15 Popular Grey Cat Breeds That Are Sure to Steal Your Heart

As the name suggests, Russian Blue cats originate from Russia (the Archangel Isles, to be exact), and they are best known for having a coat that's so grey it's almost blue. Highly intelligent and quite independent, Russian Blues don't require a lot of attention, but they're still incredibly loyal and play well with others. They're also very vocal, so prepare yourself for lots of meowing.

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Another cat breed with a coat so grey it's almost blue, the Chartreux is thick and rounded with wooly fur that requires plenty of brushing. This relatively rare breed is believed to have been brought to France from the mid-east in the 1500s, and since then, the Chartreux has earned a reputation as easygoing, fiercely loyal, and just as content socializing with others as spending time alone.

An ancient breed from Thailand, where they are a symbol of good fortune, the silver-blue Korat is a distinctive-looking cat with a heart-shaped head, luminous eyes, and large ears. Demanding and intelligent, Korats love to feel like they're in charge and can act a bit aloof at first, but they tend to show lots of affection with those they know and trust.

Developed in the United States during the 1980s, the Nebelung is a new and relatively rare cat breed whose name comes from the German "nebel," which means mist or fog. While shy and skittish at first, Nebelungs are quick to warm up to family members and love playtime. And though these intelligent, laid-back cats are sometimes referred to as a long-haired Russian Blue, the two breeds aren't interchangeable, despite being related and looking similar in appearance.

Though best known for its folded ears (which are the result of a genetic mutation), the Scottish Fold can also be recognized for its rounded head, sweet eyes, and total devotion to its owners. This short-haired, medium-sized cat gets along well with everyone and loves to follow you around, and you'll find the Scottish Fold in a variety of shades and patterns, including silver-blue.

This native American long-haired cat was first recognized as a specific breed in Maine, and its sturdy build and thick coat which comes in several different shades, including grey) makes it well-suited for harsh winters. Though large, the Maine Coon has earned a reputation as a gentle giant, and the breed is considered a great choice for family pets and therapy cats.

Ever since the Persian came into vogue during the Victorian era, this fluffy cat has become the most popular pedigreed cat in the United States — and perhaps even the world. Expressive and affectionate, this cat (which you'll find in an array of shades) may have a high-maintenance coat, but Persians will make up for that extra grooming by being adaptable and friendly with just about anyone.

Bred from Egyptian Tabby cats and officially recognized as a breed by the United States in 1958, the Egyptian Mau is known for its wild agility and speed, though in the home, these cats tend to be gentle and doting. They love to be involved with every aspect of family life, and since they're exceptionally loyal, they can make the perfect companion. Fun fact: This breed is the only domesticated cat with a naturally occurring spotted coat.

The British Shorthair was once know as the British Blue because it came only in that one color, but nowadays, this cat's short coat comes in a variety of shades. Playful yet self-sufficient, these cats don't require round-the-clock attention, though they do they tend to attach themselves to every one of their family members with equal devotion.

Known for their large eyes, short ears, and slightly flattened faces, the American Shorthair is known as the original house cat, having come to America on the Mayflower. With a fur palette of more than 80 colors and patterns, American Shorthairs aren't always grey, but they're almost always easygoing and sweet with every member of the household.

Once considered to be a variant of the Ragdoll cat, the Ragamuffin was established as a separate breed in 1994. Large, long, and incredibly fluffy, these cats come in a variety of coat shades (including grey) and tend to be even-tempered and easygoing, though you'll need to encourage playtime to keep a Ragamuffin from becoming overweight.

LaPerms can be found in just about every color and coat pattern (including grey), though they do share a distinct feature: their incredibly fluffy fur, which is a result of a spontaneous mutation first discovered on a kitten born in 1980s Oregon. Though still a relatively new breed, the LaPerm cat has become known as inquisitive, adventurous, and relatively social with everyone from humans to dogs.

Impish and big-eyed, this almost-dog-like cat (which was first discovered in Devon, England, in the 1960s) is totally unique in both appearance and personality. Their short, curly coat comes in a range of shades, including grey, and though they tend to be quite active and a bit demanding, they're beloved for the fact that they're happy in the company of pretty much anyone, human or animal.

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Similar in appearance to the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest (or Wegie, as the breed is affectionately nicknamed) was first exhibited at a cat show in Norway before World War II and can be recognized by its fluffy double coat, tufted paws and ears, triangular head, and plumed tail. The Wegie loves attention but doesn't demand it, and these cats tends to get along with everyone, including dogs.

This natural breed (which has existed in Turkey since at least the 15th century) is small to medium in size, with a wedge-shaped head, long coat that comes in range of colors, and plumed tail. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the Turkish Angora is known as a trickster who loves to take charge, but they tend to love affection just as much.