11 Cat Breeds With Fluffy Tails: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Cats are glorious creatures. Everything about them is amazing, from their pointy little ears to their sharp little claws (okay, maybe not those). Our favorite part, however, will always be those fluffy cat tails. The charming appendages can tell you a lot about how your kitty may be feeling.

There’s nothing better than a bushy tail. If you agree, you’ll love our list of cat breeds with fluffy tails.

The 11 Cat Breeds With Fluffy Tails

1. Maine Coon

As the largest domesticated cat breed, Maine Coons have the tails to match. The tail is long, bushy, and often ringed, which can give it a raccoon-like appearance. Their tails may help provide insulation in cold weather, and they can curl them around their body for warmth when resting. Most importantly, it makes them look adorable all year round.

2. Birman

The Sacred Cat of Burma, the Birman, has a long, silky coat that ends in a thick, fluffy tail. Despite the heft that they carry in their tails, these cats don’t have undercoats, which makes them less prone to matting and shedding.

The breed's population declined dramatically after World War II, and only a very small number of Birmans remained. Luckily, thanks to the work of dedicated breeders, they’ve come roaring back in a big way in recent years, putting them second on our list of cat breeds with fluffy tails.

3. Norwegian Forest Cat

From their name, you’ll probably guess why the Norwegian Forest Cats need such fluffy tails. Their entire bodies are thick and bushy, and they have a water-resistant outer coat and a thick undercoat. In addition to being quite popular in Scandinavian countries, the Norwegian Forest Cat is among the more popular pedigree cat breeds in France.

4. Nebelung

One of the rarest and newest cat breeds, Nebelungs originated in the United States. They have long, fluffy tails with fur that’s longer than that on the rest of their bodies. You’ll also find tufts of fur on their ears and between their toes. These cats can be particular about aspects of their environment, such as litterbox cleanliness. Then again, if you had a tail this majestic, wouldn’t you be protective of it too?

5. Himalayan

Also known as the “Himalayan Persian,” these cats resemble their Persian cousins. Two key differences should immediately jump out at you: their piercing blue eyes and luscious, fluffy cat tail. These cats have round bodies and a sturdy build, so they may not be as agile or capable of high jumps as some other breeds. However, they make up for their lack of athletic ability with their great beauty. After all, why should they need to jump (other than to prevent you from stepping on their tails)?

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6. Somali

The Somali is a descendant of the Abyssinian cat, and it developed from long-haired cats that appeared in Abyssinian breeding lines. While they have thick fur, their bushy tails are especially notable. Their coats are extremely fine, which makes them softer to the touch than many other breeds.

Their coats have another trick up their sleeve: each hair is typically banded with multiple alternating light and dark color bands, creating the breed’s distinctive ticked appearance. That’s a big reason that these cats are so gorgeous, and we invite you to grab a tuft of fur and a microscope to see for yourself.

7. LaPerm

LaPerms have long and curly coats. However, the curls aren’t as tight on their tails, giving them a thick, bushy appearance. These cats originated in the United States and are genetically unique, meaning they’re unrelated to any other Rex cat breeds. Many people claim they’re hypoallergenic, but that’s not confirmed. Still, we can tell you that they shed less than your typical feline friend.

8. Ragdoll

Ragdolls earned their name because some individuals tend to relax or go limp when picked up. These are huge cats, often growing up to 20 pounds, and they have big, fluffy tails to match. Ragdolls are considered excellent pets for people who prefer a highly social cat, as they commonly follow their owners around, generally tolerate handling well, and are known for being affectionate. Then again, people who like cats love this breed too.

9. Turkish Angora

If you start scanning at the tip of their nose, the Turkish Angora will look like any other cat. That is, right until you get to their tails. Then, it’s just an explosion of long, fluffy fur.

These cats are extremely athletic and prefer to perch on the tallest surface in any room. That’s good for you, as it puts their beautiful tails within prime petting distance. Of course, you'll need to groom the Turkish Angora quite a bit.

10. Balinese

Often mistaken for Siamese cats, the Balinese was developed after a naturally occurring long-haired mutation appeared in Siamese cats. They’re pretty similar to one another except for their silky coats and long, plumed tails. Another way they differ from their Siamese cousins is in their use of vocalization. The Balinese are quiet pets, and they only talk when they have something to say, presumably, “Hey, look at my tail!”

11. Persian

Persians are known for their long, luxurious coats and heavily plumed tails. Their tails are covered in abundant fur that contributes to their full, fluffy appearance and complements the breed’s distinctive round body and soft expression.

These cats are incredibly easygoing and prefer lounging with their favorite people to participating in high-energy activities. Their calm, affectionate nature has helped make them one of the most recognizable and beloved long-haired cat breeds.

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The Fluffier, the Better

While every cat deserves love, these cat breeds with fluffy tails are slightly harder to resist than their thinner-appendaged counterparts. The breeds listed above are all known for their glamorous back ends, and they’d make great pets for anyone in the market for a fuzzy friend. Of course, all that fluff may mean more grooming and, in some cases, increased shedding, but that’s a small price to pay for beauty, don’t you think?

See also: 

• 12 Most Fluffy Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

• What Colors Do Cats Like? Feline Preferences Revealed

Featured Image Credit: Irina oxilixo Danilova, Shutterstock