You know when you see photos of fuzzy kittens looking so soft and cuddly that you just want to reach out and snuggle them? Well, there are fluffy cat breeds that stay that way into adulthood!
It’s easy to develop a strong emotional attachment to fuzzy cats, and for Jodell Raymond, managing editor of the Cat Fanciers’ Association‘s (CFA) Cat Talk magazine, that connection runs deep. “The soft, fluffy fur is comforting to us…and makes us think back to our childhoods, when we had plush toys to play with.”
“Fluffy cats look — and feel — soft and approachable. Visually, they’re very appealing,” adds Teresa Keiger, editor of Cat Talk and Cat Talk Almanac, and a CFA Allbreed judge.
Fluffy cats require regular maintenance, as Kendra Marten, owner of Bed and Biscuit pet grooming in Kingston, Illinois, explains. “The single most important thing a pet owner can do is brush their cat daily. The easiest way to accomplish this is to keep a brush handy by your favorite chair and brush them while you’re watching television or relaxing. It doesn’t need to be a long session — four or five minutes will do — just don’t forget to brush their belly, legs and tail.”
Establishing a grooming schedule develops a special bond between you and your cat. “And…running our fingers through the long hair is soothing,” says Keiger.
The best way to see a fluffy cat in action is to attend a cat show, Raymond encourages.
Here’s a list of 10 fluffy cat breeds to help narrow down your choice:
- Persian
Persian Routinely one of the most popular cat breeds, this beauty is Raymond’s top choice for its “long-flowing, luxurious coat,” but also because “their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and sweet,” and they “make a charming pet for the entire family.”
- Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair This breed, with its soft, dense fur, was the CFA’s 2014 Most Popular Cat. His short hair requires less grooming than that of other fluffy cats, and he’s very playful and gets along with people and other animals.
- Somali
Somali “Have you ever wanted a pet that looks like a longhaired fox?” asks Keiger. Then this active and friendly breed is for you! She notes the “rich softness” of its coat, and notes that “a good combing-out is generally all of the maintenance that the breed needs.”
- Maine Coon
Maine Coon Though large (up to 18 pounds), this breed is very active. You’ll have to keep an eye on him, as Marten discovered when a client’s cat snuck outside. He was so covered in burrs, says Marten, she had to shave him down. If this happens, she emphasizes, “it’s important that the cat receive some TLC after the grooming because they are going to feel awkward without their hair.”
- Ragdoll
Ragdoll This very affectionate breed is perfect for families with young children because of its playfulness. She will follow you around the house and likes to flop down on the floor, as her name suggests!
- Birman
Birman “The Birman has a unique coat in that it’s a single coat and doesn’t mat or tangle,” explains Keiger. “This makes it very easy to maintain, although it will still require combing to remove the dead hair.” She also loves the low-key personality that makes her an “ideal pet.”
- British Shorthair
British Shorthair Like the Exotic Shorthair, this breed has a short, dense coat reminiscent of a plush stuffed animal. It has a patient, loyal nature and doesn’t mind being alone — a good choice for busy families.
- Japanese Bobtail (longhair)
Japanese Bobtail (longhair) The longhair version of this breed is a favorite of Keiger. “Their tail is a series of fused vertebrae that kink and turn, making a little pom-pom,” she says, noting the cat’s easy to live with because of its loving nature.
- Siberian
Siberian This rare breed sports a luxurious coat that requires relatively low maintenance, and it has a calm yet energetic temperament. She likes to play in water, so get her accustomed to baths early on!
- Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cat This affectionate woodland creature has an extra-fluffy double coat! When your cat is this fuzzy, regular grooming is a must to avoid matted fur. Marten recommends contacting a reputable groomer “They have equipment that can safely remove the mat without hurting or cutting the cat.”
And check out these 10 Large Cat Breeds.
Christine O’Brien is a writer, cat lover, and mother of a daughter and two Russian Blue mix cats. Follow her on Twitter.