Going to Cat Fanciers' Cat Show in Daytona Beach? Know your popular breeds first

A feline invasion will hit the Ocean Center this weekend when the Cat Fanciers’ Association Cat Show and Expo unfolds Saturday and Sunday in Daytona Beach.

The family-friendly event will feature hundreds of cats, representing more than 35 breeds.

Activities will include cats and kittens competing for “Best in Show” honors in 10 judging rings, a lunchtime cat costume contest for felines registered for the show, as well as hourly cat agility contests.

There also will be representatives from several area cat rescues on hand with animals available for adoption. At the Meow Mall, there will be an array of vendors selling cat-related items to take care of those new pets.

Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online at ccpb.ticketleap.com/daytonacats/

To prepare, you can put yourself in the purr-fect mindset by checking out the latest annual list of the Top 10 most popular cat breeds, courtesy of the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s oldest and largest registry of pedigreed cats.

Topping the list, the Ragdoll

For the fourth year in a row, the Ragdoll, a blue-eyed, longhaired cat known for its mellow disposition, is holding its claws tight on the top spot, according to the CFA.

Ragdolls come in three distinctive patterns, and are most popular in China, where large classes of them often dominate cat shows. A hybrid breed, the Ragdoll was selectively bred from non-pedigreed cats in the 1960s and has been recognized by CFA since 1998.

At No. 2, the Maine Coon Cat

One of the oldest breeds to originate in the United States, the Maine Coon Cat remains firmly in second place, according to the CFA. This shaggy-coated feline has a history that dates to Civil War days.

Maine Coons Cats are the largest of all pedigreed cats, with some weighing in at close to 30 pounds, earning them the nickname “gentle giants.”

At No. 3, the Devon Rex

The Devon Rex climbed into third place this year and is now CFA’s most popular shorthair breed.

With enormous, expressive eyes and huge batwing ears, they have the look of little furry pixies, along with a unique, softly waved coat comparable to no other breed.

At No. 4, the Exotic

Originally developed as an easier-care alternative for lovers of the Persian look, Exotics typically have a shorter coat that is plush, dense and full of life, according to the CFA ranking.

Despite their coat length, they are judged in CFA as a longhaired breed since their structure is virtually identical to the Persian.

At No. 5, the Persian

The perennially popular breed finished in fifth-place based on registrations with the CFA. However, the breed is still enough of a powerhouse at CFA cat shows that it is represented by seven competitive divisions.

With their luxuriously long coats, expressive round eyes and refined features, Persians are often considered the epitome of feline beauty.

At No. 6, the British Shorthair

Known for its incredibly dense coat, sweet expression and gentle, laid-back personality, the robust, muscular British Shorthair was once known as the “British Blue.”

Now, however, Brits are shown and appreciated in a wide variety of other colors.

At No.7, the Abyssinian

One of CFA’s oldest recognized breeds, these colorful, agile shorthairs are among the most interactive of all breeds.

Often compared to the hunting cats of ancient Egypt, they have a unique wild look reminiscent of a miniature cougar.

At No. 8, the Scottish Fold

This breed’s folded ears, rounded head and dramatic round eyes give it an owl-like expression.

Scottish cat registration numbers also includes the straight-eared variety, which is the key to a healthy Fold breeding program. Both folded and straight-ear cats are available in longhair and shorthair versions.

At No. 9, the Sphynx

The hairless Sphynx, originating from a natural mutation, has moved up to ninth-place pedigreed breed.

Years of careful outcrossing to normal-coated cats and back to hairless cats have produced healthy, outgoing cats who adapt easily to wearing clothes and costumes. That helps them stay warm without a natural fur coat.

At No. 10, the Siberian

New to the Top 10 is the Siberian, a Russian import first brought to the United States in 1990.

With a lush, thick triple coat, these cats typically need regular grooming but reward owners with their intelligent, affectionate natures, seasoned with a dash of mischief.

But what about my non-pedigreed house cat?

Not to worry, they are in the mix even if not officially counted, according to the CFA.

Even though non-pedigreed, domestic shorthair and longhair cats are not intentionally bred and therefore not a named “breed,” according to the CFA, the organization acknowledges their popularity.

If ranked alongside the pedigree breeds, the Companion Cats (mostly rescued community cats) would come in between 7th and 8th place, according to the CFA.

Companion Cats also compete in their own classes at CFA shows, where they draw a great deal of attention from the public, though they probably act like they don’t care.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Before Daytona's Cat Fanciers Association show, know the top breeds.