Every kitty is adorable, but have you ever wondered which are the absolute cutest cat breeds? There is some stiff competition from cats trying to claw their way up to number one! Our Riverside vets share a list of cute cat breeds to consider if you are looking for a new four-legged friend.
What are the Cutest Cat Breeds?
Are you looking to adopt a four-legged feline friend? You've got lots of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a short-haired mischief-making kitten or a docile long-haired beauty who loves bathing in the sunlight.
From the Abyssinian to the Ragdoll the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Siamese, the fluffy kitties in this list are among the cutest cat breeds you'll find. We share the characteristics of these breeds and a little about what you can expect from each in this post.
1. Abyssinian
Because the Abyssinian (nickname: Aby) looks similar to a wild cat and has a regal-looking appearance, you might be surprised to learn that they are quite loyal. An energetic, friendly, playful and outgoing breed who loves to be up high, this cat hates to be alone and will need lots of playtime with its owner. It's recommended to provide them a companion cat since they easily become bored if left alone for too long.
Fun Fact: The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known cat breeds and originates from coastal regions of the Indian Ocean, as well as parts of southeast Asia.
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Appearance: Almond-shaped eyes; lithe, long, muscular body; arched neck; large ears; small oval feet; long, slender tail.
Length: Up to 28 inches
Coat & Color: Fine, short, glossy coat can range from ruddy to red, blue, cinnamon or fawn in a solid or ticked pattern
Life Expectancy: Up to 15 years
2. Munchkin
A relatively new breed also called the magpie, munchkin cats are aptly named as they are known for their dwarfism (a point of contention among the breeding community). Renowned for their speed despite having noticeably short legs, Munchkins are active felines that are known for their curiosity and playfulness.
Fun Fact: Munchkins tend to be mischievous bandits known for snatching shiny items. You might want to keep valuable jewellery, shoes, clothes, etc. out of their reach!
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Walnut-shaped eyes; ears with slightly rounded tips, high, defined cheekbones; thick, non-compact body with a back that slopes gently upward from shoulders to tail; well-rounded chest and firm hips.
Length: Up to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long Hair: Semi-long, silky coat with moderate and medium undercoat. Shaggy britches and full plume tail.
Short Hair: Medium to short; solilors may have a less dense coat. Semi-plush texture with medium undercoat and lustrous appearance.
Hair length, pattern and color vary - the Munchkin can come in any color or pattern, including the Siamese pattern.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
3. Devon Rex
Known as the clown of the cat world, the Devon Rex will be an active and energetic feline companion to any household. They love spending their time putting on playful shows for their owners and purring their pleasure. In return, they expect to be paid in pets and loving attention.
Fun Fact: This jovial cat is also a jumper, so will need cat trees and perches to keep them exercised and entertained.
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Similar to a pixie or elf, with a large head; eyes can be amber, aqua, blue, copper, green, gold, hazel, odd-eyed, orange or yellow; butterfly ears; broad chest; unusually soft and curly, fragile coat that should not be brushed.
Length: 15 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Silky, medium-length coat with widely varying colors.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
4. Bengal
Another kitty companion whose 'wild cat' appearance is a contrast to its sweet and loving nature, Bengals are descended from the Asian leopard cat. They are often described as active, highly intelligent and curious beauties. Prospective owners should beware that Bengals love to talk - and be talked to. Whether they are using a soft voice or not, they are not shy felines.
They are also born athletes with muscles to spare, so should be given plenty of opportunity to run and exercise freely.
Bonus: Bengals are less likely to produce an allergic reaction. They'll groom themselves less often than cats with double coats or courser coats. Keep in mind no cats are 100% hypoallergenic.
Fun Fact: Just as they are curious about everything, most Bengals will be curious about water and may show some willingness to swim. However, this doesn't mean they will routinely want to take a dip.
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Appearance: Large, thick and massive; large, triangle-shaped head; thick neck and tail; large feet; spots on coat will appear to be randomly placed; may be brown or seal in color
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Short coat; can be spotted or marbled with patterns outlined in chocolate, black or gray/silver.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
5. Siamese
One of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats in the world. They are believed to have originated in Thailand around the 14th century. Their distinctive, beautiful appearances meant they were treasured by royal families.
Another highly intelligent, sociable and talkative breed, Siamese cats are loving, trusting, and deeply sensitive and take harsh words from their humans to heart. They are known as "Velcro kitties" who love their owners intensely and will want to stay by their side.
Fun Fact: Historically, Siamese cats had crossed eyes. Legend has it that a Siamese cat once guarded a king's goblet. She held onto it so tightly that her tail bent and eyes crossed.
Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
Appearance: Lean, lengthy frame with slim, muscular bodies. Masquerade-like fur near the ears, face, legs and tail. Piercing blue eyes.
Length: 14 inches
Coat & Color: Range of colors from chocolate, sable, cinnamon and lavender to lavender, ebony, lilac and white.
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
6. Ragdoll
As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, Ragdolls may look intimidating at first glance but they are another docile, affectionate, gentle and friendly cat. Relatively new, they are most commonly dated back to the early 1960s.
Like its name suggests, Ragdolls are known for being easygoing and laid back, and may become limp when picked up, similar to a ragdoll. However, while many like to be snuggled, each of these big, beautiful felines will have its unique characteristics.
Fun Fact: While ragdolls are generally quiet, they are intelligent and have been likened to dogs. Many ragdolls can be trained to shake a paw and play fetch and other games.
Weight: Up to 20 pounds (male); 10 to 15 pounds (female)
Appearance: Blue eyes; soft, flexible bodies; relatively small and slightly rounded ears.
Length: Up to 40 inches
Coat & Color: Coats are medium-length, silky soft and can come in many variations, including cream, brown, orange, blue or lilac-colored
Life Expectancy: 15 to 25 years
7. American Bobtail
Another aptly named breed, the American bobtail is known for its short bobbed tail, playful personality and rugged appearance. Commonly called the "golden retriever" of cat breeds, these kitties boast friendly, sweet, affectionate personalities and make excellent four-legged friends.
Fun Fact: American bobtails are expressive kitties - they will sometimes wag their tails to express happiness.
Weight: 7 to 16 pounds
Appearance: Large, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes come in any color; large athletic body with long back legs. Stubby, bobbed tail is around one-third the length of a normal cat's tail and can be straight, kinked or bumped along the edge.
Length: 17 to 19 inches
Coat & Color: Long Hair: Slightly shaggy, medium to long hair tapers to slightly longer hair on the legs, belly and tail. Resilient, density-double non-matting coat.
Short Hair: Hard topcoat with soft, downy undercoat. Semi-dense, resilient with slight loft; coat may be softer in dilute colors, silvers and lynx points.
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 inches
8. Turkish Angora
While the Turkish Angora is a quiet breed, they love to run and play and are loyal, affectionate companions. Another elegant kitty, they are always active and alert, and appear proud of themselves - a true alpha cat. They are also persistent in vying for their owners' attention.
Fun Fact: This pedigreed cat is still exhibited at a zoo in Ankara, Turkey.
Weight: Male: Over 12 pounds; Female: 8 to 12 pounds
Appearance: Most accurately described as "long" - long, body; long, slim legs; long tail; long coat; wide eyes and large ears. Fine-boned cat with super soft coat and slim chest.
Length: 14 to 16 inches
Coat & Color: Medium to long, silky coat can come in a range of colors from cream, white and blue to tortoiseshell, bluecream and calico. Single layered coat grows in thicker and longer during the cold months.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
9. Cymric
Heavily boned and stocky, the Cymric is a sweet, placid breed that adores people and act as loving companions to their humans. They are no couch potatoes; this breed loves to run and play.
Fun Fact: The cymric has a unique gait and looks like a bowling ball when running around a room.
Weight: Male: Over 12 pounds; Female: 8 to 12 pounds
Appearance: Eyes can be orange, yellow, hazel, copper, amber, greed or gold. Round-shaped cat with round head, round eyes, round rump and roundness at whisker pads.
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long, thick, dense double coat comes in a range of colors (from white or blue to brown, silver tortoiseshell and more) and patterns (solid, bicolor, tortoiseshell, tricolor, smoke, shaded)
Life Expectancy: 9 to 13 years
10. Scottish Fold
Active, playful mousers, Scottish Folds seek attention and companionship, both from their humans and other pets. They are also very easygoing with children. These playful, expressive and sensitive felines are named for their unique folded ears.
Fun Fact: Scottish Folds are born with straight ears and the fold occurs due to a mutation that occurs when they are around 3 to 4 weeks old.
Weight: Male: 9 to 13 pounds; Female: 6 to 9 pounds
Appearance: Round head; round, bright, clear eyes; round legs and tail, which should be handled gently as some Scottish Folds can develop stiffness in the tail, which can cause pain if mishandled.
Length: 14 to 16 inches
Coat & Color: Some Scottish Folds have longer coats (Scottish Fold Longhair) that vary slightly in texture and need regular care.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
11. Norwegian Forest Cat
Elegant kitties whose breed history originated in Norse lore, the Norwegian forest cat was often kept by Vikings and originated as long as 4,000 years ago. Today, they are commonly affectionately called "Wegies". As Norway's official cat, this breed is known as the "skogkatt" (forest cat).
While loving, kind, gentle and even nurturing, Wegies are also independent and intelligent kitties who won't demand too much attention.
Fun Fact: The Norwegian Forest Cat has an enchanting history. They are said to have been featured in Norse fairy tales and to have pulled the goddess Freya's chariot across the sky.
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds
Appearance: Resemblance to the Maine Coon, with a long coat; tufted ears; plumed tail; heavily muscled body.
Length: 12 to 18 inches
Coat & Color: Long, thick, water-resistant double coat developed in response to the cold, harsh climate of the Scandinavian woods. The coat can have many potential patterns and colors; colors range from black, white, cream and cinnamon to red and tabby.
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Preventive Care for Cats at Riverside Animal Hospital
Whether you're wondering which cute cat breed might fit your needs and lifestyle or have already chosen your fluffy friend, our Riverside vets are here to address your questions and concerns, and provide the preventive care your feline companion needs.
From wellness exams and nutritional advice to dental and geriatric care, we have all the knowledge, experience and services you'll need to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.