20 Cutest Cat Breeds You’ll Want to Adopt

The cutest cat breeds that deserve all the snuggles

Who doesn’t love cute kitties? Cats, in all forms, are adorable—the small, the large, the fluffy. They’re fabulous felines that make us say “awww” whenever we see their sweet faces. But which cats are the cream of the crop for cuteness, aka the cutest cat breeds out there?

If it’s hard to choose, don’t worry—we picked some of the cutest cat breeds for you to look through. From American Bobtails to Russian Blues, you’re sure to fall in love with at least one of these sweet breeds. Take a look at these friendly and affectionate cats and shift into adorable overdrive!

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Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a regal-looking orange-colored cat and one of the oldest known breeds. This cat is recognized by its muscular body, arched neck and large ears. Its eyes are shaped like almonds, and it resembles paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats. The Aby first made its appearance in America via England in the early 1900s. It makes a great pet, and you will likely agree with Carolyn Osier, author of Abyssinian Breeders International Kitten Buyer’s Guide: “There is probably no breed anywhere more loyal than the Aby.”

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American Bobtail

Commonly known for its wild appearance, the American Bobtail is also seen as a loving, playful and really smart cat breed. They are medium to large cats, recognized by their rectangular bodies and broad heads with a clear whisker break above the muzzle. Their muscular appearance makes them seem heavier than they really are, and as you may have guessed, their short tail makes them similar to the bobtailed wildcat. But don’t worry, these cute cats make great pets and enjoy playing games with their humans and even dogs.

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American Curl

The American Curl can be short-haired or long-haired, but that’s not where the name comes from. “Curl” was derived from its adorable backward-curling ears, which give it a happy look. According to Vetstreet, this cat first made its appearance in the early 1980s, and while it is family-friendly, it’s better with older kids.

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American Shorthair

As the name suggests, this cat has short hair, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The American Shorthair is full of muscle and gets up to 12 pounds. According to Hill’s, these cute cats are equally happy hanging out with the family and taking some alone time for naps in the sun. Its first recorded breeding record comes from 1904. Into cats and zodiac signs? Next check out these zodiac signs as cat breeds.

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Balinese

This breed isn’t as well-known as the look-alike Siamese. The two share a similar body type, coloring and striking blue eyes, with the main differences being that the Balinese has a silky, flowing coat and its tail forms a beautiful plume—it might just be one of the cutest cat breeds around. Grooming is simple because the coat does not mat, which is nice if you have a busy schedule. Even though this cat looks regal with its sapphire eyes, it’s known for being silly and having a big heart.

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Bengal

Oh no—it’s a wildcat lying on the couch! Not really, but the Bengal is richly colored with vivid spots or marbling, making it another one of the cutest cat breeds. In addition to being good-looking, its playfulness and intelligence make it a great family pet. These cute cats are active and need a good bit of attention but get along well with other pets. Most Bengals like water, so they might enjoy watching you brush your teeth or even decide to jump in the shower with you.

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Birman

The Birman is long-haired and known for its silky coat, deep blue eyes and white gloves or socks on each paw. Rumor has it these cute cats were companions of temple priests in northern Burma, but from there, their story takes a turn for the worse. During World War II, Birmans were nearly wiped out of Europe. But two were kept safe, so we still get to enjoy one of the cutest cat breeds today. How’s that for an interesting cat fact?

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Bombay

These mini panthers will steal your heart with their copper eyes and short black hair. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the goal is to produce cats that look like panthers—they don’t actually have any wild blood in them (but you don’t have to tell your Bombay that!). These cuties can be leash-trained but are known for being mischievous. If you’re looking for an independent cat, keep going—this one wants to play and snuggle.

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British Shorthair

Pet owners will get some laughs with this clumsy cat. But it’s also easygoing, calm and quiet. British Shorthairs are medium to large in size with dense coats, and the male gets up to 20 pounds. You might think of them as blue or gray cats, but they actually vary in color and pattern. The CFA refers to them as purring teddy-bear cats with large round eyes. Just don’t pick up your British Shorthair, as it’s not their cup of tea. They’re great with the whole family, even little ones and other pets, including dogs, rabbits and birds.

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Burmilla

The Burmilla is known for its elegant appearance, according to Petfinder. These cute cats are playful and smart, so don’t leave your keys on the counter unguarded. A Burmilla might even challenge you to a game of cat and mouse. These cuties are affectionate and great around children. Their only crimes are being too loyal and cuddling too much in your lap. Don’t let their deep-throated purr throw you off—it just means they’re loving the attention.

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Chartreux

The soft, blue fur makes this kitty stand out. According to the CFA, this cat’s history is steeped in legend, originating in Persia. They were brought to French monasteries by knights returning from the Crusades. They may have been named after the Carthusian monks or, because of their woolly fur, some guess their name came from well-known Spanish wool from the 18th century. They’re pretty quiet and make gentle chirping noises when their food bowl is empty.

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European Burmese

Looking for someone to welcome guests to your house? The European Burmese loves to interact with the whole family, including friends who stop by to play some games. It’s a medium-size, short-haired cat that varies in color from light to dark. These cute cats are also loyal and very intelligent. They will likely sit in your lap and snuggle up to you in bed.

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Khao Manee

Originating from Thailand, the Khao Manee is one of the cutest cat breeds, with its white color and bright eyes that look like jewels, ranging from any shade of blue to green or gold. They are referred to as the “White Gem” and have been known to bring good luck. But they can also be naughty, according to the CFA. Hopefully the former outweighs the latter.

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Maine Coon

Myths and legends fill the air around the Maine Coon cat. They are sometimes referred to as gentle giants, but ironically, they might be a bit standoffish at first until they get to know you better. This cat has a rugged coat made of three different lengths of fur. It also has a long, bushy tail to help it stay warm and safe and large tufted paws for walking on snow.

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Munchkin

Small, mighty and adorable are the three best words to describe the Munchkin cat. These little cuties are known for their playful nature and their desire for cuddles, and their short stature makes them extra cute. They typically only stand between 5 and 7 inches tall, with teeny-tiny legs supporting their energetic little bodies. Their fur patterns and textures vary, meaning you can see them in several lovely color combos.

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Persian

Originating from Persia and Iran, the Persian continues to win hearts as one of the cutest cat breeds around. Hieroglyphics date this breed back to 1684 B.C., and its furry face is sometimes compared to a pansy flower. These cute cats require daily grooming to avoid tangles and hairballs, but a bath can help—start that regimen from a young age so they get used to it. Persians love to pose and can be seen draping their bodies over a couch or armchair.

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Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin cat is quite large and has big eyes, but it is very gentle. These cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their coats are medium-long and fully furred like a rabbit. Even though they are thick and plush, they are easy to care for. Since they are so soft, they get a good bit of attention, which leads to a good bit of purring.

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Ragdoll

Their pretty blue eyes will catch your eye. The Ragdoll cat is a medium to large cat with point markings that include a variety of white overlay patterns. These cats reach their full coat and color at around three years old, and while their activity level is somewhat low compared with other breeds, they are still playful. They are not especially vocal and are known for being pretty laid-back. They get along with children, other cats and dogs, making them one of the friendliest breeds of cats.

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Russian Blue

The Russian Blue cat is known for its blue coat, green eyes and short hair. They love to greet their owner at the door but will run away from a loud noise. According to the CFA, many believe this breed originates from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia—some even believe this breed comes from a lineage of cats kept by the Russian Czars.

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Somali

Often referred to as a little fox, the Somali cat is a medium to large cat with ruddy, red, blue and fawn colorings. The dark-colored bands contrast with the lighter ones, giving it a vibrant coat. This cat is very soft to the touch and is known for its gold or green eyes and its plume tail. The CFA says this cat is “a combination of beauty and personality.”

Sources:

• Vet Street: “Cat Breeds”
• The Cat Fanciers’ Association: “CFA Breeds”
• Petfinder: “Cat Breeds”
• Hill’s Pet: “American Shorthair Cat Information and Personality Traits”