Longest and Shortest Living Cat Breeds

This cat may be lacking a tail, but that doesn’t mean it’s not strong and mighty. The Manx has a robust body and round, jowly cheeks. There are two varieties of this breed, longhair and shorthair, both of which have plush double coats.

This hairless wonder may give homage to ancient Egypt, but it was bred right here in North America. And what it misses in fur, it makes up in personality. The Sphynx loves to be the center of attention, whether with humans or other pets.

A Persian look-alike with a bit of a twist, the Exotic is a quiet and affectionate cat that doesn’t get bothered by noises around the house.

Much like the two cats in Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” who sing “We are Siamese if you please,” the breed has extraordinary blue eyes and chiseled facial features. This elegant breed originated in Siam, the former name of Thailand.

Although its name suggests it originated in Ethiopia, once known as Abyssinia, the Abyssinian breed actually hails from the coast of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia. It is one of the oldest known cat breeds. Understood to be active and intelligent, the almond-eyed Abyssinian is definitely considered a people pleaser.

The Balinese looks like it descended from royalty with its lush, flowy coat and sapphire eyes. The breed gets its name from the graceful dancers of Bali. Long haired and long bodied, the Balinese is a gorgeous cat that also has an endearing playful side.

If you love dogs but you have always considered yourself a cat person, don’t stray from the Devon Rex. This playful cat is intensely loyal, craves company, and can easily learn tricks.

The Japanese Bobtail is quite the character. Bubbly, athletic, and an aficionado of the game fetch, this breed has got a unique personality…and appearance. It’s not uncommon for these cats to have two different colored eyes, primarily one blue and one green, and their tail can be anything from a nub with short hair to one with a smooth mane.

Any guesses as to why this cat is named Maine Coon? It just so happens that it was first recognized as a breed in Maine, where it was also named the official cat of the state. The Maine Coon does well in the winter time, with its thick coat and ability to wrap its shaggy tail around its body.

The Khao Manee, often called the “White Gem” because of it white fur and jewel-like eyes, thrive in warm weather. This ancient breed originated in Thailand. People used to believe that whoever has a Khao Manee would be very fortunate.

The Burmilla is a cross between a Burmese and chinchilla Persian. The breed officially entered the Cat Fanciers’ Association Miscellaneous Class in February of 2011. Cats of this breed are quite affectionate and gentle, but don’t be mistaken. They are actually more extroverted than the typical Persian and also incredibly clumsy to boot. Hide your nice chinaware when this kitty is on the loose!

Although its name suggests otherwise, the European Burmese actually hails from the Far East. What makes this cat different from its Burmese counterpart is its refined appearance. While the Burmese is round and compact, the European Burmese is an elegant, medium-sized cat.

This cat can be anything from outgoing and playful to lackadaisical and sleepy. One minute the Havana brown will be sprinting around the house and the next it will be passed out in a deep slumber. Much like its variance in physical activity, this breed also has two different personalities: affectionate and mischievous.

This eye-catching cat is noticeable for its silver-blue coat that shines in the light. Discovered in its namesake Thailand province of Korat, this breed is considered one of Thailand’s good luck cats, according to an ancient “Cat-Book of Poems” that is now held at Bangkok’s National Library.

Originating in a farm close to the ancient hunting and fishing grounds of the Wishram Native Americans, the LaPerm is unique in personality and appearance. Gentle and affectionate, this cat is people-oriented and craves human contact.

Vibrant in coat and in personality, the Oriental can be found in over 600 colors, patterns, and coat length. Rooted from the Siamese breed, this elegant and adventurous cat is one of the CFA’s most popular types.

The Persian is an eye-catching breed, with an extremely thick, voluminous coat and a pansy-like face. The way a Persian’s cheeks droop down the side of its face and the innate wide-eyed expression it wears make it seem like it’s constantly bewildered. The most popular type of the Persian is the the Himalayan, a mix between a Persian and Siamese.

The Russian Blue is utterly striking with its sparkly, silver blue coat and dazzling green eyes. Unlike a lot of domestic pets, this breed doesn’t incessantly shed, so sweeping and vacuuming cat hair doesn’t have to be a daily chore. The Russian Blue is also a very affectionate cat and likes to snuggle up beside you on the couch.

This curly-coated cat was bred to be larger than its other Rex counterparts. While typically heavier than most cats, the Selkirk Rex is naturally soft and can be used as a living, breathing teddy bear.

The Toybob is one of the smallest cat breeds in the world — adult cats don’t really grow to be more than seven pounds. This is a naturally small bobbled tailed cat that took more than 30 years to develop; it is not a miniaturized version of a similar breed.

Bengal tiger? While this breed can surely look like one, your life won’t be in danger if you domesticate one. These cats are quite curious and like to persuade their owners to play with them. The Bengal also has a fondness of water — some will gladly watch the water run from the faucet as you brush your teeth, while the bolder ones may even try to hop in the shower with you.

Aptly named Burmese, this elegant cat breed hails from Burma, also called Myanmar, a country located in southeast Asia. The Burmese have large, captivating eyes and a short, silky coat. They prefer to perch atop their owner’s warm lap and be gently stroked.

Tonkinese cats are both amiable and playful. These cats actively seek attention — unlike the anti-social stereotype of cats — and prefer not to be left alone or ignored. The breed is quite vocal and has a muscular stature.

Some Scottish fold cats almost resemble an owl, with their ears folded down on the top of their head and their big eyes. Not all cats of this breed inherit the folded ear gene, though. Some have straight, normal ears. The Scottish Fold is very sweet and plays nicely with children and other pets in the home, even dogs.

The American Bobtail is known for both its antics and comforting nature. It will happily show off its ability to swat and capture insects flying in mid-air, and, on the same day, will be at your beck and call if you need comfort.

Often pegged as the “potato on toothpicks,” the Chartreux has a round body, broad shoulders, and deep chest. The breed is said to have originated in ancient Persia. A pastime of the Chartreux involves watching things in motion even on a television screen or sitting in front of a window, where birds and other wildlife can be seen roaming about.

The Cornish Rex is not your average kitty. This peculiar-looking breed has short curly hair that’s incredibly soft to caress. Additionally, the cat has an egg-shaped head with pronounced cheekbones and perky ears that shoot straight upward. Cats of this breed also like to play fetch and catch — they actually like to use their paws to pick up and toss small objects.

The Singapura is a small, bony cat that is curious, outgoing, and playful. Singapura is the Malaysian word for Singapore, which is where the breed originated. This cat, one of the lightest felines on the list, has a ton of energy, spending most of its day running around and finding things to play with.

This breed looks like a miniature lion with its bushy mane around the neck. The Somali is an ambitious and curious little cat. Some of its favorite pastimes include playing fetch and opening cupboards. The Somalis are extroverts to say the least, so they like to play and receive lots of attention from their owners.

Not to be confused with the tiger, the Siberian cat may look fluffy but don’t let that fool you — this cat is incredibly mighty with impressive physical strength and balance. Siberian cats are treasured by people in Russia, having been documented in Russian fairy tales and children’s books. Siberian cats also love playing in water, so bath time (if you even feel the need to bathe your cat) isn’t necessarily cumbersome.

With a coat freckled with spots similar to that of a cheetah’s, the Egyptian Mau is an eye-catching breed. Intelligent and incredibly loyal, this cat likes to be an integral part of the family, though it likes things to happen in its favor. Both gentle and sensitive, the Egyptian Mau is known to idolize its owner(s).

The Lykoi is only partially hairless. Nicknamed the “wolf cat,” as Lykoi means “wolf” in Greek, the breed was established in 2011. The very first Lykoi was discovered the year before in a feral colony in the U.S. After several genetic tests were done, it was concluded that the Lykoi gene is a recessive gene, a natural mutation, not related to any other known hairless mutations.

Light blue eyes paired with a gentle demeanor give this kitty a delightfully charming character. The Birman’s true origin has yet to be determined. However, most of them in the U.S. today are said to have derived from England, France, Australia, and Germany. Whatever their origin may be, one thing’s for certain — they are great companions. These cats like to attach to your side when you read the newspaper, work on the computer, fold the laundry, and load the dishwasher.

Can you take a wild guess as to where this kitty hails from? The Norwegian forest cat originated in Norway where it’s referred to as the Skogkatt. This rugged, fluffy cat fits the definition of a homebody — loves to be inside surrounded by its beloved owners. Despite loving the indoors, this breed also fares very well in the snow thanks to its waterproof double coat that evolved specifically to endure the harsh Scandinavian winters.

Adorned with perky ears that curl back in a graceful arc, and expressive eyes, the American curl naturally looks alert and curious. This kitty has an adventurous spirit, and can be found climbing on the countertop just to nap in a large empty salad bowl. This breed is exceptionally faithful and people-oriented, with ambitions to be by their owners’ side at all times.

The Colorpoint Shorthair comes in 16 different colors, with its tail and the shape of its head quite similar to the Siamese. This cat breed is incredibly sensitive to people’s moods and will happily snuggle under your arm when you feel you need it most. Careful, if you ignore them they will follow you around the house, complaining in a raspy voice.

Like little kids who love to take their ragdolls everywhere, this cat breed likes to be by your side 24/7. Ragdoll cats like to follow you from room to room and even cuddle with you while you sleep. And they stay playful kittens longer than most breeds. They mature very slowly, not reaching their full coat color until age 2 and full weight until they turn 4.

This prized breed is relatively new to the U.S., making its debut just 35 years ago. The Turkish Van, originating in southwest Asia, has a distinctive appearance and is quite rare. Turkish Vans carry the piebald gene, meaning they have a white coat with colored markings exclusively on their head and tail.

The Turkish Angora is known to be one of the most affectionate and extroverted breeds. While they are loving and adjust well to other pets, Turkish Angoras are quick to claim their title as the dominant pet of the household.

Cat or miniature panther? While the latter may likely be assumed upon first glance, the Bombay is 100% a hybrid cat breed. Crossed between a black American shorthair and a sable Burmese, Bombay cats exemplify a laissez-faire attitude — entertaining themselves when their owner is busy, yet eager to hop in their lap when welcome.

The American Wirehair has American in its name for a reason…the breed began as a spontaneous mutation in a litter of upstate New York farm cats in 1966. Also apt to its name, the coat of this breed is best described as wiry. Breeders find that this cat is relatively resistant to disease, which more than likely contributes to its longevity.

This plush kitty loves to be around people in the house, but it doesn’t appreciate being held. British shorthairs tend to have acrobatic-like qualities and — ironically — are quite clumsy. Since this lovable breed is so active, it’s innately muscular and has great physical strength.

The American shorthair is known for its impressive life expectancy, charming looks, and robust health. Not to mention, this particular breed is remarkably congenial with kids and with other pets, so you don’t have to fret about this kitty playing nicely with others.