Selected Longhair Breeds of Cats
| Name | Origin | Characteristics | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balinese | U.S. | long, svelte body; sapphire-blue eyes mutation of Siamese; | tail sways when walking, resembling Balinese dancers |
| Birman | Burma | deep blue eyes; bushy tail; white-gloved paws | known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma” |
| Cymric | Canada | stout with heavy chest; tailless | a longhair Manx |
| Himalayan, or Colourpoint Longhair | U.S., Europe | cobby body; short, full tail; sapphire-blue eyes | cross between Siamese and Persian |
| Javanese | U.S. | graceful with long, lithe body; silky coat | cross between Balinese and Colourpoint Shorthair |
| Maine Coon cat | U.S. | large and well-muscled; shaggy coat | oldest American breed |
| Norwegian Forest cat | Norway | robust, muscular body; double coat | featured prominently in Nordic fables of the mid-1800s |
| Persian | exact origin unknown, possibly Iran | cobby body; massive head | one of the oldest and most popular breeds; many varieties |
| Ragdoll | U.S. | heavy and powerful build; blue eyes | relaxes muscles when picked up, resembling a floppy ragdoll |
| Somali | U.S. | lithe and muscular body; green or golden eyes; full brush tail | a longhair Abyssinian |
| Turkish Angora | Turkey | long, plumed tail; large, pointed ears | one of the first longhair cats in Europe |
Copyright © 1994-2001 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
