- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether you prefer the fluffy Person, docile Ragdoll, or regal Maine Coon, long-haired cat breeds can add plenty of beauty and charm to your household.
Of course, while their long, luxurious hair can make cuddling and stroking your cat a soothing experience, it also demands plenty of time and effort.
“Long-haired cats make great companions, but their coat care is a serious commitment,” says Dr. Emma Fulton, a veterinarian and advisor to WhiskerWitty.
Even so, plenty of devotees to long-haired breeds consider the extra grooming well worth the trouble. Could a long-haired cat be in your future? Read on to learn more about 20 top long-haired cat breeds—and get your floof quota for the day.
American Bobtail Cat
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat colors: Any color or pattern
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 13-15 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $600-$1200
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes, but relatively rare
The American Bobtail is known for their wild appearance. This breed has a muscular, athletic body and a short, bobbed tail just 1-4 inches long. A prominent brow and almond eyes give the breed its signature “hunting gaze”—a look they put to good use! These cats love to simulate the hunt by stalking and pouncing on their toys.
Personality-wise, American Bobtails are intelligent and independent, but still affectionate and social. These easygoing and tolerant cats make great companions for children and other pets. They’re also sensitive and responsive to human emotions, so they can be good therapy cats, too.
American Curl
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 10-20 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1200-$3000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The longhair American Curl is easily recognized by its unique, backward-curling, tufted ears and expressive walnut-shaped eyes. Both the shorthair and longhair breeds have silky coats that lie flat.
These affectionate, people-oriented cats love participating in your daily routine, and you may hear them chirping as they keep you company. Don’t be surprised if they act like kittens well into their adult years!
Balinese
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Seal point, chocolate, blue, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, red, and cream point
- Eye colors: Blue
- Average lifespan: 10-20 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $100-$300
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Parents of a Balinese often call this breed both elegant and playful. You can spot them by their long, silky coats and striking sapphire-blue eyes. This long-haired version of the Siamese may seem graceful and refined—but don’t be fooled. They have a lively spirit that keeps them active and engaged.
This breed wants to be part of your family! These highly intelligent cats do best with plenty of human interaction, and you’ll often find them jumping in on all of your daily activities. Since they require plenty of mental stimulation and enjoy games like fetch, they make good companions for older children and adults.
Birman
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat colors: Solid seal, blue, lilac, chocolate point, red, cream, tabby-patterned points, and tortoiseshell point colors.
- Eye colors: Blue
- Average lifespan: 9-15 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $400-$3000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Birman is a cat known for its sweetness and a lush but low-maintenance coat. These cats have a larger, stocky build with white “gloves” on their paws and a unique color-point pattern that shows off the darker fur on their faces, ears, and tails.
Baby blue eyes and affectionate personalities make this breed irresistible to many cat lovers. These cats also tend to be healthy and hardy, and they can thrive in families with kids. They’re a little clingy by nature, so you’ll never have to worry about doing your household chores without a buddy or sitting on your couch alone. Birmans are also quite intelligent and respond well to training.
British Longhair
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat colors: Blue (gray)
- Eye colors: Gold, blue, or green
- Average lifespan: 12-20 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $800-$1200
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
You can identify a British Longhair by their round features and plush coat, which comes in various colors—though the classic blue may be most recognizable. Their dense hair give them something of a teddy bear appearance, and they have a calm and gentle temperament to match!
They enjoy the company of their families without being overly demanding. You may find them more reserved at times, and you might want to consider other breeds if you want a devoted lap cat! That said, they make lovable companions once they feel comfortable. Their independent spirit also means they can entertain themselves easily.
Himalayan
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Pointed colors include red, cream, seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, tortoiseshell, and blue-cream.
- Eye colors: Blue
- Average lifespan: 8-11 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $600-$1200
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Himalayans belong to the Persian breed group. These cats have big expressive eyes, a round face, and a luxurious coat. Their coat, in fact, is so thick and lush it makes them appear larger than they really are!
If you appreciate peace and quiet, a good match for you might be a “Himmie,” as they’re affectionately nicknamed. These gentle and quiet cats prefer a calm, tranquil space. They’re also adaptable and friendly: They enjoy the company of their families and engaging in playful bursts of activity.
Japanese Bobtail
- Size: Small to medium
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any, though blue and gold are common
- Average lifespan: 15-18 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $800-$2500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Japanese Bobtail can have short or long hair. These cats have a stubby pom-pom tail, along with large, upright ears and oval eyes.
These social and affectionate cats have an inquisitive nature. They also enjoy plenty of activity and often excel in feline agility competitions. Although they can be self-sufficient and natural hunters, they also make engaging pets who can thrive in households with children and dogs.
LaPerm
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Copper, gold, yellow, green, blue, aqua
- Average lifespan: 12-15 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $800-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The curly-coated LaPerm has hair with plenty of volume: Their unique coat ranges from soft waves to ringlets, giving the breed a distinctive and recognizable look. You might have a hard time keeping your hands off their curly coat—but luckily, these affectionate cats tend to welcome lots of petting.
LaPerms are playful but just as happy snuggling up on a cozy lap. Planning to adopt a LaPerm kitten? Don’t be alarmed if they’re completely bald: these kittens shed their entire coat at a young age before growing back their curls around the age of 4 months.
Maine Coon
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Usually green or gold
- Average lifespan: 12+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1000-$2000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Maine Coons are one of the most popular long-haired cats. These gentle giants are known for their thick, lush, long coats, which helped insulate them from the cold winters of New England. Of course, this means you may need to up your grooming game. Experts generally recommend combing these cats 2-3 times each week.
Unlike some other long-haired breeds, these large cats are up for just about anything and prefer to spend time both indoors and out—though you’ll want to exercise caution when letting any cat spend time outside!
These cats have huge, fun-loving personalities, so expect plenty of entertainment and cuddles alike! Just keep in mind they’re very athletic cat, so don’t be surprised if you find cat hair in strange places—like the top of your fridge!
Manx
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 16+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $500-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
This recognizable cat has a thick, plush coat and a robust, spherical body. Their elongated back legs make them very agile, despite their lack of a tail!
The Manx makes a quiet and gentle companion, and they often bond strongly with one or two family members. While they appreciate calm, cozy moments, they also have a fun-loving side, so you may catch them doing some unexpected leaps. Some people describe them as “doglike,” and they frequently engage in interactive games like fetch.
Norwegian Forest Cat
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Usually green, gold, or copper
- Average lifespan: 13+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $900-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Like the Maine Coon, this breed has a thick, water-repellent coat that helped keep them warm and dry during long and harsh Scandinavian winters. They have tufted ears and paws and a voluminous ruff, along with long and bushy tails.
Expect your “Skogkatt” or “Wegie,” as they’re sometimes called, to grow quite large: Norwegian Forest Cats can weigh up to 20 pounds!
They may appear rugged and outdoorsy, but they generally love to stay near home. They’re not overly clingy, but they do appreciate human companionship and will join you in any activities around the house.
Persian
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Copper, green, or blue
- Average lifespan: 8-11 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1000-$3000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Persian’s round features and short nose make them easy to spot! These cats also have a long, flowing coat that’s famously high-maintenance, so prepare to spend plenty of time on grooming.
These calm, gentle cats love a quiet and predictable home and thrive indoors where you can groom them daily. While they can indulge in playful moments, Persians are overall easygoing and mellow companions who usually prefer to bask in your love and attention. They’re generally easy to train, as well.
RagaMuffin
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 14-16 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1200-$3000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The RagaMuffin is a large cat with a silky coat not unlike a rabbit’s fur. You can recognize this breed by their round, soulful eyes and puffy whisker pads.
RagaMuffins are sweet and eager to please. Many people describe them as the ideal lap cat. While they can be playful and responsive to simple training, they’re more known for their docile and affectionate nature. They enjoy cuddling and usually get along well with children and other pets.
Ragdoll
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: Pointed, in seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, cinnamon, or fawn.
- Eye colors: Blue
- Average lifespan: 15-19 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $400-$2000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
This breed didn’t earn the name “Ragdoll” for nothing. These tolerant, gentle cats are affectionate and perfectly happy when carried around like a doll, even by the youngest pet lovers. Of course, they can weigh up to 20 pounds, so they might be harder to lift!
All Ragdolls have a semi-long pointed coat with a soft, silky texture. Pointed means they have a lighter colored body and a darker face, legs, tail and ears. These distinctive markings add to their gentle charm.
Scottish Fold
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Blue, green, teal, copper, gold, or hazel
- Average lifespan: 11-14+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $2000-$5000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Scottish Fold has distinctive folded ears that give it an owl-like appearance. This breed can have a long or short coat. In terms of personality, they’re even-tempered and enjoy relaxing peacefully at home.
Though quiet, they can be playful, and you might find them playing fetch or other games on their own. They’re not overly demanding of attention and can be a bit reserved with strangers, but they have loving and patient personalities that make them great additions to homes with kids and other pets.
Selkirk Rex
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 11-14+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $600-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new breed recognized by its distinctive curly coat, which gives it a tousled appearance. They even have curly whiskers! Their coat may look coarse and unkempt, but it’s actually silky and plush to the touch.
While they tend to be quiet, Selkirk Rex cats thrive on companionship and may often request attention and cuddles. You might even find them chattering to you as you go about your day! They make good pets for families with kids and other pets, as long as they get enough (gentle) attention.
Siberian
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 11-18+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1200-$4000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Fairly rare outside of Europe
The Siberian has a unique three-layer insulated coat, a neck ruff, and a fluffy tail that doubles as a paw and face warmer in cold weather. These large cats often take 3 years to reach their full growth!
Perhaps because of their resilient coat, Siberians are known for not minding water, and they sometimes even play in it. This might work to your benefit, since you may need to bathe your Siberian to keep their long coat healthy.
Siberians have social, curious natures. In fact, many people describe them as somewhat dog-like. They make excellent emotional support animals.
Somali
- Size: Average size
- Coat colors: Ruddy, cinnamon, blue, fawn, chocolate, and lilac, all of which can be paired with silver
- Eye colors: Green, copper
- Average lifespan: 10-19+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1000-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Somali shares its roots with the Abyssinian and comes in the same vibrant colors, though with long hair. Somali cats have a medium build, neck ruff, and bushy tail. The many bands of color in their hair add an extra element of shimmer to their coats.
These affectionate, active, and highly intelligent cats are known for their lively personalities. They like to explore and can be little adventurers, often getting into trouble by figuring out how to open cabinets or turn on faucets. Somalis love to engage with their people, so prepare for plenty of head butts, kneading, and playful antics.
Turkish Angora
- Size: Small to medium
- Coat colors: Almost every color, except for chocolate, lilac and pointed
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 15-18 years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $1000-$2000
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest known long-haired breeds. They have very large ears and almond eyes, with slender bodies. Their silky coats come in various colors, and they have plumed tails.
These curious and friendly felines want to be with their humans as much as possible. They’re also very intelligent and love climbing and exploring, so don’t be surprised if you find them in unusual places!
Turkish Van
- Size: Large
- Coat colors: All white, except for color on head and tail
- Eye colors: Amber, blue, or odd
- Average lifespan: 13-17+ years
- Average cost for a purebred kitten in the US: $800-$1500
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Rare
A Turkish Van will be primarily white with splashes of color on the head and tail. This breed is known for their distinctive coloring and size: large and robust with a muscular build. They have a soft, cashmere-like coat, but it’s fairly easy to maintain.
Turkish Vans enjoy games of fetch and are often fond of water. These clever cats are also good at solving problems! While they appreciate physical closeness, Turkish Vans prefer to be near their people rather than being held, so you may want to opt for another breed if you’re searching for a cat you can hold and carry around.
Things To Consider When Adopting A Long-Haired Cat
Long-haired cats comes with unique responsibilities, namely grooming. You’ll need to take extra care to maintain your cat’s coat and overall health.
Grooming isn’t just about maintaining your cat’s good looks—it also helps keep them healthy and comfortable. Regular brushing prevents matting and reduces shedding, which are both common among these breeds.
“I’ve had cases where the mats were so bad they caused discomfort, and the only solution was shaving them off,” Dr. Fulton says. She recommends using a wide-toothed comb to work through long hair gently. Professional grooming can sometimes help, too, particularly for keeping sensitive areas clean.
There are also a few breed-specific health considerations to keep in mind, Dr. Fulton says.
For example:
- Persians may have issues like tear staining or respiratory problems due to their flat faces.
- Maine Coons can be prone to heart conditions.
- Long-haired breeds generally have more hairballs than short-haired breeds, since they ingest more fur while grooming themselves.
Regular vet check-ups play an important part in monitoring your cat’s overall health. A good pet insurance plan can help with some of the costs of care.
What To Know Before Getting A Cat
Adopting a cat is a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to consider a few important things first.
- Lifestyle: It’s a common misconception that cats can be left alone for long stretches. Cats need social interaction and stimulation to thrive, and they do best when they get attention and companionship every day.
- Daily routine: Long-haired cats require regular grooming, so you may need to set aside time each day to care for your cat’s coat. Some highly active and intelligent breeds may also need more activity and playtime each day.
- Other pets: Consider how your other pets might adapt to a new family member. Introducing a cat to a dog or other cats requires careful planning to make sure everyone gets along.
- General costs: Cat parenthood comes with many costs, including fees for regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and ongoing care. Some breeds may also need special diets, especially if they have health concerns.
All that said, investing time and resources into your new cat will get you plenty of rewards in return, including years of love and companionship.
