16 American Cat Breeds

Cats inserted themselves into people’s lives sometime around 10,000 years ago. Scientists used to believe that cats were first domesticated by Egyptians around 3,600 years ago. However, more recent evidence led researchers to discover that cats likely started hanging around humans when agriculture was first getting its start in the Middle East. Cats were probably drawn to human settlements as they searched for mice and food scraps. Since that time, various cat breeds began to develop. Today, the International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 73 different breeds of cats. Following are 16 of some of the most popular American cat breeds, although we’ve included a few of the rarer breeds as well.

#1: American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a type of bobtail breed that may look wild but is known for its sweet and outgoing nature. This affectionate American cat breed originated in Arizona in the 1960s.

#2: American Shorthair

One of the most popular breeds of cat, the American Shorthair , is descended from European cats that were brought to North America to control rodent populations on ships. Though these intelligent cats are known to be loving towards their owners, they also value their independence.

#3: American Wirehair

This playful breed has wiry fur and crinkly whiskers. The American Wirehair originated in New York and is an affectionate cat that can be shy with strangers.

#4: Balinese

This beautiful and elegant American cat breed is descended from Siamese cats. Balinese cats have fur with fewer allergens than other cats and though they are not hypoallergenic, they are a popular breed among allergy sufferers.

#5: Bambino

The affectionate and loving Bambino cat is a result of breeding a hairless Sphynx cat with the tiny Munchkin cat. Relatively new and not commonly found, these little hairless cats only weigh about five to nine pounds.

#6: Bengal

Bengal cats have leopard-like spots that make them appear somewhat like their wild ancestors. However, these friendly, domestic cats originated in California in the 1960s.

#7: Bombay

This strikingly pretty cat resembles a small black panther, but it’s actually a playful and sociable breed. Despite its name, the Bombay cat originated in Kentucky.

#8: Exotic Shorthair

This adorable and calm American cat breed originated in the U.S. when American Shorthairs were bred with Persians in the 1960s. This breed looks similar to Persians, but unlike Persians, they have shorter fur and only need about one brushing per week.

#9: Himalayan

Himalayan cats are a cross between Persian and Siamese breeds. They are believed to have originated at Harvard in the 1930s.

#10: LaPerm

This cuddly and loving cat originated from an Oregon barn cat. LaPerm cats have soft, curly coats of fur that don’t grow in fully until the cat is around three years old.

#11: Lykoi

This uncommon cat breed has a unique appearance due to its partially hairless coat. A generally healthy breed, Lykoi cats have only been around since 2011.

#12: Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. It’s such a gentle and calm breed that Maine Coons are sometimes used as therapy pets.

#13: Ocicat

Ocicats may resemble ocelots, but they are 100% domesticated cats. This cat breed is known to have dog-like personalities and they tend to be highly sociable pets.

#14: Pixie-Bob

This regal-looking cat breed has a close appearance to a small bobcat , but there is no wild cat in its DNA. Pixie-bob cats can grow nearly as large as 20 pounds and make good companions for families with children or other pets.

#15: Ragdoll

The Ragdoll cat breed originated in California in the 1960s from the breeding of a white long-haired female cat named Josephine. The Ragdoll cat gets its name from its charming trait of going limp like a ragdoll when held and cuddled.

#16: Snowshoe

The rare Snowshoe cat breed can be identified by its distinctive markings and pretty blue eyes. Playful and intelligent, this cat does not like spending a lot of time alone.

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