If you’ve ever run your hand across a piece of luxurious velvet fabric and thought, “I wish my cat felt like this,” then you’re in for a treat! Cat breeds with velvet fur exist, and they’re basically like having a living, purring piece of the softest material you can imagine.
We’re talking about cats whose coats feel so incredibly soft and plush that you can’t resist petting them over and over again. These aren’t your average kitties with regular fur – these special breeds have coats that range from silky smooth to plush like a teddy bear, offering warmth and comfort that makes them perfect for cozy cuddles on cold winter evenings.
From cats with short, dense coats that feel like touching velvet to breeds with curly fur that’s surprisingly soft, the world of velvet-furred felines is full of beautiful and touchable companions. Whether you’re looking for a gentle giant with a plush coat or a sleek, elegant cat with silky fur, there’s a velvet-textured breed out there that’s perfect for your family. Some of these breeds are also better for people with feline allergies because their coat texture sheds less or traps dander differently.
So get ready to discover some of the most pet-worthy cats on the planet – breeds that combine stunning appearance with fur so soft you’ll never want to stop petting them!
Cat Breeds with Velvet Fur
1. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is like the supermodel of the cat world – elegant, striking, and wrapped in a coat that feels absolutely amazing to touch! What makes this breed so special is its unique curly coat, which is entirely different from other cats’.
Unlike most cats, which have three layers of fur (guard hairs, awn hairs, and down), Cornish Rex cats have only a soft undercoat, which is naturally curly and incredibly smooth.
The appearance of Cornish Rex cats is as distinctive as their coat. They have large ears, oval eyes, and a slender, elegant body that’s surprisingly muscular despite looking delicate. Their curly coat lies close to their skin in tight waves that ripple when they move, creating a gorgeous texture that catches the light beautifully.
Personality-wise, they are playful, affectionate, and incredibly energetic. These aren’t quiet lap cats that sleep all day – they’re curious, intelligent companions that love to play, jump, and explore. They’re often described as dog-like because they enjoy playing fetch, learning tricks, and following their humans around the house.
Grooming a Cornish Rex is surprisingly easy despite their unique coat. Because they have less fur than other breeds, they shed very little, making them a good choice for people prone to cat allergies (though no cat is truly hypoallergenic). They don’t require regular brushing like long-haired breeds – in fact, too much brushing can damage their delicate coat.
2. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is like cuddling with the world’s most sophisticated teddy bear – they have a plush coat so dense and soft that your fingers literally sink into it!
This breed is one of the oldest and most beloved cat breeds in the world, known for their round face, chubby cheeks, and incredibly thick, velvet-like fur. The coat of a British Shorthair has a double-layer structure, with a dense undercoat and a short, plush outer coat that feels amazing to the touch.
British Shorthair cats come in a wide variety of colors, but the most famous is the “British Blue” – a gorgeous blue-gray color with a silvery sheen that looks absolutely stunning against their plush coat. However, you can find British Shorthairs in practically any color and pattern imaginable, from solid black, white, cream, and chocolate to tabbies, tortoiseshells, and even colorpoints.
The personality of British Shorthair cats is calm, sweet, and wonderfully gentle. These are laid-back cats that enjoy a quiet home environment and form deep bonds with their family members. They’re affectionate without being demanding – they’ll happily sit near you or on your lap, enjoying gentle pets and offering their velvety fur for you to touch. Still, they’re not the type to constantly demand attention.
Grooming it is relatively low maintenance despite its thick, plush coat. Regular brushing – about once or twice a week – is usually enough to keep their fur in good condition and prevent mats from forming. During spring and fall, when they shed more heavily, you might need to brush them more frequently to manage the loose fur.
3. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is absolutely unique in the cat world because it’s the only breed with curly, plush fur that feels like a soft, warm cloud! Unlike their cousin, the Cornish Rex, with tight waves, Selkirk Rex cats have loose, bouncy curls that give them an adorable, almost sheep-like appearance.
Their coat can be long or short, but both varieties have the signature curl that makes their fur incredibly soft and plush to the touch. Running your hand through its coat is like touching the softest teddy bear or the plushiest velvet – the curls create a texture that’s both springy and silky. Even their whiskers are curly, adding to their quirky, lovable appearance!
The personality of these cats is as warm and cuddly as their smooth fur suggests. These are affectionate, gentle, and playful cats that love spending time with their human family. They’re patient and tolerant, making them great with children and other pets. They are social and enjoy companionship – they don’t like being left alone for long periods and will often follow their favorite humans around the house.
Regular brushing – several times a week for short-haired varieties and daily for long-haired ones – helps prevent mats from forming and keeps their curls looking their best. However, be gentle when brushing to avoid overstraightening their natural curls.
4. Russian Blue
Blueussian Blue is elegance personified – a cat with a coat so soft and silky it feels like touching the finest velvet! Purina claims that this breed is famous for its stunning blue-gray jacket with a distinctive silver sheen that shimmers in the light, giving it an almost ethereal beauty.
But beyond their striking appearance, what really sets Russian Blues apart is the texture of their fur. They have a dense double coat that stands out from their bodies at a 45-degree angle, creating a plush, soft feel that’s absolutely incredible to touch.
The coat is truly special – it’s so dense that you can actually trace patterns on it with your finger and they’ll temporarily remain visible until the fur springs back. This double coat consists of a soft undercoat and fine, silky guard hairs of equal length, creating that distinctive plush texture. The color is always a blue-gray with silver tipping that gives them their famous shimmer.
They have a gentle, quiet, and incredibly loyal personality. These are sensitive, intelligent cats that form deep bonds with their family members but can be somewhat shy or reserved around strangers. They’re playful and curious in a dignified way, enjoying interactive play but never being overly demanding or loud.
They are known for being relatively quiet, soft-voiced cats, and they’re observant and smart, often figuring out how to open doors or cabinets.
5. Burmese
Burmese cats are like little bundles of warm, silky velvet wrapped in a cat-shaped package! These medium-sized cats are renowned for their extremely soft, lustrous coats that feel like the finest satin or silk.
The Burmese coat is short, fine, and lies close to the body, creating a smooth, sleek appearance that highlights their muscular build, as described by PetMD. But what really makes their fur special is how it feels – it’s unbelievably soft and warm to the touch, with a glossy sheen that makes their coat look almost wet or polished.
The appearance of Burmese cats is striking and distinctive. They come in several beautiful colors, including sable (a rich, warm brown), champagne (a warm beige), blue (blue-gray), and platinum (a pale silver-gray), all with that characteristic glossy sheen. Their eyes are large, round, and usually gold or yellow, creating a sweet, expressive face that melts hearts.
The personality of Burmese cats is one of their most endearing qualities.
These are highly affectionate, people-oriented cats that crave human companionship and interaction. Burmese are often described as “dog-like” because they follow their owners from room to room, want to be involved in everything you do, and genuinely enjoy being handled and cuddled. They’re playful, curious, and maintain their kitten-like energy well into adulthood.
6. Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are like the perfect hybrid of softness and personality – they combine the best traits of Siamese and Burmese cats, including an absolutely gorgeous coat that feels like touching warm mink! This breed was developed by crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, resulting in a medium-sized cat with a sleek, muscular body and quite soft, short fur.
The Tonkinese coat has a unique quality called “mink,” which refers to both the coat texture and color pattern – it’s fine, silky, and lies close to the body with a lustrous sheen that gives it an elegant appearance. Petting a Tonkinese feels luxurious, like running your hand over the softest velvet or the finest suede.
They come in a variety of beautiful colors and three distinct patterns: solid (like the Burmese), pointed (like the Siamese), and the unique “mink” pattern that’s a perfect blend of both. The mink pattern shows subtle pointing on the face, ears, legs, and tail, but with less contrast than a traditional Siamese. Colors include natural (brown), champagne (buff), blue (gray), and platinum (pale silver), all with that gorgeous soft sheen.
The personality of Tonkinese cats is wonderfully engaging and affectionate. These are highly domestic, intelligent, and playful cats that want to be part of everything their family does. They’re energetic and curious, often getting into things to see what’s happening.
7. Bombay
The Bombay cat is like a miniature black panther wrapped in the softest, most luxurious velvet you can imagine! This breed was specifically developed to look like a miniature version of a wild black leopard, and the result is absolutely stunning.
Bombay cats have sleek, muscular bodies covered in short, fine, jet-black fur that’s so glossy it almost looks patent leather. But the real magic is in how their coat feels – it’s extremely soft, smooth, and silky, with a satin-like texture that’s absolutely amazing to touch.
Running your hand over a Bombay’s coat is like petting warm, living velvet that’s been polished to a high shine. Their fur is so delicate and short that you can feel their body heat through it, making them excellent heat sources for cold nights!
The appearance of Bombay cats is striking and distinctive – they’re the only cat breed that’s always solid black from nose to tail, including their paw pads! Their coat color is a deep, intense black, with no other markings, and they have a natural sheen that makes them gleam in the light.
Combined with their copper or gold eyes (which create a dramatic contrast against their black coat), rounded head, and medium, muscular body, they have an elegant yet robust appearance.
Conclusion
From the curly-coated Cornish Rex to the sleek, glossy Bombay, cat breeds with velvet fur prove that feline companions can be both beautiful and incredibly touchable! These special breeds offer more than just good looks – they provide the ultimate sensory experience every time you pet them, with coats that range from silky smooth to plush and dense.
What makes these velvet-furred breeds even more special is that their wonderful personalities match their incredible coat texture. Most of these breeds are known for being affectionate, gentle, and people-oriented, and for genuinely enjoying being petted and held.
They’re perfect for families who want interactive companions, for individuals seeking loyal friends, or for anyone who simply loves the feeling of running their hand through the softest fur imaginable.
