Long-haired cat breeds may not be as common as their short-haired counterparts, but they’re becoming more popular thanks to the help of many rescue organizations and others. We picked a few of our favorites from this adorable long-haired group.
Birman Cats
Gentle, active, and playful, but quiet are words that best describe the Birman breed. They’re known for their striking blue eyes and adorable white socks as paws. This breed is sacred in Burma. According to a legend, this particular breed protected Burmese temples. Birmans make great companion cats because of their sweet and sunny disposition. To add to their appeal their coats are not prone to matting, so their upkeep is less intensive compared to many long-haired breeds.
Himalayan Cats
Often compared to the Persian breed, the Himalayan breed sets its self apart with their gorgeous blue eyes and dark coats. The name Himalayan originated from the Himalayan rabbit because of similar coloring. This breed can be traced all the way back to the 1920’s and 30’s, when breeders mated Persian and Siamese cats. The Himalayan breed’s temperament is gentle and peaceful. Usually they’re more active than a Persian, but quieter than a Siamese cat. They can become very attached to their owners, but make great companions. Unfortunately, because of their glossy coats, they require constant grooming and brushing. Fun fact: A well-known Himalayan is Mr. Jinx from the movie, Meet the Parents.
Persian Cat
Persians are one of the most renowned cat breeds in the world. The Persian breed dates all the way back to the 16th century in Europe, Persia and Turkey. Fun fact: A Persian cat competed in one of the first modern cat shows in London in 1871. They’re known to be sweet, but not as active as some other cat breeds. It might take some time to earn their trust, but once you do, they won’t leave your side. It is best to keep them indoors. Due to their long, silky fur they do require regular grooming to keep their coat silky smooth.
Javanese Cat
The Javanese is a combination of the Siamese and Baliense breeds. Originally breeders were looking for a breed that had a similar personality to the Siamese, but with a variety of colors. Their name is derived from the island of Java because of its proximity to the island of Bali, but their origins are truly unknown. The Javanese is very easy to train and is a great communicator. Just watch out, they’re big eaters, so you must keep a watchful eye on their food consumption. This intelligent cat’s coat is full of different colors and fortunately doesn’t tangle easily.
