These felines turn heads with their smoky coats
Blue Cat Breeds: Stunning Gray-Coated Cats With a Bluish Hue
Blue cat breeds are among the most admired in the feline world, prized for their elegant, cool-toned coats that shimmer with a distinctive bluish-gray hue. Contrary to what the name might suggest, “blue” in cats doesn’t mean a bright or vivid blue like the sky or cartoon characters. Instead, it refers to a soft gray coat that can appear to have a subtle blue tint depending on the lighting.
If you’re drawn to the unique beauty of blue cats and thinking about adding one to your family, here are ten blue cat breeds to consider—each with its own charm, personality, and care needs.
What Makes a Cat’s Coat “Blue”?
This beautiful blue-gray color results from a recessive dilution gene that lightens black fur into a softer, muted shade. According to Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, veterinary medical advisor for Rover, a cat must inherit two copies of this gene to display the true blue coat.
While only four cat breeds come exclusively in blue, many other breeds can exhibit blue among a spectrum of other colors. It’s also key to understand that while all blue cats are technically gray, not all gray cats are blue. Some may have other color dilutions like lilac, which has a slightly pinkish tone.
More Than Just Color: Choosing the Right Blue Cat Breed
Although blue cats share a similar stunning coat color, their personalities, grooming requirements, and activity levels differ widely. When selecting a blue cat breed, consider these traits to find a perfect match for your home and lifestyle—not just the coat color.
Russian Blue
“As their name implies, this beautiful breed is made up exclusively of blue-coated cats,” explains Rebecca Greenstein, DVM. The Russian Blue boasts a short, dense coat that is a solid steel-blue color with a shimmering silvery sheen and no markings. Thanks to their minimal shedding, they’re often considered hypoallergenic, although no cat is completely allergen-free.
Known for their gentle and loving nature, Russian Blues form strong bonds with their families but can be reserved or shy around strangers, making them a perfect match for quieter households.
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; solid steel blue
- Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a rare French breed known for its unmistakable blue coat. Their dense, woolly fur is uniquely textured, making combing preferable to brushing for maintaining their low-maintenance coat.
With a sturdy, muscular body balanced by slim legs, the Chartreux has affectionately earned the nickname “potato on toothpicks.” They’re quiet, sweet-natured companions who enjoy social interaction but aren’t 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
Korat
Another breed that comes exclusively in blue, the Korat (pronounced koh-raht, not core-rat) features a sleek, shimmering silver-blue coat and a distinctive 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, forming deep bonds with their humans. A fun cultural fact: they’re considered a symbol of good luck in Thailand!
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
Nebelung
Also a blue-only breed, the Nebelung features 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 humans. They enjoy a balanced lifestyle 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-gray with silver tips
- Life Span: 11 to 18 years
British Shorthair
British shorthairs are one of the oldest cat breeds, available in many colors, including the popular blue. Their dense, short coat requires minimal grooming, with brushing recommended twice weekly, increasing during seasonal shedding. Known for maintaining kitten-like energy until maturity, adult British shorthairs become calm, affectionate, and easygoing. They generally get along well with children 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
British Longhair
The British longhair shares much of the charm of the British shorthair but features a luxurious long coat available in many colors, including the popular blue. These cats have large, round eyes, broad faces, and small, rounded ears that give them a sweet and expressive look. Friendly and gentle, British longhairs are affectionate yet independent, content to spend time alone but eager to greet their favorite humans.
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
American Shorthair
While most American shorthairs are known for their classic tabby patterns, the breed comes in many colors—including solid blue. Despite their short coat, the dense texture requires weekly brushing to minimize shedding and keep it in top condition.
These cats are sturdy and round-faced, with a sweet and easygoing disposition. American shorthairs are playful, affectionate, and social but are also content to entertain themselves, making them a great match for busy households.
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
Burmese
Burmese cats come in a range of colors, including a beautiful blue with warm undertones. Their short, glossy coat is silky to the touch and easy to maintain—typically needing just a weekly brushing with a rubber grooming brush to stay sleek.
Highly social and affectionate, Burmese cats thrive in active homes where they receive plenty of attention and interaction. They form deep bonds with their humans and can become lonely if left alone too often.
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
- Life Span: 10 to 17 years
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental shorthairs come in more than 300 color and pattern variations, including the striking blue coat. With their sleek, slender bodies, almond-shaped eyes, and oversized, bat-like ears, these cats are as eye-catching as they are entertaining. Known for their vocal and social nature, Oriental shorthairs thrive in homes where they can engage with their humans and 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
Persian
Persians can sport a stunning blue coat, giving their famously long, flowing fur a dreamy, smoky appearance. With their flat faces, big round eyes, and plush bodies, Persians are one of the most recognizable and iconic cat breeds.
These cats are affectionate yet calm, preferring quiet homes and gentle companionship. Persians thrive indoors and need a consistent grooming routine—daily brushing is essential to keep their thick coats free from mats and tangles.
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
More Cat Breeds and Further Research
Curious about cats with other striking coat colors? Whether you’re drawn to classic tuxedo markings, snowy white fur, or sleek black coats, there’s a perfect feline for everyone. Explore these breed guides to find your ideal match:
- 17 Gray and White Cat Breeds
- 11 Black Cat Breeds
- 10 Black and White Cat Breeds
- 20 White Cat Breeds
Each guide includes breed characteristics, grooming needs, and personality traits to help you make an informed decision.