Fluffy cats are one of the most adorable animals out there. Sure, they shed a bit, and they require more grooming, but that's a price well worth paying for a bundle of fluff curling up in your lap. Below, we'll look at 15 of the fluffiest cat breeds - what makes each one unique, and why you might need one for your next pet!
15 Fluffy Cat Breeds
Persian
Image credit: Amir Mohammad Azarmehri
The Persian cat breed is the quintessential fluffy cat. While typically shown as big and white, Persians come in just as many colors and other patterns as other cat breeds, although they often have a white undercoat. They have been recorded throughout history as being favored by royalty. They have thick, luxurious fur coats and typically have docile, "pamper me" personalities. This breed of a cat requires brushing at least weekly.
Ragdoll
Image credit: Kevin Chinchilla
If you tend to be a dog lover, the Ragdoll cat may be just the match for you. They have cute faces, slightly shallower with large eyes, but it's their personalities that are the winners. Ragdolls are laidback and intelligent, and can be taught to sit and play fetch and rollover. They make a great family pet.
Maine Coon
Image Credit: Kanashi
Maine Coons are large cats, simply put. This popular breed has prominent, expressive mouths and thick fur. Their silky coat of fur isn't just a coveted characteristic - it was a survival element. The Maine Coon cat is an American breed first recognized in Maine. They had to adapt to withstand the cold winters of the New England regions. These big cats are incredibly affectionate and are relatively low maintenance.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Image Credit: Omid Armin
Norwegian Forest Cats look regal and almost otherworldly. You can just picture them with a mane. The Norwegian Forest Cat is an old breed best suited to colder climates. They are large cats with a friendly disposition. Their long, thick coats of fur tend to shed a lot, so be prepared for plenty of brushing. These cats have appeared in fairy tales from Norway for thousands of years.
Siberian
Image Credit: istock
If a cat hails from Siberia, you can assume that it will have a thick coat. Siberian cats are an ancient breed well suited for the colder areas. They are strong, powerful, intelligent, people-oriented, and prone to mischief-making. A Siberian cat will make a great animal companion.
Ragamuffin
Credit Image: Istock
The Ragamuffin cat is similar to the Ragdoll cat as they are both intelligent and can be trained to follow basic commands. Ragamuffins have a more typical cat face - more feline, less cute. Their long hair has a thicker undercoat and will require brushing weekly.
Himalayan
Image Credit: istock
Himalayan cats were created by crossing the Persian and Siamese breeds. That resulted in a cat with the fluffiness of the Persians with coloring patterns of the Siamese - large, piercingly blue eyes, small ears, and the beautiful cream-and-chocolate coloring. While they love their human families, they aren't warm or welcoming to strangers or visitors.
Birman
Image Credit: Istock
The Birman cat is perfect if you want a feline companion that will follow you everywhere. With fluffy coats of beautiful color patterns, this cat breed is particularly affectionate and sensitive. Birmans will be the perfect pet for someone living alone, needing companionship.
Somali
Image Credit: Istock
Not all fluffy cats are long-haired cats. The Somali is a short hair breed. Their hair may be short, but it is exceptionally thick. These cats are muscular underneath all that fluff and will require regular exercise. They are great family pets, social and friendly with anyone who comes around the house. They do best as outside cats, where they can burn off their physical energy, but that does mean their thick coat of fur will require grooming more frequently.
Turkish Van
Image Credit: istock
The Turkish Van is a unique cat in that not only do they tolerate water, but they actually love it. Their coat is thick enough so as to be waterproof, which protects them from cold temperatures and keeps their actual body from being soaked. They have even been nicknamed "the swimming cat"! But the unique traits don't stop there - they frequently have bi-colored eyes, with one eye being green and one blue.
Turkish Angora
Image Credit: Istock
The Turkish Angora is another fluffy cat without long hair. These cats are small in stature, with medium-length hair. But while they don't have as long hair as other cats on this list, it is plenty thick. They do best with regular baths along with a weekly brushing. These cats have bright white coloring with striking eyes.
Highland Fold
Image Credit: istock
These unique little Scottish cats' ears are folded forward and particularly fuzzy hair. Highland Folds, also called Scottish Fold, are active cats, enjoying being outside and loving the companionship of a human family. Of all fluffy cat breeds, the Highland Fold requires the most brushing. The fuzzy quality of their fur causes it to tend to rat together. You'll need to brush their coat twice a week to prevent matting.
Exotic Shorthair
Image Credit: istock
Exotic Shorthair cats look almost exactly like Persian cats, having the same distinctive "squished" face. However, it has a shorter coat. They're energetic but impatient and not the best option if you have small children in your family or other high-energy pets.
British Shorthair
Image Credit: istock
Proving again that you don't need long hair to be a fluffy cat breed, the British Shorthair cat makes it on this list due to its bushy tail and thick, luscious coat. However, even with short hair, they are not low maintenance. These cats shed significantly and aren't fond of visitors or strangers.
Japanese Bobtail (Longhair)
Image Credit: istock
The Japanese bobtail is a great cat for first-time cat owners. They are playful, curious, and sociable, making them great family cats. This breed of cat comes in many colors, and the most preferred color in Japan is tri-color, tortie, or white (known as Mi-ke). Because they are long hair cats, they do require regular grooming.
FAQ
Does the fluffy cat breed require a special diet?
Fluffy and long-haired cat breeds typically are prone to hairballs. For this reason, they require special cat food to prevent and help with hairballs.
And for healthy hair, skin, and body for your cat, you will need to feed it a well-balanced diet.
How To Keep Your Fluffy Cat Coat Healthy?
Whether you rescue cats or are a new pet owner, it is important to learn how to keep your fluffy cat coat looking healthy. Here are a few pet care tips for a beautiful coat:
- Provide a nutritious and balanced diet
- Add fish oil supplement to their diet
- Brush their coat regularly
