Sometimes, the best cure for a long day is a cat nap—or rather, a fluffy cat napping on your lap. Petting a cat has been proven to reduce cortisol levels, which decreases stress and increases the feline-human bond. While we love a sassy Sphynx, the hairless variety isn’t for everyone. Fluffy cat breeds tend to be incredibly sweet and doting animals, which makes total sense considering their poof-ball-esque appearances. Some, like the Maine Coone, are giant balls of fur. Others, like the American Curl, are more diminutive cuddly creatures. No matter their size - or their coat color—every fluffy cat breed on our list will benefit from a good brushing every now and again.
10 Fluffy Cat Breeds, Because Cuddling with One Can Literally Reduce Stress
•
Published Apr 24, 2022
Yuval Helfman/EyeEm/Getty Images
1. American Bobtail
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 7-16 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, friendly
Coat: Short or long
Color: Variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 11-15+ years
This American cat breed has a bobbed tail (duh) and is known for being a terrific breed for anxious people. Their coats can be short or long and come in patterns that often make them look like big, wild cats. Smart and affectionate, American Bobtails really bond with their people. If you’re looking for a cat who takes well to walks outside, try this breed on for size.
White_bcgrd/Getty Images
2. American Curl
Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Personality: Smart, sweet
Coat: Short or long, silky
Color: Variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 10-20 years
With naturally occurring curled ears, American Curl cats have a unique look. The Cat Fanciers Association says these “people-oriented” cats enjoy following their people wherever they go. Known to adapt well to new situations, American Curls are great with kids and other pets, too.
Vadimborkin/Getty Images
3. Birman
Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
Personality: Quiet, loyal
Coat: Long, single layer
Color: Pointed, cream
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
Say hello to one of the laziest cat breeds around: The Birman. These fluff balls are most often found in a pointed pattern, with cream-colored coats, and darker brown or fawn noses and ears. Birman fluff tends to be soft and silky with a slight mane around their necks. While quiet, Birmans are known to cling and even enjoy being carried around. Don’t mind if we do!
Carlos G. Lopez/Getty Images
4. British Shorthair
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 8-16 pounds
Personality: Calm, independent
Coat: Short, dense
Color: Variety (Known for silvery gray)
Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
While the British Shorthair’s coat is relatively short (duh), it’s quite dense and fluffy. Commonly found in a silvery gray or blue color, they can come in a variety of patterns. These sweeties have even-keel dispositions and tend to avoid leaping onto tall perches like some cats.
TRAVELARIUM/Getty Images
5. Maine Coon
Height: 10-16 inches
Weight: 12-15 pounds (females), 18-25 pounds (males)
Personality: Sweet, smart
Coat: Long, silky
Color: Various
Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
Another American cat breed! Maine Coons are known for their impressive size. Their long, silky coats tend to make them look even larger than they are. Fluffy coats protected these cats from hard New England winters. Today, they make excellent family pets and only require minimal grooming (their long coats don’t mat easily).
Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo/Getty Images
6. Norwegian Forest
Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds (females), 12-18 pounds (males)
Personality: Independent, loving
Coat: Long, double coat, coarse
Color: Various (known for white and tabby mix)
Life Expectancy: 13-20 years
Similar to the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat’s coat evolved to protect it from chilly nights and snowy weather. Unlike Maine Coons, these cats have coarse, waterproof double coats that require weekly brushing to avoid snarls. Norwegian Forest Cats tend to be more independent, too. While they embrace lap naps every once in a while, don’t be offended if they pick the cushion next to you. They love you, they just need their space.
jj8zpchue7/500px/Getty Images
7. Persian
Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 7-12 pounds
Personality: Quiet, sweet
Coat: Long, soft
Color: Variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
Persians are perhaps the most recognizable and popular fluffy cat breed. Their large eyes, stout bodies, and incredibly doting dispositions are purrrfect for cuddling. While they’re chilling with you on a daily basis, you’re gonna want to run a brush or metal comb through their fur. Ignoring a Persian’s fluffy coat could result in tangles and mats!
Kevin Vandenberghe/Getty Images
8. Ragdoll
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds (females), 15-20 pounds (males)
Personality: Sweet, patient
Coat: Long, soft
Color: White bodies, pointed markings
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—Ragdolls earned their names because they actually enjoy being picked up and carried around like a doll (duh!!!). Many have fluffy manes of fur around their necks and like Ragdolls require frequent brushing to keep their coats healthy. Ragdolls have also been known to be into playing games like fetch, so get ready to entertain!
Marcos Ealo/500px/Getty Images
9. Scottish Fold
Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 6-13 pounds
Personality: Adaptable, loving
Coat: Long and short varieties
Color: Variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Like American Curls, Scottish Folds have unique ears. However, theirs curl forward and down. With their plush, fluffy fur, Scottish Folds almost look like large barn owls! They have even tempers and can easily fit into a variety of environments and families. As rare as they are loveable, consider yourself lucky if you get to meet one.
WITTY AQUARIAN/500px/Getty Images
10. Siberian
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-17 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, playful
Coat: Long, thick
Color: Variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 11-18 years
Siberians have thick coats—like, three layers thick. Brush at least three times a week to keep it smooth and tangle-free! Then, sit back and relax as your affectionate Siberian cat showers you with love and casually tries to play with you. They are fairly easy-going pets.
