its gentle, reserved personality, the British Shorthair will patiently wait for an invitation into your lap — but once there, it takes firm possession. Its incredibly dense coat contains more hair per square inch than any other feline, while the round eyes and prominent whisker pads make it appear to be smiling.
Russia's national feline treasure has a unique triple coat that enables it to adapt perfectly to the severe winters of its native land. Intelligent and devoted to their owners, these cats are mellow and loving, dividing their time between placid naps and occasional episodes of kittenish 'zoomies.'
Renewed interest in this time-honored breed brings it back to the top ten this year. Believed to trace its ancestry back to cats transported from England by early settlers, this rugged, self-sufficient hunter has a muscular build. Despite their predatory history, American Shorthairs are easygoing and patient with other pets.
The stunning natural beauty of this breed is best appreciated in sunlight, where the silver-tipped coat catches the light and glistens with an ethereal sheen. Their emerald-green eyes radiate intelligence and affection. Their problem-solving abilities are legendary, and they are known to open cabinets and cupboards with ease.
| # | Name | origin | coat | temperament | year_recognized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine Coon Cat | United States (Maine) | Long, shaggy | Friendly, intelligent, loyal | 1976 |
| 2 | Ragdoll | United States (California) | Medium-long, silky | Relaxed, affectionate, devoted | 1993 |
| 3 | Persian | Persia (Iran) | Long, flowing | Gentle, serene, affectionate | 1906 |
| 4 | Exotic | United States | Short, plush (teddy-bear texture) | Placid, loving, adaptable | 1967 |
| 5 | Devon Rex | England (Devon) | Short, wavy, fine | Playful, devoted, mischievous | 1967 |
| 6 | Abyssinian | Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) | Short, ticked (agouti pattern) | Active, intelligent, curious | 1917 |
| 7 | British Shorthair | United Kingdom | Short, dense, plush | Gentle, reserved, patient | 1906 |
| 8 | Siberian | Russia | Long, triple-layer, water-resistant | Mellow, loving, intelligent | 2000 |
| 9 | American Shorthair | United States (descended from European cats) | Short, dense, resilient | Easygoing, patient, adaptable | 1906 |
| 10 | Russian Blue | Russia (Archangel Isles) | Short, dense, silver-blue | Intelligent, affectionate, reserved with strangers | 1906 |
Ranking metric: CFA annual registration rank order, based on the number of purebred kittens registered with the Cat Fanciers' Association during the 2025 calendar year. The CFA is the world's oldest and most authoritative feline registry, and its annual list is the standard reference for pedigreed cat breed popularity. Breeds are ranked 1 (most popular) through 10. For chart purposes, values are inverted (10 = most popular) so the bar chart correctly shows the top breed with the longest bar.
The Maine Coon Cat is the most popular pedigreed cat breed for 2026 (based on 2025 CFA registrations), holding the top spot for the second year in a row.
The CFA is the world's oldest and most respected feline registry, founded in 1906. It maintains breed standards, tracks pedigreed cat registrations, and publishes an annual ranking of the most popular breeds.
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with males often weighing 13–18 pounds and sometimes reaching 20+ pounds. Despite their size, they are known for their friendly, gentle, and dog-like personalities.
No. The CFA only tracks purebred, pedigreed cats registered with the association. Mixed-breed cats (domestic shorthairs and longhairs) are not included in this ranking, though they are the most common cats in households worldwide.