Cats with long fur coats are attractive breeds for people who admire the look and feel of their soft and silky manes. Whether or not you're fond of short, fluffy, or long-haired cats, there are a variety of cute-as-a-button felines that capture the attention and love of cat-loving people.
According to a recent University of California-Davis report, the presence of four mutations in FGF5 feline genes is responsible for long hair in specific cat breeds.
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If you are looking to take in a new long-haired housemate, you've arrived in the right space. Our team has a list of the some most beautiful long-haired felines for you to review. Hopefully, you find the "purrfect" cat to add to your family.
We talked to an expert to find out what you need to know before adopting a long-haired cat breed. Although long-haired cats are trendy among many pet parents, most of them require a heightened level of care and grooming needs. Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist at Cat Training by Cristy, says, "Choose a (long-haired) breed that matches your lifestyle and household dynamics." Brusoe encourages caregivers to pay attention to the grooming needs of their chosen breed and provide "daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles." She also shares three tips below for long-haired pet parents to keep cats healthy and happy.
Regular Vet Visits:
Routine check-ups are essential to monitor their overall health, especially because long-haired breeds can be prone to certain genetic conditions.
Socialization:
Long-haired breeds, like all cats, benefit from early socialization. Expose them to different environments, people, and gentle handling from a young age to build their confidence and reduce stress.
Consulting a Cat Behaviorist:
This can also be beneficial, especially if you encounter any specific behavioral issues or need tailored advice on caring for your long-haired feline friend.
If you're a low-maintenance pet parent and unable to adjust to the emotional needs or physical demands of caring for a long-haired cat breed, look at different ones that require a lighter touch.
Siberian Cat
The national feline is known for their loving disposition, large size, and three-layered coat. The friendly breed takes up to five years to reach its full-grown size of up to 17 pounds. They are intelligent, enjoy cuddling, and can develop strong relationships with people and other animals.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Siberia
Eye Color: Blue, green, golden-copper, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: White, black, blue, red, cream, and silver, plus various patterns and shadings
Coat Characteristics: Semi-long triple coat that adapts to cold environments, thick
Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Average Life Span: 10-18 years
Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats (a.k.a. skogkatt or forest cat in Norway), are a breed of long-haired domestic cats known for their large size, strong muscular body, and double coat of plush fur. Some of their striking physical characteristics include high set and large pointed ears, and a long flowing tail.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Norway
Eye Color: Copper, gold, and green
Coat Color: Various colors and patterns
Coat Characteristics: Semi-long, thick, and water-resistant with a dense undercoat and a bushy tail
Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Average Life Span: 12-16 years
Ragdoll Cat
These gentle-natured felines are extremely affectionate and social with people. They are wonderful pets for families with small children. Ragdolls have a penchant for going limp when they are picked up (floppy cat syndrome). Some enjoy being held by a trusted human, while some are not like being held. However, most can develop lasting friendships with their pet parents.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: United States
Eye Color: Blue
Coat Color: Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream
Coat Characteristics: Medium-length with a shiny plush coat; light body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, colorpoint, and mitted
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Average Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Ragamuffin Cat
Despite bearing a close resemblance to Ragdoll cats, the Ragamuffin is a different cat breed. The breed was created by Ragdoll owners who crossbred with other long-haired cats like domestic Turkish Angoras, Himalayans, and Persians cats. These large frame felines have charismatic personalities and can be very affectionate and clingy.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: United States
Eye Color: Amber, blue, green, gold, hazel, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: White, black, blue, cream, red, brown, lilac, platinum, fawn, chocolate, chestnut, cinnamon, lavender, cameo, and silver
Coat Characteristics: Medium-length, thick, and plush
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Average Life Span: 15-18 years
Japanese Bobtail Cat
The slender-framed Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat that loves being active with their pet parents and other animals. There are both longhair and shorthair varieties, and males are generally bigger than females. They do not like being alone, and it's best to have another cat to keep them company if you're away from home for extended periods.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Japan with origins from Far East (China) and Southeastern Asia (Korea)
Eye Color: Amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, orange, yellow, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: White, black, red, blue, and cream, plus various patterns and shadings
Coat Characteristics: Long and short
Weight: 5 to 12 pounds
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Average Life Span: 15-18 years
Turkish Van Cat
Turkish Van cats are highly energetic felines with a penchant for jumping to great heights thanks to their strong hind legs, and they have semi-long lush coats that feel similar to cashmere.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Turkey
Eye Color: Amber, blue, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: White with dark coloring on head and tail and sometimes on the back of the neck (referred to as the Van pattern)
Coat Characteristics: Semi-long
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Average Life Span: 13-17 years
Pixie Bobcat
Despite their exotic and wild appearance, Pixie Bobcats are sweet feline companions with loyal personalities and a fondness for humans, other cats, and friendly dogs. They enjoy games similar to the ones dogs enjoy. For example, Pixie-Bob cats like playing fetch, walking on leashes (once trained), and car rides.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: United States
Eye Color: Brown, gold, and various shades of green
Coat Color: Various shades of brown (tan to a reddish-brown)
Coat Characteristics: Spotted patterns like tabby
Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
Height: 9 to 13 inches
Average Life Span: 13 to 15 years
Maine Coon Cat
The gentle giants are known for their large stature, athleticism, and natural hunting skills. Purebred Maine coons can cost upwards of $1,000-$2,000. These sizable cats enjoy the company of humans and can be very social with other felines and mild-mannered dogs.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Riverdale, California (United States)
Eye Color: Green, gold, or green-gold, and rarely blue eyes
Coat Color: Coat colors include black, blue, cream, red, and white
Coat Characteristics: Long-length with a dense coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, tabby, and tricolor (calico)
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Height: Up to 16 inches
Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
Turkish Angora Cat
Turkish Angora cats are cute, cuddly with plush coats that require low-maintenance grooming, and have a personality that's reminiscent of similar friendly dog breeds. The personable cat breed has some of the same lineage as the Turkish Van cat. They are frequently described as dog-like because they are smart enough to learn a few tricks and greet home visitors in a way similar to canines.
Breed Stats:
Native Region: Turkey
Eye Color: Amber, blue, green, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: Black, blue, cinnamon, lavender, red, tabby, and tabby-white
Coat Characteristics: Semi-longhaired and silky; coat patterns include tortoiseshell, spotted, tabby, and bi-colored
