Have you ever seen a cat with fur so long and luxurious that it looks like it’s wearing a fancy coat? Those are long haired cat breeds, and they’re some of the most beautiful and cuddly kitties you’ll ever meet!

If you’re a cat lover, you’ve probably noticed these fluffy felines and wondered about them. Well, you’re in the right place because we’re going to dive into the wonderful world of long haired cat breeds!

Long haired cat breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and fluffy, like gentle giant Maine Coons. Others are smaller and more delicate-looking, like the elegant Balinese. There are long haired cats with round, squishy faces (like Persians) and others with more pointed features (like Siberian cats).

Some have straight fur, while others have wavy or even curly coats. And they come in almost every color and pattern you can imagine – from pure white to jet black, from striped tabbies to color-pointed beauties that look a bit like Siamese cats.

But long haired cat breeds aren’t just about looks.

Each breed has its unique personality traits, too. Some are calm and cuddly lap cats, while others are playful and full of energy. There are long-haired cats that love to “talk” to their humans and others that are quieter and more mysterious. No matter what kind of cat personality you prefer, there’s probably a long haired breed that would be perfect for you!

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at many different types of cats with long, flowing fur. We’ll learn about their unique personalities, discover what makes them special, and find out what it takes to keep those magnificent coats looking their best.

We’ll also bust some common myths about long haired cat breeds.

Did you know that not all long haired cat breeds are lazy? Or do some long haired cat breeds actually love to play in water? Get ready to learn some surprising facts about these fluffy felines!

Whether you’re thinking about getting a long haired cat of your own or you love learning about different kinds of cats, you’re sure to find something interesting here.

What Makes the Cats “Long Haired Cat Breeds”?

Before we dive into specific long haired cat breeds, let’s talk about what actually counts as “long hair” for cats. While there’s no official rule, most cat experts consider a cat to be long haired if its fur is more than 2 inches (5 cm) long. Some cats have fur that’s much longer than that – up to 5 inches (13 cm) or even more!

Long haired cats usually have three layers of fur:

The topcoat – the outermost layer of visible fur
The awn hairs – a middle layer that helps insulate the cat
The undercoat – the soft, fluffy layer closest to the skin

All this extra fur helps keep long haired cats warm and protected. It also makes them extra soft and cuddly!

Popular Long Haired Cat Breeds

Now let’s look at some of the most popular and well-known long haired cat breeds. Remember, there are lots of fluffy kitties out there, so this is just a sample of some fan favorites!

1. Persian

When most people think of long haired cats, Persians are often the first breed that comes to mind. These cats are famous for their round faces, squished noses, and incredibly long, silky coats. Persian cats come in many colors and patterns, from pure white to calico to pointed colors like Himalayan Persians.

Personality: Persians tend to be calm, gentle, and sweet-natured cats. They like a quiet home and aren’t usually very active or playful. Persians enjoy lounging around and being admired for their beauty.
Grooming needs: High! Persian cats need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles in their long, fine fur. Many Persian owners give their cats regular baths, too.
Fun fact: Persian cats have been popular for hundreds of years. They were favorites of royalty in Europe in the 1600s!

2. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and they have big, fluffy coats to match! These gentle giants are known for their tufted ears, bushy tails, and thick fur that helps them stay warm in cold weather. Maine Coons come in many colors and patterns.

Personality: Maine Coons are often called “gentle giants” because of their big size but sweet nature. They tend to be friendly, playful, and good with kids and other pets. Many Maine Coons enjoy playing in the water!
Grooming needs: Medium to high. Maine Coons need regular brushing, but their fur doesn’t tangle as easily as some other long haired breeds.
Fun fact: Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. There are legends that they’re part raccoon, but that’s not actually possible!

3. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats are known for their striking blue eyes and color point coats (darker colors on the face, ears, paws, and tail). They have semi-long hair that’s silky and soft. Ragdolls get their name from their tendency to relax and go limp when held, just like a ragdoll toy!

Personality: Ragdolls are usually very calm, gentle, and affectionate cats. They love to be with their people and often follow their owners from room to room. Ragdolls tend to be less active than some other breeds.
Grooming needs: Medium. Ragdolls need regular brushing, but their fur is less prone to matting than some other long haired breeds.
Fun fact: All Ragdoll kittens are born white. They develop their color point patterns as they grow up!

4. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cats (sometimes called “Wegies”) are large, sturdy cats with thick, water-resistant double coats. They have tufted ears and paws and bushy tails. These cats were developed to survive harsh Scandinavian winters!

Personality: Norwegian Forest Cats are usually friendly and gentle, but they’re also independent and enjoy climbing and exploring. They tend to be good with kids and other pets.
Grooming needs: Medium. This long haired cat breed’s fur is less prone to tangles than some long haired breeds, but they still need regular brushing, especially when they’re shedding their winter coats.
Fun fact: In Norse mythology, the goddess Freya’s chariot was pulled by two giant cats that may have been Norwegian Forest Cats!

5. Siberian

Siberian cats are another breed developed to withstand cold climates. They have thick, water-resistant triple coats and stocky bodies. Siberians come in many colors and patterns.

Personality: Siberians are usually playful, active, and intelligent cats. They often enjoy playing in the water and can be quite acrobatic. Siberians tend to be good with kids and other pets.
Grooming needs: Medium to high. Siberians need regular brushing, especially when they’re shedding their heavy winter coats.
Fun fact: Some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate Siberian cats better than other breeds. Siberians may produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions in humans.

6. Birman

Birman cats, also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” have color point coats like Siamese cats but with medium-long silky fur. They’re known for their blue eyes and white “gloves” on their paws.

Personality: Birmans are usually gentle, affectionate, and calm cats. They tend to be good with children and enjoy being around people.
Grooming needs: Low to Medium. Birmans have silky fur that doesn’t tangle easily, but they still benefit from regular brushing.
Fun fact: According to legend, Birman cats got their distinctive white paws when a temple cat stepped in the ashes of a dying priest and turned its paws white forever!

7. Turkish Angora

Turkish Angoras are elegant cats with fine, silky coats that can be quite long, especially around their neck and tail. They’re often white but can come in many other colors, too.

Personality: Turkish Angoras are usually active, playful, and intelligent cats. They often enjoy being up high and watching what’s going on around them.
Grooming needs: Medium. The cat’s fine fur can tangle, so regular brushing is important.
Fun fact: Turkish Angoras are one of the oldest cat breeds. They’ve been around since at least the 1600s!

8. Himalayan

Himalayan cats are actually a type of Persian cat with color point coats (like Siamese cats). They have the same squished faces and long, silky fur as other Persians.

Personality: Like other Persians, Himalayans tend to be calm, gentle, and sweet-natured. They usually prefer a quiet home environment.
Grooming needs: High. Like all Persians, Himalayans need daily brushing and regular baths to keep their long, fine fur from matting.
Fun fact: Himalayan cats aren’t actually from the Himalayan mountains! They were created by breeding Persians with Siamese cats to get the color point coat pattern.

9. Somali

Somali cats are the long haired version of Abyssinian cats. They have a fox-like appearance with large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and bushy tails. Their medium-length fur is very fine and soft.

Personality: Somalis are usually active, playful, and curious cats. They love to explore and can be quite mischievous!
Grooming needs: Low to Medium. Their fur doesn’t tangle easily, but regular brushing helps keep it healthy and reduces shedding.
Fun fact: Somali cats are sometimes called “fox cats” because of their reddish color and bushy tails!

10. Balinese

Balinese cats are long haired Siamese cats. They have the same slender bodies, blue eyes, and color point coats as Siamese but with silky, medium-length fur.

Personality: Like Siamese cats, Balinese are usually very vocal, intelligent, and people-oriented. They often form strong bonds with their owners and love to “talk.”
Grooming needs: Low to Medium. Their silky fur doesn’t tangle easily, but regular brushing helps keep it healthy.
Fun fact: Balinese cats aren’t actually from Bali! They’re named that because their graceful movements reminded people of Balinese dancers.

Caring for Long Haired Cat Breeds

If you’re thinking about getting one of the long haired cat breeds, it’s important to know that they need some extra care to keep their beautiful coats healthy and tangle-free. Here are some tips for caring for long haired cats:

Brushing: Most long haired cats need to be brushed at least a few times a week, and some need daily brushing. Use a brush designed for long haired cats, and be gentle to avoid hurting your kitty’s skin.
Bathing: Some long haired cats, especially Persians, benefit from regular baths. Use a cat-specific shampoo, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Mat prevention: Check your cat regularly for mats (tangled clumps of fur), especially in areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and on the belly. Gently work out small tangles with your fingers or a comb before they turn into big mats.
Professional grooming: Some long haired cat owners choose to take their cats to a professional groomer every few months for a thorough cleaning and trimming.
Diet: Feeding your cat a healthy diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Hairball prevention: Long haired cats are more prone to hairballs because they swallow more fur when they groom themselves. Brushing helps reduce hairballs, and some special foods and treats can help.
Flea prevention: Fleas can be extra hard to spot on long haired cats, so regular flea prevention is important.

Remember, every cat is unique, so you might need to adjust your grooming routine to fit your individual kitty’s needs.

Shedding and Allergies in Long Haired Cat Breeds

One thing to keep in mind with long haired cat breeds is that they often shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. This shedding can mean more cat hair on your furniture and clothes. Regular brushing can help control shedding.

If you or someone in your family has cat allergies, the long haired cat breeds might not be the best choice. More fur often means more of the proteins that cause allergic reactions. However, some long haired cat breeds, like Siberians, might be better tolerated by some people with allergies.

Long Haired Cat Breeds – Myths and Truths

There are a few common myths about long haired cats that aren’t true:

Myth 1: Long haired cat breeds can’t be indoor-outdoor cats.

Truth: While it’s true that long haired cats might need extra cleaning if they go outside, many long haired breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats love outdoor adventures!

Myth 2: All long haired cat breeds are lazy.

Truth: While some long haired breeds, like Persians, tend to be calm, others, like Somalis and Turkish Angoras, can be very active and playful.

Myth 3: Long haired cat breeds are always female.

Truth: Both male and female cats can have long hair. In fact, in some breeds like Maine Coons, the males often have even longer, fluffier coats than the females!

Myth 4: Long haired cat breeds can’t live in warm climates.

Truth: While long haired cats evolved to stay warm in cold weather, they can adapt to warmer climates, too. They might need extra grooming to stay comfortable in hot weather.

8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing One of the Long Haired Cat Breeds

If you’re thinking about getting one of the long haired cat breeds, here are some things to consider:

1. Time for grooming: Do you have time to brush your cat regularly?

2. Shedding: Are you okay with having cat hair on your clothes and furniture?

3. Personality: Do you want an active cat or a calm lap cat?

4. Allergies: Does anyone in your home have cat allergies?

5. Space: Some long haired breeds, like Maine Coons, are quite large and need plenty of space.

6. Other pets: If you have other pets, choose a breed that’s known to get along well with others.

7. Noise level: Some long haired breeds, like Balinese, are very vocal. Is that okay in your home?

8. Adoption vs. breeder: Consider adopting a long haired cat from a shelter. Many mixed-breed cats have beautiful long coats, too!

Conclusion

Long haired cat breeds are diverse and beautiful, ranging from the laid-back Persian to the active and curious Somali. While they may require more grooming than their short haired cousins, many cat lovers find that the extra fluff is well worth the effort!

Whether you’re drawn to the gentle giant Maine Coon, the elegant Birman, or any other long haired breed, remember that each cat is an individual with its unique personality. The most important thing is to choose a cat that fits well with your lifestyle and that you can provide a loving home for.

So, are you ready to welcome a fluffy feline friend into your life? With their luxurious coats and lovable personalities, long haired cat breeds are sure to bring lots of joy (and maybe a little extra vacuuming) to your home!

Top 10 Long Haired Cat Breeds – Perfect Pets for Cat Lovers