According to research,  there are 86.4 million cats in the United States, and it seems as though humans love affair with our feline friends isn’t going anywhere. With increasing numbers of owners accepting a pet into their family, we have the rundown of the top 12 most popular cat breeds—did your kitty make the cut?

Bengal

One of the most popular breeds is actually a hybrid produced as a result of the crossing of an Asian Leopard Cat and other domestic cats—usually Siamese. The sleek, silky fur and distinctive pattern of the Asian Leopard are responsible for the unique coat enjoyed by Bengals, and they can be identified by an ‘F’ number which tells you how many generations distant from the original crossing with a wild cat they are. This tells you what percentage of their genetic makeup is Asian Leopard, and usually impacts the price of the animal.

Siamese

Instantly recognizable, Siamese cats regularly top the list of the most beloved felines. They can be easily identified by their triangular-shaped heads, large ears, and gorgeous almond shaped eyes. The most common color is a familiar tawny brown, but Siamese queens can come in a variety of shades, including tortoiseshell! With friendly natures and talkative personalities, Siamese cats are famous for their intense bond with one human, and they will follow their favored chosen one around like a dog for hours on end.

Persian

Fluffy and fabulous, it is easy to see why Persians retain such popularity. They are calm and laid back, preferring a quiet life and enjoying a relaxing and soothing environment to snooze and snack. The perfect lap cats for the right person (they are very picky!), your Persian will be a keen observer who is happy to sit and watch the world go by.

Maine Coon

If you are looking for a curious explorer, a Maine Coon is a perfect choice! These majestic creatures are famous for their large size and have a solid reputation as the largest domestic cat breed. They use this size to their advantage and enjoy playing, exploring, and discovering the world around them.

Abyssinian

Natural investigators and highly intelligent, the Abyssinian is also known as the ‘Aby-grabber’ thanks to their need to grab at anything which looks exciting! They need lots of toys and stimulation and will offer a fantastic intellectual challenge for the right owner.

Sphynx

Perfect for allergy sufferers or those with hayfever, a Sphynx offers a unique alternative to your traditional kitty. These are hairless and need to remain as indoor only cats due to their lack of protection from the sun. They will also need regular baths, and offer their own distinctive challenges!

Norwegian Forest Cat

Distant cousins of the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat is equipped for cold weathers, and their excellent climbing and hunting skills mean they are a handful for their owners! They offer an active and fast-paced pet and are becoming increasingly popular outside of Norway.

Russian Blue

The ‘Doberman Pinscher’ of cats, Russian Blue’s are easily distinguished by their long, skeel and elegant bodies. Gently, shy, and quiet, they are nonetheless big fans of playtime with the preferred human, and need a lot of fuss and attention to prevent them from becoming anxious or upset.

Siberian

Glamorous and exotic, you need to make sure you have a lot of time for maintenance as the owner of a Siberian! Siberians are a warm, affectionate breed who adore their human family and need plenty of playtime and cuddles to remain contented.

Bombay

Smart, switched on, and sleek, the Bombay is a cat up for a challenge. They are intelligent and active, and need an owner who can keep up with their need for constant stimulation and conversation—as well as being willing to share the bed!

Chartreux

Silent but deadly, a Chartreux is a cat who watches a lot, and they make the ideal choice for mousers, or to kill that unwanted pile of leaves in the yard. nTheir solemn appearance is offset by a vibrant and silly personality, and you will feel like you are playing with a kitten at any age!

Ocicat

If you want a cat you can take for a walk, look no further than the Ocicat. These demanding companions are happy as long as they are attached to their humans, be that trailing around after them, being escorted on a shoulder, or even walked on a lead. If you’re there, they couldn’t be happier!