Soft, cuddly, furry, and fluffy -- cats are some of nature’s cutest creatures. A number of breeds stand out as particularly adorable, and these “awww”-inducing felines are hard to resist. If you want a cat who will melt your heart with just one look, consider one of these charming choices among the cutest cat breeds.
The teddy bear-like British Shorthair is a large cat with big, round eyes. These cats have soft, dense coats, and are most often seen in the blue-gray variety. British Shorthairs are sweet, people-oriented cats, though they are usually not fond of being carried.
The fluffy blue-eyed Birman is an enchanting cat available in a rainbow of colors, though all Birmans have one special feature -- white paws. This gentle and loving breed is easy to handle, and gets along well with other pets.
A relatively rare breed, the Chartreux is a bulky cat with shimmering copper eyes and a waterproof blue coat. Their most famous feature is a narrowing muzzle that gives the impression of a permanent smile. The Chartreux is highly intelligent and adaptable -- they are comfortable with travel and don’t mind being alone. These very affectionate cats often choose to dote on one special member of the family.
This famously flat-faced breed epitomizes cuteness. These cats are soft and round, and their adorable stumpy noses and endearing facial expressions make them one of the most beloved breeds. The Exotic is not only cute, they are also very agreeable cats with a calm and gentle disposition. They make excellent lap cats, and do not like being left alone for long periods of time.
The Persian and the Exotic Shorthair share all of the same charming features with one exception -- the Persian’s long and heavy coat. These snub-nosed cats require regular grooming to reign in mats and tangles that can be a side effect of their thick, flowing fur. The Persian is a very composed and quiet cat who loves to be petted and pampered.
Large and laid-back, the Ragdoll gets their name from their docile temperament. These cats are extremely well-behaved, and tend to be more interested in humans than many other breeds. The Ragdoll will greet you at the door, follow you around, and sleep on top of you -- basically, they like to be where you are. These cuddly and easy to care for cats are perfect for people with busy lifestyles.
Tiny animals can be irresistible, and the Singapura is no exception. These little cats are the smallest of all the domestic breeds, weighing in at just 5-6 pounds for females and 6-8 pounds for males. These active, outgoing, and loving cats have a habit of following their owners around, garnering them a reputation as “pesky people cats.”
The friendly and devoted Scottish Fold is best known for one darling feature -- a pair of folded ears. This unique attribute gives these cats the appearance of an owl or teddy bear. Scottish Folds are very active and playful cats who stay lively into adulthood.
Beautiful Black Cat Breeds
Black cats have a rich history steeped in folklore. You may have heard the saying “don’t let a black cat cross your path!” This superstition comes from the early Western cultural belief that black cats were related to witches and were thus harbingers of bad luck, especially if one crossed your path. However other cultures (such as those of Ancient Egypt and Japan) saw the bright side of these dark creatures, and assigned them supernatural powers of positivity and good fortune. Whatever you wish to believe, there’s no question that a solid black cat is something to behold. Below are some popular cat breeds that are available in the sleekest of all colors.
An ideal family breed, the American Shorthair is known for their good health and kind temperament. These cats are resistant to many hereditary diseases.
The panther-like Bombay (pictured above) is famous for their shiny black coat and shimmering copper eyes. Friendly and intelligent, the Bombay enjoys human and animal companionship and likes to stay active.
This calm and cuddly breed has a sturdy body and a dense, plush coat. The British Shorthair looks something like a cartoon cat with a permanent smile and prominent whisker pads.
This sleek, slender breed started out as barn cats in Cornwall, England in the 1950s. Today, these cats have attentive and jovial personalities and make good pets for allergy sufferers because of their short and wavy coats.
The smart, playful, and attentive Devon Rex has large ears and a unique curled coat. Agile and acrobatic, these cats love games of fetch and hide-and-seek.
A loyal and loveable cat, the Exotic Shorthair has an adorable teddy bear-like appearance. Their soft and luxurious coat requires only minimal grooming.
Known as the “gentle giant,” the large Maine Coon is a sweet and intelligent longhair breed. Their heavy, glossy coat is weather resistant.
This cousin to the Siamese is a curious and intelligent breed that craves interaction and attention. The Oriental is perhaps the most colorful of all the breeds as they are available in over 300 different colors and patterns.
The Persian is a longhair breed known for their sweet and laid-back disposition. These affectionate cats have been the most popular purebred cat in the United States for a number of years.
The friendly and spirited Scottish Fold can be recognized by their distinctive folded over ears. This breed is capable of adapting quickly to new people, situations, and environments.
More on Cats
Cats 101
Easiest Cats to Care For
Getting the Right Kitten
Vaccinations