Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With over 70 recognized cat breeds around the world, there are many different types of feline beauty to admire. When it comes to determining the prettiest cat breed, there are a few key characteristics that stand out. Elegance, luxurious coats, striking eyes, and graceful movements are some of the attributes that make certain cat breeds truly stunning. While beauty is subjective, there are a few breeds in particular that are renowned for their good looks.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is an extremelylarge, rugged cat breed hailing from the U.S. state of Maine. They have a substantial bone structure with smooth, shaggy coats that are weather resistant. Maine Coons come in nearly every color and pattern. Their facial features include tall ears, large expressive eyes, and a square muzzle. The combination of their size, luxurious coat, regal appearance, and gentle personality makes the Maine Coon one of the most beautiful cat breeds.
Persian
Perhaps the most widely recognized cat breed, the Persian has an unmistakable look. Their long, flowing coats come in a variety of colors like white, blue, black, red and cream. Persians have round faces with large, wide-set eyes and flat noses. Their long, thick coats need daily grooming to keep mats at bay. The Persian’s long locks, sweet expression, and reputation as a laidback lap cat contribute to their status as one of the most beautiful breeds.
Ragdoll
Named for their tendency to go limp when picked up, Ragdolls are a spectacular breed. They have semi-long, plush coats that come in many pointed patterns like seal, blue, chocolate and lilac. Their bright blue eyes and soft color patterns give Ragdolls a distinct look. They have heavy boning and muscular bodies covered in downy fur. With their large size, deep blue eyes, and mellow personalities, Ragdolls are exceptionally lovely cats.
Norwegian Forest Cat
This ancient Norse breed is arguably the original longhaired cat. Norwegian Forest Cats have semi-long coats well suited for cold weather. Their distinguishing features include large, alert ears, long legs, and a bushy, sweeping tail. Their coats come in many colors like white, black, tabby and red. Often vocal and social, Norwegian Forest Cats bond closely with their families. Their athletic build, lustrous coat, and expressive faces make them true Nordic beauties.
Toyger
The Toyger’s name says it all – this breed was developed to have markings that resemble a miniature tiger. Short, plush coats marked with dark stripes over a light orange background resemble a toy tiger. Their deep chests, thick necks, rounded ears and intense gaze reinforce the wild cat look. While resembling small tigers, Toygers have domestic temperaments and love to interact with people. For their unique striped coats and exotic appearance, Toygers are some of the most gorgeous cats around.
Russian Blue
With their smooth, shimmering silver-blue coats, Russian Blues are eye catching. Their uniform coat color, ranging from pale silver to dark slate grey, sets them apart. Russian Blues have vivid green eyes that contrast beautifully with their coats. Long, slender bodies give them a graceful and elegant appearance. Their short, dense coats are low maintenance but gleam like satin. For their refined elegance, vivid green eyes, and stunning silver coats, Russian Blues are true beauties.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians are one of the oldest cat breeds, hailing from Ethiopia. They have distinctly ticked coats in ruddy, red, blue and fawn. Each hair has alternating light and dark bands of color which gives a unique texture to their short coat. Abyssinians have striking almond-shaped eyes and distinctive pointed ears. They are lithe and active cats. The combination of their regal appearance, intense gaze, and athleticism makes Abyssinians magnificent.
Turkish Angora
This ancient Turkish breed is known for their long, silky white coat. Turkish Angoras have fine, soft coats that positively glow. Their coats shimmer when they move and float in the air when falling. Breed standards allow for many different colored Angoras, but pure white is the most coveted. They have elegant, graceful bodies and fine-boned limbs. With their long, flowing coats, smooth lines, and glowing eyes, Turkish Angoras are spectacularly beautiful cats.
Balinese
Closely related to Siamese, Balinese are a long-haired version of that popular breed. Balinese have striking colorpoints of seal, blue chocolate, or lilac. Their long, silky coats give them an elegant, refined appearance. Large ears, blue almond-shaped eyes, and long, tubular bodies reinforce their graceful looks. Active and vocal, Balinese bond strongly to their families. The combination of their colorpoints, flowing coats, and lithe bodies makes Balinese one of the loveliest breeds.
Birman
Birmans originate from Burma, where they were treasured companions and symbols of fortune. Birmans have semi-long, silky coats that don’t mat or tangle easily. Coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate and lilac points. Their colors are evenly distributed on the face, legs, tail and ears set against a lighter body. Birmans have deep blue eyes and cute white gloves on each paw. With striking colored points, luxurious fur, and sweet expressions, Birmans are exquisite.
Snowshoe
The Snowshoe cat gets its name from its white paws that look like snowshoes. They have short, dense coats that lie close to their bodies. Coat colors are seal, blue and chocolate points with white paws, chest, and belly. Snowshoes have deep blue eyes and muscular bodies. The unique contrast of their pointed colors against gleaming white gives Snowshoes a very distintive beauty all their own.
Sphynx
Known for their hairless bodies, Sphynx cats have a distinctive wrinkled appearance. Despite their bare skin, Sphynx are surprisingly soft with a suede-like feel. They come in a range of colors like solid white, black, blue, and red. Their wedge-shaped heads feature large eyes and ears that stand out. While unconventional in looks, the Sphynx’s confidence, curiosity, and hairless body give them a unique beauty.
Ocicat
Named for their resemblance to Ocelots, Ocicats have gorgeous spotted coats. Their short, satiny coats feature distinct spots overlaying ticked fur. Colors include silver, bronze, cinnamon and chocolate. Ocicats have athletic bodies, large ears, and oval eyes. Friendly and active, they bond closely with their families. For their wild cat markings and domestic natures, Ocicats have a stunning one-of-a-kind beauty.
Conclusion
With so many breeds to choose from, selecting the prettiest cat is challenging. Beauty is subjective, and all cats have attractive qualities. However, breeds like Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Birman, and Norwegian Forest Cat are consistently touted for their lush coats, striking eyes, and graceful elegance. Exotic breeds like the Toyger, Ocicat, and Sphynx have unconventional looks that give them unique allure. Whenever it comes to gorgeous cats, there are many correct answers.
The most important quality for the prettiest cat is good health and excellent care. With proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, veterinary care, and love, any cat can look beautiful and live a happy life. While looks are important, a cat’s personality and bonds with caring humans are what really make them special.