Best Long-Haired Cat Breeds: Top 5 Furry Felines Most Recommended By Experts

If you’re a cat-lover, there’s nothing better than burying your face in your fur baby after a long day. More fluff means more to love! Cats have both long-haired and short-haired breeds, the long-haired counterparts usually being admired for their soft, luscious coats and majestic looks. However, more hair means more maintenance, so be prepared to give your feline friend a good brushing if you plan to get a long-haired cat. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best long-haired cat breeds.

If you’ve never owned a cat before, prepare to be amazed by how complex and intelligent these creatures can be. Cats are often the less popular pet when compared to dogs. Still, a new study from the University of Helsinki says they’ve identified seven distinct personality and behavioral traits that cats display regularly. The traits that cats show depend largely on their breed and environment. If you prefer a cat with specific personality traits, make sure you do your research!

Though you can never be sure what type of personality your pet will have when you adopt, most owners find the experience entirely worthwhile. According to a poll of 2,000 cat owners, the average American spends $25,304 on their friendly fur ball during their life, but most say their feline is “priceless” no matter what. For two in three, it’s led to the belief that their cats are truly the queens and kings of their home. 

Ready to dive in and explore some of the best long-haired cat breeds? StudyFinds consulted ten expert sources to find the best options if you’re planning to get a new friend with a big personality and the coat to match. If you’re already the proud owner of a long-haired cat, let us know what breed in the comments below!

The List: Best Long-Haired Cat Breeds, According to Pet Experts

1. Persian

As one of the oldest breeds around, the Persian has beautiful white fur and a docile personality that had made this breed one of the most popular breeds to own in the cat world. “We’re starting with Persians as they’re essentially the iconic long-haired breed,” explains Petkeen. “Well-known for their long, beautiful coats, Persian cats have been around for a very long time. They originated in Mesopotamia—an area now called Iran but known as Persia for centuries.”

Persians are known for being affectionate lap cats, usually very receptive of human interaction unlike other cats that can be very aloof. “These pretty kitties are loved for more than just their looks,” says The Spruce Pets. “They have charming personalities, too. Born to be cuddlers, Persian cats are very calm, affectionate, and, generally, inactive. Despite their low-maintenance lifestyles, Persians are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their hair can easily become matted and tangled if not brushed daily.”

“Of all the long-haired cats, the Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds of all time. This feline beauty has luxurious fur and an adorable flat face,” writes Martha Stewart. “Despite being low-maintenance in personality, their white coats can be high-maintenance—a daily brushing is necessary.” 

2. Himalayan

Make sure you’re ready for the grooming commitment when it comes to this breed. “Himalayans love to be petted, but their shedding level requires that they be brushed quite often,” writes Litter Robot. “Their long, silky fur, which includes a dense undercoat, will mat and tangle if not regularly groomed with a wide-toothed comb. Luckily, Himalayans love being groomed by their family members—this makes for a wonderful daily bonding experience!”

The Himalayan is famous for looking like a cross between a Siamese and a Persian. They are low-energy and docile, making them great pets. “This sweet, affectionate, and mild-tempered cat breed enjoys calm and quiet environments,” says Daily Paws. “The Himalayan tends to have a lighter color body with a darker face and tail fur. They resemble Persian cats, with a large, round head, short ears, and a short nose.”

“Himalayan cats are part of the Persian Breed Group. Those irresistible faces are almost as charming as their long, soft, fluffy, extra-huggable coats,” writes PureWow. “These kitties require diligent grooming as their coats mat easily. Brush them daily—and don’t forget to gently wipe their faces! Debris and tears can build up over time.”

3. Maine Coon

“The magnificent Maine Coon is a large, long-haired cat breed that originated in the U.S. It’s known for its muscular build and shaggy coat, as well as the cute tufts of hair on its ears and toes,” says Reader’s Digest. This breed tends to be great at hunting mice or other pests and may have the unique trait of being polydactyl, or having five toes.

Maine Coons are one of the most commonly found cats amongst owners with long-haired breeds. Not only do they have thick, long coats, these cats can also grow to be up to 20 pounds! “The Maine Coon Cat has a striking coat of hair. They are designed to withstand harsh weather, with so much fur that even their feet are well padded!” explains The Happy Cat Site. “A large cat, adult males can weigh up to 18 pounds. His coat is normally smooth yet shaggy, and often long in length. The most profuse hair is at the chest and tail.”

“One of the most popular long-haired cats, these gentle giants are known for their thick, lush, long coats. Don’t think that beautiful coat is just for looks though—it serves a purpose in the cold winters of New England,” explains Rover. “Unlike some of the other long-haired cat breeds, Maine Coons are up for just about anything and prefer to spend time indoors and out (though indoors is way safer).”

4. Birman

The Birman cat is friendly and loves to play but is also fine spending time alone. Grooming isn’t too difficult since this breed has a single layer coat. “The Birman’s silky coat is medium to long in length, but doesn’t mat easily,” explains Litter Robot. “Grooming once or twice a week will help to remove loose fur and debris. Birmans display 4 main colorpoint coat patterns: seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.”

The Birman is a striking cat, with beautiful blue eyes, white paws, and a fluffy tail. “Birmans have a long and soft single coat that doesn’t mat easily,” writes Hepper. “They also have other adorable physical features, including four white paws and striking blue eyes. The history of the Birman remains mysterious, but Burmese legends regard this breed as sacred temple cats.” 

“The Birman’s gorgeous pointed, cream-colored coat is a single layer of long, fluffy fur,” says PureWow. “The nice thing about the single-layer coat is fewer tangles! TICA recommends a full body brushing with a metal comb once every week to keep their coats healthy and beautiful.”

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

This breed is friendly and large, not reaching full maturity until about five years of age. “These gentle giants can weigh up to 16 pounds, and enjoy jumping around and exploring your home,” says DailyPaws. “Norwegian forest cats are usually very friendly and social with their owners, but less so with guests.” 

Norwegian Forest cats have a rich history, dating back to the Vikings. Their lineage can be seen in dense, water-resistant coats that help them withstand harsh climates. “Despite hundreds of years of survival, WWII nearly decimated this breed,” writes PetKeen. “Luckily, they were officially recognized by the Federation Internationale Feline in Europe in 1977. Just 2 years after, the US saw its first importation of two Norwegian Forest Cats, which led to an explosion in the breed’s popularity in North America shortly after.”

“Also known as a ‘Wegie,’ the Norwegian forest cat is a natural breed that can trace its roots back to the Vikings,” explains The Spruce Pets. “Like the Maine coon, it’s believed that Wegies originated in a cold climate, so they, too, have very dense water-resistant coats. Bathing your Wegie isn’t recommended unless their hair is filthy or you must wash it out of medical necessity.”

You might also be interested in:

• Best Cat Breeds for Seniors  
• Best Cat Breeds
• Best Cat Flea Treatment
• Best Cat Litter
• Best Cat Collars

Sources:

• Martha Stewart
• The Spruce Pets
• Petkeen
• Litter Robot
• Daily Paws
• PureWow
• The Happy Cat Site
• Rover
• Reader’s Digest
• Hepper

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