Choosing a cat breed involves more than just looks—it involves finding a pet that has a personality and needs that fit your daily life, whether you have a noisy family or live in a quiet apartment; whether you can play with it for hours or just cuddle it for a while.

There is certainly a breed to fit your lifestyle. Some cats want your constant attention and play, while some would rather be left alone to snooze next to you.

At the end of the day, the key to choosing the right cat breed is to be realistic about your routine, your home, and your ability to care. If you think about what you want and what you can offer, you are much more likely to find a cat that will fit in right at home with you.

Check out this blog for the most popular cat breeds and finding your perfect feline friend.

5 Most Popular Cat Breeds

1.   Maine Coon – The Gentle Giant

For 2025, the Maine Coon is the most pedigreed cat breed in the USA thanks to their gentle, friendly, and loyal personality. Maine Coons are social, intelligent, flexible, and develop close relationships with their families.

Maine Coons are playful, but also gentle, which makes them good with children as well as other pets. Maine Coons come in almost every color and pattern (tabby, solid and bi-color are the most popular). Their long, thick, water-resistant hair requires a decent amount of grooming (two to three times a week) to keep the hair healthy and to minimize any matting.

Kittens from reputable Maine Coon breeders will generally cost $1200 to $2500, and for rarer colors or show quality Maine Coons, prices can reach up to $6000.

2.   Ragdoll

Ragdolls are known for their calm, affectionate, and easy going temperament. They love to socialize, enjoy being carried around, and love being in a family unit.

Ragdolls have a semi-long coat that is silky and requires minimal grooming, and they are visually exciting, with high contrast blue eyes and beautiful colorpoint patterns.

Ragdoll kittens typically sell for $800 to $2,500, depending on bloodline and breeders’ known reputation.

3.   Persian

Persians are calm, gentle, quiet cats, with an independent nature. While they bond closely with their human of choice, they are low energy and content to stay still in a calming environment.

Persians have long, luxurious coats that require daily brushing, or else tangles and mats can occur.

Persian kittens prices are in the range of $1,000 to $5,000, with prices for rare colors, or show lines being much more.

4.   British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are sweet, patient, and laid-back cats that are perfect for families. They have a very dense, plush coat and require brushing once a week.

British Shorthairs thrive with plenty of room to snuggle, soft bits of carpet or blankets, and a few toys to chew on. The typical price for British Shorthair kittens is $1,000 to $2,000.

5.   Sphynx

Sphynx is affectionate, social, and playful. Although the Sphynx has little hair, it requires bathing to remove skin oils. They are ideal for owners seeking a loving companion who enjoys attention. Sphynx kittens usually cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

Noteworthy Side-by-Side Comparisons

Personality & Family Friendliness:

Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and British Shorthairs are all friendly cats and are a good fit for families with kids.

Maine Coons are the most playful and outgoing of the three, while British Shorthairs are the most low-key, independent, and appreciate their own space.

Ragdolls are loving and enjoy being held, but they are needy compared to British Shorthairs.

Energy & Activity:

Sphynx cats are the most energetic and demanding of attention, while Persians are the most relaxed and low-energy. They are in the middle region, Maine Coons and Ragdolls are playful but not hyper.

Grooming & Maintenance:

Persians require the highest maintenance needs for grooming because of their long thick fur. They need brushing every day to avoid mats.

Maine Coons need regular grooming as well but not as much (2-3x/week) as Persians. British Shorthairs and Ragdolls don’t require regular grooming.

Sphynx cats require bathing due to the absence of fur.

Quick Comparison

Choosing a Cat Breed that Fits Your Lifestyle

For families with children and other animals, Maine Coons and British Shorthairs are both good options because they are friendly and patient.

For owners looking for a relaxed and cuddly companion, Ragdoll cats are calm and loving.

For owners who want to have a companion but do not want the demands of a very active cat or one who is needy: Persian cats are a gentle companion, while the activity level of this breed means they are not likely to be overly needy.

For owners who are allergic, and/or who do not want to deal with their cat’s grooming, a Sphynx cat will provide an affectionate companion, and, unlike other breeds, will have minimal shedding – but the owner will need to be diligent with taking care of the skin.

As we just demonstrated, each cat breed has certain traits that can add to a unique lifestyle or situation. Therefore, you should take into consideration your environment, activity level, and any other factors or preferences that could factor into your search for the right feline.

Final Thoughts

When finding a cat breed which suits your lifestyle you should consider your daily schedule, your environment and how many hours you are able to dedicate to a pet.

Some cats are very active and enjoy frequent attention while others are more relaxed or independent. You should also consider the different grooming and allergy requirements as well as whether you have children and/or other pets in the home.

Choosing a breed that fits adequately with your lifestyle will allow you both to have a happier and easier life together.