10 Popular Cat Breeds for Many Types of Households By Franny Syufy Franny Syufy Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing. Franny has also authored two books on cat care. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 04/20/21 Credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images These are the ten most popular cat breeds for all types of households, so you can find the breed that's suitable to your lifestyle and home environment. Several of the cats listed consistently rank among the Cat Fanciers' Association's list of top breeds due to being quite friendly, affectionate, and playful. Many breeds can adapt to a variety of household situations, including living with children and other pets. However, some are more active and may need more social time, while others may not. Read on to find your new, furry companion that fits your individual lifestyle! Tip It's important to remember that every cat has a unique personality within its breed. You can find many of these popular cat breeds at animal shelters, where you'll be able to spend time with individual cats and get to know their temperaments. 01 of 10 Abyssinian Credit: Josef Timar / Getty Images The Abyssinian, also referred to as the Aby, is a lively and active cat. Many Abyssinians even love water, and most will spend their days climbing and exploring in your home. Be prepared to provide plenty of interactive play for an Aby, and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of loyalty. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Tall, pointy ears; wedge-shaped head; slender and muscular body 02 of 10 American Shorthair Credit: Don Mason / Getty Images The American shorthair, the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair, is a fairly low-maintenance pet. These cats are hardy, easygoing, and largely tolerant of whatever life throws their way. And if they receive proper socialization from a young age, many American shorthairs can get along well with children, strangers, and other pets. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 10 to 15 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Athletic build; short, dense coat 03 of 10 British Shorthair Credit: Christian Fischer / Getty Images The British shorthair is considered to be the oldest natural cat breed from England. While moderately active, British shorthairs are ideal household cats and can be comfortable with children and other pets. They’re generally not lap cats, but most are quite affectionate and prefer to be near their favorite humans. Breed Overview Height: 12 to 14 inchesWeight: 7 to 17 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Large head; round eyes; well-balanced body 04 of 10 Exotic Credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images The exotic has been dubbed “the lazy man’s Persian” because it’s similar to the Persian cat in its sweet looks but has a coat that requires much less maintenance. Brushing or combing once a week is typically all it takes to keep the coat free of tangles. Exotics tend to be laid-back, loving lap cats, but they have a playful side, too. Breed Overview Height: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 10 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short legs; rounded body; short nose Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Maine Coon Credit: Nina Pearman / Getty Images Contrary to folklore, the Maine coon isn't the result of a cat breeding with a raccoon. It's most likely a cross between an American domestic cat and a longhaired foreign cat. Maine coons have a “gentle giant” reputation and are generally comfortable around children and other pets. They are highly affectionate and engaged with their favorite humans, but they typically don't demand attention. Breed Overview Height: 10 to 16 inches Weight: 10 to 25 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular build; thick, heavy coat 06 of 10 Persian Credit: Benjamin Torode / Getty Images With their flowing coat, sweet face, and affectionate disposition, it’s no wonder Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds. Persians prefer a calm, predictable environment and do best in quiet households. Their coats must be combed daily to prevent tangles as well as bathed weekly to keep them shiny and clean. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 7 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Long coat; short, stocky legs; large, round eyes 07 of 10 Ragdoll Credit: Alex Barlow / Getty Images Ragdoll cats got their name because of their tendency to relax and go limp in a person’s arms. These cats adore their humans and will follow them from room to room. They are often very tolerant with children and other pets, and they can be quite playful. They have a moderate energy level, and many are even willing to walk on a leash for exercise. Breed Overview Height: 9 to 11 inchesWeight: 8 to 20 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Blue eyes; semi-longhaired coat 08 of 10 Scottish Fold Credit: Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images While the Scottish fold typically has ears that fold forward (a genetic mutation), the occasional kitten will have straight ears. In fact, all Scottish fold kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to bend forward after a few months. These cats are generally affectionate and easygoing, and they can adapt well to various living situations. They prefer to be around their favorite humans and love a good game of fetch. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 6 to 14 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Round body; large, round eyes; folded ears Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Siamese Credit: Jovana Rikalo / Stocksy United Siamese cats, fondly known as "Meezers," are one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds. These cats tend to be curious, intelligent, and rather chatty. They will “talk” to their humans day and night to express their opinions and demand attention. They also need lots of entertainment from interactive toys or even on-leash walks, or they might seek out their own games, such as turning on faucets. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 10 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Sleek body; almond-shaped eyes; wedge-shaped head 10 of 10 Sphynx Credit: Wunderfool / Getty Images The Sphynx is another highly recognizable and popular cat breed, thanks to its hairless body and prominent features. These cats tend to be intelligent, curious, and easygoing. They often love meeting new people and can do well with children and other pets. But they do need to be kept warm due to their lack of coat, and their skin needs regular bathing to remove excess oil. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 10 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Hairless; wrinkled head; lean build How to Raise a Cat: Essential Tips for First-Time Cat Owners Explore more: Cats Cat Breeds