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In the beautiful world of cats there are so many gorgeous felines in all shapes and sizes, colorings and temperaments.
Not to mention the interesting stories behind all the history of their breeding. Those fascinating tales will be saved for another day.
Today we are looking long tail cat breeds including the Sphynx cat which has a tail but no fur on it because it’s totally hairless.
Fluffy Long Tailed Cat Breeds
1. American Curl
The American Curl is one of the cats with small ears best known for its unusual curly cartilage. This is what gives this breed its name – its ears curl back from the face towards the skull for an undeniably cute aesthetic. This unusual quality is all down to a spontaneous mutation that causes changes to the usual ear cartilage.
However, the American Curls’ ears are not its only defining trait. They also happen to be one of the breeds with fluffy long tails. You can get longhair and shorthair versions of the breeds, but for the longest and fluffiest tail possible opt for one with a thick long-haired coat.
2. Balinese
The Balinese cat is a sophisticated feline that is strong and muscular underneath its purrrrfect glossy coat. They are known for their cream and chocolate brown point coloration similar to the Siamese cat. Balinese cats also have the same striking blue eyes which stand out against their dark faces.
The main difference between the Balinese and Siamese is in their fur coats. While Siamese cats are short-haired, Balinese have medium-length silky coats. This thick layer of fur makes their tails characteristically plumed. In fact, this is actually a defining feature of the breed – their tails have to have longer and more plumed hair than the fur that covers the rest of their body.
3. Birman
The Birman is a beautiful cat with long silky hair, beautiful markings, and white feet. It looks very similar to the Balinese cat, with a semi-longhaired coat and dark pointed areas on the faces, tail, and tips of the ears. They also have the same piercing blue eyes and long plumed tails.
Despite looking remarkably similar, the two breeds originated in completely different parts of the world. The Birman originated in France while the Balinese came from Thailand. Birman cats are also slightly larger and may live 5 years less. Other than that, the breeds are almost the same!
4. Himalayan
The Himalayan cat is a color-pointed Persian cat derived by combining a Persian – one of the well-known flat-faced cats – with a Siamese. This makes for a feline that has the same distinctive squished face and luxurious coat as a Persian, but with the blue eyes and point coloration of a Siamese. It is a truly beautiful combination.
These aren’t the only qualities that this breed has taken from its Siamese relatives though. The Himalayan also has its characteristic long tail. Combined with the furry coat of a Persian, this breed has to have one of the biggest and fluffiest tails going!
5. Javanese
The Javanese cat yet again shares many similarities with the Siamese breed, and it is an offshoot of the Balinese breed that is already on this list. They have long coats and a pointed face, tail, and ears. Because of this feline’s appearance, the Javanese cat is also known as the Colorpoint Longhair in some registries. Some registries even combine this breed with the Himalayan to a merged breed called “Colorpoint”.
Alongside their similar color-pointed coat patterns and long fur, the Javanese also have long fluffy tails. Javanese cats are also faithful companions who love to be with their owners. You will have a friend for life with this beautiful cat.
6. LaPerm
The LaPerm breed has a naturally occurring mutation that produces curly coats in long and shorthaired felines. The longhaired variety has plumed tails which are very long. Their unusual tightly curled coats make their tails look even longer, fluffier, and denser too.
The coat of the LaPerm isn’t its only adorable quality. It is also known for being one of the cats with big eyes that are super expressive and let you know exactly what they’re thinking. Their eyes come in many colors, as do their coat colors and patterns. This makes for some beautiful combinations! Overall, its appearance is handsome, and its nature is gentle.
7. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is known mostly for its ginormous size. It is the largest domestic cat breed. Indeed, a Maine Coon named Stewie holds the world record as the longest cat, measuring 48.5 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. These huge cats have extremely long and fluffy coats, making their size look even more impressive. Maine Coons are also cats with yellow eyes. They are big and round, standing out against their ultra-fluffy coats.
As they are extra-large in every sense of the word, it should come as no surprise that Maine Coons also have long tails. Because of their thick longhaired coats, their tails are also super bushy and fluffy. In fact, it is so long it is comparable to a raccoon’s tail. This is all because Maine Coons originally lived in harsh, cold climates. A thick, bushy tail stopped it from sinking into the snow and getting cold!
8. Munchkin
From one extreme to the other, we now have the Munchkin cat. This is one of the smallest domestic cat breeds, known as the cats with short legs. Despite their extremely little legs, their bodies are normal-sized. This gives them a very unusual appearance. However, keeping these cats is controversial. Their short legs come from the gene that causes dwarfism and the breed has a plethora of health issues linked to their unusual and unnatural body types.
Ethics aside, these cats come in short and longhaired varieties. The longhaired Munchkin cats have very long and fluffy tails. This is in part made more apparent by their short legs – their bodies are low to the ground while their long tails stick high up in the air.
9. Nebelung
The Nebelung is a regal-looking kitty with a beautiful blue coat. It is often compared to the Russian Blue breed because of their similarities in coat color and their comparable wide-set green eyes. In fact, the only obvious difference between these two breeds is that the Nebelung has a semi-long coat. Comparatively, the Russian Blue is always shorthaired.
Out of everywhere on their bodies, their fur is the longest and thickest on their tails. This makes them look large and with a distinct fluffy appearance. Their tails also tend to have slightly lighter colored guard hairs than the rest of their bodies. They’re muscular, sturdy, and undeniably gorgeous!
10. Norwegian Forest Cat
As its name suggests, the Norwegian Forest Cat originated in Northern Europe in the country Norway. This area of the globe is known for its harsh winter climates. This breed, therefore, has many adaptations to help it survive in these conditions, one being its heavy and durable coat. This helps to keep it warm in the snow and withstand the cooler temperatures. The topcoat is also glossy and water-shedding to further protect against the elements.
Its thick coat makes its tail long and fluffy as well. This is another useful adaptation – like the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat’s bushy tail helps prevent it from sinking into the snow. Its entire body is large, sturdy, and extremely cuddly.
11. Persian
Another well-known cat is the gorgeous longhaired Persian with it’s beautiful fluffy coat and loving and affectionate nature. The first known ancestors of the Persian cat were imported into Italy after arriving from Iran around 1620.
This is one of the cat breeds with long whiskers and thick luxurious coats. It is also loved for its adorable flat face which makes its big round eyes truly pop.
With so much plumage, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Persians have some of the biggest and fluffiest tails going. They might not be as long as some other breeds, but the excessive amounts of fur covering them make them look extremely large. It is their long tails that help differentiate between the Persian and the Angora.
12. Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin was created back in the 1960s by crossing a Ragdoll cat with other longhairs cat breeds. Initially, the breed was considered the same as the Ragdoll as they shared many similar characteristics. This includes their long silky coats and extremely fluffy tails. They also have similar temperaments and are calm cats with docile personalities.
However, in 1994 the Ragamuffin cat was established as a separate breed. The main difference is in their coat color and patterns. Ragamuffin cats can have any color and pattern, whereas Ragdolls all have color points. Whichever color you choose, their tails will always be long and fluffy!
13. Ragdoll
As the Ragamuffin made the list, it should come as no surprise that the Ragdoll cat is here as well. This is a simply gorgeous cat with a beautiful coat and markings. It is intelligent and loyal with stunning blue eyes. Developed by an American breeder in the 1960s, they are well-known for having a calm and even temperament.
Like their Ragamuffin relatives, Ragdolls have long and fluffy tails thanks to their thick fur coats. Their tails are generally straight. But interestingly, there have also been sightings of Ragdoll cats with curly tails. One example is a cat called Maximum who has a long fluffy tail that curled back towards his spine.
14. Selkirk Rex
As one of the Rex breeds, Selkirk Rex cats are one of the few cats with curly hair. However, distinct from their other curly-haired relatives, the Selkirk Rex has longer hair that is at least of normal length. You can also find long-haired varieties that are even fluffier! They also differ from the LaPerm as their coats are even more plush and full than this curly-haired breed.
With their extremely thick curly coats, the Selkirk Rex is one of the cats with the largest tails. The hair here also tends to be the curliest, making it seem even more solid and thick than it would otherwise.
15. Siberian
The Siberian cat originates from Siberia in Russia and records date it as far back as the year 1,000. This makes it one of the oldest domestic cats we still have as pets today; it is believed to be an ancestor of all longhaired cat breeds around today.
In particular, the Siberian cat has notable similarities with the Norwegian Forest Cat. This is because Russia is also known for its cold climates, so the Siberian cat has similar adaptations to help it survive in harsh conditions. This includes a strong triple-layered longhaired coat that is needed in those chilly climates. It also has a large and full tail and can swish snow out of the way within seconds.
16. Somali
The Somali cat is thought to have originated from Somalia. This breed is recognized for its long hair and bushy tails. Indeed, their distinctive tails combined with their large ears and almond eyes have given this breed a nickname as the “Fox Cat”.
Further heightening their foxy appearance, Somali cats typically have golden-brown coats ticked with black. This color coat is known as “ruddy” and is not too dissimilar to the color of a fox. Other accepted coat colors include sorrel, fawn, and lilac, all of which all have reddish-brown tinges. Overall, the Somali is a handsome cat that is alert, energetic, and loving. Its nature can be described as lively, curious, and loving.
17. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is one of the ancient cat breeds. It is thought to have originated in Turkey hundreds of years ago and first came domesticated back in the 17th century. They are best described as having long and silky coats, including a long fluffy tail that looks posh and luxurious. Turkish Angoras also have an elegant body shape for a definite regal appearance.
Although its tail is fine, it’s the eyes that make this cat really stand out. Often with two different colored eyes, the beautiful Turkish Angora eye colors can include blue, sky blue, sapphire, green, gold, and copper. What a stunner!
18. Turkish Van
Another cat breed that originated from Turkey is the Turkish Van. Wearing a distinctive pattern, the term “Van” describes white cats with colored head and tail markings. However, while the coat markings might be consistent, this breed has two completely different coat lengths depending on the season. In the winter, they have long thick coats. But in the summer months, this coat will shed and leave behind a shorthaired coat instead.
The only place on the body of the Turkish Van that doesn’t lose hair in summer is their tails. They have long and fluffy tails all year round! In summer, the tail actually looks larger when contrasting with their short-haired coats. Turkish Van kittens aren’t born with this brushtail though – they are born with thin tails that get bushier and bushier as they mature.
Other Long Tailed Cat Breeds
Abyssinian
This wide-eyed sleek beauty is one of the oldest known cat breeds in the world but there’s no definite proof about where it originated from. They are affectionate but don’t like being picked up and cuddled. Their limbs are long in proportion to their bodies, and they have a long tapering tail to match.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a friendly, gentle, and sociable cat that makes a great pet. They’re great at catching pesky rodents too, so handy if you live on a farm or have a large property. They are medium to large in size and have a long tail to match their muscular build. It is thickest at the base and tapers towards the tip.
American Wirehair
This lovely cat’s personality is similar to the American Shorthair and they make great family pets. However, you can easily differentiate between the American Wirehair and other breeds by looking at its coat. As the name suggests, these felines have coarse wiry hair all over their bodies – including their whiskers and long tails!
Bengal
Looking like a wild cat this feline is very playful, loving, and full of personality. The Bengal is a hybrid of the domestic cat and leopard cat which explains its distinctive markings. Like these big cats, Bengals have long tails that help them climb and jump. Indeed, Bengals love to climb just like their wild relatives and are extremely active. Their tails are thick as well but taper towards the black tip.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are calm-natured cats that are easy to look after and make a great pet. This explains why they are one of the most popular pure breeds in the United Kingdom. They’re known for having rounded features – they have a solid build, a rounded face, and big round eyes. British Shorthairs also have a rounded tip to their long thick tails.
Burmese
A Burmese is a sweet-natured cat that is elegant in appearance and popular all around the world. Burmese are very loyal cats and love people. They are relatives of the Siamese cats which are known for having long tails. This characteristic has been passed onto Burmese cats too, with long but thin tails that have a rounded tip. This matches their muscular build.
Burmilla
The Burmilla derived from breeding a Burmese with a Chinchilla Persian. The Burmilla’s nature combines its parent breeds—the personality of the cheeky and attention-seeking Burmese and the peaceful, laid-back, affectionate Chinchilla Persian. They have long tails that taper slightly at the end. Long-haired varieties also show excellent fluffy plumage.
Bombay
The Bombay cat is a medium-sized cat with wide-set eyes and a social nature. This cat is named after Bombay in India, the land of the black leopard. This name derives from similarities between the beautiful black coats that these cats have and the stunning coats of a black leopard. They have rounded features with rounded ears, eyes, paws, and faces. Right on-trend, the end of their long tails are also rounded.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a strong, shorthaired French breed known for its hunting ability and water-repellent fur. They are often confused with the more popular British Shorthair as the two have the same dense blue coat and yellow eyes. However, they are separate breeds with different origins. Their tail, like many others on this list, is thick and muscular at the bottom and tapers into a narrow tip. Chartreux cats are also known for having excellent tail flexibility.
Chausie
The Chausie is an athletic feline that is graceful and exotic in appearance. The genes for this exotic appearance come from a wild cat species called the Jungle Cat. In fact, it closely resembles its wild ancestor. They have the same high cheekbones and long muzzle, besides being big in size with long legs. Chausie cats also have a long tail to match. However, despite its large size, the Chausie is not bulky. They have a distinct lean and athletic build.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is unique with its really soft, wavy coat. The breed is only small and dainty, but they are surprisingly heavy to handle. One of the daintiest features has to be their long tail. It is super skinny and slender, which makes it look even longer. Their tails also have a great degree of flexibility, so be prepared to see this feline whip its tail around.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex has a distinctive appearance with large eyes, a short muzzle, prominent cheekbones, and huge ears. A medium-sized cat, the Devon is well covered with soft, wavy fur. This unique coat covers their entire body, including their long tails. This breed is even known for wagging its tail like a dog! This behavior combined with their curly coats has given the Devon Rex a nickname of “the poodle that purrs”.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is the only natural domesticated breed of spotted cat. Alongside their unique spots, they also have a long dark stripe running along their spines. It goes from their heads all the way to the tip of their long and slender tails. These markings are present in all different coat colorations and are a good identifier of the breed.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a shorthaired version of the Persian. They have the same distinct large eyes and a round face that many people love. Exotic Shorthairs also have the characteristic squashed faces of their Persian relatives and have the same long tails. However, their tails look smaller as they’re not covered in thick fur. Nevertheless, they’re still noticeably thick with a rounded end.
Havana
You can recognize the Havana Brown by its rich, solid color coat, good muscle tone, and distinctive muzzle shape. However, you won’t see many Havana cats often – they are one of the rarest breeds of domestic cats. They are characterized by their brown coats and long, muscular bodies. This length extends to their tails too, which a long and thin with a tapered end.
Korat
The Korat is a silver-blue cat that has an exotic appearance and a lovely nature to match. They do demand attention at times and are very energetic. Their name comes from a province in Thailand which is where this breed originated from. Like the Russian Blue, the Korat has a blue coat and green eyes. And of course, it has a long tail as well!
Ocicat
The Ocicat is a spotted cat which gives it a wild appearance. It is very affectionate and devoted to its owner.
Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental is a svelte cat and very muscular. Owners report back saying it’s an energetic, curious and cheeky cat. They make excellent pets.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat has beautiful green eyes and a striking blue coat. It’s appearance is gorgeous and as you might have guessed it originated in Russia.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cat comes from Scotland. Its name comes from its folded ears. All Scottish Folds can trace their pedigrees back to a cat named Susie founded in 1961.
Siamese
Everyone knows the famous Siamese cat breed. It is affectionate, curious and loving and often has striking blue eyes.
Singapura
This kitty has large eyes and ears in relation to its body. It has a striking appearance and originates from Singapore.
Snowshoe
A cat with unique markings that hails from American. With its blue eyes and lovely nature it makes a wonderful pet and companion. It can be shy around strangers but loves people once it knows them.
Sphynx
Everyone knows the Sphynx aka the hairless cat. It would be hard to miss. It’s tail is thin like a whip and tapers to a fine point at the end.
Tonkinese
A very friendly and lovable cat that has many similarities to the Burmese and Siamese breeds.
Toyger
This cat has a striking appearance that will remind you of a mini tiger. It is a friendly and playful cat that loves attention. It was breed with Tabbies and originates from America.
York Chocolate
The name comes from it’s color and what a delicious name. This cat is graceful and elegant with a glossy brown coat. They make wonderful pets and also show cats. The breed was named after the state New York where it originates from since 1983.
Why Do Some Cats Have Long Tails and Others Have Short Tails?
Actually, there are not so many short tailed cats like the Manx, Cymric and Pixiebob. Research shows they have no tail or just a very short tail due to a gene mutation of the particular breed.
The American Bobtail has a short-stubbed tail that usually is a third or half the length of a normal cat tail. Same for the Japanese Bobtail. So these cats fall into a middle category between long tailed cats and cats with no tails.
What Do Cats Use Their Tails for?
Cats use their tails to help them balance.
That is especially useful when they are walking on narrow surfaces, jumping, climbing and leaping around as cats so love to do. Every day they rely on their tails for many different activities as they explore, hunt and play.
If your cat suffers an injury to its tail, you need to seek veterinarian advice and keep a very close eye on your cat. It may not realize that it’s sense of balance isn’t normal so could find itself in confusing or dangerous situations.
Another purpose of a cat’s tail is for expression. It is a way of communicating a huge array of emotions including but not limited to:
- A tail held high means your cat is showing its territory and is confident and happy
- A tail held high is also a friendly gesture
- A tail held high with a curve at the top shows your furry friend is ready for play time
- A tail held low indicates a feeling of anger or aggression (except from Persians who just do this for unknown reasons sometimes)
- A tail tucked between its legs means your cat is scared
- A tail moving fast side to side means your cat is afraid and showing aggression
- A tail moving slowing side to side means your cat is concentrating on something. May it saw a mouse or is interested in chasing something
The body language of a cat is intriguing. There are so many messages you can get from watching how your cat uses its tail. Every cat is different and you may see little traits that indicate some special language that is unique to your pet.
Now you know all about long-tailed cats and who knew there were so many! Probably there are some long-tailed cats on the list you haven’t heard of before.
If you are thinking to buy or adopt a cat you have a wide range of breeds to select from. If you already have a cat you can watch it carefully now and recognize how it uses its tail.
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