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Long-Haired Cats

Here, you'll find out which are the most popular long-haired cat breeds. We also walk you through their pros and cons!

Long-haired cats like the Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon look beautifully wild, mysterious and exotic. They wear their coats proudly and elegantly like an expensive and majestic robe.

They’re not just a treat for the eyes but also wonderfully soft and fluffy. Perfect for anyone that loves to pet their cat for hours and would like to run their fingers through their fur.

The list at the end of this article shows cats with half-length and long fur.

Birman Photo: Borkin Vadim/Shutterstock


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Should I Get a Short-Haired or Long-Haired Cat?

Even though your gut might have already decided: anyone that wants a cat will sooner or later ask themselves whether a short-haired or long-haired cat would be better. Why? Which you find cuter actually rarely plays a major role. The reason? Long-haired cats are often presumed to shed more, causing more work when it comes to cleaning. It’s not true!

Do Cats with Long Fur Shed More?

No. A long-haired cat won’t necessarily shed more than a short-haired cat - and vice versa. It’s not about fur length, but breed. There are actually cat breeds that shed more or less.

Extensive Grooming

It is true that long-haired cats require more grooming. Especially cats that are allowed outside. So this isn’t a myth :) Combing or brushing can actually be a nice activity that both human AND animal enjoy. Unfortunately, this time is often hard to find as most people’s lives are already very full. If you’re worried that you won’t have time for grooming in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you should probably go for a short-haired cat.

Cat Poop Stuck in Fur

When your cat’s doing its “business”, nothing can get caught in short fur. But long-haired cats are different. And who will have to remove it? That’s right! But there is a workaround: you can trim the fur around their bottoms, which often improves the problem significantly.


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Cat Hair Allergy

Long-haired cats tend to collect more skin cells and saliva in their fur. These are actually what causes an allergic reaction. But there’s much more to learn about this topic. We have a comprehensive article all about cat hair allergies!

Heating On or Off?

Long-haired cats’ coats aren’t just for show. They usually come from colder areas, where their cozy coats keep them warm. If you like cool, fresh air and don’t turn your heating right up as soon as fall arrives, a long-haired cat will probably feel comfortable in your home.

Pros

  • Long hair looks stunning
  • Long-haired cats are more comfortable in cold apartments than short-haired ones

Cons

  • More combing and brushing
  • More cat poop stuck in fur
  • Probably not a good choice for allergy sufferers
  • Injuries are often not visible

Fun Facts

According to the Guinness Book of Records 2013, the longest cat hair in the world belongs to a female cat named Sophie Smith from Oceanside (California, USA). It measures 10.11 inches (25.68 cm).