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

What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (1)

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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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    1

    Siberian Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (2)

    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

    2

    Norwegian Forest Cat

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    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

    3

    Ragdoll Cat

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    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

    Related: What We Know About Taylor Swift's Three Cats

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    4

    Ragamuffin Cat

    Despite bearing a close resemblance to Ragdoll cats, the Ragamuffin is a different cat breed. The breed was created by Ragdoll owners who crosse bred with other long haired cats like domestic Turkish Angoras, Himalayans, and Persians cats. This large frame felines have charismatic personalities and can be very affectionate and clingy.

    Breed Stats
    Native Region: United States
    Eye Color: amber, blue, green, gold, hazel, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes)
    Coat Color: white, black, blue, cream, red, brown, lilac, platinum, fawn, chocolate, chestnut, cinnamon, lavender, cameo, and silver
    Coat Characteristics: medium-length, thick, and plush
    Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
    Height: 9 to 12 inches
    Average Life Span: 15-18 years

    Related: Cat Names for Your New Friend

    5

    Japanese Bobtail Cat

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    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

    6

    Turkish Van Cat

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    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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    7

    Pixie Bobcat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (8)

    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

    8

    Maine Coon Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (9)

    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

    9

    Turkish Angora Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (10)

    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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    10

    American Bobtail Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (11)

    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

    11

    Persian Cat

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    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

    12

    American Curl Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (13)

    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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    13

    Manx Cat

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    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)

    14

    LaPerm Cat

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (15)

    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

    15

    Munchkin Cat

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    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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    16

    Long Haired Cat Grooming Needs and Health Monitoring Tips

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (17)

    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.
  • What to Consider Before Adopting a Long-Haired Cat (18)

    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.

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

    FAQs

    What do I need to know before getting a long-haired cat? ›

    A: Common problems for long-haired cats include hairballs, fecal matter stuck to their rear ends and matting. All of these problems can be prevented with regular grooming care either at home or by a professional cat groomer. Hairballs are caused by the cat consuming its own hair while licking itself.

    Are long-haired cats hard to take care of? ›

    With their soft, luscious coats and fluffy tummies, long-haired cats are truly magnificent, but they also require a bit of extra maintenance. All that fabulous fur is often too much for your cat to groom by themselves, so they need a bit of help to keep it in tip top condition.

    Are long-haired cats good pets? ›

    The Domestic Long Hair is capable of a wide range of temperaments because of its mixed breeding background. Some can be friendly and playful while others can be shy and quiet. Others can be independent or aloof.

    Are long-haired cats less cuddly? ›

    The affection level of a cat, whether long-haired or short-haired, depends on the individual cat's personality and not on its coat type. Some cats, regardless of their coat type, are naturally more affectionate and cuddly, while others are more independent and less interested in human interaction.

    What is the lifespan of a long hair cat? ›

    Domestic Long Hair cats have quite the lifespan! The average long-haired kitty can be expected to reach between 15 and 17 years. Domestic Long Hairs have unknown mixed breed origins. As such, they can be found in any color, color combination, or pattern that is seen in other cat breeds.

    Do long-haired cats have health problems? ›

    Health Issues

    Thanks to their mixed breeding, there aren't any health problems explicitly linked to Domestic Longhair cats. That said, health issues that affect cats in general, including arthritis, upper respiratory infection, and cancer, can still affect Domestic Longhair cats.

    What is the most affectionate long-haired cat? ›

    Birman. These long-haired, blue-eyed beauties are known for their silky coat, and luckily, they love to be petted! Birmans are one of the most affectionate cat breeds around. In fact, they don't limit their love to humans.

    How often should long-haired cats be bathed? ›

    Cats that are old or obese will often be unable to properly groom themselves and may benefit from more routine bathing. Cats with long hair should be bathed every couple months or so in order to minimize the matting of their fur.

    Are domestic longhair cats cuddly? ›

    Temperament: Unpredictable! Domestic long hairs can be anything from a cuddly cat to a feisty feline! Origin: Unknown, but it is thought that their long hair was an adaptation to help them thrive in colder climates such as Russia, northern Iran and Turkey.

    Do long-haired cats smell? ›

    For pet parents who have a cat with luxurious, long fur, the smell may be coming from an inability to keep the area around their backside clean. Cats with long coats tend to get mats (fur tangled or stuck together in a thick mass) more easily, especially around the backs of their legs and their backsides.

    What's the hardest cat to take care of? ›

    The 10 Worst Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners
    • Savannah. ...
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    • American Wirehair. Image Credit: Khamkhor, Shutterstock. ...
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    Jun 6, 2024

    What gender of cat is more affectionate? ›

    A male cat may be more rambunctious and affectionate, but may also spray urine in your home. A female cat may be more quiet and independent, but may choose you as the person they trust.

    What is the most clingy cat breed? ›

    Burmese are often considered to be the most affectionate cat breed. They love being with people at all times and crave close physical contact, making them the ultimate companion cat for a devoted family. They will follow their owner from room to room and prefer to cuddle up on the sofa or sleep in bed with them.

    What color cat is most affectionate? ›

    Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.

    How do you tell if your cat will have long hair? ›

    Nevertheless, there are some subtle clues you can watch for that indicate how long your kitten's fur will grow:
    1. Hair sticking out between the toes. Long-haired kittens typically have tufts of hair growing out around their paw pads.
    2. Tail fluffiness. ...
    3. Ear tufts.
    Jul 25, 2023

    How often do you bathe a long-haired cat? ›

    Cats that are old or obese will often be unable to properly groom themselves and may benefit from more routine bathing. Cats with long hair should be bathed every couple months or so in order to minimize the matting of their fur.

    Do long-haired cats need to be trimmed? ›

    Most cats, even those with long hair, cope very well with hot summer temperatures without needing a haircut. However, long-haired cats prone to getting large mats in their fur or cats that do not groom themselves well and object to regular brushing may benefit from having their hair shaved down periodically.

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