October 20, 2023
Who doesn’t love fluffy cats?
Those long, glorious coats feel luxurious and make fluffy cats look like tiny lions. Some cats have long hair but aren’t necessarily fluffy.
The thing that makes a longhaired cat a truly fluffy cat is the texture of the hair and sometimes the presence of an undercoat.
Whether longhaired or shorthaired, some cats have double coats, which consist of two types of hair. The longer hairs on top are called the outercoat—this is what you mostly see and feel when you pet the cat. Beneath the outercoat is another layer called the undercoat. This layer of fur is shorter and denser.
The undercoat serves to keep the cat warm in winter and allows airflow to the coat in summer to help keep the cat cool. The undercoat adds bulk and makes the outer coat stand out more, leading to a very fluffy cat. Not all fluffy cats have an undercoat, but many do.
What Are The Fluffiest Cat Breeds?
Of all the cat breeds, many are longhaired, but fewer cat breeds are truly fluffy. Read on to get to know eight of the fluffiest cat breeds and find out what makes them special.
#1 Birman
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Medium sized longhair
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$400 - $1,000
Despite having a single coat (no undercoat), the Birman cat is very fluffy indeed. The Birman’s soft coat is silky in texture and medium long to long in length, with a heavy ruff (longer hair around the neck reminiscent of a lion’s mane).
The unique texture of the Birman’s long and luxurious coat resists matting, so it doesn’t require tedious daily brushing and combing like some other fluffy breeds.
The Birman is color pointed (a lighter body with darker “points” of color on the face, ears, tail and legs), and always has blue eyes and four white paws. Birman cats are quiet, affectionate, attentive and gentle, and get along well with people, other cats, and even dogs.
#2 Himalayan
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Medium-sized longhair
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$200-$3,000
Like its close relative the Persian, the Himalayan has one of the densest, fluffiest coats in the feline world. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognizes the Himalayan as a color division of the Persian breed; The International Cat Association (TICA) considers the Himalayan to be a separate breed from the Persian.
The Himalayan’s coat is long and flowing, with an immense ruff (mane of longer fur around the neck) and a dense undercoat that provides lots of volume—the fluff factor.
Himalayans are pointed like the Siamese cat, with blue eyes. Affectionate and cuddly, Himalayan cats love to hang out with the family and snuggle on your lap. The coat requires a significant amount of brushing and combing to prevent mats from forming. If upkeep is difficult, some Himalayan owners have a professional groomer shave the belly or do a full lion trim (shaved body with long hair left on the head, legs and tail).
#3 Maine Coon
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Large Longhair
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$400 to $2,000
Of all the fluffy cat breeds, the Maine Coon is the biggest. Male Maine Coons can weigh as much as 20 pounds or more, though the average is generally 12 to 15 pounds. Female Maine Coons are a little smaller, weighing in at 9 to 12 pounds on average.
The Maine Coon’s great size, coupled with its long, shaggy coat and bushy tail, makes this breed look imposing, but Maine Coons are friendly and laid-back cats.
The breed is often referred to as the “Gentle Giant,” and these cats are exceptionally great with children. Maine Coons developed naturally in Maine. Today, the Maine Coon is the official state cat of Maine. Brushing or combing a few times a week will keep the coat untangled and shiny.
#4 Norwegian Forest Cat
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Large long-haired
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$900-$1,500
Though they don’t always grow quite as large as the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cats are also rather large, with males tipping the scales at 12 to 16 pounds on average and females weighing about 9 to 12 pounds.
Norwegian Forest Cats also developed naturally; their larger bodies and thick coats were ideal for the harsh winter climate of Norway. The Norwegian Forest Cat, or “Wedgie” as the breed is affectionately known, is gentle and loving. The long coat is easy to care for with regular brushing or combing.
#5 Persian
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Medium to large long-haired
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$1300 - $3000
The Persian is the original fluffy cat breed—it’s one of the oldest of all cat breeds, hailing from Persia and Iran, and it has been prized for hundreds of years for its extremely long, plush fluffy coat. The Persian cat’s coat is glossy, with a fine texture, and comes in a variety of colors. Long and thick, the coat stands off from the body in extreme fluffiness.
The ruff of hair around the neck is immense and extends down between the front legs, and the fluffy tail is very full. The Persian even has tufts of hair on its ears and toes. Persian cats are extremely people-oriented and loving. Serene and quiet, the Persian isn’t much for jumping, climbing or mischief making, but it will warm your lap all winter long.
The coat requires daily brushing and combing to keep mats at bay. Professional grooming can take some length off to make the coat more manageable.
#6 Ragdoll
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Large-sized long-haired
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$1200 - $2300
The Ragdoll cat is affectionate and people-oriented, with an extremely docile temperament. These cats love being held. In fact, the breed name is a nod to the way the Ragdoll completely relaxes in your arms, going limp like a Ragdoll, and snuggles in for some serious cuddling. The Ragdoll’s long, fluffy coat is surprisingly low maintenance.
The texture of the plush, silky coat naturally resists matting. Regular grooming with brushing or combing a few times a week will remove any small tangles. Like the Birman and Himalayan, the Ragdoll is a color-pointed cat—a lighter body with darker points of color on the extremities. The Ragdoll’s eyes are always blue.
#7 Selkirk Rex
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Large-sized long-haired
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$500- $800
Talk about a crazy hair day! The Selkirk Rex is one of only four cat breeds with naturally curly coats. The Selkirk Rex comes in both shorthair and longhair versions, and the longhair Selkirk is super fluffy.
The longhair Selkirk Rex’s coat is soft, full and dense with loose, individual curls. The Selkirk Rex was created when a naturally curly coated housecat was bred to a Persian. Later, the British Shorthair cat and Exotic Shorthair were added to the mix.
Even after brushing a Selkirk Rex’s coat will look a little wild, but it’s all part of owning this unique breed. The laid-back Selkirk Rex is a very patient and loving cat.
#8 Siberian
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Medium to large long-haired
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$1000-$2000
The Siberian cat is gloriously fluffy thanks to its unique triple coat with three layers of hair—a long outercoat that varies from coarse to soft, a dense medium-length middle coat and a soft undercoat.
This extra fluffy coat kept the Siberian warm during the harsh winters of Russia, where the breed developed naturally hundreds of years ago.
The coat is even waterproof, providing further protection. The Siberian is easygoing and affectionate, and gets along with most adults, kids and family pets, including other cats and dogs.
Brushing And Grooming Fluffy Cat Breeds
Most fluffy cat breeds need to be brushed and combed frequently to prevent matting. A few fluffy cat breeds like the Birman and Ragdoll have coats that naturally resist matting, but other like the Persian and Himalayan need daily brushing and combing. Not all cat lovers have the time to brush their fluffy cats as much as needed.
If you find it hard to brush your cat enough, or if mats still form despite all your brushing and combing, you can bring your cat to a professional groomer for trimming. You can choose to just have the belly shaved to cut down on matting or opt for a full shave or lion trim (the body is shaved close, leaving longer hair on the head, tail and legs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed of cat is the fluffiest?
The fluffiest cat breeds are the Persian and Himalayan, which are related and even considered the same breed by at least once cat registry. The Persian and Himalayan coats are extremely long and thick, making them some of the most challenging coats to maintain of all the cat breeds.
What is the biggest fluffiest cat breed?
The biggest and fluffiest cat breed is the Maine Coon. Though on average they tip the scales at 12 to 15 pounds, male Maine Coons can weigh as much as 20 pounds or more. Female Maine Coons are slightly smaller than males, weighing in at 9 to 12 pounds on average.
Hello, I would like to know how I can get a fluffiest cat preferably female, it is for a gift that I want to give my wife, I am in New York
Fortunately, there are plenty of breeders in New York; go ahead and search for the following:
– Ragdoll breeders NY
– Siberian breeders NY
– Maine Coon breeders NY
– Norwegian Forest Cat breeders NY
I’m sure you’ll find something!