Thinking About Adopting a Blue Cat? Here Are 10 Breeds That Boast Beauty and Personality

These felines turn heads with their smoky coats.

By 

Katie Koschalk

 

Updated on 06/17/25

Credit: 

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Blue cat breeds are some of the most sought-after, thanks to their cool-toned coats that have a distinct, eye-catching beauty. In the cat world, “blue” doesn’t mean bright blue like the sky or a Smurf. Instead, it refers to a gray that can take on a bluish hue depending on the light.

Looking for a beautiful blue kitty to add to your family? Consider one of these ten breeds.

Breed Characteristics

This unique coat color is the result of a recessive dilution gene that lightens black fur to blue-gray, explains Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, veterinary medical advisor for Rover. For a cat to have a true blue coat, it must inherit two copies of this gene, she adds. 

Only four cat breeds are exclusively blue-coated, while several others can come in blue among a variety of other colors. It’s also important to note that while all blue cats are gray, not all gray cats are blue. Some grayish coats come from other color dilutions, like lilac.

While blue cat breeds share a similar coat color, their personalities, grooming needs, and activity levels can vary widely. So, when choosing the right blue cat breed for your home, it’s important to consider more than just appearance.

• 01of 10

  Russian Blue

  

  Credit: 

  Dmitry Zinoviev / 500px / Getty Images

  “As their name implies, this beautiful breed is made up of exclusively blue-coated cats,” Greenstein says. Their short, dense coat is a solid steel-blue color with a silvery sheen and no markings. Due to their minimal shedding, the Russian blue breed is often listed as hypoallergenic, though no cat is completely allergen-free.

  These cats tend to be gentle, sweet, and loving with their people but can be shy around strangers. 

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches

  WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, gentle, shy

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; steel blue

  LIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years
• 02of 10

  Chartreux

  

  Credit: 

  Cavan Images / Getty Images

  The Chartreux is a rare French breed that always sports a blue coat. Its dense, woolly coat is low-maintenance, though combing is preferred over brushing due to its unique texture.

  With a sturdy, muscular body and slim legs, the Chartreux has earned the nickname “potato on toothpicks.” They’re known for being quiet, sweet-natured companions who are not overly demanding.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches

  WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Calm, social

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; blue-gray

  LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
• 03of 10

  Korat

  

  Credit: 

  Jacques Julien / Getty Images

  Another breed that only comes in blue, the Korat (pronounced as koh-raht, not core-rat) has a sleek, shimmering silver-blue coat and heart-shaped face. 

  “Because their single-layer coat is short, one to two brushing sessions per week should keep their coat healthy and shiny,” says Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, chief veterinarian at Petco.

  Korats are affectionate and loyal, and tend to bond deeply with their humans. Fun fact: they’re considered a symbol of good luck in Thailand!1

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 13 inches

  WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, social, friendly

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; blue-gray with silver tips

  LIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years
• 04of 10

  Nebelung

  

  Credit: 

  Abel Garcia / Getty Images

   

  Also a blue-only breed, the Nebelung has medium to long, blue-gray fur with shimmering silver tips and a long, plumed tail. These cats are intelligent, curious, and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their people. They enjoy a mix of active play and cozy relaxation.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 13 inches

  WEIGHT: 7 to 15 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, affectionate, shy

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Long hair; blue-grey with silver tips

  LIFE SPAN: 11 to 18 years

  Continue to 5 of 10 below
• 05of 10

  British Shorthair

  

  Credit: 

  Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images

   

  “British shorthairs are one of the most longstanding cat breeds and are found in an array of colors, including the ever-popular blue,” Greenstein says. 

  This breed has a dense, short coat that needs minimal grooming, Miller says. “I recommend brushing these cats twice per week, but you may need to brush them more often when they’re shedding in the spring and fall,” she says. 

  British shorthairs may continue to display kitten-like energy and playfulness until they reach maturity, but once fully mature, this breed is calm and well-behaved. They also tend to get along with everyone, including kids and other pets. 

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

  WEIGHT: 7 to 17 pounds 

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, easygoing, calm

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Short, dense hair; various colors and patterns

  LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
• 06of 10

  British Longhair

  

  Credit: EndTimeImages / Getty Images

  The British longhair comes in a range of colors and patterns, but as with the British shorthair, the blue coat is one of the most popular coat colors for the breed. These cats are known for their large, round eyes, broad faces, and small, rounded ears that give them a sweet, expressive look.

  Friendly and gentle, these cats are affectionate companions but also value their independence. They’re perfectly content spending time alone and will patiently wait for their favorite humans to come home.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 16 pounds 

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, easygoing, calm

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Long hair; various colors and patterns

  LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
• 07of 10

  American Shorthair

  

  Credit: 

  Jacques Julien / Getty Images

  While most American shorthair cats are tabbies, the breed comes in many other colors, including a solid blue. Despite having short hair, they do require weekly brushing due to the thick nature of the coat. 

  American shorthairs have a sturdy build, round face, and sweet, easygoing temperament. They're playful, active, social, and affectionate, but are also able to keep themselves entertained when needed.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, affectionate, social

  ENERGY LEVEL: High

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; various colors and patterns

  LIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years
  
• 08of 10

  Burmese

  

  Credit: 

  Sean Savery Photography / Getty Images

  Burmese come in many colors, including blue with warm undertones. Their short, glossy coats are silky to the touch and easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a rubber brush is usually all it takes to keep them looking their best.

  Burmese cats are active and affectionate, and thrive in active households where they get plenty of attention and enrichment. They form strong bonds with their people and don’t do well when left alone for long periods.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 13 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, playful, affectionate

  ENERGY LEVEL: High

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; sable, champagne, platinum, blue, and variations of each

  LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years

  Continue to 9 of 10 below
• 09of 10

  Oriental Shorthair

  

  Oriental shorthair with blue coat.Credit: 

  Cynoclub/iStock/Getty Images

   

  Oriental shorthairs come in over 300 color and pattern combinations, including blue. Blue Orientals have a sleek, slender build and big, bat-like ears. They’re talkative and active, and thrive in homes where they can be the center of attention.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, social, vocal

  ENERGY LEVEL: High

  COAT AND COLOR: Short hair; over 300 color and pattern variations

  LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
• 10of 10

  Persian

  

  Credit: 

  stvcr/Flickr 

  Persians can come in blue, which gives their luxurious, long coats a dreamy, smoky appearance. With their flat faces, short muzzles, and large, expressive eyes, they have a signature look that’s instantly recognizable. 

  Persians are friendly but prefer calm environments and gentle handling, making them better suited to adult households. Miller notes that these homebody cats do best indoors and need daily grooming to keep their dense, luxurious coats clean and free of mats. 

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches

  WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds

  PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Sweet, gentle, affectionate

  ENERGY LEVEL: Low

  COAT AND COLOR: Long hair; blue, black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden; solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor

  LIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years