CFA’s 2026 ranking puts the Maine Coon Cat first among pedigreed cat breeds, followed by the Ragdoll and Persian. The list is based on the prior year’s data, so it reflects CFA’s registered pedigreed breeds—not a census of all cats or a ranking across every registry in the world.
Here are the ten breeds in CFA’s order, with brief descriptions based on CFA’s breed information. Coat and temperament descriptions are generalizations and cannot predict an individual cat’s needs or personality.
How to read CFA’s ranking
CFA published its 2026 list on April 22, 2026, based on data from the prior year. The organization describes it as a ranking of pedigreed cat breeds. It does not count every household cat, including cats without a registered pedigree, in the same way. CFA’s 2026 ranking
The list shows each breed’s position in CFA’s ranking; the source does not provide breed-by-breed registration counts or a detailed calculation method. Breed profiles offer broad descriptions rather than standardized ratings of care, health, or suitability. CFA’s breed directory
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The 10 most popular cat breeds according to CFA
| Rank | Breed | CFA’s general description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine Coon Cat | Intelligent, adaptable, sociable, playful, and loyal; known for its shaggy coat and imposing size |
| 2 | Ragdoll | Blue oval eyes, a medium-long silky coat, and a relaxed temperament that enjoys human interaction |
| 3 | Persian | Gentle and serene, with a luxurious flowing coat that takes regular care |
| 4 | Exotic | Persian-like appearance with a medium-short coat and a placid, mild-mannered disposition |
| 5 | Devon Rex | Wavy coat, high activity and curiosity, and strong interest in human activity |
| 6 | Abyssinian | Multibanded, vividly colored coat; highly active, intelligent, and curious |
| 7 | British Shorthair | Dense coat, reserved gentleness, and quiet intelligence |
| 8 | Siberian | Triple coat and a mellow, loving disposition |
| 9 | American Shorthair | Muscular, rugged, easygoing, and patient |
| 10 | Russian Blue | Dense coat with silver-tipped hairs and minimal grooming needs |
Source: The Cat Fanciers’ Association’s 2026 ranking, based on prior-year data. CFA says the Maine Coon Cat held the top position for the second consecutive year and the Devon Rex had been its most popular shorthaired breed for five years. CFA ranking
What to know about each breed
1. Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon Cat ranks first for the second consecutive year in CFA’s list. CFA describes the breed as intelligent, adaptable, sociable, playful, easy to train, and loyal. Its shaggy coat and imposing size are also part of its familiar appearance. These are broad breed descriptions, not guarantees about an individual cat.
2. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll ranks second. CFA describes it as sturdy, with vivid blue oval eyes and a medium-long silky coat. Its relaxed temperament and enjoyment of human interaction are among the qualities highlighted in CFA’s profile.
Rank #2
3. Persian
The Persian ranks third. CFA describes the breed as gentle and serene, with a luxurious flowing coat that requires regular care. Consider the grooming commitment as well as appearance when learning about the breed.
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The Exotic ranks fourth. CFA describes it as Persian-like in appearance, with a medium-short coat and a placid, mild-mannered disposition. Individual cats can differ from a general breed description.
5. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex ranks fifth. CFA describes this petite cat as active and curious, with a wavy coat and strong interest in human activity. CFA also says all cats shed to some degree and characterizes Devon Rex shedding as dramatically lower than most breeds; that should not be treated as a guarantee about an individual cat or allergies.
6. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian ranks sixth. CFA highlights its multibanded, vividly colored coat and describes the breed as highly active, intelligent, and curious. A breed profile is a starting point for learning, not a prediction of how a particular cat will behave.
7. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair ranks seventh. CFA describes it as having a dense coat, reserved gentleness, and quiet intelligence. Meet and assess the individual cat rather than relying on a breed label to determine its temperament.
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8. Siberian
The Siberian ranks eighth. CFA describes the breed as having a triple coat and a mellow, loving disposition. Coat and temperament can vary between individual cats.
Rank #4
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9. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair ranks ninth. CFA describes it as muscular and rugged, with an easygoing, patient temperament. These traits are general descriptions, not promises about a particular cat.
10. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue ranks tenth. CFA describes its dense coat as having silver-tipped hairs and says the breed has minimal grooming needs. Individual care needs can still vary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a cat beyond the ranking
A registration ranking is not a recommendation of which breed to choose. CFA’s breed descriptions can help readers compare general appearance, coat, and temperament, but they do not establish that a breed will suit a particular household.
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- Consider coat care: CFA notes that the Persian’s flowing coat needs regular care, while its Russian Blue profile describes minimal grooming needs. Ask about the individual cat’s coat and routine.
- Consider activity and interaction: CFA describes the Devon Rex and Abyssinian as active, curious breeds, and says the Ragdoll enjoys human interaction. Individual cats may differ.
- Meet the individual cat: Observe its behavior and discuss its needs with a responsible breeder or rescue organization.
- Get appropriate advice: Ask a veterinarian about health and care questions specific to the cat you are considering.
Popularity does not determine whether a cat will be a good match. Cats without a registered pedigree are not represented by this pedigreed-breed ranking in the same way, and they can be wonderful companions.
FAQ
Is the Maine Coon the most common cat breed in the world?
The Maine Coon Cat ranks first in CFA’s 2026 list of pedigreed breeds, based on prior-year data. That ranking is not a census of all cats or a count across every registry.
What does CFA’s 2026 ranking measure?
CFA says the list ranks pedigreed breeds and is based on the prior year’s data. The ranking source does not provide breed-by-breed registration counts or a detailed calculation method.
Does a breed’s CFA description guarantee its temperament?
No. CFA’s descriptions provide broad breed context, but they cannot predict an individual cat’s personality or needs. Meet the cat and ask about its behavior and care.
Which breed in the list needs the least grooming?
CFA describes the Russian Blue as having minimal grooming needs and says the Persian’s flowing coat takes regular care. Individual coat and care needs vary, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
The ranking and breed descriptions do not establish that Devon Rex cats are hypoallergenic. CFA says all cats shed to some degree; do not treat a breed’s shedding description as an allergy guarantee.
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