The Top 10 Fluffiest Cats

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9 min read
9 min read

Updated - Jan 4th, 2022

Silky, luxurious coats, fluffy tails and tuft ears – there’s no denying that fluffy cats are some of the cutest felines around. Whether they have short-hair or long hair, it’s impossible to resist petting a cat with a beautiful coat.

Although cats with particularly fluffy coats may have more grooming needs than other felines, there’s no doubt that these breeds will easily warm their way into your heart – and your lap. Plus, with a few tips, you can easily learn how to keep your cat’s coat clean and healthy.

Looking to welcome a “floofy” feline friend into your family? Read our list of the fluffiest cat breeds to learn more.

You won’t find the short haired Siamese cat or the hairless Sphynx cat on this list – both of which have pretty low-maintenance grooming needs – however, if you want a cat with a fluffy, luxurious coat, you have a variety of felines to choose from.

These fluffy cat breeds include long haired and short haired cats, energetic cats, mischievous cats, friendly cats, and even the laziest of cats. Here are 10 of the fluffiest cat breeds:

1. Persian

One of the most popular breeds according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Persian cats are well-known for their luxurious coats and adorable expressions. These long-haired beauties come in a number of colors and varieties, including a tabby variety and a himalayan variety.

Persians are sweet, gentle, and quiet cats. They’re excellent companions, adaptable, and love to snuggle up in your lap. Persian cats can be playful, but much prefer to stay close to the ground as opposed to jumping or perching in high places.

With their long, flowing coats, Persians should be brushed regularly in order to make sure their coats stay clean and tangle-free (as well as to avoid hairballs).

2. Ragdoll

With a semi-long coat and striking blue eyes, you can’t help but fall in love with the Ragdoll. Ragdolls have plush, silky coats with pointed colors – meaning their bodies are lighter than their faces, tails, ears, and feet.

Ragdoll cats are very attached to their family members and are known to follow you around the house. These felines are gentle, affectionate, and happy to share a home with other cats, dogs, and children.

Ragdolls don’t have a thick undercoat, so they shed less and are not as prone to matting as some other fluffy cat breeds. These cats generally have minimal grooming needs, but regular brushing can help them look their best.

3. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is the epitome of a fluffy cat. Maine Coons have long, silky coats, tuft ears and feet, and big bushy tails. And these cats are not small – they can weigh up to 20 pounds and stretch up to 40 inches in length. 

Maine Coon cats are known for their intelligence, dog-like personalities, and friendly disposition. They get along well with kids and other pets and are often called the “gentle giants” of the cat world. 

Maine Coons will want to be involved in everything that you’re doing, from sitting on your lap to peering over the edge of the bathtub. They might even splash around – unlike many other cats – many Maine Coons enjoy water.

These cats only require occasional grooming. Despite their long-hair, the Maine Coon’s coat isn’t particularly dense, and they mostly maintain their coast themselves.

Pet Pro Tip: Regardless of which breed you bring home, make sure to get help protecting your new best fur friend with a best-in-class kitten insurance or cat insurance plan. Vet bills for unexpected accidents & illnesses can add up fast – it pays to be prepared with insurance.

4. Norwegian Forest Cat

Another larger breed of cat, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a coat that was designed to withstand the cold winters of Norway. This cat has a dense doublecoat with a bushy tail and tuft paws. Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their brown tabby and white coats, however, there are also white cats, black cats, and every color in between.

Norwegian Forest Cats are both sensitive and social. They love the companionship of their family members – both humans and other pets – but insist that things are done on their own terms. These cats are smart and moderately active; they like to have a high perch and enjoy some playtime before settling down for a long nap.

With the size of the Norwegian Forest Cat and their long coats, these cats will definitely shed, especially seasonally. Regular grooming and brushing can help reduce shedding, prevent matting, and keep the coat healthy.

5. Siberian

A breed that’s full of fluff, the Siberian is another medium-to-long-haired cat that was developed to withstand a cold climate. Siberian cats have dense, water-repellent triple coats, bushy tails, and full, fluffy backends.

These cats are quiet, easygoing, and playful. Siberians enjoy playing with toys, learning to fetch, or even jumping from place to place. They make excellent companions – Siberians prefer to spend time with their family members, they’re very attentive, gentle around children, and adapt easily to other pets.

Unlike many long-haired cats, Siberians are thought to be one of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds, due to the lower level of Fel d 1 protein they’re said to produce. Although this hasn’t been scientifically proven, Siberians’ coats are generally easy to maintain. Occasional grooming should be sufficient, with additional brushing during shedding season.

6. Birman

Birmans will win you over with their silky, soft, and lush coats, plus their striking blue eyes. These cats are particularly fluffy around their necks and also have extra fluffy tails. 

Birmans are known for their gentle, sweet, and affectionate personalities – they will be your best friend and accompany you in anything and everything you do. These cats love attention, they have quiet, chirp-like voices, and are happy to socialize with other cats, dogs, children, and people in general.

If you’re looking for a fluffy cat that’s low-maintenance in terms of personality and grooming, the Birman is a great choice. Not only are these cats agreeable companions, but they also have minimal grooming needs. Birman cats don’t have an undercoat, so they don’t experience matting, and therefore, occasional brushing is all they need.

7. British Shorthair

They may have short hair, but these cats are teddy-bear-like – with thick, plush coats that almost feel like velvet. British Shorthairs are well-known for their blue-colored coats, but they also come in over 30 other colors and patterns. With a round face, eyes, and ears, you can’t help but want to cuddle a British Shorthair.

These cats are easygoing, adaptable, and affectionate. British Shorthair cats can get along with all members of the household and love to show their families their silly side. These felines can be pretty quiet and sometimes reserved, but enjoy just spending time with you.

With a plush, thick coat, the British Shorthair can benefit from regular grooming, especially during shedding season. Weekly brushing can help prevent mats and keep the coat healthy.

8. Exotic Shorthair

For a cat that’s quite similar to the Persian, but requires much less grooming, you have the Exotic Shorthair. Although this cat may not be quite as fluffy as the Persian, the Exotic is still a cat with a lush, dense, and plush coat – similar to the British Shorthair. And again, like the British Shorthair, the Exotic Shorthair has short hair, round features, and a teddy-bear look.

Exotic Shorthairs are quiet, loyal, sweet, and extremely affectionate. These cats love attention, but are also playful and enjoy chasing a toy just as much as they do to sleep in your lap. 

With the Exotic Shorthair, you don’t have to worry about tangles or mats, but regular brushing will help cut down on shedding. Because of their minimal grooming needs compared to the Persian, cat lovers often call Exotics the “lazy man’s Persian.”

9. RagaMuffin

With a name like RagaMuffin, it’s no surprise that this cat is on our list of the fluffiest cat breeds. The RagaMuffin has a luxurious coat, medium in length, thick and soft. These cats are also known for their wide variety of colors and patterns, including tabby and white, tortoiseshell, and mink. 

RagaMuffins are incredibly sweet and bond closely to their families. These cats love children, other pets, and are happy to be your companion wherever you go. Although RagaMuffins are often content to cuddle in your lap or hang out in your arms, they’re also very playful as well. 

In terms of grooming, RagaMuffins are relatively low-maintenance. Their coats do not mat or clump easily, so they’re easy to keep clean and healthy. Regular brushing will help cut down on shedding and remove any dead hair.

10. Somali

Somalis are instantly recognized by the color of their coats and their full, plumed tails. These cats have bushy tails, tuft toes, and a soft, silky coat. Somalis often come in a red color, giving them an almost fox-like appearance.

Somalis are known for their alert, smart, and playful personalities. These cats can even be a little mischievous – they’re said to open cupboards and play in water – but when playtime is over, they settle down to be your most loyal companion.

Unlike some of the other cat breeds on our list, Somalis do not shed much, so their grooming needs are minimal. Occasional brushing will help keep their silky coats clean, however.

Grooming Tips for Fluffy Cats

If you’re thinking about bringing one of these fluffy cat breeds into your family, it’s important to understand their grooming needs and how to best keep their coats clean and healthy. Of course, all cats groom themselves, but cats with thicker coats, longer hair, and more fluff, will need a little extra care.

And – even among the fluffiest cats, some breeds will require more grooming than others, and some will shed more than others. With that in mind, here are some tips to set yourself up for success:

Brush regularly.

When it comes to fluffy cats, regular brushing can only help keep their coats healthy. Brushing will remove loose hairs and dead skin cells, which keeps the coat free of dirt, debris, and parasites. It also helps distribute natural skin oils along the hair. 

Additionally, regular brushing can help reduce the amount of hair your cat swallows when self-grooming, and therefore reduce hairballs. Plus, it will also cut down on the hair and dander around your house, which is helpful for people with allergies.

Use the right brush.

There are many different types of brushes available for grooming your cat. You can use a long-toothed metal comb or brush, for example, to brush a long-haired cat, especially in order to remove loose hair or minor tangles. There are also stiff bristle brushes, as well as brushes designed for heavier shedding seasons.

You’ll want to determine which brush is right for your cat’s coat and maybe even invest in multiple brushes to accommodate your cat’s specific grooming needs.

Check for mats or tangles.

Long-haired cats are more prone to matting or tangles, so it’s important to check regularly for these problem spots. Generally, regular brushing can help prevent these issues, but they can still pop up. If your cat has a mat or tangle, you’ll want to be extra careful when removing it.

If you’re unable to brush out the mat or tangle, you might consult a professional groomer or even your veterinarian. Of course, in the process of checking for mats and tangles, if you discover any skin issues, irritations, or bumps, your veterinarian will be the best resource to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Get started early.

Although some cats love to be brushed, some will require more patience and work. Therefore, the best thing you can do is get started early. Teach your cat from kittenhood to tolerate brushing by giving them treats or other forms of positive reinforcement. Grooming your cat can be a form of bonding – and hopefully, you’ll both learn to love this time you get to spend together.

Randa Kriss

Randa Kriss

Writer, Proud Dog & Cat Mom
Randa is a writer & former assoc. digital content editor at the American Kennel Club. She's also mom to 1 Corgi & 2 orange cats.
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