What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (2024)

Cats with long fur coats are attractive breeds for people who admire the look and feel of their soft and silky manes. Whether or not you're fond of short, fluffy, or long-haired cats, there are a variety of cute-as-a-button felines that capture the attention and love of cat-loving people. According to a recent University of California-Davis report, the presence of four mutations in FGF5 feline genes is responsible for long hair in specific cat breeds. If you are looking to take in a new long-haired housemate, you've arrived in the right space. Our team has a list of the 15 most beautiful long-haired felines for you to review. Hopefully, you find the "purrfect" cat to add to your family.

We talked to an expert to find out what you need to know before adopting a long-haired cat breed. Although long-haired cats are trendy among many pet parents, most of them require a heightened level of care and grooming needs. Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist at Cat Training by Cristy, says, "Choose a (long-haired) breed that matches your lifestyle and household dynamics." Brusoe encourages caregivers to pay attention to the grooming needs of their chosen breed and provide "daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles." She also shares three tips below for long-haired pet parents to keep cats healthy and happy.

Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups are essential to monitor their overall health, especially because long-haired breeds can be prone to certain genetic conditions.
Socialization: Long-haired breeds, like all cats, benefit from early socialization. Expose them to different environments, people, and gentle handling from a young age to build their confidence and reduce stress.
Consulting a cat behaviorist: This can also be beneficial, especially if you encounter any specific behavioral issues or need tailored advice on caring for your long-haired feline friend.

If you're a low-maintenance pet parent and unable to adjust to the emotional needs or physical demands of caring for a long-haired cat breed, look at different ones that require a lighter touch.

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Siberian Cat

The national feline of Russia are known for their loving disposition, large size, and three-layered coat. The friendly breed takes up to five years to reach its full-grown size of up to 17 pounds. They are intelligent, enjoy cuddling, and can develop strong relationship with people and other animals.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Siberia, a region of Russia
Eye Color: blue, green, golden-copper, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: white, black, blue, red, cream, and silver, plus various patterns and shadings
Coat Characteristics: semi-long triple coat that adapts to cold environments, thick
Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Average Life Span: 10-18

Related: Fluffy Cat Breeds that Make Great Pets

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cats (a.k.a. skogkatt or forest cat in Norway), are a breed of long-haired domestic cats known for its large size, strong muscular body, and double coat of plush fur. Some of their striking physical characteristics include high set and large pointed ears, and a long flowing tail.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Norway
Eye Color: copper, gold, and green
Coat Color: comes in various colors and patterns
Coat Characteristics: Semi-long, thick, and water-resistant with a dense undercoat and a bushy tail
Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Average Life Span: 12-16 years

Related: The Friendliest Cat Breeds to Consider Adopting

Ragdoll Cat

These gentle-natured felines are extremely affectionate and social with people. They are wonderful pets for families with small children. Ragdolls have penchant for going limp when they are picked up (i.e. floppy cat syndrome). Some enjoy being held by a trusted human while some are not like being held. However, most can develop lasting friendships with their pet parents.

Breed Stats
Native Region: United States
Eye Color: Blue
Coat Color: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream
Coat Characteristics: medium-length with a shiny plush coat; light body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, colorpoint, and mitted
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Average Life Span: 12 to 15 years

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Ragamuffin Cat

Japanese Bobtail Cat

The slender framed Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat that loves being active with their pet parents and other animals. There are both longhair and shorthair varieties and males are generally bigger than females. They do not like being alone and it's best to have another cat to keep them company if you're away from home for extended periods.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Japan with origins from Far East (China) and Southeastern Asia (Korea)
Eye Color: amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, Gold, hazel, orange, yellow, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: white, black, red, blue and cream, plus various patterns and shadings
Coat Characteristics: long and short
Weight: 5 to 12 pounds
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Average Life Span: 15-18 years

Related: The Best Names for Black Cats

Turkish Van Cat

Turkish Van cats are highly energetic felines with a penchant for jumping to great heights thanks to their strong hind legs, and have semi-long lush coats that feel similar to cashmere.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Turkey
Eye Color: amber, blue, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: white with dark coloring on head and tail and sometimes on the back of the neck (referred to as the Van pattern)
Coat Characteristics: semi-long
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Average Life Span: 13-17 years

Related: How Often Should You Bathe Your Cat?

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Pixie Bobcat

Despite their exotic and wild appearance, Pixie Bobcats are sweet feline companions with loyal personalities and a fondness for humans, other cats, and friendly dogs. They enjoy games similar to the ones dogs enjoy. For example, Pixie-Bob cats like playing fetch, walking on leashes (once trained), and car rides.

Breed Stats
Native Region: United States
Eye Color: brown, gold, and various shades of green
Coat Color: various shades of brown (tan to a reddish-brown)
Coat Characteristics: spotted patterns like tabby
Weight: 8 to 17 pounds
Height: 9 to 13 inches
Average Life Span: 13 to 15 year

Maine Coon Cat

The gentle giants are known for their large stature, athleticism, and natural hunting skills. Purebred Maine coons can cost upwards of $1,000-$2,000. These sizable cats enjoy the company of humans and can be very social with other felines and mild mannered dogs.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Riverdale, California (United States)
Eye Color: green, gold, or green-gold, and rarely blue eyes
Coat Color: coat colors include black, blue, cream, red, and white
Coat Characteristics: long-length with a dense coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, tortoiseshell, smoke, shaded, tabby, and tricolor (calico)
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Height: up to 16 inches
Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years

Turkish Angora Cat

Turkish Angora cats are cute, cuddly with plush coats that require low maintenance grooming, and have a personality that's reminiscent of similar friendly dog breeds. The personable cat breed has some of the same lineage as the Turkish Van cat. They are frequently described as dog-like because are smart enough learn a few tricks and greet home visitors in a way similar to canines.

Breed Stats

Native Region: Turkey
Eye Color: amber, blue, green, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Color: black, blue, cinnamon, lavender, red, tabby, and tabby-white
Coat Characteristics: semi-longhaired and silky; coat patterns include tortoiseshell, spotted, tabby, and bi-colored
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Height: 9 to 14 inches
Average Life Span: 15 to 20 years

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American Bobtail Cat

The American Bobtail cat is similar to dogs in more ways than one. They're an athletic breed with physical characteristics that look similar to bobtailed wildcats and have a naturally short bobtail. The feline also has dog-like tendencies to enjoy games like fetch and hide-and-seek and walking on a leash.

Breed Stats
Native Region: southwestern region of North America
Eye Color: blue, copper, gold, green, yellow, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Color: black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lavender, white, plus various patterns and shadings
Coat Characteristics: short, medium, long
Weight: 7 to 16 pounds
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Average Life Span: 13 to 15 years

Persian Cat

These pretty and fluffy felines have roots dating back to 1684 B.C. Persians. They sweet companions that love lounging in sunny spots around the house. Persian cats are popular with family that have young children because of their gentle and friendly nature.

Breed Stats
Native Region: modern day Iran (in a region formerly named Mesopotamia and Persia)
Eye Color: multiple shades of blue, copper, and green
Coat Color: black, calico, cream, silver, tabby, white, and gold, shaded, and smoke
Coat Characteristics: long-length fluffy coat; coat patterns include bi-color points
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Average Life Span: 10 to 15 years

American Curl Cat

The unique ears of American Curl Cats are the first physical characteristic of this breed that stands out. These athletic felines generally have long bodies, love engaging in interactive playtime with their pet parents, and get along well with other cat breeds.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Lakewood, California (United States)
Eye Color: amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, orange, yellow, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Color: white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, buttercream, brown
Coat Characteristics: long haired and short haired
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Average Life Span: 9 to 13 years

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Manx Cat

Manx cats are known for their round and stocky body that include either a short tail or no tail at all. The midsized cat has a thick double coat that sheds a lot and requires daily to weekly grooming. The breed can develop strong bonds with their human companions.

Breed Stats
Native Region: The Isle of Man (an island in the Irish Sea between Ireland and Great Britain)
Eye Color: blue, copper, gold, green, hazel, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: black, blue, brown, cream, red, silver, and white
Coat Characteristics: long haired and short haired, thick and double-layered coats
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Average Life Span: 10 to 14 years (some live over 16 years)

LaPerm Cat

The curly or wavy coat of the LaPerm Cat gives the breed a mysterious aura and a distinct physical appearance. It's known for having a coat that includes bouncy ringlets that are not high-maintenance in relation to grooming as their fur is soft and pliable. The felines are usually very sociable with their pet parents and develop lasting friendship with their family members too.

Breed Stats

Native Region: Oregon (United States)
Eye Color: aqua, blue, copper, gold, green, yellow, and and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
Coat Color: black, blue, chocolate tortoiseshell, calico, classic tabby, fawn, red tabby, and white
Coat Characteristics: wavy or curly coat, long-haired and short haired, with a variety of colors and patterns
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Height: 6 to 10 inches
Average Life Span: 12-15 years

Munchkin Cat

Munchkin cats live up to their moniker. The friendly felines have short legs that are usually three inches shorter than most domestic cats. This gives them a dwarf-like appearance with an otherwise average cat frame. They have playful personalities and are faithful companions who frequently follow their pet parents around the house.

Breed Stats
Native Region: Louisiana (United States)
Eye Color: blue, green, hazel, brown, yellow, orange, copper, and gold
Coat Color: white, black, red, brown, blue, cream, lavender, as well as tabby, bicolor, calico, pointed, mink, tuxedo, or tortoiseshell
Coat Characteristics: thick and plush
Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Height: 6-9 inches
Average Life Span: 12 to 15 years

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Long Haired Cat Grooming Needs and Health Monitoring Tips

Cristy Brusoe suggests the following tips for pet parents with long haired feline family members.

Regular Brushing: Long-haired cats require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. This also helps reduce shedding and hairballs.

Bathing: Occasionally, bathing can help maintain their coat’s cleanliness. Use cat-specific shampoo and ensure thorough drying to prevent skin issues.

Professional Grooming: Periodic visits to a professional groomer can keep their coat in top condition, especially for breeds prone to severe matting.

Skin Checks: Regularly inspect their skin for signs of irritation, infections, or parasites, as long hair can sometimes hide these issues.

Diet: Ensure they have a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.

Hydration: Long-haired cats might benefit from increased water intake to reduce the risk of hairballs and keep their coat shiny.

Janece Maze

Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.