Cuddly Cat Breeds That Are More Fluff Than Tough

There’s something about fluffy cat breeds that just works.

25 Cat Breeds That Are More Fluff Than Tough

There’s something about fluffy cats that just works. They could be long-haired or have a body surrounded by thick, dense and plush fur, and we can’t get enough of them.

That’s because these fluffy cats have an almost magical presence in our lives. If you pet a cat with a super-soft coat, you’re immediately taken to a place of calm — so much so that the act of stroking their soft fur can be a great stress-reliever. Fluffy cats also exude a sense of elegance and add pizzazz to your home like a living and breathing piece of art.

Whatever your reason for loving them, these are some of the most unique, captivating and, yes, fluffiest cats.

American Bobtail

Whether you get a long-haired or a short-haired American Bobtail, you’re going to get a very bold, friendly and highly intelligent cat. They come in various dramatic colors such as cinnamon, chocolate brown, sable and lavender. The color of their coat isn’t the only thing that makes them stand out either, as their fur can be in a unique pattern or design.

These cats only need to be groomed once or twice a week to keep their coat smooth and manageable. You may even be able to brush them while they’re sitting in your lap because they’re also very affectionate.

American Bobtail Summary

American Curl

An American Curl’s fur is short or medium in length with a silky and smooth texture. Because their fur is semi-long, not long-long, they avoid getting some of the terrible tangles that some other cats are forced to deal with. Ask anybody, and you’ll hear good things about the American Curl cat. They’re good with people, pets and have a good-natured personality.

Their curled ears make them unique, and their fluffy bodies make them unforgettable. Plus, you’ll never be bored when you have an American Curl cat.

American Curl Summary

American Shorthair

American Shorthair cats are strong contenders for getting the award for Best All-Around Personality — if there was such a prize. They’re mellow with an independent streak. They’re a good-looking cat with their long hair and the range of colors they come in, though grey tabby is the one most associated with them.

If you want the softness of a plush toy and a cat with a dog-like personality, the American Shorthair cat is the one for you.

American Shorthair Summary

Balinese

Balinese cats are closely related to Siamese cats — so you’re going to get the intelligence, people-loving and playfulness that you get with a Siamese but with a distinctly soft, feathery coat. It’s the Balinese cat’s tail that is their best physical feature, as it has a very distinctive plume to it. (Think of a pom-pom on top of a knit hat.)

There’s something very calming and comforting about the regal bearing of a Balinese cat that lets you know all is well in your world.

Balinese Summary

Birman

Birman cats are so beloved; they used to be kept by Burmese priests. These days you don’t have to be in a sacred space to enjoy these beauties. Their favorite lifestyle is one where they can hang out with their humans and just chill. Generally, they have a light-colored body, with their face a darker and richer color.

The Birman fluff comes into full force with their bushy tails and paws. They have a special coat that’s in a single layer so that it doesn’t usually mat or tangle. Combing can be a meditative act that will help calm you down when you comb them to remove their dead hair. Can you say, “Ommmm?”

Birman Summary

British Shorthair

If the British Shorthair cat looks familiar to you, that’s because you’ve seen them in some fairytale books such as “Puss in Boots” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Their medium-length dense coat will remind you of the soft material of your favorite stuffed animal. These cats are patient, loyal and very smart, besides being amazingly cute.

British Shorthair cats are curious about the world around them. And while they’re good with you running your hands through their magnificent coats, just don’t pick them up.

British Shorthair Summary

Burmilla

Burmilla cats know they’re drop-dead gorgeous, but that doesn’t mean they’re stuck-up. They get along exceedingly well with everyone. They’re able to be both independent and incredibly loyal. These fluffballs have a semi-long hair coat of snow-white with flecks of silver.

Touching a Burmilla cat’s coat has been described as feeling silky to the touch. Having such a beautiful cat may feel like an extravagance, but everyone deserves a little bit of feline elegance and companionship in their life.

Burmilla Summary

Exotic Shorthair

There is a sub-breed of the Exotic Shorthair aptly called the Exotic Longhair. They’re a mix of Persian and British Shorthair cats, which means their hair isn’t quite as long as a Persian’s but just as luxurious without needing the same amount of grooming.

The Exotic Longhair has long, flowing locks of soft hair that’s soft to the touch. Their fur and their personality go together well as they’re quiet, gentle and peaceful cats.

Exotic Shorthair Summary

Himalayan

What do you get when you cross a Siamese with a Persian? The answer is a Himalayan cat! These cats love to spend time with their people. In fact, they have the best day when they get what they consider the proper amounts of affection, exercise and grooming from their fur-parent.

Their dense coats tend to be white or cream-colored, and they have deep worldly blue eyes. But their fluff quotient goes up with their fluffy tails and the furry, thick ruffs around their neck.

Himalayan Summary

Japanese Bobtail

A Japanese Bobtail cat is the best roommate you could have due to its loving nature and because they’re so easy to live with. They don’t have much of a tail — hence the name — but the fluffiness of the tail makes up for its size.

Not only will petting them calm you down and take you to your place of bliss, but Japanese Bobtail cats are also believed to be good luck.

Japanese Bobtail Summary

LaPerm

LaPerm is an unusual name for a one-of-a-kind cat! Their striking appearance is the result of a naturally occurring mutation. Their coat varies in length and comes in all colors and patterns. Their fur can be short or long and covers the entire body from the head to their tail, giving them a somewhat shaggy appearance.

As friendly and loving as they are curious, the LaPerm cat enjoys riding on their human’s shoulders, using their paws to open things and straight-up chillaxing.

LaPerm Summary

Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are hard not to fall in love with because they’re so big and fluffy with the sweetest dispositions and the most affectionate natures. If they had their way, they’d always be near to their humans to give advice or lend a helping paw. Maine Coons are true lap cats because they’re extremely loving and protective. It’s not unlike a Maine Coon Cat to put out their paw to make sure their human is nearby.

Maine Coons have a double-layer of long hair, so they can stay warm in the coldest climates. They do need constant grooming to ensure their coat stays tangle-free and smooth as silk, but that’s a small price to pay for these marvelous cats.

Maine Coon Summary

Manx

Manx cats might not have tails, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any fluff appeal with their velvety coats. If you want a fun cat as well as a sweet and affectionate one, then a Manx is for you. They’re everything you’d want in a catlike dog, as they love to play all games, including fetch, interacting with their people and, surprisingly, splashing in the water.

Manx cats are special, and they add an extra flair to your household with their distinctive looks, their agreeable and spirited personality.

Manx Summary

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest cats may not be the King of the Jungle, but they’re definitely fluff royalty. When it comes to their coat, these cats are extra with a double-layered coat, long bushy tail, full mane, floofy chest, furry legs and, if that’s not enough fluff for you, the tufts of fur between their toes and coming out of their ears.

When you have a fluff ball of this magnitude, regular grooming is a must, especially if you want to avoid matted and snarled fur. Grooming them is challenging, so visiting a professional groomer for your Norwegian Forest Cat is recommended.

Norwegian Forest Cat Summary

Ocicat

Ocicats aren’t fluffy in the strictest sense, but their distinctively marked coats are super soft and velvety, which counts. Their fur is sleek, downy and opulent. They’re so into people that they can get distressed when away from their family for too long. Like the wildcats they resemble, Ocicats are athletic and highly intelligent.

When you pet an Ocicat, as with any cat, you’re doing something healthy for yourself by lowering your blood pressure, relieving stress and being mindful of your breathing.

Ocicat Summary

Oriental Longhair

With Oriental Longhair cats, we learn that looks can be deceiving, for they appear to be shorthair cats but have long hair, as the name implies. These cool cats are exceptionally friendly, affectionate and surprisingly trainable. They’re also good at expressing themselves with both their voices and their body language.

Their lustrous silky coat comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, but they’re proudest of their flouncy tail.

Oriental Longhair Summary

Persian

Persian cats are the prime examples of fluffy cats, and for many people, it’s these cats that they think of when it comes to fluffiness. Their coats are long and flowing, their fur satiny soft, and their demeanor is calm and relaxed.

The epitome of elegance, Persian cats require regular grooming; we’re talking at least once a day. However, there are extra benefits to grooming your cat yourself — as their affection levels actually rise in direct connection to how often you groom them.

Persian Summary

Pixiebob

Which cat looks like a Bobcat but acts like a friendly puppy? The Pixiebob, that’s who! This breed is known for their devotedness to their family. They love to have fun with the kids because they stay kitten-like much longer than most cats, and they can be super active or laid-back.

Their thick double coat has a wooly and very soft texture, and their facial hair grows downward like a long beard. When you touch them, they feel as if they’re wearing padding, and for a bit of fluff, there’s their bobbed tail.

Pixiebob Summary

Ragamuffin

There are very few cats that will not only allow you to cradle them in your arms like a baby, but will also completely relax while they’re being held — but that’s how Ragamuffins roll. They’re extra-large lovebugs that will shadow you in hopes of getting some attention.

The fluff factor is high with these cats, as they have the longest, fluffiest and softest fur you could ever want to pet and touch. Ragamuffins are the complete package when it comes to sweet, affectionate and long-haired cats.

Ragamuffin Summary

Ragdoll

Ragdolls are so sweet and pretty; it’s hard not to become completely smitten by them. They’re so complacent that when they’re picked up, they go limp — that’s how trusting they are of their humans.

Ragdolls are purrfect for cuddling, snuggling and relaxing. Their semi-long hair is silky and satiny, and stroking their luxurious coat is a guaranteed stress-reliever. When you meet a friend’s Ragdoll cat, you’ll immediately want one of your own.

Ragdoll Summary

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold’s ears make them stand out, but it’s their velvety and fuzzy fur that makes them so pettable. Their coats come in many colors, patterns and lengths. They have the fluffy requirement of longer fur on the upper portion of their legs, toe-tufts, a puffed-up tail and ear-fur.

These cats are smart and prefer challenging and stimulating toys. They’re also very pleasant and would rather hang out with their humans than spend time on their own. It’s been said that Scottish Fold cats are everything!

Scottish Fold Summary

Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex may appear as if they woke up on the wrong side of the cat-bed, but that’s because of their high-curled fur. Their fur gives them a slightly disheveled look, but don’t let appearances fool you; their fur is soft, silky and dense like a deep shag carpet.

Fun fact: They’re born with curly whiskers, and their whiskers stay that way, even if their fur straightens out. While brushing frequently isn’t recommended, cuddling, on the other hand, is encouraged.

Selkirk Rex Summary

Siberian

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who has the fluffiest, most luxurious coat of all? Why, it’s the Siberian cat with their long, gorgeous fur! These cats have been around for eons, and you can credit them for all the fabulous long-haired cats there are today.

Their personality is just as wonderful as their fur, as they’re loyal, loving and social. They’re friendly to almost everyone, but they tend to get very emotionally invested when it comes to their family. They’ll follow them around, waiting for the opportunity to cuddle up next to them.

Siberian Summary

Somali

Somali cats may not have super long hair, but they’re still very fluffy. They have the glamour of a long-haired cat mixed with the confidence of an athletic one. Whatever you may expect from a Somali, they’re going to keep you on your toes with their talent for mischief.

These clever, curious and entertaining cats need to be combed a couple of times a week to keep their gorgeous fur from becoming matted or tangled while they act like a goofball for your enjoyment.

Somali Summary

Turkish Angora

With angora in their name, you know these cats have some of the softest fur around. At the same time, they’re fluffy all over — their longest fur being around their neck and chest. If you’re looking for extra fluff, go no further than their plumed tail with its natural flounce.

As a pet parent to a Turkish Angora, you’ll need to be flexible, patient and have a sense of humor because they have a rambunctious side to them. They crave play, interaction and love to do things like jump down from high places and open doors on their own.