Last Updated: 2 months ago

Want a super fluffy kitty to add to your family? Long-haired cat breeds are some of the most popular domestic cat breeds.

While these cats are beautiful and soft, keep in mind that most of them do require constant grooming.

While cats are excellent at bathing and caring for their own fur, there will be times when you’ll need to lend a helping hand!

Domestic Long-Haired Cat Breeds

Learn about domestic long-haired cat breeds in this exploration of elegance, charm, and distinctive traits.

Discover the unique characteristics that make these felines extraordinary companions.

Here are the 12 most popular long-haired cat breeds, along with their origin, size, coat features, lifespan, common traits, average weight, and popular colors.

1. American Curl

White American curl cat

This unique breed is characterized by its distinctive curled ears, which give it an adorable and distinctive appearance.

American Curls are friendly and playful cats that get along well with children and other pets.

  • Origin: United States
  • Size: small to medium
  • Coat: silky, soft and lustrous
  • Lifespan: 12–16 years
  • Traits: affectionate, intelligent and playful
  • Weight: males: 7–10 pounds, females: 5-8 pounds
  • Colors: black, blue, cream and red

2. Balinese

Balinese Cat Names: 100 Beautiful Ideas for This Stunning Breed

This breed is often referred to as the “long-haired Siamese” due to its striking resemblance to the Siamese but with a longer, silkier coat.

Balinese are intelligent, affectionate, and make excellent companions.

  • Origin: United States
  • Size: medium
  • Coat: soft and silky
  • Lifespan: 10–15 years
  • Traits: adaptable, high-energy and playful
  • Weight: males: 5–10 pounds, females: 4–8 pounds
  • Colors: chocolate, cream, red and tortoise shell

3. Birman

birman cat

Birmans are known for their striking blue eyes and their silky, fluffy coats.

They are affectionate and gentle cats that love to be around their human companions.

  • Origin: France
  • Size: medium to large
  • Coat: silky and soft
  • Lifespan: 14–15 years
  • Traits: active, gentle and social
  • Weight: males: 9–15 pounds, females: 6–10 pounds
  • Colors: chocolate, lilac, seal and spotted

4. Chantilly-Tiffany

Chantilly-Tiffany

This breed has a long, wavy coat that requires regular grooming.

They are intelligent, friendly cats that enjoy the company of their human family.

  • Origin: United States
  • Size: medium
  • Coat: silky and soft
  • Lifespan: 14–16 years
  • Traits: affectionate, demanding and loyal
  • Weight: males: 8–12 pounds, females: 7–10 pounds
  • Colors: black, chocolate, cinnamon and fawn

5. Himalayan

himalayan cat breed

Also known as “Himmies,” Himalayan cats have a long, silky coat that requires daily grooming.

They are a cross between Siamese and Persian cats and are known for their calm and affectionate personalities.

  • Origin: United States/United Kingdom
  • Size: medium to large
  • Coat: brushy and soft
  • Lifespan: 9–15 years
  • Traits: dependent, gentle and quiet
  • Weight: males: 9–14 pounds, females: 7–11 pounds
  • Colors: chocolate, fawn, seal and white

6. Maine Coon

How much are Maine Coon cats

This large, fluffy breed is one of the oldest and most popular in the United States.

Maine coon cats have a thick, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming and are known for their gentle, playful personalities.

  • Origin: United States
  • Size: largest cat breed
  • Coat: silky and soft
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Traits: adaptable, independent and loving
  • Weight: males and females: 12–18 pounds
  • Colors: black, golden, silver and white

7. Norwegian Forest

Black Norwegian Forest light green eyes

Norwegian Forest cat breed has a long, thick coat that helps them survive the harsh winters of Norway.

They are intelligent and friendly cats that enjoy climbing and exploring.

  • Origin: Norway
  • Size: large
  • Coat: dense and glossy
  • Lifespan: 12–16 years
  • Traits: active, curious and sweet
  • Weight: males: 10–16 pounds, females: 8–12 pounds
  • Colors: black, cream, tabby and white

8. Persian

If you're looking for the best Persian cat names for your kitty, you're going to love our list. Check out 100 ideas for males & females!

One of the most popular long-haired breeds, Persians have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming.

They are known for their calm and affectionate nature, making them great indoor companions.

  • Origin: Persia
  • Size: medium to large
  • Coat: glossy and silky
  • Lifespan: 14–15 years
  • Traits: affectionate, loyal and quiet
  • Weight: males and females: 9–14 pounds
  • Colors: black, cream, red and white

9. Ragdoll

ragdoll cat breed

Ragdolls are known for their relaxed and affectionate personalities, as well as their soft, fluffy coats.

They are a large, muscular breed that requires regular grooming.

  • Origin: United States
  • Size: largest cat breed
  • Coat: plush and silky
  • Lifespan: 12–17 years
  • Traits: easygoing, friendly and quiet
  • Weight: males and females: 12–20 pounds
  • Colors: blue, chocolate, lilac and red

10. Siberian

siberian cat

This breed has a long, dense coat that helps protect them from the cold Siberian winters.

They are friendly, intelligent cats that love to play and explore.

  • Origin: Russia
  • Size: largest cat breed
  • Coat: dense
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Traits: curious, loyal and sweet
  • Weight: males: 12–16 pounds, females: 8–12 pounds
  • Colors: blue, fawn, silver and white

11. Somali

Orange cat breeds somali

This breed has a striking, fox-like appearance and a long, fluffy tail.

They are playful and affectionate cats that love to be around their human family.

  • Origin: Somalia
  • Size: medium to large
  • Coat: dense and soft
  • Lifespan: 12–16 years
  • Traits: intelligent, loyal and mischievous
  • Weight: males: 10–12 pounds, females: 6–10 pounds
  • Colors: chocolate, fawn, red and silver

12. Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cat

Turkish Angora cat breed has a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming.

They are intelligent, curious cats that love to play and explore and are known for their love of water.

  • Origin: Turkey
  • Size: medium
  • Coat: sleek and soft
  • Lifespan: 15–18 years
  • Traits: agile, clever and social
  • Weight: males: 7–10 pounds, females: 5–8 pounds
  • Colors: black, cream, red and white

Wrap-Up

Aren’t they all just gorgeous? I would love to welcome any of them into my kitty family! Remember, adopt before you.

There are millions of kitties, including domestic long-haired cat breeds, waiting for their forever home in shelters around the world.

Do you have any of these domestic long-haired cat breeds? Share any tips you have for first-time cat parents below!

Want a super fluffy kitty to add to your family? Check out our list of domestic long-haired cat breeds, along with everything you need to know about each one!
Deana Tucker
Deana Tucker

Deanna is a passionate cat lover and freelance writer. She lives with her Chi dog and a ragdoll cat. When she’s not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music or watching Dancing With The Stars.