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20 Cool Cat Breeds: Top Choices for Your Home (With Pictures)

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cream silver tabby Norwegian forest cat

20 Cool Cat Breeds: Top Choices for Your Home (With Pictures)

Selecting the ideal feline for your home can be an agonizing process with so many exceptional breeds available. All cats are unique and wonderful, but which one is right for your family?

To make your search a little easier, we have compiled a list of the top cool cat breeds.

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The Top 20 Cool Cat Breeds

1. Ragdoll

ragdoll cat lying on couch
Image Credit: Ria Peene, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 13–18 years
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches

Ragdolls are best known for their affectionate and calm nature. They are described as puppy-like and love being around people, and they make excellent family pets. Their gorgeous blue eyes and plush coats make them stand out, and their sweet, docile temperament is what earns them their name. Like a ragdoll, they go limp and relaxed when you pick them up and completely surrender to the cuddles of their owners.


2. Munchkin

Munchkin cat
Image Credit: This road is mine, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Weight: 6–9 pounds
Height: 5–7 inches

Munchkins are short and sweet cuties that are known for their sausage dog-like legs, earning them the nickname “sausage-cats.” They are active and playful and enjoy the company of their owners but are also happy in their solitude. Munchkins find joy in stashing their toys to play with later, which may send you on the hunt if you discover your favorite piece of jewelry missing. Another fun fact about these cats is that they were named after the munchkins from The Wizard of Oz.


3. Sphynx

sphynx cat hepper pod bedroom

Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 6–14 pounds
Height: 8–10 inches

The Sphynx is a hairless cat with suede-like skin. This unique feline is friendly and loving and will be happy to spend its days curled up on your lap and greet you at the door after a long day of work. Hairless doesn’t mean low maintenance because you will need to take extra care of its sensitive skin, protecting it from sun and cold. In the winter, the Sphynx may need a kitty sweater and plenty of cuddles to make up for its lack of fur.


4. British Shorthair

British shorthair cat Silver chocolate color yellow eyes
Image Credit: lowpower225, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Weight: 7–17 pounds
Height: 12–14 inches

British Shorthairs are pleasant and loyal companions that love to spend time with their owners. They are easy-going and placid, and although they are friendly, they may reject your cuddles but do not take them to heart. They are as cute as stuffed toys with their dense coat, broad bodies, and round faces. Interactive play is important to keep this cat in good shape.


5. Bengal

bengal cat standing by the window
Image Credit: Elena Borisova, Pixabay
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 8–15 pounds
Height: 8–10 inches

Since it’s crossed with an Asian leopard cat, the Bengal is a domestic breed that loves the outdoors. Despite their wild appearance, Bengals are loving and friendly, and they prefer families that matches their energy levels, so playtime is essential. Because they have lots of energy, Bengals need an adequate space to run around freely. Their easy-to-groom coat is plush with marble markings that sometimes shimmer in the sunlight like diamonds.


6. Maine Coon

Black tabby Maine Coon with harness
Image Credit: DenisNata, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches

Maine Coons are well known for their size and are one of the biggest domestic cat breeds. They are loved for their friendly personalities and fluffy fur, and they need regular grooming to keep their coats tangle-free and smooth. Because they’re vulnerable to obesity, the Maine Coon’s nutrition needs to be carefully monitored and controlled to avoid becoming overweight. They need adequate space to exercise, and when they do, you will hear them before you see them since their heavy bodies make a lot of noise.


7. Scottish Fold

Scottish fold kitten on wooden table
Image Credit: dien, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 11–14 years
Weight: 6–13 pounds
Height: 8–10 inches

Scottish Folds have round bodies and round heads, but their sweet, folded ears are their most endearing traits. Their tails can become stiffer over time, and they need to be handled gently. They are sweet and gentle cats that are affectionate with their family. Scottish Folds are not as active as other breeds, but they love to eat. This means that the cat’s diet must be carefully managed to prevent it from becoming overweight.


8. Birman

birman cat sitting outdoor
Image Credit: Jeannette1980, Pixabay
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 8–10 inches

Birmans are famous for their intense blue eyes and white-mitted feet. They do not always show the same affection to everyone in the home and tend to latch onto one member of the family. Sometimes, they can become upset if they do not receive enough attention. Daily brushing is advised to avoid matting as the Birman’s fur is very fine. Regular exercise is vital since the stocky cats are prone to pick up weight.


9. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cat
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 6–9 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches

These elf-like kitties are playful and friendly. Because of their high levels of intelligence, Devon Rexes can easily learn new tricks. Their fur is unusual, curly, and very fragile, so brushing should be avoided. However, they can be gently groomed by rubbing them with a soft cloth. Devon Rexes often have broken whiskers because they’re also fragile, but this look is fitting for their sweet clown-like personalities and kitten-like antics.


10. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cat on kitchen
Image Credit: Ingus Kruklitis, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 6–10 pounds
Height: 12–16 inches

Abyssinians are said to be one of the oldest and most popular breeds. They are the epitome of an ideal pet as they are playful, loving, affectionate, social, and entertaining. They are easy to look after and will bring joy to any family. An Abyssinian’s coat is unique because it’s spotted like the fur of wild cats. These active kitties will also appreciate a jungle gym where they can jump and climb.


11. Persian

Red Point Himalayan persian cat
Image Credit By: Zoo Design, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Weight: 7–13 pounds
Height: 10–15 inches

Persians have long fluffy coats, and their flat faces make them one of the cutest felines. These charming and elegant kitties love being with their owners, lapping up kisses and cuddles, and relaxing on the couch. They are also happy to be alone, making them the perfect, easy-going pets. Although they make great lap cats and enjoy being picked up, they require daily grooming to keep their coats healthy.


12. Somali

a portrait of ruddy somali cat
Image Credit: Nataliya Kuznetsova, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 11–16 years
Weight: 6–10 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches

The Somali is adventurous and curious, and you will need to play with it regularly to help it avoid boredom-induced misbehavior. To some, this breed is known as the “hairdresser cat” because they enjoy playing with their owner’s hair, including beards. They are gentle around children, affectionate, and enjoy kneading to show their love. Somalis are long-haired cats that are easy to groom, and their coloring is reddish-brown like a fox.


13. Egyptian Mau

Egyptian mau on white background
Image Credit: MDavidova, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–13 years
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches

The Egyptian Mau is a regal and elegant-looking feline. It’s remarkably beautiful with a shiny spotted coat and athletic build. Maus are usually loving and affectionate with the whole family but tend to stick with just one person, and although they may be coy with strangers, they don’t take long to warm up to their families. They don’t need much grooming, but when it is grooming time, they will appreciate a bit of playtime, too.


14. American Bobtail

American Bobtail
Image Credit: OrangeGroup, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Weight: 7–16 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches

Due to their gentle and affectionate personalities, American Bobtails are known as the ‘golden retrievers’ of cats. Living up to their name, they have short, bobbed tails. Their coats can be practically any color, and they can have short or long fur. Bobtails are a rare breed that can cost a pretty penny, but their sweet and friendly temperament will make you forget the cost. Because Bobtails shed a lot, they’re not ideal for allergy sufferers.


15. Serengeti

Serengeti kitten sitting_Krissi Lundgren_shutterstock
Image Credit: Krissi Lundgren, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–13 years
Weight: 9–12 pounds
Height: 8–10 inches

The Serengeti is a domestic breed that is a cross between a Bengal and an Oriental shorthair. Its coat has spots, like that of a leopard, which gives the feline a wild cat appearance. The Serengeti will curl up on your lap and is known for following their owner around like a shadow. Finding one of these cuties may be difficult to find because very few breeders breed Seregnetis.


16. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex
Image Credit: athree23, Pixabay
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Weight: 6–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches

Admired for its curly coat that earned the nickname “cat in sheep’s clothing,” the Selkirk Rex is one of only four breeds of cats with wavy fur. It is adorable and cuddly and as cute as a teddy bear. Selkirk Rexes are affectionate and love attention, and they’re ideal for active families. Playtime and toys are essential to keep this kitty busy because it’s an intelligent breed that easily gets bored.


17. Siberian

siberian cat in wood
Image Credit: Just-Mila, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Weight: 12–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches

These gorgeous Siberians, unfortunately, come with a high price tag due to the low number of purebreds outside of Russia. Their Russian heritage paired with their thick, water-repellent coats allow them to tolerate extremely cold climates. They can take as long as five years to reach adulthood, which means you will enjoy your playful and affectionate kitty for a long time.


18. Manx

bi-color manx cat
Image Credit: Seattle Cat Photo, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–13 years
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches

As one of the oldest known cat breeds, the Manx are known for being round, and they often have stubby tails or no tails at all. They are intelligent and sociable and can be trained to fetch things and obey verbal demands. This makes the Manx a great family pet, especially for families with children. The Manx has a double coat that requires daily brushing to remove loose fur.


19. Turkish Van

Turkish Van Cat side view
Image Credit: Luis Echeverri Urrea, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12–17 years
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches

The Turkish Van is a unique breed that, unlike most cats, doesn’t shy away from water as they are strong, capable swimmers. They love water and can often be found happily swimming in your bathtub. They are intelligent and can be trained easily to do tricks. As affectionate and loveable as they are, Turkish vans will happily lay near the couch while you watch television, but they prefer to not be picked up.


20. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian forest cat walking outdoor
Image Credit by: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 14–16 years
Weight: 12–16 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches

These gorgeous kitties are recognized by their large size, bushy tails, and long fur. The Norwegian Forest Cats’ waterproof coats are designed to protect them from winters in Norway, and they also have a dense undercoat for extra insulation. Forest Cats are gorgeous and elegant, and their playful and affectionate nature makes them easy to connect with. They are perfect for a family with kids since they are tolerant and laid back, and their slow maturity means they have a kitten’s energy.

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Conclusion

It’s no surprise that cats are popular pets to own, with such a variety of cute and unique breeds. If you have your heart set on a purebred kitty, it is important to research the breed and get as much information about the breeder as you can. There are also plenty of shelters with kitties that would love to come home with you.

Whichever cool cat breed you decide to add to your family, it’ll provide you with cuddles and lots of love for years to come.


Featured Image Credit by: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock

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