Short-haired cats might be lower maintenance, but the beauty of a long-haired cat is hard to deny. Their gorgeous silky fur is just begging to be admired and petted — and combed regularly.

Swipe through to learn about 7 long-haired cat breeds.

Maine Coon

As the largest cat breed, Maine Coons stand out thanks to size alone, a feature only amplified by their long fur and seemingly never-ending whiskers. These gentle giants may weigh up to 25 pounds, but they’re still known for a sweet, loving demeanor and an impressive intellect that draws comparisons to dogs.

Persian

This familiar, pudgy-faced feline is perhaps the most associated with long hair among cat breeds. Persians’ tendency to choose calm over chaos makes them a popular household pet, but their long fur requires daily brushing to prevent matting. They also sport a wide variety of coat colors and patterns to choose from.

Ragdoll

The attention-loving ragdoll got its name for the way cats of this breed sometimes seem to go limp when held or pet. Their long fur is some of the softest among cat breeds and usually white or otherwise light in color. Beware that these cats’ affinity for companionship means they aren’t suitable for owners who can’t be home often.

Birman

Birmans are beautiful, blue-eyed cats with long fur that falls into neat points that doesn't tangle or mat as easily as most other long-haired breeds. This makes them more appealing to those turned off by the grooming needs of many other breeds. They’re also known for being an inquisitive breed, often curious about participating in whatever is going on around them.

Himalayan

If this cat looks like a cross between Persian and Siamese breeds, that’s because it is! Himalayans reliably feature the dark coloring around the face, ears, feet, and tail found on Siamese cats and a long, elegant coat borrowed from Persians. These cats are mild-mannered and generally prefer living in a calm environment.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Adapted to survive the harsh winters of its namesake place of origin, this is a breed whose long, waterproof fur is both fashionable and functional. Though Norwegian forest cats are more accustomed to going about their own business than other breeds, they can easily form a bond and enjoy being social with their owners, which makes grooming their often-shed coat easier.

Bobtail

Unsurprisingly, bobtails’ defining feature is a stubby tail that resembles an oversized cotton ball. As a whole, their fur isn’t quite as long as some of the other breeds here and can come in any color typically found in cats. This is an energetic and playful breed that enjoys engaging and forming strong bonds with people.

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