10 Fluffy Cat Breeds That Have Long Hair

• Lifespan: 9–13 years
• Temperament: Easygoing, affectionate, outgoing

The curious and social Birman makes an easygoing companion for busy households. These friendly cats tend to get along with other kitties, dogs, and children alike. They are recognizable for their piercing blue eyes and soft, pointed coat.

Birmans are relatively simple to care for compared to other longhaired cat breeds. With no undercoat, this breed stays fluffy and tangle-free with basic weekly grooming.

• Lifespan: 12–18 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, social, laid-back

Himalayans are a blend of the Persian cat and the Siamese. They are considered part of the Persian breed group and have the long-fluffy coat and flat, expressive face of their relatives.

Their blue eyes and pointed color pattern, inherited from their Siamese ancestors, make them one of the most exotic-looking fluffy cats on the list. To keep them looking their best, you’ll need to run a steel comb through their coat every day.

• Lifespan: 10–13 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, loving, loyal

If you dream of cohabitating with a big fluffy cat, the Maine Coon might be your breed. These cats are as lovable as they are big —they can weigh 20 pounds or more!

They are the only longhaired breed native to the U.S., hailing from the state of Maine where their thick, water-resistant coat kept them warm during cold winters.

• Lifespan: 13–15 years
• Temperament: Observant, confident, sweet

Norwegian Forest Cats, affectionately referred to as Wedgies, are another large breed of longhaired cats. These intelligent felines are loyal but independent, keen to follow you around but not necessarily spend the evening on your lap.

Wedgies love to climb, and their muscular hind legs make them strong jumpers. Pet parents should give them plenty of vertical spaces to explore.

With their long coats and round features, Persians are often seen as the fluffiest cat breed—they often look like sentient puffs of fur.

Their soft, silky coat requires extensive daily grooming, but for many pet parents, this extra effort is worth the gentle companionship of these adorable kitties.

• Lifespan: 13–18 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, docile, gentle

These large, affectionate cats love to be picked up, and most will go limp with satisfaction—much like a rag doll toy!

Ragdolls have soft and silky coats that require weekly brushings. Their fluffy kittens can be wild and energetic, but adult Ragdolls tend to be quite placid, making them a great lap cat.

• Lifespan: 14–20 years
• Temperament: Cuddly, docile, friendly

The Selkirk Rex breed originated in the 1980s when a breeder bred an unusually curly-haired cat and ended up with a litter of fluffy kitties, half with curly hair. Since then, Selkirk Rex cats have been adored for their wavy coats.

• Lifespan: 11–18 years
• Temperament: Chatty, witty, social

The Siberian cat is built for extreme cold weather. These fluffy cats have a triple-layer coat that’s water-resistant to stand up to harsh Siberian winters, where the breed originated.

This means Siberian cats shed a lot, especially in the spring and fall, and need daily brushing to keep their fur under control and free of matting. But this grooming is a great time to build your bond with these affectionate and highly intelligent felines.

• Lifespan: 11–16 years
• Temperament: Curious, smart, energetic

Somali cats are the longhaired versions of the Abyssinian breed. Their soft coats have a gorgeous iridescence and are fairly easy to care for.

Somalis are insatiably curious, and love to explore and climb. They prefer plenty of company, especially kids who can match their level of energy.

• Lifespan: 12–17 years
• Temperament: Active, adventurous, social

The Turkish Van has a single-layer fluffy coat that requires weekly combing. These cats are active and high-energy and will follow you around for constant pets and attention.

This breed loves to play and they’re known to be a rare cat breed that loves splashing in water, making them interested in faucets, fountains, and anything with a splash.

Before you invite a fluffy cat to join your family, it’s important to prepare for the extra work that comes with longhaired kitties.

While some fluffy breeds, like the Somali, are more low-maintenance, most longhaired cats will need to be brushed at least once or twice a week. And some, like the Persian and the Siberian, even require daily brushing to keep a healthy coat and skin. 

Brushing your cat is not just for appearance. Without regular grooming, dirt and debris can get stuck on a cat’s coat, and their fur can become matted. Matting happens when a shedding undercoat gets messy with natural oils from the skin, then tangled and trapped in the top coat. Left unaddressed, matting can cause skin irritation, pain, and even infection.

To prevent matting, start by combing out tangles with a wide-toothed comb, like the Frisco Metal Comb. Pay special attention to areas behind the ears, under the legs, and on the chest.

Then, follow up with a soft bristle brush like the Bass Brushes Soft Bristle Brush to remove loose hairs. Cats with fluffy tails can also benefit from having their tails combed and brushed.

Many longhaired cats shed their coats seasonally when the weather changes. During this time, their coats are more susceptible to matting. Extra grooming can help keep their coats healthy. 

The good news is that grooming can serve as a bonding activity between you and your cat, too. Many cats actually enjoy being brushed and combed.

To make grooming easier for you and your feline, start when they are still a kitten and offer plenty of cat treats during the process to create a positive association.