Every kitty is adorable, but have you ever wondered which are the absolute fluffy, cutest cat breeds? There is some stiff competition from cats trying to claw their way up to number one! Our Edgewater vets share a list of cute cat breeds to consider if you are looking for a new four-legged friend.
What are the Cutest Cat Breeds?
Are you looking to adopt a four-legged feline friend? You've got lots of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a short-haired mischief-making kitten or a docile long-haired beauty who loves bathing in the sunlight.
The fluffy cats on this list, which include the Siamese, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Abyssinian, are among the cutest cat breeds available. In this post, we discuss the traits of these breeds and a bit about what to anticipate from each.
1. Abyssinian
You might be surprised to learn that despite having a regal appearance and resembling a wild cat, the Abyssinian (nicknamed Aby) is actually quite loyal. This cat will need a lot of playtime with its owner because it is an active, sociable, playful, and outgoing breed that loves to be high up. Since they easily get bored if left alone for too long, it is advised to give them a companion cat.
Fun Fact: The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known cat breeds and originates from coastal regions of the Indian Ocean, as well as parts of southeast Asia.
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Appearance: Almond-shaped eyes; lithe, long, muscular body; arched neck; large ears; small oval feet; long, slender tail.
Length: Up to 28 inches
Coat & Color: Fine, short, glossy coat can range from ruddy to red, blue, cinnamon or fawn in a solid or ticked pattern
Life Expectancy: Up to 15 years
2. Munchkin
The munchkin cat, a relatively new breed also known as the magpie, gets its name from the fact that it is known for being dwarf, which causes some debate in the breeding community. Munchkins are active felines that are renowned for their curiosity and playfulness. Despite having noticeably short legs, they are known for their speed.
Fun Fact: Munchkins tend to be mischievous bandits known for snatching shiny items. You might want to keep valuable jewellery, shoes, clothes, etc. out of their reach!
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Walnut-shaped eyes; ears with slightly rounded tips, high, defined cheekbones; thick, non-compact body with a back that slopes gently upward from shoulders to tail; well-rounded chest and firm hips.
Length: Up to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long Hair: Semi-long, silky coat with moderate and medium undercoat. Shaggy britches and full plume tail.
Short Hair: Medium to short; solilors may have a less dense coat. Semi-plush texture with medium undercoat and lustrous appearance.
Hair length, pattern and color vary - the Munchkin can come in any color or pattern, including the Siamese pattern.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
3. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, also known as the clown of the cat world, will be an active and energetic feline companion to any household. They enjoy putting on playful shows for their owners and purring their pleasure. In exchange, they expect to be compensated with pets and loving attention.
Fun Fact: This jovial cat is also a jumper, so will need cat trees and perches to keep them exercised and entertained.
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Similar to a pixie or elf, with a large head; eyes can be amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, odd-eyed, orange or yellow; butterfly ears; broad chest; unusually soft and curly, fragile coat that should not be brushed.
Length: 15 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Silky, medium-length coat with widely varying colors.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
4. Bengal
Bengals are descended from the Asian leopard cat and have a 'wild cat' appearance that contrasts with their sweet and loving nature. They are frequently described as lively, intelligent, and inquisitive beauties. Prospective owners should be aware that Bengals enjoy talking - and being talked to. They are not shy felines, whether they speak softly or not.
They are also born athletes with muscles to spare, so should be given plenty of opportunity to run and exercise freely.
Bonus: Bengals are less likely to produce an allergic reaction. They'll groom themselves less often than cats with double coats or courser coats. Keep in mind no cats are 100% hypoallergenic.
Fun Fact: Just as they are curious about everything, most Bengals will be curious about water and may show some willingness to swim. However, this doesn't mean they will routinely want to take a dip.
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Appearance: Large, thick and massive; large, triangle-shaped head; thick neck and tail; large feet; spots on coat will appear to be randomly placed; may be brown or seal in color
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Short coat; can be spotted or marbled with patterns outlined in chocolate, black or gray/silver.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
5. Siamese
One of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats in the world. They are believed to have originated in Thailand around the 14th century. Their distinctive, beautiful appearances meant they were treasured by royal families.
Siamese cats are loving, trusting, and deeply sensitive, and they take harsh words from their humans to heart. They are known as "Velcro kitties" because they adore their owners and will always want to be by their side.
Fun Fact: Historically, Siamese cats had crossed eyes. Legend has it that a Siamese cat once guarded a king's goblet. She held onto it so tightly that her tail bent and eyes crossed.
Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
Appearance: Lean, lengthy frame with slim, muscular bodies. Masquerade-like fur near the ears, face, legs and tail. Piercing blue eyes.
Length: 14 inches
Coat & Color: Range of colors from chocolate, sable, cinnamon and lavender to lavender, ebony, lilac and white.
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
6. Ragdoll
As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, Ragdolls may look intimidating at first glance but they are another docile, affectionate, gentle and friendly cat. Relatively new, they are most commonly dated back to the early 1960s.
Ragdolls, as their name suggests, are known for being laid back and easygoing, and they may become limp when picked up, like a ragdoll. While many of these large, gorgeous cats enjoy cuddling, every one of them will have particular quirks.
Fun Fact: While ragdolls are generally quiet, they are intelligent and have been likened to dogs. Many ragdolls can be trained to shake a paw and play fetch and other games.
Weight: Up to 20 pounds (male); 10 to 15 pounds (female)
Appearance: Blue eyes; soft, flexible bodies; relatively small and slightly rounded ears.
Length: Up to 40 inches
Coat & Color: Coats are medium-length, silky soft and can come in many variations, including cream, brown, orange, blue or lilac-colored
Life Expectancy: 15 to 25 years
7. American Bobtail
The American bobtail is another breed with a fitting name and is distinguished by its short bobbed tail, jovial disposition, and tough exterior. These felines, who are frequently referred to as the "golden retriever" of cat breeds, have amiable, affectionate personalities and make wonderful canine companions.
Fun Fact: American bobtails are expressive kitties - they will sometimes wag their tails to express happiness.
Weight: 7 to 16 pounds
Appearance: Large, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes come in any color; large athletic body with long back legs. Stubby, bobbed tail is around one-third the length of a normal cat's tail and can be straight, kinked or bumped along the edge.
Length: 17 to 19 inches
Coat & Color: Long Hair: Slightly shaggy, medium to long hair tapers to slightly longer hair on the legs, belly and tail. Resilient, density-double non-matting coat.
Short Hair: Hard topcoat with soft, downy undercoat. Semi-dense, resilient with slight loft; coat may be softer in dilute colors, silvers and lynx points.
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 inches
8. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is a quiet breed, but despite their quiet demeanor, they are energetic and loving playmates. A true alpha cat, they are another elegant cat who is always alert and active and exudes self-confidence. They keep trying to get their owners' attention with persistence.
Fun Fact: This pedigreed cat is still exhibited at a zoo in Ankara, Turkey.
Weight: Male: Over 12 pounds; Female: 8 to 12 pounds
Appearance: Most accurately described as "long" - long, body; long, slim legs; long tail; long coat; wide eyes and large ears. Fine-boned cat with super soft coat and slim chest.
Length: 14 to 16 inches
Coat & Color: Medium to long, silky coat can come in a range of colors from cream, white and blue to tortoiseshell, bluecream and calico. Single layered coat grows in thicker and longer during the cold months.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
9. Cymric
Heavily boned and stocky, the Cymric is a sweet, placid breed that adores people and act as loving companions to their humans. They are no couch potatoes; this breed loves to run and play.
Fun Fact: The cymric has a unique gait and looks like a bowling ball when running around a room.
Weight: Male: Over 12 pounds; Female: 8 to 12 pounds
Appearance: Eyes can be orange, yellow, hazel, copper, amber, greed or gold. Round-shaped cat with round head, round eyes, round rump and roundness at whisker pads.
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long, thick, dense double coat comes in a range of colors (from white or blue to brown, silver tortoiseshell and more) and patterns (solid, bicolor, tortoiseshell, tricolor, smoke, shaded)
Life Expectancy: 9 to 13 years
10. Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are active, playful mousers who seek attention and companionship from both humans and other pets. They are also excellent with children. These playful, expressive, and sensitive felines get their name from their distinctive folded ears.
Fun Fact: Scottish Folds are born with straight ears and the fold occurs due to a mutation that occurs when they are around 3 to 4 weeks old.
Weight: Male: 9 to 13 pounds; Female: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Round head; round, bright, clear eyes; round legs and tail, which should be handled gently as some Scottish Folds can develop stiffness in the tail, which can cause pain if mishandled.
Length: 14 to 16 inches
Coat & Color: Some Scottish Folds have longer coats (Scottish Fold Longhair) that vary slightly in texture and need regular care.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
11. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian forest cat was often kept by Vikings and originated as long as 4,000 years ago. They are now commonly referred to as "Wegies" in a playful manner. This breed is known as the "skogkatt" (forest cat) in Norway.
While loving, kind, gentle and even nurturing, Wegies are also independent and intelligent kitties who won't demand too much attention.
Fun Fact: The Norwegian Forest Cat has an enchanting history. They are said to have been featured in Norse fairy tales and to have pulled the goddess Freya's chariot across the sky.
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds
Appearance: Resemblance to the Maine Coon, with a long coat; tufted ears; plumed tail; heavily muscled body.
Length: 12 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long, thick, water-resistant double coat developed in response to the cold, harsh climate of the Scandinavian woods. The coat can have many potential patterns and colors; colors range from black, white, cream and cinnamon to red and tabby.
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Preventive Care for Cats at Animal General
Whether you're unsure about which cute cat breed is best for your needs and lifestyle, or you've already decided, our Edgewater veterinarians are here to answer your questions and concerns, as well as provide the preventive care your feline companion requires.
From wellness exams to dental and geriatric care, we have all the knowledge, experience and services you'll need to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.