There’s something about long-haired cats that just makes them so darn intriguing, isn’t there?
Even if you’re not a cat person, it’s hard not to be charmed by these beautiful creatures. From their mysterious eyes to their soft, furry coats, long-haired cats are simply lovely.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 28 different long-haired cat breeds. We’ll tell you a little bit about each one and give you some pictures for inspiration.
28. Persian Cat
This cat is also known as the Persian Longhair breed and it is quite frankly not so hard to see why. Generally, there are very many variations of this cat breed in terms of things like size, facial features, and coat color.
However, what most have in common is their long fur and very thick coats. Their fur can actually grow to floor length from the neck or belly region in some Persians.
27. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is the very definition of a gentle giant. There is no denying the fact that seeing an 18-pounder cat about knee-high to an average human adult can be quite unsettling. Add to that their long fur around the neck ruff and it may even feel like you are looking at a mini lion.
Despite all this, the Maine Coon is nothing but a giant cuddle bug that enjoys nothing more than spending time with its family.
26. Kurilian Bobtail
At first glance, you would be forgiven to confuse the Kurilian Bobtail and other cat breeds with naturally docked tails like the Manx and the American Bobtail. They also happen to have similar stocky builds and more or less the same size range.
However, the Kurilian is noticeably fluffier than the other two. This is because they have slightly longer and more poufy coats.
Their tails also have a lot more fur giving them a “pom pom” aesthetic.
25. Chantilly-Tiffany
It is a little sad to think that there was a time that this beautiful breed of kitties was knocking on the door of extinction. And while they did survive, they are only barely thriving with numbers still being very low.
This is so unfortunate considering how beautiful and loving these cats are. What makes them even more loveable is the fact that they are really fluffy with their thick coats, long fur, and bushy tails.
24. Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-bob is actually more of a semi long-haired cat breed than a fully long-haired cat when compared to most of the other cat breeds we will highlight below. However, it is significantly fluffier than your average short-haired kitty.
They are best identified by their naturally docked tails and spotted tabby coat markings. They are also among the largest of all cat breeds in terms of height, length, and weight.
23. Javanese Cat
This beautiful cat was developed by breeders in North America using landrace cat breeds from South East Asia.
While it does have very long fur, the Javanese cat is far from fluffy. This is because their silky fur strands lay very close against the skin. The cat also happens to only have a single layer coat which creates less bulk for a poufy vibe.
Javanese cats are also identifiable by their point coloration somewhat similar to Siamese cats.
22. Cymric
The Cymric is nothing more than a beautiful, round ball of fur. These fluffy beauties are actually not an independent breed but instead the long-haired variety of the Manx cat breed.
As a result, you can expect the naturally docked tail and the stocky build as standard cat breed features for the Cymric.
These cats are also known to be more laid back and accommodating both of humans and other pets in their space.
21. Nebelung
The Nebelung looks like something straight out of an animated film about elegant cats. They are so beautiful and elegant that they almost don’t seem real.
Maybe it is the long, soft fur with the bushy tail and neck ruff. Maybe it is the calming blue-grey coat color that just works so well with the coat type.
Whatever it is, these kitties definitely have a lot going for them aesthetically. You just have a lot of grooming to look forward to should you get one.
20. LaPerm
The LaPerm may not look like it but it is actually a long-haired cat breed. This is because they have a gene that makes their fur curl very tightly around the belly and neck.
These regions are where the ruff on most long-haired cat breeds is easiest to appreciate which is why it is easy to underestimate the LaPerm cat’s coat length.
However, you can definitely appreciate some length with the straighter fur on the very bushy tail.
19. Munchkin
Ok, to be fair, the Munchkin is the smallest cat breed on our list of Rapunzel-like cat breeds. However, this does not mean that their coat length is any less impressive than the full-sized cats they are going up against.
In fact, some Munchkin kitties are fluffier than some of the cats we have and will highlight.
This is accentuated by the fact that the fur is more upright thus further exaggerating the length.
18. American Bobtail
Contrary to popular misconception, there is actually no proof that the American Bobtail cat is directly related to the wild bobcat. They get their bobtail name from a natural genetic mutation that causes them to be born with a very short or completely absent tail.
These large kitties can grow up to 16 lbs or even more. Their size is definitely exaggerated by their semi-long, fluffy coats that make them look even broader.
17. British Longhair
You don’t get a name like this without earning it and this cat breed is truly a long-haired kitty. What’s more, is that the fur is more erect than against the skin which makes the cat look adorably fluffy. It would probably take all your strength to not pick one up and smoosh your face into their furry body.
The best part is that they probably would not put up much of a fight as they are quite social and affectionate even with strangers.
16. Turkish Van
This is yet another long-haired cat breed with a single-layered coat of long fur that lays relatively close to the skin. This gives it a soft and glossy feel and look. However, the fur on the tail is a bit more upright giving it a bushier appearance.
Unfortunately, the Turkish van is one of the rarest cat breeds in the world and you may never get to appreciate their true beauty for yourself.
15. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is one of the cat breeds with the rex hair mutation. However, unlike other breeds with the same mutation like the Devon and Cornish Rex, the Selkirk Rex is longhaired. This is perfectly complemented by the mutation to give the cat a gorgeous, thick, long, wavy coat that you just want to touch.
The cat is a docile companion that will make for the perfect cuddle and nap buddy.
14. Ragamuffin Cat
Contrary to the negative connotation of dirt and shabbiness that comes with these cats’ names, Ragamuffins are actually quite adorable and very well put together. In fact, they look more like angelic little puffs of clouds than scruffy.
This has everything to do with their long, straight, and smooth fur. The coat itself is also quite dense which further adds to the great aesthetic by making these kitties fluffy.
13. Scottish Fold
The Scottish fold is one of those cats that at first you will think looks super weird with their wide, round faces and small, inward curved ears. However, the look inevitably grows on you. Maybe it is the fact that their big, beautiful eyes and small ears make them look like really large kittens. Whatever it is, prepare to have your heart stolen.
While most Scottish Folds are shorthaired, long-haired varieties are relatively common and every bit as cute.
12. Somali Cat
This is another very rare cat breed that you may never get to see but is still awesome to know about. They are closely related to the equally exotic Abyssinian cat.
These cats are sometimes referred to as Fox-cats due to their resemblance to the wild canine. This is largely due to their long coats and their long, bushy tails. They also have similar coat colors including red.
Finally, the facial features including the triangular head silhouette and long perky ears just tie up the look to make them feline foxes.
11. American Curl
No, this is not an American cat breed with curly hair. They get their name from their signature curled ears that point towards each other over the top of the cat’s head. This cat has been involved in some pretty iconic mixes for that very feature including the Elf cat which is ironically completely hairless.
The American curl itself has a coat of long, silky fur that lies very close against the skin. The same applies to the fur on the tail.
10. Balinese Cat
This cat breed is considered the long-haired version of the Siamese cat breed. They have the same build, personality, and iconic point coloration.
However, the Balinese have significantly longer fur over the torso, the upper part of the limbs, tail, and neck regions. The rest may have long, semi-long, or even short coats.
What is truly fascinating is the fact that despite having such long fur, the Balinese cat sheds very little and is thus considered a hypoallergenic breed.
9. Japanese Bobtail
Most Japanese Bobtail cats are short-haired. While the long-haired variety is a bit less common, they have a lot going for them with their luscious coats.
This cat also has a naturally docked tail. The fur on the stub tends to be long and slightly less flat than that on the rest of this cat breed’s body.
One of the main things that set them apart from the otherwise very similar American Bobtail is their significantly smaller size with a weight range of 6 to 9 lbs.
8. Turkish Angora
There is a very good reason why the Turkish Angora is considered a national treasure in Turkey. These cats are truly beautiful. They have long, silky coats with fur laying against the skin. The fur itself is all white and perfectly complemented by their blue, green, or amber eyes.
These cats are also quite smart and love to stay active and challenged whether it is during playtime or when they are shadowing their favorite humans.
7. Himalayan Cat
The Himalayan is a hybrid between two of the most iconic cat breeds. One is the Persian and this gives the Himalayan its long, fluffy coat. The fur tends to stand away from the skin making the cat look poufy and bigger than it actually is. The Persian parent also contributes to most of the facial features including the close-set eyes and flat muzzle.
The second parent is the Siamese which contributes mainly to the point coloration coat markings on the cat.
6. Birman
The Birman is very similar to other cats with point coloration. It stands apart from the Himalayans with its longer snout and medium build. They also have silkier coats that are not as poufy.
Another breed you may confuse them for is the Siamese. The Birman here is different first off with its longer coat. It also has unique markings in the form of white paws known as the Birman’s gloves and socks.
5. Siberian Cat
This is one of the oldest, natural cat breeds and has managed to maintain its popularity around the world for centuries. This is probably due to a combination of its aesthetics and its affectionate yet independent personality.
Aesthetically, it is the long fur that stands out the most. These cats have very thick coats which definitely came in handy for their survival through brutal Russian winters. Today, it is just really fun to look at.
4. Norwegian Forest Cat
This is yet another cat whose long, thick coat was a survival mechanism for its environment. However, it is safe to say that the Norwegian Forest cat took things to the next level. This is because it has 2 very distinct layers.
The top layer is the long, beautiful fur that we get to see that served as a water-shedding layer. The second is a thicker, woolier layer that offers effective insulation against cold weather in Northern Europe.
3. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is one of the friendliest cat breeds there is. It has also been one of the most popular cats over the last decade which is no doubt due to its friendly nature and dog-like habits. These include their clinginess and willingness to be handled.
Ragdolls are also very fluffy with their long, thick, coats. It is worth noting that they manage to achieve this dense look and feel without even having an undercoat.
2. York Chocolate
These rare beauties get their name from their city of origin, which is New York, as well as their very unique chocolate-colored coats.
The standard breed has long fur that stands at an angle to the skin giving the cat its adorable, fluffy aesthetic.
Though these cats are rare, those fortunate enough to own them swear by them as the best lap cats ever with their friendliness, affectionate predisposition, and openness to handling.
1. Malayan Cat
The Malayan cat is also sometimes referred to as the Asian Cat. What is so ironic is the fact that the breed was actually developed in Britain and is more of a hit in western countries including the United States.
Most of these cats are short-haired. However, there are long-haired and semi-long-haired Malayan cats known as Tiffanies. They are pretty much the same in terms of their friendly and outgoing personalities as well as their size and general physical appearance.
Related Questions
How Common Are Long Haired Cats?
Long-haired breeds are actually quite rare. In fact, only 1 in 10 cats have this long hair trait, with the majority falling into the short and semi-long categories. This is mainly due to the limited gene pool for the often very rare long-haired breeds or long-haired varieties of common breeds.
How Long Does A Long Haired Cat Live?
Long Haired cats can live between 15 to 20 years. This is the same average range for a short-haired cat. This is because long hair does not affect their health in any way. However, breed-specific health conditions in some long-haired cats could contribute to lifetime illnesses and earlier deaths than expected.
How Often Should I Bathe My Long-Haired Cat?
You can wash a long-haired cat every 4 to 6 weeks or even up to 2 months with indoor cats. They are generally very low maintenance in this regard as cats, in general, are fastidious groomers and will probably keep themselves clean more effectively and consistently than you can. However, they do need weekly brushing to detangle their fur.
