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17 Most Beautiful Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

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By Nicole Cosgrove

a fluffy siberian cat lying on the floor at home

Let’s face it, all cats are beautiful and cute in their own way, but certain breeds are absolutely breathtaking. From exotic coat patterns to long, luscious locks, certain breeds are downright beautiful.

Below, you will find the 17 prettiest and most beautiful cat breeds.

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The 17 Most Beautiful Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

ginger Maine coon cat
Image Credit: Meriluxa, Shutterstock
Size: 30–40 inches
Color: Black, blue, white, cream, tortie

Maine Coons are sometimes called “gentle giants” due to their large size but loving and affectionate personalities. On top of their already big bodies, Maine Coons have a fluffy coat and an even fluffier tail.

Maine Coons are loved for their easy-going nature and intelligence. With a bit of effort, you can even train Maine Coons to respond to their names just like dogs. If that’s not weird enough, Maine Coons sometimes enjoy being in the water!


2. Norwegian Forest

shaded tortoiseshell norwegian forest cat sitting on grass
Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
Size: 9–12 inches
Color: White, blue, black, red, cream, golden, silver

The Norwegian Forest is a lot like a Maine Coon but has slightly more delicate features. The cat is absolutely gorgeous and has been around since 900 AD. Norwegian Forest cats get very close to humans and are highly social.

However, most owners note that the Norwegian Forest is unique in that it loves to be around people, but it does not like being touched. Instead, you can expect the companionship of the Norwegian Forest, but not necessarily cuddles.


3. Birman

Birman-Cat_Borkin-Vadim_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Borkin Vadim, Shutterstock
Size: 15–18 inches
Color: Seal, lilac, blue, chocolate, red, tortie, cream

No cat is quite as beautiful as the Birman. It has a distinctively long and fluffy coat, as well as a cuddly and loving personality. Most of these cats are white, but they can have pointed colors as well.

This breed is a favorite among families because they love to be around people and don’t handle isolation well. The more you are at home with your Birman, the happier it will be.


4. Himalayan

Himalayan cat beside a cabinet
Image Credit: Nattapong Pongpiyapan, Shutterstock
Size: 17–19 inches
Color: White, cream, points

The Himalayan looks a lot like the Birman in that it has a long, luscious coat. Himalayans often have pointed colorations because they were developed by crossing a Siamese cat with a Persian.

Himalayan cats are known to be a bit wary of strangers, but they are amazing to have in the house. They become devotedly attached to owners and children, and they even get along with other cats and pets really well.

Read also: Birman Cat vs Himalayan Cat: Pictures, Differences & What to Choose


5. Turkish Angora

white Turkish angora
Image Credit: TheCats, Shutterstock
Size: 8–10 inches
Color: White, smoke, red, cream, blue, black, silver, tortoiseshell, tabby, calico, bi-colored

If luxury was turned into a cat, the Turkish Angora would be the result! The cat has a long, luxurious coat that is soft to the touch. All the while, they are patient, good-natured, and curious about the household.

At times, Turkish Angoras can be playful, making them a good choice for children. Even if you have children, this breed still needs its own toys to stay entertained while the family is away.


6. Bombay

bombay cat sitting on grass outdoor
Image Credit: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock
Size: 13–20 inches
Color: Black

When most people imagine a black cat, it is the Bombay they are thinking of, even if they don’t realize it. The Bombay has a distinctively black coat with piercing yellow eyes.

Part of the reason these cats are so striking is that they were bred to look like Jaguars. Despite their slightly scary appearance, they are playful and loving and one of the best cats to have in your home if you have children.


7. Russian Blue

Russian Blue sitting on the rocks
Image Credit: Review News, Shutterstock
Size: 8–10 inches
Color: Bluish-gray

The Russian Blue is known for its agile body and emerald eyes. At one point, this cat almost went extinct, but Americans fell in love with this cat and began importing it from Scandinavian countries.

In addition to its beautiful coat, Russian Blues are known for being incredibly smart and playful. They make a great family cat because they fit in well with rambunctious and playful homes.


8. Persian

Persian cat looking out the window
Image Credit: NTP_RASTA, Shutterstock
Size: 14–18 inches
Color: Silver, blue, brown, red, cream, camo

The Persian is one of the most popular cats worldwide. It has a beautiful long coat with a distinctive flat face. They also have great personalities and make suitable pets for children. Most owners report a kitten-like playfulness even in adulthood.

Of course, all that hair comes with a cost. Persians can be very difficult to care for, which explains why many individuals opt for Exotic Shorthairs instead—the Persian’s short-haired cousin.


9. Ragdoll

white ragdoll cat walking indoor
Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
Size: 17–21 inches
Color: Seal, chocolate, red, cream, blue, lilac

The Ragdoll is one of the most affectionate and easygoing breeds. It is named as such because these cats often go limp and become relaxed whenever picked up. If you want a cat that you can bring with you anywhere, a Ragdoll is for you.

At the same time, Ragdolls are absolutely beautiful. They often have pointed colorations and fluffy fur. Their personality is not very demanding, though their coat will require some regular grooming.


10. Siberian

siberian cat sitting on a log
Image Credit: Just-Mila, Shutterstock
Size: 15–18 inches
Color: Mostly any color

If you love dogs but want the convenience of a cat, a Siberian is a great cat for you. It has a long thick coat that creates a wildly striking appearance. This coat can come in practically any color.

Unlike most other cats, Siberians are incredibly affectionate and friendly. They make great playmates for your children, but they know how to be independent too.


11. Ocicat

ocicat hypoallergenic cat
Image Credit: Borkin Vadim, Shutterstock
Size: 9–11 inches
Color: Spotted

The Ocicat is a domesticated cat that looks like a mini leopard. It is the mixture between a Siamese and Abyssinian and has short hair with unique spots. These cats are beautiful, but they are relatively rare.


12. Bengal

bengal cat walking on plank outdoor
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Size: 14–18 inches
Color: Brown, charcoal, silver

The Bengal cat is one of the most attractive and intelligent exotic species. It has a distinctive coat that references its Asian leopard parent. As a result, this cat literally looks like a miniature Bengal tiger.

Even though these cats look wild, they are actually very sweet and gentle to be around. They are known to create strong bonds with their owners, and they love to play around with humans and other animals.


13. Ragamuffin

white-ragamuffin-cat_picture.factory_Shutterstock
Image Credit: picture.factory, Shutterstock
Size: 12–18 inches
Color: Brown, blue, white, mink, tortie

The Ragamuffin is closely related to the Ragdoll. Their coat is thick and dense, which makes them appear a lot larger than they actually are. Ragamuffins are ideal for families because they have a docile and friendly nature that is perfect for young and old individuals alike.


14. Scottish Fold

Blue Scottish fold on sofa
Image Credit: Inna photographer, Shutterstock
Size: 14–16 inches
Color: White, blue, black, red, cream

Scottish Folds have a truly unique appearance. They are named after their folded back ears that are absolutely impossible to miss. On top of their adorable appearance, these cats are highly curious and sociable.

Scottish Folds are known to be so intelligent that they can easily be taught tricks. Better yet, Scottish Folds are frequently reported as being best friends with other pets in the house, including the family dog.


15. Exotic Shorthairs

exotic shorthair cat sitting on grass
Image Credit: Ewa Studio, Shutterstock
Size: 10–12 inches
Color: Brown, chocolate, cream, ebony, tan, red, silver, sable, orange

Exotic Shorthairs are similar to the Persian. The main difference is that they have short hair instead of long hair. Just like the Persian parent, Exotic Shorthairs have a flat face and nose that makes them super cute.

Individuals love Exotic Shorthairs because they come with all of the benefits of a Persian without the excessive grooming requirements.


16. Siamese

siamese cat sitting on the couch
Image Credit: Ana Rosa Debastiani Ribeiro, Pixabay
Size: 11–15 inches
Color: Silver, brown, cream, blue, orange, lilac

Siamese cats are one of the most easily recognized breeds. They have a sleek and athletic body with a unique appearance. These cats can have striking blue eyes, making the breed all the more beautiful.

Siamese cats are also popular pets because of their sociable nature. These cats are so social that they are often kept in pairs. They do not enjoy being alone like most other cats.


17. Abyssinian

abyssinian cat outdoor
Image Credit: Kyselova Inna, Shutterstock
Size: 12–16 inches
Color: Red, ruddy, cinnamon, chocolate, blue, fawn, lilac

Finally, the last cat on our list is the Abyssinian. This cat is beloved because of its athletic body and numerous coat colors. This cat stands out because it has very large ears that look cute attached to the small, round head.

This cat is proof that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive. This species is incredibly intelligent and has a curious personality. You can expect your Abyssinian to be intelligent and curious about the world around them.

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How to Keep Your Cat Beautiful

No matter what kind of cat you have, it’s important to keep them beautiful. With the right diet and grooming, your beautiful cat should stay that way well into their older years.

Brush When Needed

Grooming is one of the most important aspects of keeping your cat beautiful. Cats are good at grooming themselves, but it certainly does not hurt to give your cat a hand. Invest in a good brush that matches your cat’s coat and brush your cat when needed.

Long-haired cats will likely need to be brushed once a day, whereas short-haired cats may only need to be brushed a couple of times a week. Pay attention to your cat’s skin and coat to determine the frequency of brushing that is needed.

As your cat gets older, you will need to start grooming more frequently. Senior cats often experience under-grooming since they are unable to reach all the spots on their bodies as before.

woman combing a white persian cat
Image By: DreamBig, Shutterstock

Healthy Food and Diet

The key to beautiful hair, eyes, and skin is a healthy diet. Make sure to provide your cat with a high-quality diet to ensure it gets all of the protein and nutrients they need to stay beautiful and healthy. If you are unsure what kind of food your cat needs, talk to your veterinarian for some recommendations.

Change your cat’s food based on the stage of their life. Kittens should not be fed the same food as senior cats because their needs are wildly different.

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Conclusion

As you can see, beautiful cats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The 17 cats above are loved for their beautiful looks, but they are far from being the only pretty cats around.

Whether you have a cat on this list or a cat of a different breed, make sure to groom your cat regularly and provide them with a healthy diet to keep them looking beautiful and healthy!


Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock

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