The 20 Best Long Haired Cat Breeds

What would life be like without cats? These amazing creatures serve as companions who seem to strive to keep us entertained. While some cat lovers prefer the shorter hair variety, there are others who are smitten with long hair breeds. Longhairs are popular because of their aesthetic value. In most cases, the cleanup is on steroids, but cats with long silky hair have a glam appeal that cannot be denied.

Here is a list of our picks for the top twenty long haired cat breeds.

1. Persian

Persian cats originated in the country of Iran, otherwise known as Persia, hence the name. They are also known by a few other names including Persian longhair, Shirazi, Shiraz and longhair. Persians are medium sized cats that reach an average weight of between 9 to 14 pounds. Their lifespan is between 14-15 years. The long silky coat has a glossy quality that comes in white, blue, black red, cream, chocolate and lilac. This breed is a lap cat that is very affectionate towards its special person or people. They possess a high degree of loyalty, yet they are usually quiet and more on the sedate side.

These cats are best for singles or couples without children or dogs. If your dogs and kids are gentle in nature, it could work out, but they don’t like rowdy people or animals. Persians require frequent grooming and they shed constantly so you’ll need to groom and vacuum daily. They’re of above average intelligence with a low energy level. Unfortunately, this breed is prone to health issues so it’s important to schedule regular medical checkups. Persians know that they are beautiful, and while they can be playful and animated, they would rather just show off their natural good looks by assuming a glamorous pose when company arrives.

2. Siberian

Siberians originated in Russia. They are one of the largest domestic long hair cats reaching an adult weight of between 8 and 16 pounds. Their coat is semi-long and dense with an undercoat coming in blue fawn, black silver tabby and white. They are sometimes referred to as a Siberian forest cat, a Moscow, or a semi longhair. This is a good choice for families with children as they are highly adaptable and usually get along well with kids, other pets and strangers. They are very affectionate yet are low vocalizers so this cat is fairly quiet by nature. This cat sheds moderately so regular grooming and vacuuming are recommended. They are a healthy breed that is not prone to illness. Siberians are considered to be hypoallergenic and are above average in intelligence.

3. Birman

Birmans originated in the country of France. This breed is medium to large in size reaching an adult weight of between 6 and 15 pounds. The coat is long with a soft and silky quality. The colors range from blue chocolate and lilac to seal spotted. They are affectionate cats that are active yet gentle. They are known to be child friendly and good with strangers and other pets. Birmans shed moderately and require regular grooming with occasional vacuuming to keep hair off of furniture and floors. They are of average intelligence but are known to have several health issues as a breed so regular medical checkups are recommended. They are quiet cats who enjoy sitting in their owners’ laps.

4. Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is another top longhair breed that originated in the United States. They are a medium to large size cat that averages between 6 and 16 pounds as adults. The coat is long with some areas of short dense curly fur underneath that is quite plush. They are a lap cat that tends to be very dependent and affectionate, yet active and playful. They are quiet and patient and are good with adults and older children as well as other pets. They live an average of 14-15 years with average intelligence. This breed features very minimal shedding and are considered to be hypoallergenic. When stimulated they are quite vocal, but removing stimuli can help to reduce the amount of talking. Regular grooming of once a week in frequency is recommended to keep the coat in good condition.

5. Somali

Somali’s originated in the country of Somalia. They are also known as Fox cats or long haired Abyssinians. This is a medium to large breed reaching an adult weight of between 6 to 10 pounds with a lifespan of 12-16 years. The coat is long, soft, silky and dense. They are not a lap cat because there is a tendency for them to be tenacious and mischievous. They are dog and kid friendly and generally do well with strangers. The colors range from ruddy, red, blue, fawn, chocolate, silver to black. They are highly affectionate and also have high energy levels. This breed sheds moderately and is highly intelligent, but prone to health issues so there are an equal set of both pros and cons if you’re considering ownership. It’s generally a quiet cat who loves to get into mischief and this can be a nerve wracking combination because you’ll always be wondering what he is up to.

6. American Curl

The American Curl breed originated in the United States. It is a small to medium size that reaches an adult weight between 5 and 10 pounds with a lifespan between 12-16 years. The coat is semi long with a short, light undercoat that is flat and silky. The fur has a lustrous sheen with moderate shedding. This is a cat that is of average intelligence without many health issues. The vocalization is moderate and this cat is affectionate, preferring to be a lap pet. They are kid and dog friendly and in general, prefer to maintain their own coats. Regular grooming can help to lessen the chances of fur balls.

7. Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora breed originated in the country of Turkey. It is also known as an Ankara. They are medium sized reaching adult weights of between 5 and 10 pounds with an average life span of 15 to 18 years. The coat is long and soft with a sleek and silky quality. They come in white, black, blue, cream and red colors. They are very affectionate cats who are good with children and other family pets. They enjoy cleaning their own coats but it’s recommended to groom them semi regularly. This cat is highly intelligent and is generally a healthy breed. It sheds moderately and is also on the vocal side so expect to hear from it now and then. This isn’t a cat that likes to sit on your lap, although it is affectionate. It’s a clever and playful breed that prefers to be down on the ground to pursue other activities.

8. Balinese

Balinese cats originated in the United States. They are a popular long hair breed that are small in size reaching adult weights of between 2 and 10 pounds. The average life span is between 10 and 15 years. They are also known as a long haired Siamese. The coat is medium long in length with a silky and soft undercoat. The colors are chocolate, blue, cream, lilac, red and tortoise shell. These cats are highly affectionate and are good with older children and family pets. They have a high energy level which means that they’re not really a lap cat. They’re loving but would rather be on the ground and more independent. They shed moderately and are frequent talkers. This breed will also need to be taken for regular medical checkups because there are known health issues associated with the breed.

9. Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin cat breed originated in the United States. It is a large size cat that reaches adult weights of between 8 and 20 pounds with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. The coat is medium in length and has a thick glossy appearance with a silky and plush feel. This lap cat is friendly, gentle and affectionate. It is also a calm cat that doesn’t have many known illnesses. It sheds constantly so regular grooming and vacuuming are required. It has a moderate energy level and gets along well with kids and dogs. This quiet cat is not known for being especially vocal so it won’t keep you up at night.

10. American Bobtail

The American Bobtail cat originated in the United States. It is a medium to large size achieving adult weights of between 7 and 16 pounds with an average lifespan of 11-15 years. The coat is long with a heavy, dense and plush undercoat. Colors are black, blue, brown, chocolate, cream, fawn and white. It is a highly intelligent cat that loves interaction with people. It’s good with older children and other household pets. Shedding is constant and grooming is recommended at once a week or more with more frequent vacuuming. There are multiple health issues associated with the breed so regular medical checkups are advised. This cat is highly intelligent with above average vocalization and a need for socialization.

11. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll breed originated in the United States. It is among the largest longhair breeds reaching adult weights of between 12 and 20 pounds with an average lifespan of 12-17 years. The coat is semi long and plush with a silky feel. This lap cat is friendly, affectionate and gentle with an easygoing attitude. It comes in blue, chocolate, cream, lilac and red colors. Ragdolls are kid and dog friendly with low vocalization. It constantly sheds, but prefers to clean its own coat. Regular grooming and vacuuming are required. This is a healthy breed with few known health issues.

12. Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are also known as a Maine cat, Maine shag, Coon cat, American longhair and Snowshoe cat. They originated in the United States and are one of the larger breeds reaching an adult weight of between 12-18 pounds with an average lifespan between 12-15 years. The coat is silky and soft with a light undercoat and the colors are black, golden, gray, silver and white. They are highly intelligent and independent, yet loving and gentle. They are kid and dog friendly with constant shedding. Regular grooming and vacuuming are required. This is a relatively healthy breed that has a low incidence of vocalization.

13. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cats originated in the United Kingdom. They are also known as a Scot Folds. These cats are medium in size reaching a weight between 5 and 11 pounds with an average lifespan of between 11 and 14 years. The coat has a dense, short undercoat that is very plush and soft. They come in white, black, blue, red, cream and silver colors. They are highly affectionate, loyal, playful, sweet, loving and social cats but they prefer not be be lap cats. They are good with older kids and tolerate dogs well. They come in both short and long hair varieties. The long hair version sheds constantly and requires frequent grooming and vacuuming. They are highly intelligent and are known to be quiet with minimal vocalization. The breed has no known illnesses so they are generally a healthy cat.

14. Norwegian Forest

The Norwegian Forest Cat originated in the country of Norway. It is a large sized cat that weighs between 8 and 16 pounds as an adult and lives an average of 12-16 years. The coat is long and dense with a glossy sheen that is soft with a silky quality. The colors are white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, tabby and cinnamon. This is a highly adaptable breed that is usually good with children and dogs. It sheds moderately and is generally known to be quiet. There are several health issues that are associated with the breed so regular medical checkups are recommended.

15. York Chocolate

The York Chocolate cat breed originates in the United States. It is a large cat that reaches adult weights of between 12 and 18 pounds with an average lifespan of 13-15 years. It is a long hair with a soft undercoat that comes in black color. This social and friendly cat enjoys sitting on your lap. It is intelligent and curious as well as playful. This breed is highly adaptable and is good with dogs and children. It has a high energy level with very few known health issues. Shedding is moderate and intelligence is at the top of the chart. This social cat is known to be very vocal so be prepared to hear from this pet on a regular basis.

16. Cymric

Cymrics originate in Canada and the Isle of Man. They are a medium to large breed reaching an adult weight of between 8 to 13 pounds with a 8-14 year average lifespan. The undercoat is heavy, dense and plush with a silky, long overcoat that comes in tan, white, brown, black, lavender, chocolate and calico colors. They are loyal, gentle, playful and intelligent. They are good with kids and dogs. This cat has moderate shedding and has no known health issues. Cymrics are above average in intelligence with a moderate level of vocalization so they will talk to you regularly.

17. Himalayan

Himalayan cats are also known as Himalayan Persian, colorpoint Persian, Himmy and long-haired colorpoint. The breed originates in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It is a medium to large sized breed reaching adult weight of between 7 to 14 pounds with an average lifespan of 9-15 years. The coat is long and soft with a brushy undercoat. The colors are white, fawn, chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream and tortoise shell. They are a highly adaptable cat that is very affectionate but not so good with kids or dogs. They don’t like boisterous humans or animals but can tolerate gentle children and dogs under supervision. They are high maintenance with constant shedding and the breed is known for a lot of different illnesses so regular medical checkups are recommended. Himalayans are known to be quiet cats so you won’t need to worry about being kept awake at night by their crying.

18. Munchkin

Munchkin cats originated in the United States. They are a small to medium size that reaches adult weight of between 5 and 9 pounds with an average life span of 10-15 years. The coat is long or short, depending on the variety and it is silky and plush. This is a lap cat that is highly affectionate and does well with kids and dogs. The colors are fawn, white, chocolate, lilac, seal, blue, red cream and tortoise shell. They are highly intelligent cats who love to be entertained. The vocalization level is moderate so they do tend to talk a lot. The shedding is moderate so weekly grooming and vacuuming are required. There are no known health issues associated with this breed.

19. LaPerm

The LaPerm breed originated in the United States. It is a popular long hair that is medium in size reaching adult weights between 5 and 10 pounds with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. The coat comes in a few different varieties including short and long. It is wavy and soft coming in white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, cinnamon and fawn colors. This cat is good with children and dogs an is known for being adaptable and affectionate. This breed sheds minimally and is considered to be hypoallergenic. It is also a quiet cat that has no known health issues.

20. Nebelung

Nebelung cats are also known as a long-haired Russian blue. They originated in the United States and are a medium size reaching an adult weight between 7 and 11 pounds. The average lifespan is 11-16 years. The coat is long and silky with a dense, heavy undercoat. This lap cat is a gentle and quiet soul that is shy, yet playful. It is highly affectionate and adaptable and is good with kids and dogs. It sheds moderately and is generally a very healthy breed. The colors are blue and silver-gray.

You can also read:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.