Cats come in different sizes, colors, and shapes. They also have different looks, like coats that can be short, long, in between, or even not there at all.
Part of what makes cats so cute is that they have many traits. If you want a soft, fluffy cat, you’re probably looking for longhaired cat breeds.
These cat breeds have long, soft coats that look and feel like silk.
Even though they are soft and beautiful, longhaired cats might not be the best choice for everyone.
Daily maintenance is required to keep their coats tangled and mat-free, which may be a headache for busy people.
Also, people with dander allergies may have an allergic reaction to them, which is made worse because they shed a lot.
Check out our list of longhaired cat breeds to see which of these beautiful cats is right for you.
Longhaired Cat Breeds
There are several longhaired cat breeds. Some breeds can have cats with long hair, but not always.
This list isn’t complete, but it does include some of the best-known longhaired cat breeds.
Long hair is one of the things that makes these breeds stand out, and it’s often one of the ways the breed is known.
However, listed below are some of the most common longhaired cat breeds in the world.
1. Nebelung
The meek and friendly Nebelung has long hair, making it appear similar to the Russian Blue. Her lustrous blue coat sparkles with silver at the tips, and her thick-plumed tail sweeps gracefully behind her.
She was a long-haired blue kitten that came into the world due to a mating between a Russian Blue and a black domestic shorthair.
2. Maine Coon
The image of a friendly, all-American mouser comes to me when I see a huge Maine coon. His propensity to be polydactyl, which means he has an additional toe on each foot, makes him a skilled climber.
In addition, it doesn’t take much to keep his thick coat looking good because it’s impervious to water and tangle-free. He is the official state cat of Maine and was a well-liked contestant in the first cat exhibits held in Boston and New York.
3. Himalayan
The Himalayan is well-known among longhaired cat breeds for having the appearance of a cross between a Siamese and a Persian. This gentle and submissive cat doesn’t have a lot of extra energy to spare.
So, he would do best in a calm environment where there isn’t much in the way of change. Even though it enjoys being petted, the cat breed needs to be brushed quite frequently due to the amount of fur that it sheds.
4. Chantilly-Tiffany
Beautiful Chantilly-Tiffany was made when breeders crossed a Burmese with a Persian. Her long, silky coat’s original chocolate brown color is by far the most popular choice. However, you should know that she is also available in various colors.
Even in the United States, where she was developed for the first time, she is a relatively unknown breed among longhaired cat types.
5. British Longhair
In the 20th century, breeders created a British Shorthair variant with longer hair called the British Longhair.
Although he has the glossy long coat of a Persian, he typically keeps the cool demeanor and blue coloration of his namesake. In addition, its namesake’s blue coloration and demeanor mean short-haired.
Although he is not a lap cat, he adores attention and is completely devoted to his family.
6. Balinese Cat
The graceful Balinese cat is a variant of the Siamese breed with long hair. Her eyes are sapphire blue, and her fur is very fine, with a tendency to wave where it is longest on her body.
Moreover, her fur is milky white. She is a talkative feline who will follow you and insist on your undivided attention and ability to converse.
7. Somali Cat
The gorgeous Somali cat is the long-haired variation of the Abyssinian cat breed. She has a bushy tail and a shaggy coat that ticks like a fox, making her a little wild fox.
Because of her name, many once believed that she was from the African nation of Somalia. Certainly, she is more likely to have originated from regions located in Southeast Asia, according to new research.
8. Siberian Cat
A school of thought holds that the Grand Siberian originated all longhaired cat breeds. The long, thick, and protective coat of the Siberian is a long-standing feature that may be traced to the subarctic temperature.
Certainly, this temperature can be traced to Russia, where she was originally found. At least a thousand years have passed since the first mention of Siberians; nonetheless, it wasn’t until after the Cold War that their culture began to spread.
9. Selkirk Rex
Although the Selkirk Rex may have coats of varying lengths, we think he’s cutest when he’s all wooled up. This cat, which has a naturally curly coat and is one of the newest breeds, descended from a housecat that lived in Montana.
Moreover, he can be outclassed by Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. This gives him a cute and innocent appearance with wide eyes.
10. Rag Doll
Due to its thick and silky hair, the Ragdoll cat requires very little normal care. These four-year-old giants are so docile that they often collapse in the arms of their caregivers.
This peaceful and quiet breed was developed in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker in California using free-roaming cats she discovered in her neighborhood. Baker’s goal was to create a cat that was calm and quiet.
11. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffin cats are similar to their Ragdoll ancestors but have various colors and patterns. Similarly to his relative, he requires little care because his luscious long coat does not mat or clump. He enjoys being cuddled and carried around like a baby due to his kind disposition.
12. Persian Cat
The Persian may be the first longhaired cat breed that comes to mind when you think of such things. Some believe ancient Turkish Angora cats mated with other longhaired cat breeds from Asia and Europe to create the modern-day breed.
Although he is now available in a wide range of colors, he is most known for the former in addition to his signature silky white coat.
14. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat’s huge, muscular frame and water-resistant hair allowed him to survive for generations in Scandinavia. There are many stories about the official cat of Norway. Some say he traveled on Viking ships and pulled the chariot of the Norse goddess Freya.
15. Scottish Fold
They are small cats named for a physical trait. The Scottish Fold has forward-folding ears. Every member of the breed descends from Susie.
Susie was born with a genetic mutation that caused her ears to curl, and a local breeder named William Ross noticed.
This breed began in the 1960s and arrived in the US a decade later. Most major North American cat associations recognize Scottish Folds.
However, they are not in their homeland because they fear their folded ears could cause ear infections, deafness, and cartilage problems.
16. Turkish Van
Most cats don’t like water, but Turkish Vans are one of the few breeds that don’t mind it. Moreover, these cats are called “swimming cats” because they love playing in the water.
The Turkish Van came from Turkey hundreds of years ago. Since it’s a natural breed, no one helped make it what it is today.
According to a legend, two of these animals were on Noah’s Ark. They swam to shore and landed on Mount Ararat, which is close to Lake Van, where the breed got its name.
How to Take Care of Longhaired Cats Breeds?
With their beautiful, thick manes, these cats may need more care when grooming. There are a few ways to groom your cat that can help keep its coat healthy and shiny.
The few ways are listed below.
- Bathing
- Brushing
- Dematting
Bathing
Cats usually clean themselves, so you won’t have to bathe your cat often. Nevertheless, if your cat consumes anything very hazardous or filthy, you should rapidly wipe it off.
Longhaired cat breeds, in particular, can benefit from a bath every few months to keep their hair from getting matted.
Brushing
Brushing a cat consistently is beneficial to felines, especially longhaired cat breeds. VCA Hospitals recommends daily brushing of cats to avoid matting and reduce the amount of cat dander and hair in the air.
However, you should know that brushing also reduces the frequency with which cats have hairballs.
Dematting
Mats are best avoided, but if your cat’s fur has become matted, you can use a de-matting tool to remove it yourself. The ASPCA also says to sprinkle talcum powder on knots and work them out with your fingers.
In addition, if the mats are bad, the best way to get rid of them is to take your cat to a professional groomer. To avoid mats, brush your cat regularly and run your fingers over its fur to look for knots.
