15 Fluffy Cat Breeds - Love Your Cat (2024)

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Sometimes, the cure for a long, exhausting day is a cuddle session with your favorite four-legged friend. Studies have shown that being close to our favorite felines can boost levels of “happy hormones” serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins in the brain. Moreover, a cat’s purr has therapeutic benefits for humans. The vibrations produced when a cat purrs have demonstrated the ability to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve bone density, and promote healing.

For some feline fanatics, a luxurious, fluffy coat is everything. Bushy cats are not only gorgeous to look at, but their soft marshmallow bodies are extra fun to cuddle and caress. There are many types of fluffy cats. Some kitties, like the Maine Coon, are big, furry cats with extra-long coats. Others, like British Shorthair, are known for their fuzzy, super-plush fur.

Regardless, these cats benefit from regular brushing to keep their coats in tip-top condition. We bring you the top 15 fluffy cat breeds.

Birman

Say hello to the gentle and affectionateBirman. Also called the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” these kitties look like puffy, toasted marshmallows and are just as sweet. While often confused with the Ragdoll and Traditional Siamese due to their striking blue eyes and colorpoint coats, the Birman is a breed uniquely its own (we cover the differences inBirman vs. RagdollandBirman vs. Siamese).

Birman cats have long, single coats that require much less grooming than the average long-haired cat. Interestingly, while not entirely friendly to cat-allergy sufferers, the Birman is considered morehypoallergenicthan other breeds since they shed less fur due to their lack of undercoat.

British Shorthair

As the breed’s name suggests, the British Shorthair has a relatively short coat, but it’s also quite dense and fluffy. Nicknamed the “teddy bear” breed, these cats haveflat, chubby facesthat match their large, rounded bodies. Commonly found in a silvery gray or blue color, the coats of these cats are so thick that they have a water-repellent quality. Could this be why these curious cats tend to be fascinated by running water? British Shorthairs are known to splash in water dishes and play with floating toys; they may even jump in the shower with you.

The British Shorthair is a fantastic choice for pet owners looking for an affectionate but not overbearing cat. They arecalm catswho get along with most humans and pets, but beware, allergy sufferers—these cats arenot hypoallergenic.

Highland Fold

The Highland Fold is the name given to Scottish Fold cats with long coats. Also called the Scottish Fold Longhair, these are medium-sized cats with round, semi-coby-looking bodies and the trademark folded ears of the Scottish Fold cat. Highland Folds are considered sweet-tempered, affectionate cats that enjoy being with people.

Highland Folds have a dense coat with an impressive amount of hair that requires weekly maintenance, if not daily brushing. These cats have toe tufts, ear furnishings, and a neck ruff that gives them an extra fluffy appearance.

Himalayan

Himalayans, or “Himmies,” are a crossbreed of the Persian and Siamese cats. These cats have the body of the Persian with the colorpoint coat and bright blue eyes of the Siamese. These cats are known to be sedate, gentle, and very affectionate.

The thick, double coat of the Himalayan requires daily brushing and combing to prevent matting. Some owners hire professional groomers to cut their cat’s hair, particularly in areas that get uncomfortably matted on long-haired cats.

Maine Coon

As one of the world’smost popular cat breeds, theMaine Coonis famous for theirimpressive sizeand long, fluffy coats. The thick, double-layer coats of these bushy cats consist of three hair types that protect the breed from the harsh winters of the northeastern United States, where it naturally developed. If you’re looking for big, fluffy cat breeds, the Maine Coon can’t be beat.

The luscious locks of the Maine Coon are so dense that it requires specificgrooming toolsto manage their matting andshedding. But if you can handle maintaining this feline’s fabulous coat, you’ll have the ultimate cuddle buddy for years to come.

Nebelung

The Nebelung is a new breed that is still relatively rare—even in its native country. The name Nebelung, or “create of the mist,” is German, but the breed actually originated in the United States. The Nebelung originated in the early 1980s when a female black domestic shorthair mated with a longhaired cat, similar to a black Angora. The resulting litter had one male cat with a long blue-gray coat. From there, a breeding program began using Russian Blue cats as outcrosses to increase the genetic diversity of this new breed.

The Nebelung is a medium-sized cat with a long, muscular body. These cats have medium-length, dense hair that is silky to the touch. The Nebelung is sometimes called the Longhaired Russian Blue due to its distinct blue-gray fur and green eyes, but the breed is entirely its own. The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Nebelung for championship status in 1997.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Oftenconfused with the Maine Coon, the extremely bushy Norwegian Forest cat is another easy-going and affectionate cat that makes a great cuddle buddy. This breed developed naturally in Northern Europe, adapting a thick coat to handle the cold climate. The Norwegian Forest cat has a long, glossy, water-repellent top coat and a woolly undercoat to prove insulation. These cats also have a thick neck ruff and a bushy tail. As you’ve probably guessed, the Norwegian Forest cat isnot hypoallergenic.

Overall, the Norwegian Forest cat is intelligent and friendly. These cats are expert hunters but have also adapted to living indoors. Still, onestudyfound that Norwegian Forest kittens were active and more likely than other breeds to explore and try to escape. If you like the idea of an adventure cat, this breed is a fantastic choice. Just ensure your feline wears atracking deviceso they don’t get lost.

Persian

No feline is more synonymous with being fluffy than thePersian. These bushy kitties require daily grooming to maintain their long, thick coats. Persian cats areexpert shedders,and regular brushing prevents matting and shedding around the house. But if you are willing to do the work (and you don’tsuffer from cat allergies), these felines are an absolute delight to have as a companion pet.

Cat lovers praise the Persians for their docile temperament and sweet personality. These kitties are incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their close family members. Are you interested in bringing a Persian cat into your home? View our list of250+ Persian cat namesfor inspiration when naming your new fur baby.

RagaMuffin

The RagaMuffin is another breed commonly confused with the popular Maine Coon. Both breeds are very large with long, thick coats; however, their temperaments are distinctly different. (You can view all of the differences in ourRagaMuffin vs. Maine Coonarticle.) Like the Ragdoll, the RagaMuffin tends to go limp when held, making them an excellent lap cat. These kitties are suited for life indoors, preferring a relaxing day in a sunny window over hunting and adventuring.

RagaMuffins are supercalm, loving, and affectionate. They are an excellent choice for first-time feline owners since they are laid-back and not overly vocal or hyper. Be warned, though, RagaMuffins shed a lot. These cats are among theworst breeds for those with cat allergies, thanks to their super-shedding status.

Ragdoll

Currently themost popular cat breedin the world, theRagdollis cherished for its super-lux coats and extremely docile temperament. Named Ragdoll for their tendency to go limp when held, the Ragdoll is also known for being quiet, amiable, and ultra sweet.

While the Ragdoll requires weekly brushing to avoid tangles, they are still alow-maintenance cat breed. To manageRagdoll shedding, give these cats a quick brushing once daily. These marshmallow kitties are also prone to variousgenetic health conditions, so always ensure you’re purchasing your Ragdoll from a responsible breeder for your pet’s wellbeing.

Scottish Fold

You might not have expected to see the Scottish Fold listed under fluffy cat breeds. While we don’t typically associate short-coated cats as fluffy, the dense coat of the Scottish Fold will shift your concept of what it means to be fluffy. These cats are often likened to teddy bears or owls due to their round faces,large eyes, and signature folded ears.

The coat of the Scottish Fold is generally short and very dense, though the long-haired Highland Fold can also be found.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is one of the fewcurly-haired cat breeds. The breed originated from a naturally curly-haired housecat and a Persian; thus, the Selkirk Rex sports a curly, plush coat. Even the whiskers of this cat are adorably curly.

Other defining features of this cat are their laid-back temperament and playful disposition. These cats love to cuddle and are very people-oriented.

Siberian

Allergy sufferers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a fluffy cat that won’t irritate your allergies, consider the Siberian. While these cats doshedthanks to their long triple coats,the Siberian also producesless Fel d 1 protein(the leading cause of cat allergies), making them more hypoallergenic than your standard cat.

The Siberian developed naturally in Russia. This cat’s coat is water-repellent and highly dense to offer protection from the climate. Overall, Siberians are very friendly and easy-going. While sometimesconfused with the Maine Coon, the Siberian is much more compact.

Somali

Another rare breed, the Somali, is a beautiful cat with a vibrant coat, plumed tail, and alert personality. This breed is genetically similar to the Abyssinian cat, even being called a longhaired Abyssinian. Both share a gorgeous warm coat (in red, ruddy, fawn, and blue), but the Somali’s coat is longer and thicker. Despite their coat length, these cats require minimal grooming.

Somalis are lively and active. These cats are incredibly playful and will take all the attention their caretakers are willing to provide. Living with a Somali guarantees you a built-in best friend. They are a wonderful, enthusiastic companion pet. If you’re curious about small, fluffy cat breeds, the Somali should be at the top of your list.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is an ancient rare breed known for their slender bodies and silky, long fur. It is believed that the breed originated in the mountainous regions of Turkey, where it developed a soft, medium-long coat for protection from the harsh climate.

These cats are outgoing, affectionate, and intelligent. They are friendly with visitors and make great family pets for those with young children. They typically form strong bonds and do not like to be alone for long periods. While not lap cats, they retain kitten-like energy throughout their adult life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about fluffy cat breeds. Don’t see yours? Ask us in thecomments.

What Cat Breed Has The Most Fur?

Generally, those cats that developed in cold climates have the most fur. The furriest cats will have multiple layers of hair, called a double coat. A double coat has a soft, thick, insulated layer close to the skin (the undercoat) and longer, finer hair that functions as a protective top coat. Those cats with double coats include theMaine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Siberian, Persian, and British Shorthair.

What Is The Softest Cat?

Cats with super-soft tresses include the Birman, Ragdoll, and Turkish Angora. To make your cat’s fur extra silky, supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. You should also regularly use a boar bristle brush to distribute your cat’s natural oils through their coat evenly.

Grooming A Fluffy Cat

With major fluff comes great responsibility. Owning one of these fluffy cat breeds requires more grooming than your standard feline. We review the best cat brushes for long hair, matting, and more.

Why Trust Love Your Cat?

Tara has 20+ years of experience with cats. She currently lives with two domestic felines who have incredibly different coat types. Luna, the long-haired cat, has a single coat that is super fine. On the other hand, Lucy has a short coat that is highly dense and requires much more grooming. While Luna might appear more bushy, it’s Lucy who truly has the fluffiest coat. Tara considered this when writing an article on the fluffiest cat breeds. While some cats appear fluffy, they might have a single coat that is lower maintenance. On the other hand, cats like the British Shorthair have short coats that are so thick that they may require regular baths. Clear as mud? Let us know your questions in thecomments.