Cats, whether big or small, long or short-haired, talkative or silent, clingy or distant, have won over the hearts of 220 million people worldwide. We are fascinated with breed specifics and ways to modify breeding programs to produce cats of specific size, fur length, and coloring. Fluffy cats are adorable and seem excellent at looking aristocratic and grumpy. Let’s check out some of the fluffiest and most popular breeds today.
Siberian Cat
Size
17 – 25 inches long
Weight
15 – 20 pounds
Appearance
Fluffy coats have three layers and a collar ruff; some may have coarse top coats. They are found in all colors.
Life Expectancy
10 – 18 years
Health Issues
The most common health issues are Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and also the more common in all breeds, cancer, lower urinary tract infections, and gum disease.
Behavior
Sweet, affectionate, docile, and gets along with dogs and children.
Fun Fact
Siberian cats are considered hypoallergenic. This lovely cat is muscular, medium to large, and has a very poofy tail. They are friendly and highly affectionate cats that sport an extra thick three-layer coat to protect them against the harsh Siberian climate. The coat is also considered hypoallergenic and resistant to matting. The Siberian cat breed is one of the oldest, but the formal registry did not begin until 2006.
Maine Coon Cat
Size
19 – 30 inches long
Weight
15 – 25 pounds, though some obese Maine Coons have weighed up to 40 pounds!
Appearance
Tuft ears like a lynx with long, soft fur, a triple-layered thick coat to protect against Maine’s harsh winters, furry feet that turn into snowshoes, protruding cheeks on very prominent faces, and a long, fluffy tail.
Life Expectancy
15 – 25 years
Health Issues
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Hip dysplasia, Spinal muscular atrophy, and typical cat ailments and illnesses.
Behavior
Laid-back, lovable, affectionate, dog-like, and will follow you around everywhere,
Fun Fact
Some believe the Maine Coon cat breed began when Marie Antoinette’s cats arrived in Maine after she had been arrested. She was boarding a ship that night to escape, but only her belongings made the trip.
Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular breeds of cats in America. They are large, lovely, and super bright, and they love to lie around or go for walks with you. They love being involved in anything you are doing and tend to be awake more in the daytime than some other breeds. They like water and may dip their food in it, play, or swim. You might be surprised when your Maine Coon comes strutting into the bathroom while you are taking a shower or bath and decides to join you. They are silly and completely trainable. Maine Coons can be taught tricks and enjoy playing fetch.
Persian Cat
Size
14 – 17 inches
Weight
7 – 12 pounds
Appearance
They are medium—to large fluffy cats with round, flat faces, tear stains, and small ears. They come in every coat color.
Life Expectancy
15 – 20 years
Health Issues
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Polycystic kidney disease, and Brachycephalic syndrome.
Behavior
They are affectionate, gentle and love being around you. They are delicate and do not like rough handling.
Fun Fact
Some Persian cats are born with misaligned jaws, which can complicate eating. Persians are well-loved by the public and can be quite expensive. They are docile cats who prefer to lay near you and relax. Their fur does not need intensive grooming; all you need is a brush, and you’re ready to groom your cat.
Ragdoll Cat
Size
30 – 40 inches long
Weight
8 – 20 pounds
Appearance
Cuddly, laid-back, happy, playful, and all about always being the center of attention.
Life Expectancy
15 – 20 years
Health Issues
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, bladder stones, and weight issues.
Behavior
These are silly cats that love playing and being affectionate with you.
Fun Fact
Taylor Swift’s youngest cat is Benjamin Button, an adorable ragdoll cat she met while making the music video for Anti-Hero.
Himalayan Cat
Size
17 – 19 inches long
Weight
9 – 12 pounds
Appearance
Bright blue eyes, a black or dark brown wide and flat face. They look like long-haired Siamese cats. Their extra fluffy fur makes them appear larger than they are.
Life Expectancy
15 – 18 years
Health Issues
Hereditary cataracts can cloud the eyes. Another is brachycephalic syndrome, which is common in animals with flat faces. It can cause difficulty breathing, respiratory infections, and other respiratory issues.
Behavior
They are laid-back, like lounging on the couch with you, and will also enjoy playtime. They typically get along with children, other cats, and dogs. Himalayans do not love heights, so it’s likely that you will not see them leaping from your counter to the top of your refrigerator.
Fun Fact
Martha Stewart owns seven beautiful Himalayan cats, which are a cross between Persian and Siamese cats.
RagaMuffin Cat
Size
12 – 18 inches long
Weight
10 – 20 pounds
Appearance
These medium-long-haired cats come in every color and pattern. They have long belly fluff and a ruff around their neck that looks like a mane.
Life Expectancy
12 – 16 years
Health Issues
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Polycystic Kidney Disease, and obesity are the most common issues.
Behavior
They are calm and easily get along with other cats, dogs, and children. However, they aren’t fond of loud, aggressive children or animals. They are very affectionate and love being near their human.
Fun Fact
RagaMuffin cats take four years to reach maturity. They are rare and can be expensive, but beware of backyard breeders.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Size
12 – 18 inches long
Weight
12 – 25 pounds
Appearance
Long-haired and very fluffy. They come in every color and pattern and share many characteristics with Maine Coons, like their extra furry feet that enable them to walk in the snow and stay warm.
Life Expectancy
15 – 22 years
Health Issues
Norwegian Forest cats are a hearty breed, but they can also have some health problems, like Polycystic kidney disease, Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV), Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Hip dysplasia, Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), and Retinal dysplasia.
Behavior
These cats are more independent than some of the other fluffy breeds but are also affectionate on their terms. They love to play and will be found playing alone or zooming through your house when a burst of energy hits them.
Fun Fact
Norwegians believe the Norwegian Forest Cat is a gift from the Norse gods.
