The plush combination of a double coat and tufted fur is quite uncommon in the feline world. Longhaired, shorthaired, gray or white, the kitties who possess both characteristics can look as different as lions and tigers. Despite their varying appearances, these unique breeds have one thing in common: They're cushy enough to make a fleece coat jealous.
Maine Coon
Maine coons are the big boys of the feline world. A full-grown adult male weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. This breed is a gentle giant known just as much for its loving nature and gentle disposition as its long double coat and pointed ear tufts. They’re especially good with children and even dogs. Active Maine coons will have to take a break from romping with their new canine friends for twice-weekly brushings with a steel comb.
Scottish Fold
A Scottish fold is unmistakable in appearance. This breed sports characteristic tiny folded ears, a short neck and large, owl-like round eyes. Not all kittens grow up with folded ears, but they all have the same endearing features as their folded ear counterparts. Scottish folds can be either short- or longhaired, with the longhaired variety sporting ear and toe tufts. The shorthaired variety has a dense, thick double coat, while longhaired Scottish folds have a longer, flowing coat. A playful, friendly pet, this breed thrives on attention but tends to be less vocal with its affections. Expect a gentle nudge as opposed to non-stop purring as a sign of affection from your Scottish fold.
Manx
The Manx is famous for his lack of tail, even though a Manx kitten can be born with a full tail, short tail, small rise tail or no tail at all. His coat comes in two lengths: short and long. The shorthair and longhair Manx both have double coats, with some cats sporting tufts on their toes and ears. The longhair feels softer and fluffier, while the shorthair is a bit stiffer due to his guard hairs. These cats are playful “high-jumpers” and tend to bond to one owner or family.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian forest cats have been around for a very long time; these cats protected grain stores during Viking explorations, and needed long, dense coats and tufts of fur for protection from the bitter cold during their travels. Their thick coats shed annually in the spring, the only time their coats require much brushing. Aside from the spring shedding season, Norwegian forest cats need brushing only every couple of weeks, but don’t let that be the only time you two cuddle up. These cats love people and enjoy affection.
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Writer Bio
Christina Stephens is a writer from Portland, Ore. whose main areas of focus are pets and animals, travel and literature. A veterinary assistant, she taught English in South Korea and holds a BA in English with cum laude honors from Portland State University.