Fluffy Cat Breeds to Consider When You're Thinking of Getting a New Friend
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
There's a lot to mull over when you're adding a kitty to the fam. To start with, you probably want to make sure you find a friendly Felix you can snuggle. And then there's the question of what kind of enriching best cat games you're going to get for your new buddy, not to mention what the coolest cat tree is, and how about the coziest cat bed and even a self-cleaning litter box? But before you get ahead of yourself (it's so easy, after all, this is exciting stuff!), you're going to want to think about the types of fluffy cat breeds that are available. Because, along with an affectionate nature, isn't a pouffy cat an absolute must? After all, there's nothing quite as caressible or cuddlesome as a fuzzed-out feline.
With that in mind, we've put together a list of the 15 finest fluffy cat breeds, giving you the full 411 on everything from their grooming requirements to their temperaments, potential health issues, and habits. Ahead, you'll find info on popular breeds like Persians, Ragdolls and Maine Coons, along with more exotic, lesser-known cats, including the Turkish Van and the Somali. You're sure to find one you'll love, so you can get right to reaching out to rescues and shelters (whenever possible, adopting rather than shopping is definitely the better, kinder choice). After that, be sure to check our list of the best cat captions to go along with all the endless snaps of your new furbaby you'll be Instagramming!
More for Cat-Loving Friends
Persian
Perhaps the most popular of all the fluffy cat breeds, this puffball's seriously dramatic coat comes in some 50 colors and markings, from chocolate to cream and blue to black—plus pretty patterning including calico and tortoiseshell. Its most iconic look, though, is all white, like the snowy-hued Persians that appear in so many of the early James Bond movies.
If you're thinking of adding one to your family, be prepared for daily grooming sessions to keep that long, thick coat, including the impressive, lion-like ruff around the neck, looking tiptop. You're also going to need to clean around your Persian's eyes and, because they're typically flat-faced, in the skin folds around the nose.
In return, you will get a sweet-natured, affectionate, and very, very chill companion. Persians, so named for the part of the world they hail from, are known for their mellow nature, making this ancient breed a great choice for seniors or families with older kids. But like any white cat with blue eyes, Persians with these traits, it should be noted, are prone to deafness.
More About Persians
WEIGHT: 7-12 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
ORIGIN: Mesopotamia
Maine Coon
Sure, this big kitty looks like a bruiser—Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cats, with males sometimes weighing in at a hefty 25 pounds or more. But he's really more of a gentle giant. Sociable and outgoing, the breed is known for its friendly but calm demeanor and love of water and playing fetch (yes, really)!
Named after the state where they originated, Maine Coons have a silky, shaggy, multi-layer coat to keep them toasty when tromping through wicked New England winters. It extends to the tips of their long, bushy tails and surprisingly furry paws, which have extra toes, the better to grasp snowy slopes.
This cat's gorgeous fur, which can vary widely in color and patterning, requires brushing at least several times weekly to prevent matting. But you won't hear the Maine Coon complaining; they love the attention. In fact, their serene nature means they're wonderful with small children and other pets. Just be aware this cat has a shorter lifespan than other breeds, living an average of around 13 years.
More About Maine Coons:
WEIGHT: 10-25 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: About 13 years
ORIGIN: Maine
Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs owe their adorable mugs mainly to their Persian parentage, though there's some American Shorthair in there, too, and even a bit of Russian Blue and Burmese swimming in their gene pool. Though they might look as chonky as Garfield, the cartoon version of the breed, Exotics are just naturally stout. Their plush fur and rounded heads and bodies make them appear chubby even when they're not.
Exotics aren't as slothful as Garfield, either—though they couldn't be classified as exactly rambunctious. (You'll never catch this breed perched atop your refrigerator.) Instead, these kitties are curious but caszh creatures that can often be found curled up on their human's lap. They get along well with other pets and kids, too.
Dubbed "The lazy man's Persian" for how easily they're groomed, the Exotic's short hair only requires weekly brushing. However, as with Persians, you may also need to wipe around their eyes and their facial folds. But they're a good option for people who would love a Persian but don't have the time to devote to their upkeep.
More About Exotic Shorthairs
WEIGHT: Up to 15 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Short
LIFE SPAN: 8-11 years
ORIGIN: United States
Ragdoll
This blue-eyed bundle of love gets his name from the floppiness he tends to exhibit when in the midst of his favorite activity: getting snuggles from his people. Ragdolls are actually so easy-going and affectionate, they're known to make cat people out of people who don't like cats. If you're looking for a pal to drape himself across your lap when you're watching TV or reading, this is the breed for you.
They do get lonely if they're at home all day by themselves, so if everyone works or attends school in the household, you might want to add another Ragdoll or even a dog into the mix. But in general, this breed is highly adaptable and can sometimes even be clicker trained.
Although Ragdolls don't shed heavily, they do have semi-long, fluffy fur that should be combed once or twice weekly. The breed's official coat colors include red, cream, lilac, chocolate, blue, and seal, with patterns ranging from mitted and colorpoint to van and bicolor.
More About Ragdolls
WEIGHT: 10-20 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Medium
LIFE SPAN: 13-18 years
ORIGIN: United States
Turkish Angora
As regal as they are gorgeous, along with chatty and legendarily bossy, the sleek and graceful Turkish Angora is a cat that makes a big impression. While they're not fans of cuddling or curling up on laps, this breed has an extroverted personality that often sees them greeting guests to their home at the front door. They're agile and energetic, too, and love climbing, playing with toys and even encounters with water.
Made famous by the 1970 Disney animated movie The Aristocats—which featured a Turkish Angora as Duchess, the elegant mother cat—the breed nearly disappeared in the early 20th century. But a dedicated breeding program by Turkey's Ankara Zoo brought it back from the brink. Centuries old, this cat is best known for its snowy white coat and blue eyes but comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Though their proud, domineering demeanor might give the impression that Turkish Angoras must be high-maintenance, they are not the J-Lo of felines. Their long, soft coats don't tend to snarl, so they only need to be brushed a couple of times a week. They're also loyal and loving, and fit in superbly with households with older kids.
More About Turkish Angoras
WEIGHT: 5-9 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: Up to 13 years
ORIGIN: Turkey
Selkirk Rex
No, your eyes aren't going wonky. These two really do look like they've gotten perms. Selkirk Rexes' signature curls can be long and loose, or short and wavy, but both types of coats are equally head-turning. And while neither one's upkeep is nearly as labor intensive as a Persian's coat is, they both require twice-weekly brushing.
Selkirk Rexes shed moderately, but keeping on top of grooming them helps. However, just like people, this cat can get a mean case of the frizzies. If your Selkirk Rex starts looking like a dandelion going to fluff, you've been over-brushing them.
Otherwise, this a cat that's very easy to care for, thanks to its sunny and loving disposition, passed on by its Persian ancestors. (The breed also counts British, Exotic, and American shorthairs in its background.) With a stout build and occasional—if short-lived—bursts of energy, the Selkirk Rex is a playful but patient pet that loves nothing more than a good snuggle session.
More about Selkirk Rexes
WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Varies
LIFE SPAN: Up to 15 years
ORIGIN: United States
Birman
Nicknamed the Sacred Cat of Burma after a legend about a Birman cat giving comfort to a high priest, this beautiful, blue-eyed breed was first seen outside of its home country about a century ago. Playful in nature, they retain the high energy of kittenhood several years after reaching maturity. They're also renowned climbers, so plan on purchasing several cat trees if you welcome one into your family and want to keep him off the curtains.
Their colorpointed coats, which are light-hued on the body and darker on the ears, face, tail and legs, are long and silky. They generally don't mat much, so Birmans aren't as high-maintenance as some other fluffy cat breeds. Brushing or combing your cat just once a week should keep it looking shipshape.
The Birman isn't quite the cuddler that Ragdolls are, but they make excellent additions to just about any household that can find the time to play with them daily. Loyal and outgoing, they tend to follow their people around, and, like Maine Coons, have temperaments that might remind you of your favorite pooch.
More abut Birmans
WEIGHT: 6-12 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: 12-16 years
ORIGIN: Burma
Himalayan
Dubbed "Himmies" for short, Himalayans are a showstopping result of Persian ancestry, which gives them their smooshed faces and blue eyes, and Siamese heritage, from which they get their colorpointed coats. These markings can come in shades like chocolate, seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, and red, but no matter the color of your Himalayan, his long locks and thick undercoat will need daily attention to keep from knotting.
This cat can even require not only regular wiping of those pretty peepers, which tear more than the eyes of other breeds but also a weekly bath to keep tangles in check. The constant upkeep leads some pet parents to haul their Himmies to the groomer for regular trims.
However, the breed is a breeze to care for in every other way. Laid back to the point of laziness, Himalayans are devoted to lap naps, though they also have a playful side that can result in hilarious bouts of the zoomies. But in general, their peaceful personality makes them a perfect option for both inexperienced pet parents and larger families.
More about Himalayans
WEIGHT: 7-12 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: 9-15 years
ORIGIN: United States
Turkish Van
If you're a fan of not only fluffy felines but also David Bowie, this is the cat for you. The Turkish Van is known for having odd-colored eyes, a condition called heterochromia, just like Ziggy Stardust. He's also a bit of a fashionista like Bowie was, sporting a snazzy white coat with dark markings on the head, tail and between the shoulder blades (called a "Van pattern").
Though single-coated, the Turkish Van's semi-long hair is so silky soft it's been compared to cashmere. As a result, this cat only needs weekly grooming, but be aware he'll require attention in other ways. Gifted with super strong legs, this frolicsome furball is a climber and jumper, so be careful about placing precious knickknacks anywhere the Turkish Van can reach, which is pretty much everywhere.
He also loves to swim and fetch and demands loads of playtime with his family. He's not, however, a snuggly sort—parents with little ones might want to opt for another breed. Otherwise, this cat, which traces its lineage back 5,000 years, to the area of Turkey for which he's named, makes for a faithful and devoted pet.
More About Turkish Vans
WEIGHT: 7-20 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Semi-long
LIFE SPAN: 12-17 years
ORIGIN: Turkey
Siberian
Russia's official cat, this handsome feline is well suited for life in Siberia. With a thick, triple-layer, water-resistant coat comprised of guard hair, awn hair, and undercoat, the Siberian can tackle even the most merciless winter conditions. But surprisingly, all that fur doesn't mean he's tough to groom. You can get away with combing him once a week, except when he's blowing out during spring and fall.
Adventurous and athletic, this cat is a climber, so stock up on the cat trees and climbing toys before bringing one home. The breed is super smart and adaptable, too, and most can easily learn their name and even be trained to enjoy walking on a leash.
But that doesn't mean they're overly independent. Like Maine Coons, a breed that they somewhat resemble, Siberians are big-hearted kitties that thrive on love and attention. Provide plenty of enrichment activities and regular doses of affection, and you'll have a happy and charming companion for years to come.
More About Siberians
WEIGHT: 8-17 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Semi-long
LIFE SPAN: 11-15 years
ORIGIN: Russia
Norwegian Forest Cat
This highly floofy fellow has a more heroic history than you might suspect. Said to be the companions of Norse gods, the Norwegian Forest cat can be traced back to the days of the Vikings, who welcomed them onto their ships for their rat-hunting capabilities. Nowadays, they're affectionately known as Wegies and are Norway's national cat.
A larger-than-average breed (males can weigh nearly 20 pounds), they've retained their instincts for hunting and climbing. Sturdy cat trees where they can perch, and rodent-shaped toys they can pounce on, are a must. Clever and congenial, Wegies aren't terribly cuddly kitties, though they're deeply loyal and enjoy attention. They mature slowly, staying as playful and inquisitive as kittens for years, and can often be clicker-trained.
With a thick, water-repellent coat, this breed cannot tolerate hot weather, so they may not be the best choice for families living in extremely hot, humid climates (unless the air-conditioning is always on). But aside from the spring and fall shedding seasons, a weekly combing session will be enough to keep your Norwegian Forest Cat looking his best.
More About Norwegian Forest Cat
WEIGHT: 8-16 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Long
LIFE SPAN: 14-16 years
ORIGIN: Norway
Ragamuffin
First recognized as a distinct breed in the mid-90s, the Ragamuffin cat (sometimes spelled RagaMuffin) were developed from Ragdolls. Large and fluffy, they look like their ancestors but exhibit a wider range of coat colors and patterns, while Ragdolls typically have light-hued bodies with darker points. And Ragamuffin eye colors include not only the usual Ragdoll blue, but green, gold and amber as well.
Speaking of coats, their lovely, medium-length locks are silky smooth and relatively easy to groom. Give your Ragamuffin a comb once a week, paying special attention to the longer hair on their belly and ruff, and they should be good to go. They aren't big shedders, either.
The Ragamuffin is, however, an absolute lover. He bonds strongly with his people and is one of those rare animals that can seem to sense (and respond) to your emotions. Count on this breed to stick by your side, craving cuddles and gentle playtime. Ragamuffins don't do well stuck at home by themselves for hours on end, but they are famously even-tempered around kids and other pets.
More About Ragamuffins
WEIGHT: 10-20 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Medium
LIFE SPAN: Up to 17 years
ORIGIN: United States
LaPerm
Bred from an Oregon barn cat with a do that looked like he'd recently hit the salon for a permanent, this breed first started making waves (sorry, we couldn't resist) in the early 1980s. Like Selkirk Rexes, LaPerms can have long and corkscrewed ringlets or short and wavy kinks, and they usually even have curly whiskers. This shaggy, springy coat can come in any color or pattern possible in cats and doesn't shed or tangle very much.
As a result, little grooming is required for short-haired LaPerms, and long-haired LaPerms only need weekly brushing. If you bring one into your life, you should, however, be prepared to give him lots of attention in other ways. Owing to its origin as a working cat, this whip-smart and highly active breed needs considerable daily exercise to flourish. Load up on the cat toys and get set for some spirited games of chase.
That said, LaPerms appreciate a good pet as much as playtime. They're absolute people-lovers, patient and personable, and turn into purring puddles on laps. As a result, they're excellent pets for everyone from families to singles.
More About LaPerms
WEIGHT: 6-12 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Short
LIFE SPAN: 12-15 years
ORIGIN: United States
Somali
Leanly muscular and lithe, the Somali has been called the "fox cat" due to his fluffy tail, large ears and striking russet-hued fur—though his coat may also feature colors like fawn, chocolate, blue, and lilac. The medium-long hair doesn't really knot, but it's not a bad idea to groom this breed once a week.
Prospective Somali parents should keep in mind that this beautiful kitty is not only extremely resourceful but also so spirited his behavior can tip from merely boisterous into downright naughty if his demands for mental and physical stimulation aren't met. You're going to need to play with him several times a day to keep him happy, but don't bet on snuggles. The Somali doesn't like to be held, though he might perch on your shoulder.
This breed's name is a bit of a misnomer, because it doesn't hail from the African country. It's a cousin to the Abyssinian cat, which comes from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), a neighbor to Somalia. It's not known exactly where the Somali comes from, although breeders were actively developing the cat by the 1960s.
More About Somalis
WEIGHT: 6-10 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Medium
LIFE SPAN: 12-14 years
ORIGIN: Unknown
Manx
It's easy to distinguish a Manx from other fluffy kitties: this cat is often tailless or has a short, stubby tail. Manxes are also sturdily built, with long back legs, which causes their hind ends to sit higher than their shoulders. That makes them both agile jumpers and very fast runners, traits they love to show off when playing with their people. The breed is frisky, friendly, and enjoys learning tricks and a good game of fetch.
The Manx, which originated on the U.K.'s Isle of Man, has a very thick, double coat that can be long or shorthaired. The latter can need daily grooming, especially when shedding in spring and fall. Shorthaired manxes may get by with brushing a few times a week.
A happy-go-lucky kitty that is rumored to have been present on everything from Noah's Ark to Viking ships, the endearing and affectionate Manx is a wonderful family pet. However, they only live an average of 10 to 14 years, a far shorter lifespan than many other cats. This is due to their predisposition for health issues related to their shortened or missing tail.
More About Manxes
WEIGHT: 8-12 pounds
COAT LENGTH: Varies
LIFE SPAN: 10-14 years
ORIGIN: United Kingdom
You Might Also Like
