There are so many kinds of cats in the world to know and love: black cats, spicy cats, sweet cats, and tiny cats … but none are quite as revered for their cuddles as fluffy cats. Maybe it’s because these long-haired felines remind us of fuzzy childhood teddy bears — or maybe it’s just their velvety soft fur — but fluffy cats warm their owners’ hearts as nothing else can.
But how can you know which fluffy cat is the right one for you? There are so many cat breeds out there, even when you adopt from the shelter, and no two feline breeds are the same. Even two similar fluffy cat breeds can have more opposite traits than they do similarities. That being said, no two cats are the same, even if they’re from the same litter, so knowing a cat’s breed will only get you so far. You may be able to determine the genetics that give them their fuzzy long coat, but only time and trust will reveal their true personality.
Here are nine fluffy cat breeds that are sure to make you swoon. Who knows, one of them might be the right choice for your home.
Adorable fluffy cat breeds to love
You’ve likely heard of some of these fuzzy cat breeds before, but others may be new to you. Some of these fluffy cats are relatively rare, while others you’re more likely to find in a cat rescue near you. Take a look.
Persian
Now, this is a face you’re bound to recognize. This ancient feline breed is famous for its fluffy coat and flat, smooshed face, and it helps that they’re holding steady in the middle of the list of the top 10 most popular cat breeds, too. Persians tend to be calm and friendly, even affectionate, though they often expect to be pampered like the princes and princesses they are. You’ll quickly find that Persian cats’ fluffy coats require daily brushing and regular grooming, though your furry friend will take care of some of that grooming themselves.
Norwegian Forest
This is another ancient cat breed that people have revered for centuries. They were friends of the Vikings (and often tagged along on ships to take care of rodents) and were thought to be closely tied to Norse gods. As you may imagine, Norwegian Forest cats’ thick furry coat helps keep them warm and protected in harsh, cold climates. They’re not built to live in warm weather, but they are natural hunters, climbers, and explorers. These cats can be quite large, too!
Himalayan
While technically, the Himalayan cat is a type of Persian cat, many regard it as its own breed. They have long, dense coats like their relatives, but Himalayans also have bright blue eyes that you won’t soon forget. These kitties are calm and friendly, too, and you’ll usually find them tucked away in a quiet corner instead of the center of the room.
Selkirk rex
These unique felines stand out as soon as you see them, thanks to their curly fur coats. As you may have guessed, caring for curly fur is different than caring for regular, straighter fur. Curly-haired people will tell you how complicated their hair routines can be, but luckily, this cat breed only needs to be brushed twice a week. If you brush more, they could become over-fluffed and frizzy!
Siberian
Siberian cats, as their name suggests, can survive long, barren winters thanks to their triple-layered fur coats. You may get more shedding with this cat in your home, especially during the coat-blowing season in the fall and spring, but these majestic felines make the cleaning worthwhile. After all, it’s hard to say no to that sweet face. This is another larger, adventurous breed of cat that will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to feel content. Because of their friendly and social nature, some Siberians learn to walk on a leash around the neighborhood, but others prefer to get exercise at home with a cat tower to climb and maybe even a wheel to run on.
Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are famous for several amazing reasons, including their massive size and thick, fluffy coat. Even Maine Coon kittens can be as long as a person is tall, but luckily, they’re known as the gentle giants of the cat world. Their sharp, pointed features might make them look serious, but there’s an affectionate, fun-loving cat breed that anyone could love.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats have continued to rise in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they adorable, but they’re extremely docile and easygoing, too. In fact, the name “ragdoll” comes from how they’ll flop into their owner’s arms exactly like a doll when feeling relaxed. These furry friends are truly people-oriented cats, and they won’t sleep on an opportunity to say hello – -unless they’re sleeping on you, of course!
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin isn’t as popular as other cat breeds, but that’s because it’s actually a hybrid based on the ragdoll cat. These kitties also have blue eyes and a medium-length, thick coat, though their coat colors and patterns are a lot more diverse than they were a few months ago.
LaPerm
If a curly-haired cutie is right up your alley, take a look at the LaPerm cat breed. All kitties in this breed can trace their lineage to a single barn cat in Oregon that was found in the 1980s looking like he’d just taken a trip to the salon. His curly fur and whiskers are a trademark feature of his breed, though the amount of curl can vary from one cat to another. These feline friends will be content to sit on your lap and get pets, although you may be tempted to twirl their hair with your fingers.
These nine fluffy cat breeds can be excellent pets for many kinds of homes, but remember, individual cats’ needs will vary. Two cats can look the same and act like opposites, so don’t expect a breed description to perfectly describe your new feline BFF. There’s so much more to a pet than their fluffy coat, but becoming charmed by a precious fuzzball is a perfect first step forward for any dedicated cat lover.
