Turkish Van

Sadly, these longhaired lookers are getting harder and harder to find. "There are just not that many Turkish Van breeders anymore," says Keiger. "Which is really too bad, because they are beautiful cats."

Turkish Vans are large white cats with color—black or red—restricted to the head and tail (and possibly one spot on the body) in what has become known as the Van pattern. They have large mesmerizing eyes of amber or blue, or sometimes one of each, and a soft, cashmere-like coat. But don't mistake these beauties for delicate creatures. Turkish Vans are considered one of the most dog-like of the cat breeds. They even love to splash around in water!

An ancient, natural breed, the Turkish Van traces its roots back to the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey. They first made their mark on the modern world in the 1950s, when a pair of photographers brought them to England and changed their name from "Turkish Cat" to "Turkish Van" to differentiate the breed from the Turkish Angora.

Although Turkish Vans don't generally like to be held ("They can be a little aloof," says Keiger), they are generally healthy and easy to care for, with no special grooming required. And they make great pets: Vans love their people, and they love to play. They are also known for being quite smart, so think twice before you hide that treat bag. They will find it.

Breed overview	Turkish Van
Height	10–14 inches
Weight	10–20 pounds
Life expectancy	7–12 years

American Curl

With soft, flowing locks and ears that curl back and away from their adorable faces, American Curl cats always look a little surprised to see you. But never doubt it: There's no place they'd rather be than at your side. "They're very sweet and affectionate," says Keiger. "They're very people-oriented, and they love to play."

American Curls, which can also be short-haired, come in many colors and patterns. Their signature ears are the result of a natural gene mutation, but—unlike the Scottish Fold—that mutation doesn't seem to affect any other part of their body. There are no breed-specific health issues to worry about, and they differ from their unique-eared cousins in other ways too. "They are more active than Scottish Folds," says Keiger. "They're longer, and a lot more graceful. And they have a little bit of mischief to them too."

As with all longhaired cats, American Curls do need some grooming. But because they have a minimal undercoat under all that silky fur, they are pretty low maintenance. A good combing once or twice a week will keep them looking great.

Breed overview	American Curl
Height	9–12 inches
Weight	5–10 pounds
Life expectancy	12–16 years

LaPerm

With their soft waves and springy ringlets, these curly-haired cuties look like they just stepped out of a hair salon. "They have a distinctive curly coat that's different from any other breed," says Keiger. "It's soft and springy and light to the touch. I always think it looks a little like cotton candy."

The breed has only been around since the 1980s, after a curly-haired kitten was born to a tabby cat on an Oregon farm. After a couple of subsequent litters of curly-haired kittens, the owner realized she had witnessed the birth of a new breed. The were recognized by the CFA in 2000.

Today, LaPerm breeders describe the cats as inquisitive, affectionate and people-oriented. But most cat enthusiasts have never seen one in person. "There are only one or two people in the U.S. who are working with them," says Keiger, though she's seen them in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. And they're beautiful, Keiger adds: "A good LaPerm is very striking."

Breed overview	LaPerm
Height	6–10 inches
Weight	8–10 pounds
Life expectancy	10–15 years

Balinese

Though its name sounds exotic, the Balinese was actually born right here in the USA in the 1950s. The breed was developed by two Siamese breeders, who fell in love with some longhaired kittens and decided to lean into the variation. "The Balinese is just a longhaired Siamese," says Keiger. "It has the same long slinky body, refined boning, long tail and large ears, but with a different coat length."

The Balinese mimics the Siamese personality as well. Balinese kitties are smart, social creatures who love hanging out with their owners. "They want to be with you," says Keiger. "In fact, they'll insist on being with you. They will worm their way into your lap, inch by inch." They are also unrepentant chatterboxes. "These are talkative cats," Keiger adds. "They have opinions, and you're entitled to them."

While not as big and fluffy as some other longhaired breeds—these cats are really more semi-longhaired—the Balinese boasts a coat that is soft and silky and doesn't require a lot of upkeep. It rarely mats and just needs combing every week or so.

Breed overview	Balinese
Height	8–11 inches
Weight	8–15 pounds
Life expectancy	15–20 years

Birman

Known as the sacred cat of Burma, the Birman is all kinds of adorable. Just check out that flowing colorpoint coat, cute white paws and mesmerizing peepers. "These guys have the most expressive blue eyes ever," says Keiger.

And as if its good looks weren't enough, the Birman is gentle, sociable and people-oriented. Their laidback personality makes them a perfect companion for adults and kids alike. "They want to be with you," says Keiger. "They have an incredibly sweet nature."

Birmans are generally healthy, and their grooming needs are minimal despite that luxe-looking coat. They actually have no undercoat to mat and tangle, and unlike some other longhaired breeds, the Birman's coat will not mat or curl when wet, according to Keiger.

Breed overview	Birman
Height	8–10 inches
Weight	10–12 pounds
Life expectancy	13–15 years

American Bobtail

Don't be fooled by the name or that serious look in his eyes. The American Bobtail is no wildcat. Keiger says they just look wild, especially when they look off into the distance, which she refers to as a "hunting gaze."

And that stealthy stare is not even the breed's most unique feature. As their name implies, American Bobtails have tails that are about half the length of a normal cat tail—the result of a natural mutation first discovered in a feral cat in the 1960s. Instead of a long tail, they "just have a couple of joints, with a lot of skin around it and a fat pad," says Keiger.

While American Bobtails also come in a shorthaired variety, it's the ones with long flowing coats that seem the most like their wildcat counterparts. But they're just lap cats in waiting. Bobtails are known for being smart, sweet and affectionate with their people. They're good with kids and they love to play—particularly hunting games. Just make sure to give them plenty to do, as they're happiest when they're discovering new things to explore.

If you're considering bringing a longhaired American Bobtail home, no need to worry about the grooming. A weekly brushing or combing is all these cats need to keep their rugged appeal.

Breed overview	American Bobtail
Height	9–10 inches
Weight	7–16 pounds
Life expectancy	13–15 years

Manx

Once you check out the plush flowing fur, soft curves and round chubby cheeks on a longhaired Manx, you might not even notice the cat's most famous feature: its lack of a tail. "It's not just all about that bass," jokes Keiger. "There's much more to the Manx."

Manx cats—which come in both long- and shorthaired varieties—trace their history to the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. An ancient breed, they got their taillessness from a natural genetic mutation that spread through the island's cat population over centuries. (Some Manx cats are born with tails or partial tails, but only tailless Manx compete in cat shows.)

Sometimes affectionally called "bowling balls with fur" because of their overall roundness, Manx cats are big, muscular cats with hind legs that are a little higher and more robust than other breeds, which helps with balance. "You haven't seen anything until you've seen a Manx go running hellbent for leather across the floor and up a cat tree," says Keiger. "It’s pretty impressive."

Manx cats are loyal, deeply affectionate and eager for play, but they also need their space. "They're not lap cats," says Keiger. "But they want to be with you. They like to hang out in the same room as you do. They even like to play fetch."

Despite their plush coats, longhaired Manx are easy to groom. Weekly combing or brushing is all they need. But if you're thinking of bringing a Manx into your family, talk to your vet about Manx syndrome. The genetic mutation that causes Manx cats to be tailless can also cause some serious developmental disorders. Your breeder will need to screen for abnormalities before any kittens are placed.

Breed overview	Manx
Height	7–11 inches
Weight	8–15 pounds
Life expectancy	10–14 years