23 Cutest Cat Breeds Anyone Will Love

23 Cutest Cat Breeds Anyone Will Love

These adorable felines are impossible to resist

By 

LAUREN MURPHY

 

Updated on 03/27/23

 Reviewed by 

AMY FOX

 

acmanley / Getty Images

When looking for your next furry feline friend, there are so many cat breeds to explore and consider. Each breed differs in personality type and physical characteristics. Some cats are quite large, while others are tiny. Some prefer their privacy, while others are the ultimate snugglers. No matter which type you prefer, all cats are adorable. But these, in our opinion, are the cutest ones out there.

• 01of 23

  Ragdoll

  

   

  rachel devine / Getty Images

  Large and in charge, the lovable Ragdoll cat is sleek and beautiful with a friendly and affectionate personality. The Ragdoll is one of the largest domestic cat breeds out there. Their size can be intimidating, but Ragdolls are actually very docile, and are happiest when curling up in a favorite person's lap for some petting and purring.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 20 pounds (male); 10 to 15 pounds (female)

  LENGTH: 17 to 21 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and silky coat; colors vary widely

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years or more
• 02of 23

  Scottish Fold

  

   

  LightFieldStudios / Getty Images

  The defining characteristic of Scottish fold cats is their small, folded ears, which give them a somewhat owl-like appearance. But their adorable ears aren't the only outstanding attribute of these cute felines. These cats have very friendly, sweet personalities and and they are outgoing and affectionate with their families, including children and other household pets.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 5 to 11 pounds

  LENGTH: 10 to 30 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short coat in many colors, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico patterns

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 14 years
• 03of 23

  Maine Coon

  

  Maine Coon cats come in many different colors and patterns.  

  Getty Images/Nynke van Holten

  Another large cat breed, Maine coons exude elegance. They have long, sleek coats that come in a variety of color combinations. They’re great with kids, other pets, and people of all ages. These friendly, laid-back cats have adorable tiny tufts of hair at the tips of their ears.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 9 to 20 pounds

  LENGTH: 19 to 30 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in more than 75 color combinations

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9 to 15 years
• 04of 23

  Selkirk Rex

  

   

  Thomas Leirikh / Getty Images

   

  The Selkirk Rex rather resembles a stuffed animal, thanks to its rounded face and curly, tussled coat. This cute breed is easy-going and affectionate, generally getting along very well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. The curly coat does require regular combing to prevent tangles and mats.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 30 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short or long curly, tussled fur in any color or combination of colors

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  
• 05of 23

  Russian Blue

  

   

  Volatilde / Wikimedia Commons

  These striking cats have bluish-gray coats and green eyes. Their dense fur makes them very cuddly looking. While friendly with their favorite humans, they can be somewhat shy or aloof with people they do not know well.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds

  LENGTH: About 2 feet

  COAT AND COLOR: Short, blue coat

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
• 06of 23

  Bengal

  

   

  Olga Murasheva / EyeEm / Getty Images

  If you’re looking for a domesticated cat that looks strikingly like its big-cat relatives, the Bengal is for you. This breed originated from a hybrid cross between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic house cat, but current breedings are strictly between domestic Bengals. While they stay relatively small, they maintain that wild look. Bengals are very active, intelligent, and friendly cats that need more exercise than many other feline breeds.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short coat. Spotted or marbled coats with patterns outlined in black, chocolate, or gray/silver

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years
• 07of 23

  British Shorthair

  

   

  NiseriN / Getty Images

  British Shorthairs have adorable, rounded, teddy-bear-like features that will instantly make you fall in love. One of the oldest English cat breeds, it is calm, gentle, and quiet. This breed is sometimes referred to as the British Blue because of the stunning blue coat many of the cats exhibit, but they can be other colors as well.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 7 to 17 pounds; males are typically larger than females

   LENGTH: 22 to 25 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short and dense coat. Colors include solid white, black, red, cream, and blue.

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years
• 08of 23

  American Bobtail

  

   

  Jane-Khomi / Getty Images

  American bobtails are unmistakable. They have short, stubby tails and the look of a wildcat. Despite their wild looks, American bobtails are actually quite sweet and affectionate. They’re sometimes referred to as the golden retrievers of the feline world, thanks to their playful nature and fondness for playing fetch and other games. They can even be trained to walk on a leash and perform simple tricks.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 7 to 16 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 30 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short to long shaggy coats that come in any color or pattern

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

  Continue to 9 of 23 below.
• 09of 23

  Birman

  

   

  cyano66 / Getty Images

  The Birman cat breed resembles a long-haired Siamese, but the Birman always has white-socked feet and magnificent blue eyes along with the characteristic dark mask, ears, tail, and legs. These cute and cuddly felines are very sweet and gentle, and they hate to be alone, preferring the company of their humans, other cats, or even cat-friendly dogs.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 10 to 12 pounds

  LENGTH: 15 to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long and silky with seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
• 10of 23

  Manx

  

   

  Jupiterimages / Getty Images

  Cat lovers describe the Manx breed as almost dog-like because of its playfulness, easy trainability, and strong loyalty. But the most distinctive feature of the Manx is the lack of a tail. These felines are very playful, intelligent, curious, and affectionate. Most are great mousers, as well.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

  LENGTH: 14 to 16 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short-and long-haired varieties with coats in white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, bluecream, and brown

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
• 11of 23

  Persian

  

   

  aamorim / Getty Images

  This beautiful snub-nosed cat has become one of the most popular breeds in North America, thanks to its adorable flat face and loving, gentle personality. These cuddly kitties like to be at home, preferably with their favorite people and perhaps another cat or a cat-friendly dog.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds

  LENGTH: About 14 to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long, solid coat (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded and smoke, and Himalayan)

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 17 years
• 12of 23

  Norwegian Forest Cat

  

  The Norwegian Forest Cat comes in many different colors and patterns.  

  Getty Images/Ryuichi Miyazaki

  Affectionately called “wegies,” the Norwegian forest cat has a beautiful semi-long coat and an affectionate, although independent, personality. These elegant cats are believed to be the cats of the Vikings, and the breed’s history can be traced back to Norse lore. They are one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 13 to 16 pounds

  LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat with colors ranging from white, black, red, cream, tabby to cinnamon

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years

  Continue to 13 of 23 below.
• 13of 23

  Egyptian Mau

  

   

  Rem13 / Getty Images

  The Egyptian mau has a history stretching back to ancient Egypt and the days of the pharoahs. This naturally spotted beauty is a playful, affectionate, and devoted feline. The Egyptian mau is the fastest domesticated cat, with some reaching speeds of 30 mph or more when running at their peak.1

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 6 to 14 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 24 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length, spotted coat in silver, bronze, or smoke with spots produced by color on the tips of the hairs

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
• 14of 23

  Ragamuffin

  

   

  undefined undefined / Getty Images

  Ragamuffins are big, docile lap cats. Their silky coats are extremely soft and fluffy, a benefit to them, as they love attention and lots of pets. These lovable and affectionate felines look like plush toys and are just as cuddly. They get along with just about everyone, including children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Many can even learn to walk on a leash and other "dog like" tricks.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 8 to 20 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 33 inches long

  COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat in white, black, blue, red, lavender, cinnamon, chestnut, platinum, or chocolate

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years
• 15of 23

  American Curl

  

   Photo: rukawajung/Shutterstock

  With their naturally backwards-curling ears, the American curl is already adorable, but their kitten-like personalities, which persist into adulthood, make them even cuter. They are outgoing and affectionate, and make wonderful family pets. Many can learn to walk on a leash or perform simple tricks. Their fur can be long or short, and any color or color combination.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds

  LENGTH: 18 to 20 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long or short hair in any color or combination of colors

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years

  
  
• 16of 23

  LaPerm

  

   

  kimberrywood/iStock/Getty Images 

  A fairly new breed marked by fur that is naturally "permed" into soft waves to tight curls, the LaPerm is a very affectionate breed that is also very energetic and athletic, thanks to their barn-cat ancestors. This is a cat that likes to play fetch before curling up in your lap for a nap. The LaPerm can have short or long fur in any color or color combination.

  WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds

  LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long or short fur that is wavy to curly. Any color or color combination.

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  

  Continue to 17 of 23 below.
• 17of 23

  American Wirehair

  

   

  Boy_Anupong / Getty Images

  This rare cat breed has a naturally wiry coat, thank to a genetic mutation. These round-faced felines can be somewhat shy, but are usually affectionate and friendly with their favorite humans. They are fairly calm, easy-going cats, but they do enjoy playing. Their fur is somewhat coarse, but does not shed much and doesn't require a lot of grooming.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 8 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 15 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length, wiry and coarse fur in many different color combinations

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 20 years

  
  
• 18of 23

  Bombay

  

  The Bombay was bred to resemble a black panther.  

  Getty Images/MorganLeFaye

  With the looks of a miniature panther and the personality of the friendliest housecat, the Bombay is like having your very own cute wildcat without the danger. These black cats with golden eyes are very playful, affectionate, and sociable, and prefer to be in a household where they'll get lots of attention and love.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 15 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 20 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short, sleek black fur and orange/gold eyes

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 20 years

  
  
• 19of 23

  Chartreux

  

  Ash gray coat  

  Cunfek/Getty Images

   

  The Chartreux is a French breed with a somewhat rounded face and a smiling expression, which well suits its naturally affectionate, friendly nature. These beautiful silvery-gray cats are excellent mousers, but they are easy-going and gentle with their favorite people.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 24 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short dense blue-gray fur

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  
• 20of 23

  Devon Rex

  

   

  The Spruce / Kristie Lee

  With its small size, triangular head, large ears, and big staring eyes, the Devon Rex has an adorably alien appearance. But the most distinctive characteristic of this breed is its coat, which is thin and wavy due to a genetic mutation. These cats are very active, athletic, friendly, and outgoing, and they love to spend time playing, cuddling, or socializing with their families, both human and other household pets.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short wavy hair in any color or combination of colors

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  

  Continue to 21 of 23 below.
• 21of 23

  Singapura

  

   Seregraff / Getty Images

  Even as an adult, the Singapura remains not much more than kitten-sized, with a rounded face and big eyes that make it irresistible. These descendants of Singapore street cats thrive when given lots of attention, love, and interaction with family. They get along well with just about everyone, including children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.

  WEIGHT: 5 to 8 pounds

  LENGTH: 9 to 12 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Short brownish fur with darker "ticked" ends

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  
• 22of 23

  Turkish Angora

  

   

  Anna Volgina/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

  Long, lithe, and somewhat prone to mischief if left alone, the Turkish angora has a beautiful, soft coat that practically begs to be petted. These affectionate and curious cats require a lot of attention, but the reward for your time is their loving, affectionate presence. While most often white, Turkish angoras can be many other colors as well.

  Breed Overview

  WEIGHT: Up to 9 pounds

  LENGTH: Up to 18 inches

  COAT AND COLOR: Long fur that's most often white, but can be other colors or color combinations

  LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years

  
  
• 23of 23

  Munchkin

  

   Michael Beder / Getty Images

  Munchkin cats look like your average house cat, but they have very short legs due to a genetic mutation. Their short legs give them a unique look that cat-lovers all over the world can appreciate. Whether or not they are an actual cat 'breed' is controversial because they are not recognized by the majority of cat associations as an official breed. Part of the controversy stems from the fact that the genetic mutations that give them their unique look can also bring health issues to these petite cats.2 Despite their short and stout stature, munchkins are often quite active, and they are very loving and affectionate felines.