The Complete List of Long-Haired Cat Breeds

From chilly country cottages to sunny city flats, long-coated cats add texture and personality to a home while bringing a bit more grooming into your routine. Thinking about coat length alongside size and temperament helps you pick a cat that fits your lifestyle.

There are 25 long-haired cat breeds, ranging from American Bobtail to Turkish Van. For each, you’ll find below Scientific name,Origin,Average weight (kg) and a concise note on appearance and temperament — you’ll find below.

How much grooming do long-haired cat breeds typically need?

Most long-haired cats benefit from daily to several-times-weekly brushing to prevent tangles and mats; heavier shedders may need more attention during seasonal molts. Keep a slicker brush and wide-tooth comb on hand, trim problem areas if needed, and book professional grooming for stubborn mats or if you prefer less hands-on maintenance.

Are long-haired breeds a good choice for people with allergies?

No cat is truly hypoallergenic, and long-haired breeds can carry more dander and loose hair, which may worsen reactions. Spend time with the specific breed or individual before adopting, maintain regular grooming and cleaning, and consider air filtration to reduce allergens.

Long-Haired Cat Breeds

Images and Descriptions

Persian

Luxurious long coat and calm, gentle temperament make Persians classic lap cats. High grooming needs include daily brushing and regular face care. Friendly and placid, they excel as indoor companions and are a staple in show rings worldwide.

Maine Coon

Large, shaggy-coated and affectionate, Maine Coons are friendly, playful, and dog-like. Their water-resistant semi-longhair requires weekly brushing. Notable for impressive size and tufted ears and paws, they thrive as social family pets and are excellent with children.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Thick, weatherproof double coat and sturdy build suit cold climates; grooming needs are moderate with seasonal shedding. Independent yet sociable, these cats enjoy climbing and outdoor time. They have ancient roots in Norway and a rugged, natural appearance.

Siberian

Dense, water-resistant triple coat and affectionate, playful temperament define the Siberian. They need regular grooming during seasonal molts but are relatively low-maintenance otherwise. Known for agility and strength, Siberians are a popular, hardy family companion from Russia.

Ragdoll

Silky semi-longhair and famously relaxed, floppy temperament; Ragdolls are gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented. Weekly brushing keeps their coat tidy. Notable for their striking blue eyes and tendency to go limp when picked up, making them beloved companions.

Birman

Soft semi-long coat with colorpoint pattern and deep-blue eyes; Birmans are affectionate, gentle, and social. Moderate grooming and regular brushing prevent mats. Traditionally seen as calm household companions, they’re known for their white “gloves” on paws.

Turkish Angora

Fine, silky single to semi-long coat and lively, intelligent temperament; Angoras are playful and affectionate. Moderate grooming keeps the coat sleek. Famous in Ankara, they’re elegant, active cats prized for grace and sociability.

Turkish Van

Soft, semi-long, water-resistant coat and energetic, active temperament; Vans enjoy play and swimming. Regular brushing controls shedding. Known for the distinctive “van” pattern and strong musculature, they’re adventurous companions from eastern Turkey.

Balinese

Long-haired version of the Siamese with a silky coat and vocal, affectionate personality. Moderate grooming is needed to avoid tangles. Intelligent and social, Balinese cats are excellent companions and often favored for their people-focused nature and elegant looks.

Himalayan

Persian-type long coat with colorpoint pattern and calm, gentle temperament; Himalayans need daily grooming and regular eye cleaning. Sweet and placid, they combine Persian looks with Siamese coloring and are popular in shows and as peaceful house pets.

Somali

Fluffy, ticked coat and lively, curious temperament; Somalis are playful and intelligent. Regular brushing prevents tangles and controls shedding. Often called the “long-haired Abyssinian,” they’re energetic companions with a wild, fox-like look.

Nebelung

Long, silky blue coat and quiet, reserved temperament; Nebelungs are gentle and loyal. Weekly grooming keeps their plush coat in good condition. Notable for their shimmering silver-blue fur and resemblance to the Russian Blue with long hair.

Ragamuffin

Soft, dense long coat and extremely affectionate, mellow temperament; Ragamuffins crave human company. Regular grooming keeps their fur healthy. Bred for sweetness and size, they’re known as cuddly, calm companions with teddy-bear expressions.

LaPerm

Curly, soft longhair and friendly, playful temperament; LaPerms require gentle grooming to maintain curls and prevent mats. Affectionate and people-oriented, they stand out for their distinctive wavy coat and tolerant, engaging personality.

Selkirk Rex

Plush, curly long coat and easygoing, affectionate temperament define the Selkirk Rex. Regular but gentle grooming helps curly fur; they tolerate handling well. Notable for their teddy-bear looks and genetically curly coat, suitable for families and shows.

Cymric

Longhaired Manx with a rounded body and tailless or short-tailed trait; Cymrics are playful and friendly. Moderate grooming prevents tangles. Distinguished by their lack of tail (or short tail), they’re sturdy, social island cats with personality.

Japanese Bobtail

Soft, medium-to-long coat in the longhair variety and lively, intelligent temperament; grooming is moderate. Japanese Bobtails are playful, vocal, and culturally significant in Japan, often depicted as lucky figures with distinctive pom-pom tails.

American Curl

Silky longhair variant with distinctive backward-curling ears and affectionate, playful nature. Regular brushing is recommended. Known for their sweet, adaptable personalities and unique ear shape, American Curls make engaging, tolerant companions.

American Bobtail

Rugged, shaggy longhair variant with a short bobbed tail and adventurous, dog-like temperament. Moderate grooming maintains their tousled coat. Bred for a wild look paired with friendly, playful behavior, they’re energetic family cats.

British Longhair

Plush, dense long coat and calm, easygoing temperament; British Longhairs prefer relaxed companionship. Weekly grooming and occasional de-shedding help manage their coat. Known for round faces and sturdy builds, they’re popular, low-key household pets.

Oriental Longhair

Sleek, fine long coat and vocal, active temperament; Orientals are sociable and curious. Regular grooming keeps their coat smooth. Essentially the long-haired relative of the Oriental Shorthair, they’re known for personality, variety of colors, and people-focus.

Kurilian Bobtail

Soft to semi-long coat and bold, playful temperament; Kurilian Bobtails enjoy water and hunting. Moderate grooming manages their thick coat. Notable for a pom-pom tail and robust hunting ability, they come from Russia’s Kuril Islands.

Scottish Fold Longhair

Soft, long coat combined with folded ears results in a sweet, calm cat. Regular grooming prevents matting. Scottish Fold Longhairs are affectionate and quiet, popular for their endearing appearance though ear-fold genetics require responsible breeding.

Minuet

Compact longhair variety (also called Napoleon) with a playful, affectionate temperament. Regular grooming keeps the soft coat tidy. Bred for short legs and sweet dispositions, Minuets are lap-friendly, adaptable companions often suited to apartment life.

Tiffanie

Elegant semi-longhair derived from Asian breeds with a calm, affectionate temperament. Moderate grooming maintains their silky coat. Popular in British show circles, Tiffanies are known for their refined looks and friendly, people-oriented nature.

Other Coat Type Cat Breeds