The post The Maine Coon Is America’s Favorite Cat Breed Again — See the Full Top 10 first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
The Maine Coon is once again at the top of the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s list of America’s most popular pedigreed cat breeds. In its 2026 ranking, CFA placed the Maine Coon at No. 1 for the second consecutive year, followed by the Ragdoll, Persian, Exotic, Devon Rex, Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siberian, American Shorthair and Russian Blue.
The ranking is worth a closer look because “America’s favorite cat breed” can mean different things. CFA’s annual list is based on pedigreed cat registrations recorded by the organization, using data from the preceding calendar year.
The ranking tells us something useful, but only within the population and methodology used to produce it.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon has held the No. 1 position on CFA’s list for two consecutive years. CFA describes it as a large, rugged breed with a gentle, easygoing but active personality. The organization also identifies the Maine Coon as one of the best-known breeds to have originated in America, with a documented history reaching back to the 19th century.
Size is one of the breed’s most obvious characteristics. TICA reports that mature males commonly weigh about 18 to 22 pounds, while females typically weigh about 12 to 15 pounds. TICA also notes that Maine Coons mature slowly and may not reach full maturity until around four years of age. These figures are breed ranges rather than target weights for an individual cat, since a healthy weight depends on the animal and its body condition.
The Maine Coon’s personality is another important part of its appeal. TICA describes the breed as gentle, friendly, and social without being excessively demanding of attention. Maine Coons often stay close to their owners and may follow people from room to room, while CFA characterizes them as friendly, approachable, and adaptable.
Their appearance is equally distinctive. Maine Coons have a long, flowing coat, large paws, a substantial body, and a long, bushy tail. TICA describes their coat as semi-long and water-resistant, with longer fur around the ruff, underside, and hindquarters.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll takes second place in CFA’s 2026 ranking. TICA describes it as a large, affectionate, semi-longhaired breed with blue eyes and a generally calm temperament. Adult females can weigh about 10 to 15 pounds, while males generally weigh 15 to 20 pounds.
Ragdolls are known for their pointed coloring, which means the face, ears, legs, and tail are darker than the main body. TICA recognizes several patterns, including colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor. The breed develops slowly and may take several years to reach its full size.
Their social nature is another defining characteristic. TICA says Ragdolls generally get along well with children and other pets and can be playful despite their relaxed reputation. Like every breed, individual temperament varies, so treat breed descriptions as general tendencies rather than guarantees about a particular cat.
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Persian
The Persian ranks third on CFA’s 2026 list. One of the oldest and most recognizable breeds in the cat fancy, TICA places it in the Persian Breed Group alongside the Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair. The Persian is known for its long coat, rounded appearance, and large eyes.
The breed’s luxurious coat is also a major care consideration. Unlike a short-coated cat, a Persian requires owners to pay close attention to grooming and coat maintenance. That is an important practical consideration for anyone choosing a breed based primarily on appearance.
TICA generally describes Persians as gentle cats. Their popularity in the CFA ranking shows that the traditional Persian look remains highly recognizable among pedigreed-cat enthusiasts.
Exotic
At No. 4 is the Exotic, commonly known as the Exotic Shorthair. TICA describes the breed as part of the Persian Breed Group and notes that it shares the Persian’s basic body type while having a shorter, dense coat.
The Exotic was developed partly from Persian and shorthair breeding. Its short, dense coat can make routine coat care different from a Persian’s, although the breed still requires regular attention. TICA describes Exotics as gentle, affectionate, and generally compatible with children and other pets.
Its top-four placement is notable because it offers a different combination of appearance and coat length than the Persian while retaining many recognizable features of the Persian type.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex ranks No. 5. It is one of the most visually unusual cats on the list, with large ears, prominent eyes, and a short, wavy coat. TICA describes the breed as intelligent, highly active, and playful.
Devon Rex cats are also known for their strong interest in human activity. TICA notes that they tend to thrive in busy households and can become bored if left alone for long periods. Their short coats generally require less grooming than the long coats of breeds such as the Persian or Maine Coon, although individual care needs still vary.
For owners looking for a highly interactive companion rather than a particularly quiet cat, those characteristics may be especially relevant.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian ranks sixth in the 2026 CFA list. It is recognizable for its ticked coat, in which individual hairs contain multiple bands of color. TICA describes Abyssinians as athletic, alert, highly active, and intelligent.
The breed has a long history in the cat fancy and appeared at a major cat show in London in 1871. TICA also notes that an Abyssinian named Cinnamon was the cat whose DNA was used in the first feline genome sequence, completed in 2007. That historical connection gives the breed an unusual place in modern genetics research, though it shouldn’t be confused with the reasons behind its popularity ranking.
An Abyssinian is therefore quite different from a Persian or Ragdoll in terms of activity. Its build and behavior suit an energetic, interactive companionship style.
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British Shorthair
The British Shorthair ranks seventh. TICA describes these cats as friendly and affectionate but generally not demanding of attention. They are known for their sturdy build, round heads, and dense coats.
British Shorthairs are not typically described as constant lap cats. Instead, TICA says they often prefer staying close to their owners, such as sitting beside them on a sofa. That distinction can matter to prospective owners who want an affectionate cat without one that demands constant physical attention.
The breed also has a long history in Britain and has seen changes in breeding programs over the past century. TICA has recognized it as a championship breed since 1979.
Siberian
The Siberian occupies eighth place. CFA highlights its triple coat and its calm, affectionate disposition, while TICA classifies the Siberian among its established natural breeds.
Its heavy coat reflects the breed’s development in a cold climate, but it also means owners need to consider grooming as part of everyday care. Siberians are generally described as intelligent and devoted, with enough playfulness to stay active rather than resting most of the day.
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American Shorthair
The American Shorthair returns to the CFA top 10 at No. 9 in 2026. CFA describes renewed interest in the breed as part of its return to this year’s list. The breed has a muscular build and a history associated with working cats and rodent control.
Unlike the long-haired breeds near the top of the ranking, the American Shorthair has a short coat and a more traditional short-haired appearance. CFA describes the breed as easygoing and patient and says it generally gets along with other pets.
Its return to the top 10 is one of the more noticeable changes in the 2026 ranking because CFA specifically identifies it as a breed returning to the list.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue completes the top 10. TICA describes it as a medium-sized breed with a short, dense blue coat, silver tipping, and green eyes. The breed is generally quiet but can be playful and affectionate with its family.
Russian Blues can also be highly intelligent and enjoy activities that stimulate their minds. TICA describes them as observant cats that can learn games and tricks and enjoy climbing and retrieving. Their short coat requires comparatively simple grooming, with TICA recommending brushing or combing once or twice a week.
Key Takeaways
The Maine Coon remains at the top of CFA’s 2026 list of the most popular pedigreed cat breeds, making it the No. 1 breed for the second consecutive year. The Ragdoll, Persian, Exotic, Devon Rex, Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siberian, American Shorthair and Russian Blue complete the top 10.
The bigger story is the range of breeds represented. America’s pedigreed-cat preferences span enormous long-haired cats, compact short-haired breeds, energetic athletes and calm companions. For anyone considering a cat, the ranking provides useful context, but understanding a breed’s temperament, size, activity level, and care requirements matters far more than its position on a popularity list.
And for now, the Maine Coon has the clearest distinction of all: according to CFA’s 2026 registration-based ranking, America’s most popular pedigreed cat breed is once again the big, shaggy cat from Maine.
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