11 Gray Cat Breeds That Are the Definition of Sleek

Gray cats can be particularly stunning, because their green, blue, or gold eyes stand out so much from their lush fur. Some of the most well-known breeds of gray cats include the Russian Blue, the Chartreux, and the British Shorthair. But if you’re looking to adopt, consider visiting local shelters and rescues. Many beautiful gray cats are waiting for a loving home. Finding the perfect pet often means looking beyond purebred options and considering mixed breeds who need a second chance. Read on to learn more about all of the different gray and silver cat breeds out there.

One of the best things about gray kitties is that their size, fur length, and temperament can differ widely, so you’re likely to find one who fits your family’s situation and needs perfectly. Coat color and pattern differ too. Not all gray cats are solidly gray, the gray can mix in through many different patterns (including calico, tabby, and more) and combine with other colors.

Many gray or silver cats are called “blue” cats (weird, we know). But when you’re searching for gray cats, it’s a useful term to know and use. Some cats appear more silver, while others can be a deep, dark, smokey gray. There’s even a blue-cream cat and a black-and-gray striped cat. We rounded up 11 cat breeds with gray coats.

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1. Maine Coon

Maine Coons can appear gray in three different ways: solid gray, dark gray with silver streaks, or gray with white fur (usually on the chest and face). These big kitties are often compared to dogs because of their love of water, how friendly they are (even to strangers), and how much they enjoy playing. Maine Coons are also pretty chill, patient cats — they thrive in households with other pets (both dogs and cats) as well as young children. They’re cats that just love people in general. Maine Coons shed often, requiring weekly brushing and the occasional bath. 

• Weight: 9 to 20 pounds 

• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

• Best Characteristic: Dog-like

Search for adoptable Maine Coon cats on Adopt a Pet

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2. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue breed is basically the platonic ideal of a gray cat, and what most people picture when they think of a gray cat. This cute kitty boasts thick, yet minimally shedding blue-gray fur. This breed usually has yellow or green eyes, which start off as blue when they’re born. Given their shy, sweet disposition, it might take some time for the Russian Blue to warm up to humans. But once they do, they become devoted besties who will follow their pet parents around the house. That being said, they are independent enough to be happy when left alone for a few hours. The Russian Blue makes a great companion for anyone with a relatively calm household and for people with allergies, since they have very low levels of feline allergens. 

• Weight: 7 to 12 pounds 

• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

• Best Characteristic: Nearly hypoallergenic

Search for adoptable Russian Blue cats on Adopt a Pet

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3. Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is certainly a unique cat breed that can have rich, gray fur. With its nearly flat ears and big, round eyes, this kitty resembles an owl (minus the beak and wings, of course). This breed is considered rare because of its famous ears — unfortunately, the downside is that the gene is linked to a mutation that can cause painful conditions such as osteochondrodysplasia. Rescued Scottish Folds will be happy in small spaces like apartments, and with families that have other pets and children (though they need to be properly introduced to both).

• Weight: 6 to 13 pounds 

• Lifespan: 11 to 14 years

• Best Characteristic: Folded ears

Search for adoptable Scottish Fold cats on Adopt a Pet

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4. Devon Rex

The pint-size Devon Rex is a small-yet-silly gray cat breed that turns heads for many reasons. These kitties can have silver fur or silver-patterned fur. The Devon Rex’s big ears, large eyes, tiny body, and wavy fur all contribute to their striking appearance (some compare the Devon Rex to an alien). Although this breed might look like they want to take over the world, they really are just focused on ruling over your home. They’re mischievous, high-energy cats who love to play with their pet parents. This breed would do best in homes with pet parents who are active or homebodies, and have other animals. The Devon Rex’s wavy fur does shed occasionally, and they will require weekly brushing.

• Weight: 6 to 9 pounds 

• Lifespan: 9 to 15 years

• Best Characteristic: Playful

Search for adoptable Devon Rex cats on Adopt a Pet

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5. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is also known as the British Blue. This is because earlier on, the British Shorthair was often gray — though today they can be many different colors. The cute breed is famous for its chubby cheeks, athletic form, and playful nature. This kitty, who is on the medium-to-large spectrum, just likes to be around people and other animals. They are easygoing and can do well in pretty much any household. They do shed seasonally and will need weekly brushing to keep their sleek, blue coats in good shape. 

• Weight: 7 to 17 pounds 

• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

• Best Characteristic: Mellow

Search for adoptable British Shorthair cats on Adopt a Pet

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6. Korat

In Thailand, the Korat is considered a lucky charm that’s also beloved for their devotion to their families. They connect deeply and want to spend a lot of time with their pet parents and other furry (or human) siblings. They are highly intelligent and need plenty of playtime and mental stimulation, whether that may include mind-bending games or learning tricks. But this cat still enjoys plenty of naptime to recover. Korats would thrive in households with other pets or children who have been taught to interact with cats. Korats’ beautiful silver coats are low-shedding and only require a weekly brushing.  

• Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

• Best Characteristic: Intelligent

Search for adoptable Korat cats on Adopt a Pet

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7. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau almost looks like a mini Snow Leopard that has wandered into someone’s home by accident. This regal kitty does have some pretty impressive roots, originating from the cats once worshiped in Egypt. This breed will expect similar treatment, despite bestowing their favors unevenly — often bonding closely with one person in the family. That’s not to say Egyptian Maus aren’t affectionate. They get along well with children and other pets, if socialized from a young age, but are best suited for an active household that has many playmates. They have muscular builds and want to show off their prowess, much like the mini-Snow Leopard they resemble. 

• Weight: 8 to 12 pounds 

• Lifespan: 9 to 13 years

• Best Characteristic: Athletic

Search for adoptable Egyptian Mau cats on Adopt a Pet

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8. Persian Blue

The Persian Blue cat looks similar to a puff of smoke. When you picture a Persian, you might imagine a white cat, but they can come in plenty of colors and patterns. This sweet cat lives to love and be loved in return. They’re highly affectionate and calm, though they thrive best in households that are quiet and without children or dogs. Persians love to lounge around the house and observe the inhabitants from various vantage points (they love a perch). Though they might be pretty chill, their coat is very high-maintenance. They require regular brushing, combing, and bathing to prevent matting.

• Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

• Best Characteristic: Gentle

Search for adoptable Persian cats on Adopt a Pet

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9. Ragamuffin

When the Ragamuffin is gray, they usually have bursts of silver throughout their coats, or gray stripes with a white spot on their chest or paws. The Ragamuffin is a docile, gentle giant who would prefer to spend the vast majority of their time on their pet parents’ laps. Though they love to be held, they still have the energy for playtime. This easygoing cat makes a great companion for pet parents with children or other cats. The Ragamuffin is a glorious, long-haired cat that sheds moderately and requires a twice-weekly brushings. 

• Weight: 10 to 20 pounds 

• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

• Best Characteristic: Snuggly

Search for adoptable Ragamuffin cats on Adopt a Pet

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10. Norwegian Forest Cat

The majestic Norwegian Forest Cat can have a few varieties of gray fur: solid gray, gray mixed with white, and/or gray with patterns. This kitty has a big, fluffy coat with an outgoing personality to match it. The Norwegian Forest Cat loves attention from their family — they are happy to play or be pet for hours. This breed used to be big hunters, so it’s an added benefit for them to interact with toys that remind them of hunting (i.e. a laser-pointer or electronic mouse). These cats do have high-maintenance coats, which need to be brushed twice weekly at minimum, but even more during shedding season. 

• Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

• Best Characteristic: Fluffy

Search for adoptable Norwegian Forest Cats on Adopt a Pet

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11. Domestic Shorthair

And we’d be remiss not to mention domestic shorthairs — they make up about 95 percent of the domestic cat population and come in all sorts of patterns and colors, including shades of gray. These gray cats are easy to find in shelters and rescues.

• Weight: 6 to 20 pounds

• Lifespan: 9 to 16 years

• Best Characteristic: Original

Search for adoptable Domestic Shorthairs on Adopt a Pet

Adopt a gray cat

You can adopt a gray cat from your local rescue or shelterby starting your search on Adopt a Pet. The site allows you to search shelters, rescues, and individuals who are rehoming pets and filter cats by size, age, and color. You can also visit your local shelter or rescue to see if there are any gray cats up for adoption.

Commonly asked questions

Which breeds do not come in gray colors?

There are multiple cat breeds that do not come in gray including the Bombay, Burmilla, Havana Brown, Japanese Bobtail, Khao Manee, Ragdoll, Siamese, Singapura, and Tonkinese.

Are gray cats rare?

Nope, gray cats are not rare at all. Gray is considered a common color for cats. Some of the most popular cat breeds — including the Persian, Maine Coon, and Devon Rex — come in gray coloring. It isn’t hard to find a gray cat to adopt at a local shelter or rescue.

Are gray cats friendly?

Yes, gray cats are often calm and friendly. Friendliness depends on a cat’s individual personality rather than coat color. While some cat breeds are known for being more sociable, every cat is unique. Some cats may need time to warm up to their new family, but cats tend to be loving pals more often than not. Kittens, in particular, tend to adapt and become friendly more quickly.

Which cat breeds are gray and white?

There are many types of gray-and-white cats out there, including the Norwegian Forest Cat, Maine Coon, Egyptian Mau, Devon Rex, and Ragamuffin.

Which patterns and markings do gray cats have?

Gray cats can come in many different patterns, including (but not limited to) tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, and tuxedo — you name it!

References

8 Gorgeous Grey Cat Breeds