Which Are the Most Common Cat Breeds Up for Adoption in the US?
The boom in pet ownership that occurred during the lockdowns of the pandemic has left America’s pet adoption websites busier than ever. With hundreds of thousands of cats up for adoption, we want to uncover more about America’s unwanted cats.
Our research will reveal the most common cat breeds, genders, and names appearing on adoption sites. We will investigate both nationwide and statewide data to uncover the most unwanted cats in the US and by state.
In response to the pandemic pet boom, which saw an increase in pet ownership due to remote working, we will share expert commentary on what to consider before bringing a cat into your life, and how to navigate adoption.
As the cost of living increases in 2023, we want to highlight the importance of cat insurance to ensure you are not left with a hefty bill when your beloved feline inevitably gets sick. To keep your companion healthy, it’s also a great idea to feed them organic cat food and ensure they have a well-balanced diet.
The Most Common Cat Breeds Up for Adoption in the US
Every cat is capable of providing love and affection, but unfortunately, some breeds are more likely than others to be put up for adoption. We found the following breeds of cats were most commonly up for adoption in the US:
|
Rank |
Cat Breed |
Number of Cats |
Male |
Female |
|
1 |
Domestic Short Hair |
78,488 |
36,164 |
42,324 |
|
2 |
Tabby |
8,401 |
4,220 |
4,181 |
|
3 |
Domestic Medium Hair |
5,852 |
2,677 |
3,175 |
|
4 |
Domestic Long Hair |
4,606 |
2,057 |
2,549 |
|
5 |
American Shorthair |
2,717 |
1,273 |
1,444 |
|
6 |
Tuxedo |
2,323 |
1,163 |
1,160 |
|
7 |
Calico |
1,804 |
29 |
1,775 |
|
8 |
Siamese |
1,501 |
677 |
824 |
|
9 |
Tortoiseshell |
1,411 |
14 |
1,397 |
|
10 |
Bombay |
663 |
292 |
371 |
1.Domestic Short Hair
Number of Cats Up for Adoption: 78,488
The domestic short-haired cat is the most common kind of cat in the United States, accounting for around 95% of cats across the country. As the domestic short-haired cat is the most popular breed, it is likely that this is the main reason why they are the most frequently put up for adoption.
There are currently 78,488 domestic short-haired cats up for adoption in the US, the majority of which are female with 42,324 feline listings. There is no explanation as to why female cats are more likely to be homeless, but some females spray while in heat, while some male cats have been known to be more affectionate. Most shelters advise that a cat’s genetics and environment play a bigger role in how you will bond with your cat. This breed is known for its friendly and outgoing nature, and they are a great companion for families and single owners alike.
2.Tabby
Number of Cats Up for Adoption: 8,401
The playful and affectionate tabby cat took second place in the running for the most unwanted cat breeds in the US. The tabby breed accounted for 8,401 cats up for adoption. There were more male tabby cats listed than females, with 4,220 males and 4,181 females.
Although, the tabby breed is not a specific breed of cat and is considered to be any domesticated cat with a coat that features distinctive stripes, dots, or swirling patterns, usually with a marking resembling an uppercase “M” on their forehead.
3.Domestic Medium Hair
Number of Cats Up for Adoption: 5,852
Given that domestic medium-haired cats are a mixed breed, they are diverse in personality and temperament. While most are playful, friendly, and easygoing, others may be quieter and more independent. This breed had 5,852 cats up for adoption in the US, the third most common on our list, with more females than males (3,175 female and 2,677 male).
The US States with the Most Cats Up for Adoption
Having revealed the Domestic Shorthair as the most common cat breed up for adoption in the US, it was also found to be the most frequently up for adoption in almost all 50 states. We will now reveal the states with the most cats up for adoption, overall.
|
Rank |
State |
Total Cats |
|
1 |
California |
26,491 |
|
2 |
Florida |
20,851 |
|
3 |
Texas |
20,576 |
|
4 |
Arizona |
14,734 |
|
5 |
New York |
13,318 |
|
6 |
Washington |
9,456 |
|
7 |
Pennsylvania |
7,821 |
|
8 |
Michigan |
7,475 |
|
9 |
Kentucky |
7,412 |
|
10 |
Indiana |
7,292 |
1.California
Number of Cats Up for Adoption: 26,491
California had by far the highest number of cats up for adoption (26,491 cats). Being a huge state (with an area of 423,970 km²) and one of the most densely populated, it’s possible that many cats from shelters have roamed away from their homes and gotten lost.
It’s also worth noting that many shelters take animals from other states, which could have contributed to the huge number of homeless cats in California.
California is closely followed by Florida with 20,851 cats, Texas with 20,576 and Arizona with 14,734 homeless cats.
The Most Common Cat For Adoption in Every State
The Domestic Shorthair cat was the most common breed listed on adoption sites for all but three states.
|
Rank |
State |
Most Popular Cat Breed Listed |
Number of Cats Listed |
|
1 |
Texas |
Domestic Short Hair |
12,055 |
|
2 |
Florida |
Domestic Short Hair |
10,617 |
|
3 |
California |
Domestic Short Hair |
9,805 |
|
4 |
Arizona |
Domestic Short Hair |
8,395 |
|
5 |
New York |
Domestic Short Hair |
7,016 |
|
6 |
Indiana |
Domestic Short Hair |
5,485 |
|
7 |
Michigan |
Domestic Short Hair |
4,506 |
|
8 |
Ohio |
Domestic Short Hair |
4,462 |
|
9 |
Pennsylvania |
Domestic Short Hair |
4,392 |
|
10 |
Illinois |
Domestic Short Hair |
4,281 |
|
11 |
New Jersey |
Domestic Short Hair |
4,145 |
|
12 |
Washington |
Domestic Short Hair |
3,957 |
|
13 |
Virginia |
Domestic Short Hair |
3,840 |
|
14 |
North Carolina |
Domestic Short Hair |
3,557 |
|
15 |
Kentucky |
Domestic Short Hair |
3,259 |
|
16 |
Missouri |
Domestic Short Hair |
3,019 |
|
17 |
Tennessee |
Domestic Short Hair |
2,839 |
|
18 |
Colorado |
Domestic Short Hair |
2,769 |
|
19 |
Georgia |
Domestic Short Hair |
2,710 |
|
20 |
Iowa |
Domestic Short Hair |
2,571 |
|
21 |
Maryland |
Domestic Short Hair |
2,101 |
|
22 |
Wisconsin |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,548 |
|
23 |
Oregon |
Bombay |
1,425 |
|
24 |
Minnesota |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,277 |
|
25 |
Kansas |
Domestic Short Hair Mix |
1,263 |
|
26 |
South Carolina |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,243 |
|
27 |
Vermont |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,222 |
|
28 |
Arkansas |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,177 |
|
29 |
Alabama |
Domestic Short Hair |
1,128 |
|
30 |
Nevada |
Domestic Short Hair |
934 |
|
31 |
Connecticut |
Domestic Short Hair |
878 |
|
32 |
Utah |
Domestic Short Hair |
872 |
|
33 |
West Virginia |
Domestic Short Hair |
795 |
|
34 |
Louisiana |
Domestic Short Hair |
669 |
|
35 |
Oklahoma |
Domestic Short Hair |
646 |
|
36 |
New Hampshire |
Domestic Short Hair |
621 |
|
37 |
Maine |
Domestic Short Hair |
606 |
|
38 |
Wyoming |
Domestic Short Hair |
572 |
|
39 |
New Mexico |
Domestic Short Hair |
443 |
|
40 |
Nebraska |
Domestic Short Hair Mix |
375 |
|
41 |
Mississippi |
Domestic Short Hair |
341 |
|
42 |
Rhode Island |
Domestic Short Hair |
248 |
|
43 |
Alaska |
Domestic Medium Hair |
234 |
|
44 |
Idaho |
Domestic Short Hair Mix |
225 |
|
45 |
North Dakota |
Domestic Short Hair |
170 |
|
46 |
Montana |
Domestic Medium Hair |
163 |
|
47 |
Hawaii |
Domestic Short Hair |
111 |
|
48 |
South Dakota |
Domestic Short Hair |
47 |
|
49 |
Delaware |
Domestic Long Hair & Tabby Mix |
43 |
|
50 |
Massachusetts |
Domestic Short Hair |
0 |
Domestic Medium Haired cats had the most listings in Alaska, with 234 cats looking for forever homes. These cats were also the most commonly listed in Montana, with 163 of the slightly fluffier breed needing owners.
The Domestic Long Hair and Tabby Mix were the most commonly listed cat up for adoption in Delaware, with 43 listed. The mixed ancestry of the Domestic Longhair and Tabby breed means that no two cats of this mix look the same.
Bombay cats had the most listings in Oregon, with 1425 cats looking for forever homes.
The Most Popular Names of Male Cats Up for Adoption
In researching the top 100 male cat names, we analyzed data from Petfinder to find the most popular names of male cats up for adoption.
|
Rank |
Top 100 Male Cat Names |
Number of Male Cats Listed |
|
1 |
Ash |
407 |
|
2 |
Jack |
382 |
|
3 |
Tom |
369 |
|
4 |
Sam |
351 |
|
5 |
Leo |
294 |
|
6 |
Boo |
279 |
|
7 |
Max |
252 |
|
8 |
Bob |
223 |
|
9 |
Charlie |
221 |
|
10 |
Oliver |
202 |
1.Ash
Number of Male Cats Listed: 407
There were a total of 407 male cats named Ash on the Petfinder website, making it a popular choice for many pet owners. It is an apt choice for gray-colored cats.
2.Jack
Number of Male Cats Listed: 382
Giving your cat a human name is always controversial, but the name Jack remains a popular choice for cat owners in the US, with the name attributed to 382 male cats. Sweet and simple, Jack is a great name for a cat to recognize the sound of.
3.Tom
Number of Male Cats Listed: 369
The third most popular male cat name on Petfinder is Tom, which could be named after the popular cartoon character from Tom and Jerry. His name, “Tom Cat”, is based on “tomcat”, a word that refers to male cats.
The Most Popular Names of Female Cats Up for Adoption
We also revealed the most common female cat names up for adoption.
|
Rank |
Top 100 Female Cat Names |
Number of Female Cats Listed |
|
1 |
Ella |
784 |
|
2 |
Luna |
376 |
|
3 |
Bella |
349 |
|
4 |
Mama |
326 |
|
5 |
Kitty |
312 |
|
6 |
Lucy |
303 |
|
7 |
Daisy |
270 |
|
8 |
Baby |
246 |
|
9 |
Lily |
242 |
|
10 |
Abby |
240 |
1.Ella
Number of Female Cats Listed: 784
Ella was officially the most popular female cat name out of 100 names analyzed, with 784 cats named Ella. The name could be linked to the Disney princess character ‘Cinderella’, and could also be a shortened version of ‘Eleanor’.
2.Luna
Number of Female Cats Listed: 376
This lovely name, which means ‘moon’ in Latin, is one of the most popular cat names. Luna could also be inspired by a witch in the Harry Potter series who shares the same name, increasing its popularity, though astronomical names, in general, have also become ever more trendy in recent years.
3.Bella
Number of Female Cats Listed: 349
Bella means beautiful in Italian and is a fitting name for your beloved female feline companion, it just makes sense. There were a total of 349 cats with this name.
Methodology
Petfinder was used to gather the total number of cats in each state, as well as nationwide. The filters on the website were used to find the total number of male/female cats for each breed. This data was collected on 02/03/23.
Rover.com was used to find The Top 100 Male and Female Cat Names. Each name was searched on Petfinder by male or female gender to find the total number of cats attributed to the name. This data was collected on 02/03/23.