We adore them, spoil them, and photograph them a hundred times a day. Here’s a loving tour of the cat breeds the French just can’t resist—plus gentle, practical advice to help you find your purrfect match.
- Sphynx: the hairless heartthrob
- Norwegian Forest: the romantic adventurer
- Siberian: all-terrain fur and heart
- Chartreux: the blue that smiles
- Persian: the salon prince
- Ragdoll: the gentle cuddle-puppet
- British Shorthair: the placid plush toy
- Bengal: energy with a wild look
- Birman (Sacred of Burma): velvet and sweetness
- Maine Coon: the gentle giant
Tip: Mount a corner grooming brush on a wall or shelf edge. Many cats rub their head and flanks against it—built‑in cuddle-brushing that keeps your sofa a little less furry.
Still browsing before you fall in love? Peek at our complete cat breeds guide.
Sphynx: the hairless heartthrob
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As peach-soft as it looks, the Sphynx makes up for its lack of fur with an ultra-human-focused personality. It loves warmth, sweaters and deep, snuggly cuddles.
Mistake to avoid: believing it’s “hypoallergenic.” Most allergies come from skin and saliva proteins, not fur, so reactions can still happen—even without a coat.
Thinking about skincare and warmth? See our guide to caring for a hairless cat.
Norwegian Forest: the romantic adventurer
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Tall, athletic and gentle, the Norwegian loves to climb and watch the world from above. Its semi-long coat enjoys regular brushing and pays you back in rumbling purrs.
A stable cat tree and a few wall shelves will make this climber happy, especially in an apartment. Need help choosing? Explore our cat tree guide.
Siberian: all-terrain fur and heart
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Born to face the cold, the Siberian wears a glorious triple coat and brings a tender, playful nature. It’s robust, lively and fits beautifully with calm families.
Short, regular play with tunnels and feathers keeps both waistline and mood in balance. Learn more in our complete Siberian guide.
Chartreux: the blue that smiles
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Quiet, round and plushy, the Chartreux charms with its blue-grey coat and golden eyes. Calm and loyal, it adapts well to our modern rhythms.
Did you know? Its natural expression earned it the nickname “the smiling cat.” Irresistible, right? For deeper insight, check our Chartreux guide.
Persian: the salon prince
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Zen mode, feline edition. Persians adore routine, warm naps and pampering brush sessions. Their flat nose means a little extra daily eye care.
A fine metal comb and a lukewarm, damp wipe keep that sweet face spotless. New to Persians? See our complete Persian guide.
Ragdoll: the gentle cuddle-puppet
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Pick them up and they melt—hence the name. Affectionate and calm, Ragdolls are perfectly at ease indoors and thrive on daily together-time.
Offer soft play sessions and predictable cuddles. Curious? Read our Ragdoll essentials.
British Shorthair: the placid plush toy
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Round head, kissable cheeks, tender gaze: the British Shorthair is serenity in fur. Solid and discreet, it favors peaceful homes and a sunny nap spot.
Watch their portions—free-feeding can mean “stockpiling.” Dive deeper with our British guide.
Bengal: energy with a wild look
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Jungle vibes, family soul. Bengals are sharp, curious and love interactive play and challenges.
Did you know? Many Bengals enjoy water—a pet fountain can become their favorite spa. Learn more in our Bengal guide.
Birman (Sacred of Burma): velvet and sweetness
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Silky coat, white gloves and sky-blue eyes—the Birman is tender elegance. Cuddly yet playful, it loves presence and reassuring routines.
Plan gentle games and quiet one-on-one moments to feed your bond. Prefer calm breeds overall? Browse the calmest cat breeds.
Maine Coon: the gentle giant
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Impressive size, marshmallow softness. Maine Coons love to be part of everything, in every room, all day long.
A tall, sturdy scratcher and daily play keep joints happy and energy balanced. Considering one? Read our Maine Coon guide.
How to choose the breed that fits you?
- Your time for grooming and play.
- Home size and the breed’s activity needs.
- Desired personality: calm, playful, discreet, super-cuddly?
Mistake to avoid: picking only by looks. A gorgeous cat mismatched with your lifestyle can get bored. The right fit equals a happier duo.
Extra tip: Place a scratcher right beside your sofa and sprinkle a pinch of catnip on it for a week—you’ll redirect claws with kindness. Need more behavior clues? Start with decoding purrs.
FAQ
Which cat breeds are the most popular in France right now?
Year after year, favorites often include the Maine Coon, Birman, British Shorthair and Ragdoll—sweet temperaments and family-friendly vibes win hearts.
Which breed is easiest for apartment living?
British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Chartreux and Persian adapt beautifully—just add playtime, vertical spaces and comforting routines.
Which cats need the least coat maintenance?
Short-haired breeds like the British are practical. Hairless Sphynx have no fur, but their skin needs regular cleansing and warmth.
How do I choose between two breeds I love equally?
List your non-negotiables (grooming time, activity level, kids, travel). Then meet breeders or rescues, and choose the personality that clicks.
