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11 cutest cat breeds: You’ll love these adorable furballs

What makes these kitties so adorable?

Ragdoll cat lying on a table
Kadisha / Pixabay

Even though it’s virtually impossible to calculate the world’s cutest cat breeds officially, it’s definitely possible to ask for cat lovers’ opinions. A variety of cat breeds are bound to top the list, but there are several cats that show up on favorite lists more frequently than others. And these are those adorable cats!

We’ve compiled a list of 11 precious felines and just how popular they are. There are way more than 11 cute cat breeds that should be on this list, but these are the ones most commonly included in groups of adorable kitties. Are these breeds on your list, too?

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American Bobtail

An American Bobtail kitten with amber eyes standing on a wood plank floor.
jane_khomi / Adobe Stock

As this cat’s name implies, their most unique feature is their short or bobbed, tail. They also have short, shaggy coats, which can make them look unkempt or even feral, but these petite felines are anything but. They’re known to be so sweet and affectionate that they’ve been called the “golden retrievers of the cat world.”

American Curl

A white American Curl Kitten
Chicsweet / Pixabay

If you’re in the market for a “forever kitten,” we’ve got some bad news for you: They don’t exist! No healthy cat actually looks like a kitten throughout its whole life, but many breeds (including this one) retain kitten-like personalities for many years. American Curl cats are curious, affectionate, and eager to please, but don’t be surprised if their curiosity borders on silliness sometimes. Of course, this breed’s name comes from the curling shape of their ears, which is sure to stand out wherever they go.

Birman

Birman breed posing on a cat tree
Wirestock / Getty Images

Although these kitties are often mistaken for Siamese cats due to their dual-toned coloring, their white-colored feet and bright blue eyes are different from their cousins. Birman cats are extremely social and affectionate, and they’ll almost always choose to sit as close to their owner as possible. If you’re looking for a kitty companion, this may be the breed for you.

British Shorthair

A British Shorthair cat lies down with barely open eyes
Marijn van der Marel / Unsplash

This sweet and fluffy breed is sometimes mistaken for their relatives, Russian Blues, but a few features help them stand out in more ways than one. Their rounded face and fluffy body are as cute as can be, but it’s those big orange eyes that are truly enchanting. British Shorthairs are calm and low-energy felines, but they can still have larger-than-life personalities.

Exotic Shorthair

A beige exotic shorthair cat with green eyes stands in front of a dark background
Sinason / Pixabay

This is another shorthair breed that stands out due to its unique face. Unlike the British Shorthairs, which have round faces, these exotic cats have faces that look squished. Their noses are flat, and their eyes are huge, but that’s usually why people love them so much!

LaPerm

Brown and white LaPerm cat, rare breed
Nils Jacobi / Shutterstcok

As you might have guessed from this rare cat breed‘s name, their curly fur makes it look like they have a perm. No two cats’ hairstyles will be the same, though, as some have wavier hair while others have full-on curls. Despite their fancy hairstyles, these felines actually developed as barn cats, so they won’t shy away from a job or an adventure. These active cats are so much fun to have around the house.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon cat lying on bed
Sergei Wing / Unsplash

Maine Coon cats are more majestic than adorable, but they make the list of cutest cat breeds, nonetheless. From their fluffy ears to their gigantic paws, what’s not to love? These larger-than-life felines are known for being vocal, energetic, and incredibly smart, but the biggest draw about Maine Coons is their massive size. This cat is the size of a small dog.

Munchkin

A red and white munchkin cat with long hair stands against a teal blue background.
MDavidova / Shutterstock

These short-legged cats look so unique that you’ll never forget them once you’ve seen them. They’re easy to recognize with their tiny legs (which are the result of a genetic mutation), though you’ll be happy to learn that their short legs don’t slow them down or limit their movement. The only catch? Some cat associations don’t consider them to be an actual breed.

Persian

Gray Persian cat lying down
joaogaiao / Pixabay

This is another “squish-faced” cat breed that’s just as charming as it is surprising to see. Their large eyes are impossible to miss, but many folks’ favorite detail is their long, flowing fur. It can take a dedicated cat owner to stay on top of their grooming, but raising a clean Persian is so worth the extra effort. Just think of how cute they’ll look.

Ragdoll

A Ragdoll Cat with blue eyes looks up
Matthew Fainman / Unsplash

Ragdoll cats are on almost every list of cute cat breeds you can think of. Their large size and affectionate personality make  them perfect cuddle buddies, though you may quickly rethink things with a 20-pound cat in your lap. It’s just their way of saying, “I love you.”

Scottish Fold

A Scottish Fold kitten standing outside
Mrdidg / Pixabay

Several cat breeds are named after the shapes of their ears, and the Scottish Fold is one of them. Their forward-pointed ears are too cute to miss, but did you know they actually help your cat filter in sounds, too? Personality-wise, they’re just so cute. They are curious, quick, and sweet, though Scottish Folds may prefer to stay with their family and loved ones instead of chasing mice or watching birds from the windowsill.

Did any of these cats catch your fancy? They are undoubtedly some of the cutest in the world, but if you’re like us, you know that all cats are adorable. What are the breeds you would add to this list?

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
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