Last Updated: 8 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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!
I am a cat person, and have had cats all of my life. Ive had a number of Himalayans and they are a terrific breed.
My family had a Persian cat when I was a little girl and I loved that cat so much! I also think the Himalayan cat is beautiful! All of these long-haired breeds are so cute.
We think our cats are part Norwegian Forest Cat because of the tufts of fur between their toes. I love cats, and these are so beautiful!
The green eyes o the first cat are amazing. So many pretty pictures. I Adore cats!
I love long haired cats. I think they are so beautiful. One of our males is a mix and has the long fur and he’s so pretty.
These are all such gorgeous cats! My husband is allergic or else I would pick up one of these breeds in a heart beat!
Long hair cats are so beautiful! I never knew there were so many breed! They’re all so gorgeous!
I used to have a himilayan. It was a PITA to brush her but she was so beautiful and such a sweetie. I love cats.
I love how soft and fluffy long haired cats are. Unfortunately some family members are really allergic to the long hair breed. They do take much more care with brushing their fur.
I love these pictures of the gorgeous cats even though we are dog lovers and have two. Great for those looking to get a cat.
I’ll have to show my son this site. He LOVES cats! He could sit for hours looking through cat pictures. You do have some gorgeous cat photos.
Oh gosh! I never knew this! Long haired cats look so cute and they are simply picture perfect! Our neighbour had a Persian cat and as a kid I always loved going to their home to play with the cat.
These are all gorgeous cats and I have a long haired cat myself. Although she’s gorgeous, I’ve had to have her shaved a time or two because she sheds so much. I’d still prefer a long haired cat though and want to check out some of these other cats I didn’t know about.
I love long haired cats but my husband doesn’t. If I could, I would adopt a maine coon pronto! They’re adorable.
They are all so beautiful. And I think each one of them knows it!
I love my maine coon! Shes so fluffy and beautiful.
OMG Cuteness overload! I have two cats and I love them dearly. This post made my day.
I admire it so much but never had an opportunity to had someone who I gifted. Thanks for sharing