20 Cutest Cat Breeds You'll Want to Pet Immediately
All cats are good cats, but these photos will show you that some are off the charts adorable.
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From extra-long to super fluffy, cats come in so many shapes and sizes. And no, we don’t just mean when they're loafing or squeezing into impossibly tight spaces! And while all cats are good cats, much like dog breeds, some felines are just off the charts on the cuteness scale.
Now, we know each owner thinks their kitten is out-of-this-world adorable, but if you're wanting a pet that has a distinctive look — whether that's a sweet squished face, piercing eyes or a seriously curly coat — these are the cutest cat breeds around. You'll find common cats, like the Maine Coon, as well as rare breeds, such as the Bengal.
Of course, looks are just one thing to consider when adopting a cat. Social skills, age, grooming needs and veterinary care should be at the top of your list. A cat can live up to 18 years (or longer!), so it's important to make sure you're ready for the commitment before picking up one of these cuties.
Maine Coon
These giant, fuzzy monsters are one of the largest cat breeds. They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 25 pounds! Despite their size, they have a gentle disposition and love attention from their humans. They’re known for their bushy tails, tufted ears and fabulously fluffy paws.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 16 inches
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years
Birman
Just when we thought toe beans couldn’t get any cuter, we saw the Birman. This breed is famous for its white feet, making them look like they’re wearing socks. With their laid-back disposition, this cute cat breed will walk their socks all over your heart.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian forest cat looks like a creature right out of a Ghibli movie. With their big, curious eyes and soft scruff of fur, these cats are beautiful and graceful. But don’t worry — this regal breed will still lose their dignity around a tuna treat, just like any other cat.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
- Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Bombay
If you’ve ever wanted a mini panther in your home, the Bombay is the right cat for you. Although bred to resemble their big cat counterparts, they actually have a very sweet disposition.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 13 inches
- Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Exotic Shorthair
How can you resist that grumpy face? Exotic Shorthairs look like they just ran face-first into a wall, but it’s all part of their distinctive charm. With their big eyes and squashed faces, these cats are in “so ugly it’s cute” territory.
Breed info:
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8 to 15 years
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora has a graceful, ballerina-like body and a mischievous nature. Even if you haven’t seen one in person, you’ve likely seen one on screen: Duchess in the Disney movie The Aristocats is a Turkish Angora! Being Disney princesses definitely ups their cuteness factor.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 14 inches
- Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
- Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Bengal
With their leopard-like spots and striking eyes, Bengals are one of the most exotic cats. They bring more than just their cute looks to the table: They’re highly active and inquisitive cats who benefit from a lot of environmental enrichment.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 to 16 years
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is known for its funny ears, folded close to their head. Their big round eyes and folded flaps give them an adorable look that’s all their own.
Breed info:
- Height: 7 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 13 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are famous for their luxurious fur and distinctive coloring. They are cuddly and affectionate — they got their name because they relax like a rag doll when you scoop them up. Their friendly nature plus their two-toned fur makes them definitely adorable.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13 to 17 years
American Curl
The American Curl is named for its iconic ears, which curl away from their head in an adorable swoop. It’s cute to be a little different, and those tiny curls are ear-resistable.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 12 inches
- Weight: 5 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Siamese
Here’s a fun fact: Siamese cats are actually heat maps of themselves! They have a gene that causes “temperature-reactive albinism” — that is, Siamese cats have light fur where their bodies are warmest and dark fur where they are coolest. It’s hard to get cuter (or cooler!) than these color-changing coats.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 14 to 20 years
American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is famous for its tiny tail, which can vary in length from one to four inches long. They make great pets because they love companionship. But beyond their temperament, ultimately that little stump on their rump is too cute to pass up.
Breed info:
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 7 to 16 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
LaPerm
These cats are named for their naturally wavy hair — like they’ve gotten a perm! Their cute ‘do earns them a place on the list of cutest cat breeds.
Breed info:
- Height: 6 to 14 inches
- Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Munchkin
How cute are those stubby little legs? Shaped similarly to a Weiner dog, Munchkins have long bodies that are low to the ground, standing only 6-9 inches high. Because of their different leg shape, their walk is a little wigglier than a standard cat’s.
Breed info:
- Height: 5 to 9 inches
- Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Russian Blue
Russian Blues are known for their soft, beautiful coats, named after the soft, silvery-blue color they display. With double coats, their fur is thick and plush, perfect for a snuggle. They are calm and a little aloof with strangers, but there’s no hiding their cuteness.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 to 20 years
Abyssinian
Are Abyssinians the cutest cat breed? The ancient Egyptians certainly thought so! This breed is considered the closest approximation to the ancient cats that Egyptians believed were vessels of the gods.
Breed info:
- Height: 12 to 16 inches
- Weight: 6 to 13 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau’s unusual coat is one of its cutest features. Sporting similar spots and stripes to the Bengal, the Egyptian Mau’s light gray coloring makes its fur look so touchably soft.
Breed info:
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Somali
The Somali is known for its fox-like appearance, with its frequently russet-colored fur and muscular build. These curious, athletic and demanding cats may not be the right fit for first-time owners, but their beautiful fur earns them their place on this list of cutest cat breeds.
Breed info:
- Height: 7 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years
Persian
Persians are the iconic image of a fluffy cat. They aren’t the most active of cats, instead preferring to decorate your furniture and the sunny spots on the floor with their long fur. Their glamour puss ways earned these fancy felines their place on the list.
Breed info:
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 to 20 years
Singapura
The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds out there. They only weigh an average of 5 to 8 pounds and stand about 8 inches high. Their enormous eyes and tiny stature combine to create their distinctive looks.
Breed info:
- Height: 6 to 8 inches
- Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Sarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping. She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading.
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