SWEDEN’S MOST POPULAR CAT BREEDS 2026
Thinking about getting a cat or just curious about which cat breeds are currently capturing the hearts of Swedes? Based on fresh statistics from the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s mandatory cat registry and the cat association SVERAK, we’ve compiled the definitive list of Sweden’s most popular cats. Here’s everything you need to know about the nation’s absolute favorite pets.
From Robust House Cats to Allergy-Friendly Gems
There’s no doubt that cats are among our most beloved pets. In Sweden, the classic house cat stands in a class of its own, representing over 75% of the total cat population. But when it comes to purebred cats, there are clear favorites—from the enormous yet gentle Maine Coon to the extremely cozy and calm Ragdoll.
When choosing a cat, it’s important to consider which breed matches your lifestyle. For those living in apartments seeking a calm companion, breeds like Ragdoll and British Shorthair are perfect. If you have an active home that requires lots of play and stimulation, the leopard-like Bengal or the social Siberian cat are excellent choices. For allergy sufferers, the Siberian cat and Neva Masquerade have become hugely popular, as they often produce lower levels of the allergen that typically triggers reactions.
If you want to delve into registering your cat, find approved breeders, or read more about breed-specific traits, you can visit the Swedish Board of Agriculture for registration or search pedigrees via SVERAK. For online veterinary advice, you can book services at FirstVet, purchase cat supplies directly from Arken Zoo, or get the right insurance through Agria Animal Insurance.
Top List: Sweden’s 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds 2026
| Rank | Cat Breed | Number Registered | Character in Brief |
| 1 | House Cat (Domestic Cat) | approx. 477,000 | Robust, personal, and comes in all colors. |
| 2 | Ragdoll | approx. 31,300 | Extremely calm, “relaxes like a ragdoll”. |
| 3 | Maine Coon | approx. 16,400 | “The gentle giant”—very large and fluffy. |
| 4 | Siberian Cat | approx. 12,500 | Allergy-friendly for many, social and talkative. |
| 5 | Norwegian Forest Cat | approx. 10,900 | Sturdy, loves climbing, and well-suited to Swedish climate. |
| 6 | British Shorthair | approx. 10,500 | Looks like a teddy bear, calm and independent. |
| 7 | Sacred Birman | approx. 6,600 | Blue-eyed, friendly, known for its white “gloves”. |
| 8 | Bengal | approx. 5,600 | Looks like a small leopard, requires lots of play. |
| 9 | Devon Rex | approx. 4,500 | Curly coat, large ears, very playful. |
| 10 | Neva Masquerade | approx. 4,000 | A color variant of the Siberian cat with a “masked” face. |
Important to Know About Cat Breed Statistics
Geographical Distribution: Most registered cats are found in Västra Götaland, closely followed by Stockholm and Skåne.
The Dark Figure: Despite the law now requiring cats to be registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture, it’s estimated that nearly a million cats in Sweden remain unregistered—most of which are house cats.
House Cat vs Purebred Cat: A purebred cat has a pedigree that proves its origin and genetics, while the house cat is a wonderful mix where you don’t always know which breeds are in its family tree.
