Long Haired Cat Breeds: Top 10 Most Beautiful

All cats are beautiful, but long-haired cats can have a special charm. Their bushy manes look like a lion's and can be stunning. These animals look like wild cats , but unlike lions, they're harmless to humans and should do less damage to your home... We've picked the ten most beautiful long haired cat breeds. By the end of this article, you may well be rushing to a breeder to adopt one!

The Maine Coon

This cat, originally from North America, is a very large cat. It's very popular in France and around the world for its personality and good looks. The "gentle giant", as it's known, has a dense coat that lets it withstand the most extreme temperatures. It comes from the state of Maine, which gave it its name, in the far northeast of the United States, known for its harsh winters. Don't be fooled by its imposing build: it's a very affectionate pet and very gentle, and it will fit in perfectly with a family.

The Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat looks a lot like the Maine Coon. You can recognize it by its bushy tail held high, its furry paws and ears, and its double coat with a woolly undercoat that lets it face the coldest temperatures. It's very popular in Scandinavia and even appears in Norse mythology. The Norwegian Forest Cat (nicknamed the "Wegie") is very easygoing. It gets along very well with humans and other pets such as dogs.

The Persian Cat

The Persian cat has long, dense fur and an equally thick undercoat. It's very easy to recognize by the flat profile of its round head. It originally comes from Persia, on the borders of Turkey and Iran. It was later introduced to Western Europe and became very fashionable among the upper classes in the 16th century. It then won over the United States and the rest of the world to become the best-selling purebred cat in the world. This affectionate cat is very expressive but needs more grooming than other cats.

The Siberian Cat

This cat from Siberia can survive extreme temperatures. It has dense fur that keeps it warm so it can live in the Russian forests. It's fairly large, but not as large as a Maine Coon. It has a very gentle face and is known for being extremely alert.

The Ragdoll

The most striking feature of this cat breed is the gorgeous blue color of its eyes. The Ragdoll is also known for its very soft, silky fur. The fur on its face is usually darker. Unlike many other long-haired cat breeds , it has no undercoat, which is a plus for owners who dread shedding. 

The Birman

Like the Ragdoll, this cat breed has beautiful blue eyes. Its long, soft fur is also darker on its face. The Birman is known for its gentle nature and legendary calm. Its moderate activity level helps limit its shedding.

The Himalayan

The impressive fur of this cat breed makes it look much bigger than it really is. This happy, active cat is actually medium-sized. Contrary to what you might think, this breed comes from the United States. Apart from its light coat, nothing sets it apart from the Persian cat, so much so that it's considered one in many countries.

The Ragamuffin

This cat breed looks like the Himalayan. It has a dense coat that makes it look huge. Living with a Ragamuffin is very easy, as it's known for being calm and laid-back. "Chill" owners will be delighted to have a cat just like them!

LaPerm

This cat breed from the United States has a very distinctive look with its curly coat. It looks like it just came out of a car wash! And yet the LaPerm is very easy to groom and doesn't shed much. It will delight owners who want a pet that's out of the ordinary.

The Lion Cat

This cat breed comes from the Sahara and has a real lion mane , just like the most majestic animal, the king of the jungle... As you've guessed, this is a joke, of course: it's a cat costume! If you think it's fun, check out our collection of costumes, where you'll find this lion mane for cats and lots of other funny costumes!

Also worth reading: 5 Rare Cat Breeds to Discover (and Why the Highland Straight Might Win You Over)