16 American Cat Breeds

three funny maine coon kittens hiding in a basket on green studio background
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Written by Jennifer Geer

Published: June 24, 2024

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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

American Bobtail on fake wooden background

The affectionate American Bobtail is an ideal choice for families with children or other animals.

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

American,Shorthair,Cat,Hugging,Her,Kitten,With,Love

Today’s American Shorthair cats are descended from cats that traveled to America aboard the Mayflower.

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

American Wirehair cat is sitting in a red collar in the yard of the house. A pet on a walk yard street.

The American Wirehair has a sweet and playful personality, which it saves for those it knows the best.

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

Balinese cat sitting outside in the garden.

Balinese cats are highly sociable and will often seek attention from their owners.

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

Selective focus view of Bambino sphinx perched on cat café table staring with cross expression, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Despite being hairless, or nearly hairless, Bambino cats need frequent baths.

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

Beautiful young bengal cat with green eyes.

Bengal cats are a high-energy and intelligent American cat breed.

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

Maddest Angriest Cats - Bombay

Unlike many other types of cats, Bombay cats may enjoy a game of fetch and being walked on a leash.

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

Cute Exotic Shorthair cat on sofa at home

Exotic Shorthairs may have extra health care needs due to their cute, but smushed faces.

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 cat lying on green grass in the summer.

Himalayan cats are intelligent, sweet, and devoted to their owners.

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

#10: LaPerm

Rarest Cats - LaPerm Cat

Kittens of this rare breed are either born hairless or lose their hair and remain bald for their first few months of life.

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

Scariest cat - Lykoi

The Lykoi cat is sometimes called the wolf cat or werewolf cat due to its distinctive fur.

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

Largest Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coons are the official state cat of Maine.

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

animals outdoors - beautiful brown and black stripped and spotted ocicat cat standing on a green grass in a garden with big rock in the background on a sunny day in Europe

This striking cat has a friendly and cheerful demeanor.

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

Maddest Angriest Cats - Pixie Bob

This rare cat breed originated in America in the 1980s.

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

Ragdoll cats are known for their beautiful, large blue eyes.

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

Snowshoe lying on a bed.

Snowshoe cats are lovable and mischievous.

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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About the Author

Jennifer Geer

Jennifer Geer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on animals, news topics, travel, and weather. Jennifer holds a Master's Degree from the University of Tulsa, and she has been researching and writing about news topics and animals for over four years. A resident of Illinois, Jennifer enjoys hiking, gardening, and caring for her three pugs.

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