Long-haired cats are beautiful, regal, and expensive. They make great cats for fans of the animal who want to spend extra in adoption costs for their appearance, as well as their affectionate natures and gentle temperaments. You’ll need to spend more time and money on their grooming requirements, but most owners say it’s more than worth it to welcome such an impressive family member into their home. Long-haired cat breeds can vary greatly in almost any sense, so there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
There’s no need to overcomplicate things – a long-haired cat is simply a cat with longer-than-average hair. This is typically between 1.5 and 5 inches long, and it can come in plenty of textures, such as soft, silky, curly, wavy, and plush. Their coats can come in lots of different colours too, depending on the breed you opt for.
Long-haired cats are considered more regal than other breeds, and it’s almost like they’re aware of this fact. Long-haired cats require more grooming and tend to be more aware of their coats than other cat breeds, so they won’t usually do anything that includes extra tangles or dirt.
Long-haired cats are incredibly popular thanks to their long, very cuddly coats – and the good news is that there are plenty of breeds to choose from! While there are more than the ones we’re going to be looking at today, here are ten of the most popular long-haired breeds in Australia today:
Weight: 3 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
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Somali cats all have one thing in common, and that’s their huge personalities! They’re not the best option for people who want a gentle lapcat, but if you’re hoping for a kitten who’ll offer plenty of personality and laughs, this breed might be for you. They love being the centre of attention and are smart enough to learn new tricks, like how to fetch, so make sure you have plenty of time to play with them! Some have even considered the Somali’s personality to be a dog’s more than a cat’s. One thing’s for sure – they’re bound to win your heart and become your very best friend.
Weight: 3 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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Kurilian Bobtails are very social and love to cuddle up with their favourite human. They’ll often take to one human more than the others, so if you’re the lucky best friend of your Bobtail, make sure you make enough time for snuggles! These cats are also extremely active though, so when they want to play, you’ll often find them doing laps of the house. Make sure you offer them lots of toys to prevent your home from becoming a huge scratching post, as their sharp claws can become very destructive when their stimulation needs aren’t met.
Weight: 3.5 to 5.4 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years
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The Cymric cat is a sociable breed, but you need to make sure you socialise them properly beforehand to make sure they get on with almost anyone. Adult cats can become more stubborn and will therefore be more difficult to socialise, so get in quickly with socialising! These cats are gentle and love to live peacefully for the most part, but they do require a certain amount of respect from others living in the house. They like to think of you as equals, so there might be a battle for dominance if you exert your power.
Weight: 3 to 7 kg
Lifespan: 18 to 20 years
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British Longhaired Cats are super sweet and loving with their families, and their lower energy levels make them great for families who aren’t looking for a super active breed. Cats are often considered easier to look after than dogs as they don’t need constant walks, so if you don’t have time to keep an active cat entertained all day, the British Longhaired Cat might be the perfect companion for you. Don’t worry though, they still have their playful moments, so they’ll still offer plenty of aloof moments for you to laugh about. These cats are fairly independent and love staying at home.
Weight: 3.2 to 4.5 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
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Turkish Angora cats are incredibly intelligent and social, often being likened to dogs. They tend to gravitate more towards one person in the household, and they’ll follow this person around more than the rest. They’ll also often prefer you to prepare their meals and play with them, with some even refusing things from other family members! These cats love being playful with others, including human and cat companions alike. So, make sure you have plenty of toys in and give them at least half an hour of devoted playtime a day to keep them happy and prevent feline depression.
Weight: 4.5 to 9 kg
Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
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The Ragamuffin is a fairly easygoing cat – despite its appearance! Known as the teddy bear of the cat breed world, this cat loves lots of snuggles and will always choose to curl up after a long day with its owners. Don’t be surprised if they want to sleep at the end of your bed either, as they love the presence of human companions. You might love this trait if you enjoy a super-friendly pet, but if you need boundaries and a trainable cat, the Ragamuffin might not be for you. They tend to want snuggles even if you’re not in the mood.
Weight: 4 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years
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Persian Cats are lovely and affectionate, but they’re also quiet and peaceful. They love anyone who treats them with respect and kindness, so if you give your pet their own space to relax, they’ll do the same for you. Unlike more agile cats who like to scale the walls and climb as high as possible, Persian Cats prefer lounging around and enjoying the sunshine through the windows. While they’re not always considered the best family cats, this breed is generally accepting of children as long as they’ve been taught how to gently pet them instead of being rough.
Weight: 3.2 to 6.8 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
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Nebelung cat is an enigma. They’re both playful and reserved, active and gentle all at the same time! They’re incredibly unique, and that’s why many cat owners love them so much – no two are the same in personality. These cats are most comfortable in a quieter home, and they love a set routine so they know exactly where everyone’s going to be and what you’re going to be doing during the day. Nebelung cats thrive so much on routine that a simple change to it can become stressful for them, and they can be prone to developing anxiety. They don’t love new people, so they’re not the best if you’re going to be out of town a lot and were planning on hiring a sitter.
Weight: 3.6 to 5.4 kg
Lifespan: 8 to 11 years
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Himalayan Cats are laid-back and very chilled, making them wonderful family pets for the majority of households. They get along like a house on fire with other animals and children, despite not being the most energetic breed. They will have their playful moments, though, so make sure you have lots of toys ready for when they need to get their energy out. Himalayan Cats can be left at home for the majority of the day, but they’ll definitely prefer another cat for company. Compared to a lot of other long-haired cat breeds, they are more adaptable to your needs!
Weight: 3.6 to 6.8 kg
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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Balinese cats are just as clever as they are beautiful, but they can also be playful and fussy depending on the day. This means that they’re always keeping you on your toes and can sometimes feel like you have multiple cats! The Balinese is a mutation of the short-haired Siamese, so if you love the Siamese breed, you’ll most likely love the Balinese, too. They’re very friendly and inquisitive, but they can also be demanding when they get in a mood and want your attention on them.
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