16 Gray Cat Breeds That Are Sure To Catch Your Eye

Your complete guide to gorgeous gray cats, including everything from classic breeds to exotic cats that you didn’t know existed!

Cats are already mesmerizing creatures, but something is enchanting about seeing a beautiful slate gray cat. Their fur shimmers in the sun like silver, and it may even appear to have a blue hue at times.

Gray cat lovers rejoice because there are plenty of striking gray color patterns in feline breeds that you may not have even known about! Your perfect gray cat breed is out there.

How Many Gray Cat Breeds Are There?

There are a minimum of 20 CFA-registered gray cat breeds. If you consider mixed cat breeds, various shades of gray, and mixed color patterns, then there are plenty more!

Why Are There So Many Breeds Of Gray Cats?

While you may not see gray kitties running through the streets, plenty of cat breeds include gray in their registered fur color colors. For some breeds, gray may be their only breed standard fur color. Although this fur color may have served some survival purposes for our cats’ wild ancestors, today it is thought that so many breeds of cat include gray fur simply because people find it beautiful.

If you are a gray cat lover, enjoy this list of breeds that spans from famous gray cat breeds to impressively rare.

1. Russian Blue

The stunning gray coat of a Russian Blue is unmistakable. The solid gray tone you will find on these cats is iconic to the breed, and you will not find any color variations outside of slightly lighter and darker grays.

How will you easily spot a Russian Blue in a sea of cats? Well, they have a few unique features that set them apart. First is their plush, straight, and a short double coat of gray fur. The double coat gives their fur a fullness, enhancing their silver-gray tones and robust appearance. Despite having a plush coat, Russian blue is also known to shed minimally and hardly require any grooming, so they are often recommended for owners with mild cat allergies. ^[1]

If you don’t get caught up in their flawless gray coat, then you are sure to be enchanted by the emerald green eyes of a Russian Blue. This trait is distinctive to the breed, and it beautifully contrasts the color of their fur for a regal appearance.

Legend has it that a Russian Blue is more likely to train you than be trained, but then again, who could say no to their signature smile and sweet face?

2. British Shorthair

Gray fur is not a guarantee with this breed, but it is common enough to make the list. This robust and rather large breed has come a long way from its ancestral history as mighty hunters in Rome. Today the British Shorthair is known for being laid back and even clumsy at times. ^[2]

The British shorthair is known for its rounded facial features, which are often enhanced by its short and shimmering gray coat. Large cheeks, a short nose, and marble eyes give the British Shorthair a teddy bear appearance, and their personality is often a perfect match.

Despite the cool blue-gray of their fur, the British Shorthair cat gives off a warm look, as their eyes tend to range from deep golds to glowing orange-brown hues.

3. Persian

If you love the round facial features of the British Shorthair, but enjoy longer and more luxurious fur, then Persian cats may be your perfect fit. This breed is known to come in a wide variety of colors, including solid gray and patterned gray of various tones.

This accent cat breed has been a sign of luxury for thousands of years, mostly due to their cuddly nature and opulent coats. The fur coat of a Persian is double-layered, making them silky to the touch and making you put in a little more effort when it comes to grooming. ^[3]

The Persian is known to have eye colors that are just as diverse as their fur colors, ranging from blue to copper and everything in between. Their long fur and big eyes may call for some extra maintenance, but their sweet faces and affectionate purs make it all worthwhile.

READ MORE: TOP-10 Fluffy Cat Breeds With Pictures

4. Chartreux

At first glance, it would seem that British Shorthairs were listed twice, but established Chartreux breeders will be quick to tell you that you are wrong. This rare cat breed has a long and confusing history that, at times, was intertwined with British Shorthairs. However, they are their own breed with distinct differences.

The Chartreux is known for its iconic gray-blue coat that does not vary in color. This is matched with round eyes that are slightly tapered and curved at the inner and outer corners. Their eyes can be any color from gold to copper, giving them a warm appearance similar to their British counterparts; however, their other facial features and personalities stand in stark contrast.

A petite mid-length nose brings their face to a refined point, and their ears are positioned always to look alert.

With this alert presentation comes what many people refer to as a dog-like nature of playfulness and attentiveness. With one of these medium-sized cats by your side, you will never feel alone. ^[4]

5. Nebelung

An impressive name for a breed with an equally impressive appearance. This breed was recently founded in the 1980s and has been maintained to display a distinctive blue-gray coat. Unlike many of the other gray cat breeds in this list, the Nebelung is known to have white tips at the end of its medium-length gray coat. ^[5]

The result is a misty silver appearance, especially at the hips and around the cat’s silhouette. This appearance is what influenced its nickname as a creature of the mist. This breed has a very proud appearance, with a long slender face, pointed ears, and wide-set gold-green eyes. While their agile build and judgemental expression may seem intimidating, they are known to be rather quiet and affectionate towards their family.

6. Norwegian Forest Cat

These gentle giants of the cat world are diverse in their coloring, but gray is always a welcome possibility. Stripy patterned gray coats mixed with lush white and full gray coats have been noted in this breed.

Distinguished from other longhaired cats by their long flowing fur, the Norwegian forest have a presence that is lion-like. Under all of that fur is the athletic build of their ancestors, so don’t be surprised if your Norwegian Forest cat can’t get enough playtime.

Their face has a slender and pointed appearance that is enhanced by their slightly-slanted almond-shaped eyes. Tufted and pointed ears top their heads like a crown, finishing up the regal and powerful appearance of a Norwegian Forest. ^[6]

7. Burmilla

A short history and small breeding pool make Burmillas a rather rare breed, but their beauty is well with the effort to find one. These cats are the result of a mix between a lilac Burmese female and a male Chinchilla Persian. As such, they share many expected characteristics, but they also commonly display a unique gray-patterned coat. ^[7]

A light gray tone with shades of white and faint patterning is common to this breed in both long and short-haired forms. A sleek and athletic build nicely complements the elegant look of thor dusty gray patterning.

Large round green-gold eyes are balanced by a rounded upper head, a medium-length nose, and a distinct chin.
This breed is said to have a gentle and inquisitive nature, making them an entertaining companion.

READ FULL Article: All About Burmilla Cat

8. American Curl

There is no mistaking this unique breed. Their round and tufted ears are mouse-like, with a distinct curl upwards and inwards. American Curls are known to come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but gray is one of the most popular.

Their silky, short, and flat coat is contrasted by a plumbing tail which only adds to their whimsical look. Best of all, this breed is just as playful as it looks, with many owners describing their American Curl as highly social and attentive. ^[8]

9. Devon Rex

Have you ever seen a curly cat? Devon Rex cats stand out in far more ways than one, so if you were looking for a memorable gray cat, then this breed would be your best bet.

While the Devon rex comes in a variety of colors and patterns, gray arguably highlights a majority of their prized attributes. Their small oblong head with large blue, green, or yellow eyes is topped with ears that appear to be rather large in comparison.

Their fur is rather short and feels like suede to the touch, but most surprisingly, it is curled. Their personalities are playful and quirky to match with many people describing them as being highly attention-seeking and affectionate. ^[9]

READ MORE: 15 Smallest Cat Breeds You Can Own

10. Turkish Angora

The silky silver coat of this cat breed is surprisingly single-layered. Their medium-length fur tends to be solid in tone and can come in a variety of colors, and the same goes for their eye colors.

This breed is most well known for its elegant figure, almond eyes, and graceful habits. They are perfect lap cats with killer looks and plenty of love to share. Some people even refer to Turkish Angoras as “party hosts” due to their highly social nature, and you could say that they are always well dressed for the occasion. ^[10]

11. Ragdoll

Large, loveable, and a great cuddler, it is easy to see how this cat breed got its name. Ragdolls are known for their unique coat patterns, which commonly fall into four categories; bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint. Each of those patterns can also exist in any of the breed’s six registered colors, two of which are beautiful tones of gray known called blue and seal. ^[11]

You are most likely to recognize this model breed from images on cat food cans.

While Ragdolls may not be fully gray, they do display some beautifully layered slate tones in their silky medium-length fur, and their big blue eyes serve to highlight those cool tones. Overall, this breed is known as a calm cat with a loveable attitude and a striking appearance.

READ FULL ARTICLE: Ragdoll Breed Info and Characteristics

12. American Shorthair

This is a classic that can’t possibly be overlooked. Originally bred as a barn cat and exterminator, the American shorthair cat has kept its sturdy, muscular, and rather round build. Their coats tend to be a bit coarse and thick due to their original purpose, and that coat can come in seemingly endless color and pattern combinations.

The gray American shorthair cat is particularly stunning in both their solid and patterned forms. Their round bodies and heads complement their round eyes, which can be any variety of colors. This breed produces very robust kitties. Loveable and laid back, they are perfect companions in most households. ^[12]

13. Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Maus tend to trick people with their wild looks. Despite their Bengal-like pattern and semi-large size, these felines are actually fully domesticated. Almost every Egyptian Mau sports a combination of spots and stripes fit for the wild, and they are especially stunning in their gray form.

This intelligent breed is highly athletic and agile, thanks to their well-balanced bodies. Their high prey drive requires tons of play and cat trees, but they compensate with strong affection towards their favorite people and they are known to be a healthy cat. ^[13]

Their large green-gold eyes and slim faces are the perfect blend of their wild ancestors and modern domesticated felines, making them the perfect blend of bold and cuddly.

READ MORE: All About Egyptian Mau

14. Kurilian Bobtail

No, their tail isn’t cropped. Kurilian bobtails have a natural genetic mutation that results in a stubby bobbed tail, like that of a bobcat. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including gray, which makes them look like miniature wildcats from colder climates. ^[14]

Along with their signature bobbed tail, these cats have a boxy build with hind legs that are a little longer than their front legs, giving them a sloping stance. This breed can have a short or mid-length coat, and they have very round features to their face.

Dont let all that cuteness fool you, these petite cats are master hunters and will gladly bring you “presents” if they get the chance.

15. Peterbald

The Peterbald lives up to its name by being, well… bald. This fuzzy feline can range from completely bald to having very fine hair over some parts of its body. Hair or no hair, it can come in a solid gray tone.

This breed is known for its medium and slender build, similar to that of an oriental shorthair or the sphynx cat breed. Their faces are also elongated and slender, with eyes that are often wide-set and almond-shaped. Large rounded ears sit at the top of their inverted triangular head, further elongating their face. ^[15]

While you may be met with a variety of odd fur patterns, lengths, and textures, but you can be sure to enjoy a playful and talkative personality when it comes to a Peterbald. They make interesting lap cats that are great with most people and other pets.

READ FULL ARTICLE: Peterbald Cat Breed

16. Raas Cat

What’s more exotic than an island cat? Raas Cats are from Raas Island in Indonesia, and their seclusion has kept their gene pool pure. A majority of Rass in existence today live on the island, so it can be awfully hard to get your hands on one.

Known to come in a deep gray and a shiny black color, these large house cats have many features in tune with their feral lifestyle. Pointed ears, short fur, an athletic build, and a square face make them a streamlined island hunter.

At first glance, they may look close to a Russian Blue, but their eyes are almost always green with a distinct oval shape. While they are a domestic breed, Raas cats tend to be more dominant and solitary than most house kitties, making them a bit more difficult to train. ^[16]

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Russian Blue Cat: Facts and Personality Traits.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 30 Oct. 2019, hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/russian-blue.
2. “British Shorthair.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc, cfa.org/british-shorthair.
3. “Persian Cat Facts: History, Personality, and Care.” ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, 16 Nov. 2016, aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/persian-cat-facts/.
4. “Chartreux.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc, 1 May 2021, cfa.org/chartreux/.
5. .”Nebelung Breed.” The International Cat Association,13 Aug. 2018, tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds.
6. “Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Profile.” Purina, purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/norwegian-forest-cat.
7. “About the Burmilla.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, cfa.org/burmilla/.
8. “American Curl.” International Cat Care, 11 Sept. 2018, icatcare.org/advice/american-curl/.
9. “Devon Rex.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc, 1 May 2021, cfa.org/devon-rex/.
10. “Turkish Angora.”  VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/turkish-angora.
11. “About the Ragdoll.” The Cat Fanciers’ Association, cfa.org/ragdoll/.
12. “American Shorthair Cat Breed – Facts and Personality Traits.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 30 Oct. 2019, hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/american-shorthair.
13. “Egyptian Mau Traits.” VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/egyptian-mau.
14. Vera, Sharilyn. “Heard About The Kurilian Bobtail Cats?” PrettyLitter, 2 Sept. 2021, prettylitter.com/blog/kurilian-bobtail-cats.
15. “Peterbald Breed.” The International Cat Association, 13 Aug. 2018, tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds.
16. Vera, Sharilyn. “Grace and Personality: A Guide to the Raas Cat.” PrettyLitter, 2 Sept. 2021, prettylitter.com/blog/grace-and-personality-a-guide-to-the-raas-cat.