Cats are pretty awesome, and every cat owner knows that at some point cats become like family members.
Even though every cat is cute (personally, I love them all) some people prefer one cat breed over the other, or perhaps they want a particular color.
If you have a soft spot for gray and white cats and you are trying to decide which breed to go for, you’re in the right place.
Maybe you’re wondering which cat breed can be either white or gray, or you just want to educate yourself because you are a cat lover.
Either way, I’m glad you’re here. Read on and find out the top gray and white cat breeds I absolutely adore.
1. Norwegian Forest Cat
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Norwegian forest cats are seen as magical in Norse mythology. They are believed to have been favored by the goddess Freya.
In many Scandinavian countries, including Norway, people have superstitions about cats. Here, people connect cats and marriage, believing that women who like cats will definitely marry (glad I don’t live there, lol).
Norwegian forest cats are affectionate, bold, intelligent, and sociable. They are playful and active cats.
If you want a cat that is easy to train, good with kids, and friendly towards other pets (even dogs), then a Norwegian forest cat could be a great choice.
Norwegian forest cats are usually tabby cats, but they can have different colors and patterns.
Colors:
white, black, ebony, cream, gray, lavender, blue, orange.
Their coats are long and can have different patterns as well.
Patterns:
tri-color, bi-color, solid, tabby, calico.
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years.
2. Scottish Fold
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The Scottish fold cat has a bubbly personality that is similar to other cats.
They are sociable, friendly, active, and affectionate. However, they are more energetic than average lap cats. This does not mean that Scottish fold cats do not enjoy cuddling and lap time, they do!
They just have a bit more energy than some other domestic cat breeds; they love to explore and play.
A Scottish fold can have different colors:
black, white, bluish gray, faun (a unique deer-like color), cream, red, lilac, chocolate.
Their coat is short and dense, and patterns may come in any variation of the aforementioned colors.
Patterns can be:
bicolor, tortoiseshell (usually tricolor), colorpoint, harlequin, wang (when a cat has a white fur coat and a different colored tail and spots on the head), shaded, ticked, chinchilla, calico (particolor), tabby, smoky.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
3. Long-haired Persian Cat
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Long-haired Persian cats have amazingly beautiful copper eyes unless they are silver. Silver Persian cats have green or hazel eyes.
Persian cats are best known for their quiet nature. They are cute and affectionate, but at the same time quite discriminating; they care for and give their attention to only the people they trust the most.
Black cats often have a tabby pattern, but they do not always.
Persian cats can have different colors and patterns, some more commonly recognized colors include:
black, white, blue, silver, red, brown, cream, and the rarest are chocolate and lilac.
They have only three patterns:
classic, patched tabby, and mackerel.
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years.
4. Maine Coon
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I am sure everyone knows this cat breed since it is a rather large and well-known domestic cat. In the last couple of years, Maine coons have become extremely popular all around the world.
This breed was very popular during cat shows in the late 19th century, however, the introduction of new long-haired cat breeds in the early 20th century threatened its popularity
The Maine coon has since recovered its popularity, and is now the 3rd pedigreed cat breed in the world.
Maine coons are very playful, friendly, loyal, intelligent, active, very sociable, and affectionate. They are quite easy to train and require a lot of grooming.
They are good with children and elders, and extremely affectionate towards their owners. Maine coons get along well with other cats and even dogs.
Their colors can be:
white, black, gray, cream, ebony, red, orange, sable, brown, chocolate, blue.
Their long coats can have different patterns as well:
tabby, color point, bi-color, calico, solid, tri-color.
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years.
5. Siberian Cat
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Siberian cats are extremely affectionate and always want to be close to their owners. They are friendly towards other pets, children, and elders.
They are very calm and do not mind strangers and noises, unlike most other cats.
Siberian cats are fearless and they cannot easily be bothered. They are extremely affectionate but also patient when waiting for cuddle time.
Siberian cats are fluffy and beautiful, with different colors and patterns.
Colors:
white, gray, black, blue, red, brown, and a combination of these colors.
Patterns:
classic, mackerel, solid, spotted, ticked.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
6. Munchkin Cat
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The Munchkin cat has a very cute name, let alone the cat. They are also called sausage cats since they have short legs. I just can’t resist but to bite my lip when mentioning them, since they are the cutest!!!
Munchkin cats are a fairly new breed known for their short legs which are the result of genetic mutation.
They are considered to be a breed of dwarf cat. Some people disapprove of this cat breed as it involves selective breeding of the mutation which can have health implications. However, breeders continue to breed Munchkin cats.
They are quite rare, short and sweet creatures that have different patterns and a wide range of colors:
white, black, gray, red, orange, lilac, blue, cinnamon, brown, lavender, ebony, chocolate.
Patterns:
bicolor, tricolor, solid, tabby, color point, calico.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
7. British Shorthair
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The British shorthair, commonly called the British blue, is easygoing and friendly. They are friendly towards people, owners, and visitors, as well as other animals.
A British shorthair is often a senior’s choice for a pet since they are gentle cats, laid back, friendly, and independent.
As well as white and gray colors, they can be:
black, red, cinnamon, lilac, blue, chocolate, cream, fawn.
Coat patterns:
colors mixed with white, color poin, tortie, tabby, tipped, monochrome.
Lifespan: 8 to 13 years.
8. British Longhair
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The British shorthair’s close relative, the British longhair is one of the fanciest cat breeds.
Their personality is similar to a British shorthair; laid-back, relaxed, calm, and independent.
They look powerful, with large eyes and round heads, and their coats can be in different colors and patterns. They are not only white or only gray, but a mixture including those colors.
Colors:
blue, white, gray, black, red, lilac, cinnamon, chocolate, fawn.
Patterns:
bicolor, tabby, solid.
Lifespan: 15 to 17 years.
9. American Shorthair
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You probably know this cat breed from somewhere? Yep. Cat food commercials! It is usually an American domestic shorthair cat that is used for these commercials.
American shorthairs have beautiful light-gray and dark-gray striped coats, a round head with a cute face, and a very pleasant character. Usually an easy-going cat, loving and affectionate towards its owners.
Except for the white and gray color mix, other colors they can also have:
ginger, brown, black, cream, silver, or even have some blue in their coat colors.
Patterns:
bicolor, pointed, shaded, tabby, tortoiseshell, solid.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
10. Egyptian Mau
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Mau is the Egyptian word for cat. Egyptian Mau cats are best known for their active and dynamic personality.
This is the only domestic cat breed that has a naturally spotted coat.
They are affectionate and caring towards everyone, but will most likely choose only one family member to devote most of their attention to.
This is a gorgeous gray cat breed that can come in different colors:
silver, bluish gray, smoky, solid blue, solid black, but the only ones that are allowed in cat shows are those with pale silver fur covered with spots mentioned below.
Their pattern is spotted, and spots come only in 3 colors:
gray, smoky, bronze.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
11. Cornish Rex
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Cornish Rex cats are cute but also quite funny-looking. They are known for their goofy personality but are also highly intelligent and sociable.
They are active, playful, friendly towards other cats, and extremely cuddly, and since they have very thin coats they are among the most hypoallergenic breeds yet they feel really warm to touch.
Cornish Rex cats love to snuggle and sleep under the blankets.
Cornish Rex cat breeds can come in different colors and patterns.
Colors:
gray, white, black, blue, brown, chocolate, cream, ginger, and the rarest is lilac.
Patterns:
tabby, tortoiseshell, pointed, spotted, calico, bicolor.
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years.
12. Korat
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The Korat, like many other cats, is a very intelligent, affectionate, and playful cat breed. They, however, do not like to be left alone for a long time since they enjoy being next to you during your daily activities.
Korat cats are easy to groom and easy to train. They are a great choice for a first pet since they love to cuddle and are great in their role of lap cat.
They are also very friendly towards their owners and other people.
Korat cats are a short-haired breed, which can have only one color:
blue.
It is a beautiful blue (gray) with silver-tipped fur, it looks like shiny fur, but the degree of silver shade can vary.
Patterns:
only solid.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
13. Russian Blue
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Besides their cute faces, Russian Blue cats are known for their gentle and quiet nature. They are extremely well-behaved, loyal, and affectionate.
Russian Blue cats enjoy spending time with their owners but can be shy with strangers.
They are called Blue, but they come in varieties of bluish-gray color.
Colors:
blue/gray, range from light gray to dark gray.
They have a double-layered coat but are shorthaired.
Patterns:
they don’t have patterns, there can be stripes present while they are kittens, but these disappear when they are older.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
14. European Shorthair
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This is the most popular European cat breed, but it is rare in the rest of the world.
The European shorthair breed is friendly, intelligent, and tolerant. These cats are extremely loyal and adore their owners.
They are best known for being tolerant and for their ability to adjust to a new place pretty quickly.
European shorthairs are docile cats that are easy to train.
European shorthair cats are strong, active, and friendly towards other cats, and they tolerate dogs.
Colors:
black, white, red, blue/gray, cream, smoke
Patterns:
solid, bicolor, tabby, spotted, or striped (usually with white or smoky colors)
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years.
15. Devon Rex
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The Devon rex is an extremely playful cat breed; they are active, smart, playful, fun, loving, cartoon-like cute cats. Sometimes naughty, their personality is more like a dog than a cat.
They want a lot of attention, are extremely cuddly and interested in their surroundings and this is why they often get naughty).
When left alone for a longer time, they get bored and are prone to mischief.
They have blue, brown, or green eyes, but sometimes they can have one blue and one green eye. Their short coats can come in different colors and patterns.
Colors:
black, white, blue/gray, lilac, brown, orange, red.
Patterns:
tabby, pointed, tortoiseshell, calico.
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years.
16. Turkish Van
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A Turkish van cat is usually a piebald cat or a bicolor cat. It, however, falls into the category of white cat breed since it usually has a white coat with a tail of some other color and a different color on its head.
Their personality is energetic. They are friendly, playful, fun, and affectionate.
Turkish Van cats really love their humans, and get along well with other cats and dogs.
The Turkish Van cat breed is one of the rarest breeds since their transport from Turkey is not authorized anymore and they are bred in Europe or America.
Colors:
only in combinations with white can be; red, black, blue, cream.
Patterns:
tabby, patched, particolor, tortoiseshell.
Lifespan: 12 to 17 years.
17. Turkish Angora
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Turkish Angora cats are calm and sweet but can become very upset when there is a change in their environment.
They are loyal, fun, playful, and affectionate.
Turkish Angora cats are active and love to run, but they are also very quiet.
They form very strong bonds with their owners and are known for their beautiful long-haired coats and fluffy tails.
Colors:
black, white, gray, ebony red, lavender, blue.
Patterns:
tabby, calico, bicolor, tricolor, solid.
Lifespan: 15 to 18 years.
18. Ragdoll Cat
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The Ragdoll is a breed of cat known for its gentle and calm nature. They are sociable and affectionate, and not very demanding. This cat breed is considered to be one of the most affectionate.
They remind owners of dogs because of their devotion and love.
For some people, this cat breed is the best option for a loving pet.
Ragdoll Cats have the most beautiful blue eyes. Their fluffy coats are usually a cream-beige color with a dark tail, but they can come in various combinations of the following colors as well.
Colors:
white, cream, chocolate, red, lilac, blue, seal.
Patterns:
bicolor, color point, mitted, lynx, and tortoiseshell variations.
Lifespan: 12 to 23 years.
19. Siamese Cat
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Siamese cats are considered one of the most beautiful cat breeds but are also known for their intelligent personality. They are cute, short-haired, easy-to-groom pets.
They enjoy talking to their humans, they are loyal, caring, fond of their owners, and crave their attention a lot.
This is a naturally bred cat, and its coat pattern is a result of genetic mutation, so the colors are pretty fixed.
Colors:
There are 4 possible color variations; blue/gray point, lilac point, chocolate point, seal point.
The rarest type of Siamese cat breed is the foreign white Balinese.
Patterns:
point coloration (pale body and dark face, tail, ears, feet).
Lifespan: 12 to 15.
20. Oriental Shorthair
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Oriental Shorthair cats are not familiar to many people, but they are not considered rare. Their coats are extremely short. This is a domestic cat breed related to Siamese cats.
Oriental Shorthair cats are very vocal, they need attention and they will speak about it!
They love to spend time with their owners and can get depressed when alone for a longer period of time.
They are active, playful and energetic. Despite their elegant look, Oriental Cats will sleep next to you and frequently sit in your lap. They are very loving, intelligent, and loyal.
Colors:
white, cream, chocolate, gray, black, lavender, lilac, beige, fawn, orange.
Patterns:
bicolor, tricolor, solid, tabby, marbled, calico.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
21. Snowshoe
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Snowshoe cats are a striking and rare breed, known for their beautiful blue eyes and distinct white markings, including their signature “snowy” paws. They are a domestic breed closely related to Siamese cats, sharing a similar build and graceful appearance.
Snowshoes are affectionate and gentle cats that form deep bonds with their owners. They thrive on interaction and will often follow you around the house or cuddle up by your side. Leaving them alone for long periods can make them feel lonely, as they crave companionship and attention.
These cats are playful, intelligent, and highly curious. While they enjoy exploring their surroundings, they’re also known to be calm and well-mannered. Snowshoes adapt well to family life and get along with children and other pets, making them wonderful companions.
Colors:
gray, blue, chocolate, seal.
Patterns:
bicolor, mitted.
Lifespan:
14 to 20 years.
22. Himalayan
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Himalayan cats are known for their luxurious, long coats and striking blue eyes, making them one of the most glamorous cat breeds. A cross between Persian and Siamese cats, they inherit the best of both worlds: the Siamese’s color-point patterns and the Persian’s plush fur and calm demeanor.
These cats are gentle, affectionate, and enjoy spending time with their owners. While they aren’t as vocal as Siamese cats, they will happily communicate their needs in soft meows and purrs. Himalayans are adaptable and thrive in quiet, relaxed households.
However, they dislike being left alone for too long and prefer having company.
Himalayans are playful but not overly energetic, making them perfect lap cats. Despite their aristocratic look, they’re down-to-earth companions who enjoy lounging around or chasing a toy now and then. Regular grooming is essential to keep their long coats in top condition and to prevent matting.
Colors:
cream, blue, chocolate, seal, lilac, flame.
Patterns:
color-point.
Lifespan:
9 to 15 years.
23. Khao Manee
The Khao Manee, also known as the “White Gem,” is a rare and ancient breed from Thailand, admired for its sleek, pure white coat and captivating eyes. Often, their eyes are mismatched, with one being blue and the other green or gold, making them even more enchanting.
These cats are deeply affectionate and social, forming strong connections with their human companions. They thrive on attention and are known to be vocal, often engaging in “conversations” with their owners.
Their playful and curious nature makes them great for families, as they get along well with children and other pets.
Khao Manees are also intelligent and adaptable, adjusting easily to new environments. Their outgoing personalities and striking looks make them highly sought after, though they remain relatively rare outside of Thailand.
Colors: Pure white (traditional)
Patterns: Solid (with rare colored variations)
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
24. LaPerm
The LaPerm is a uniquely curly-coated breed, instantly recognizable for its soft, springy curls that can range from loose waves to tight ringlets. Originating in the United States, this rare breed’s distinctive coat is the result of a natural genetic mutation, giving them a charming, tousled appearance.
Known for their affectionate and friendly nature, LaPerms love being around people and often seek out laps for snuggles.
They are playful yet gentle, making them perfect companions for families with children and other pets. Their intelligence and curiosity often lead them to explore their surroundings and engage in interactive play.
Despite their curly coats, LaPerms require minimal grooming as their fur doesn’t mat easily. They are also considered hypoallergenic, which makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers seeking a unique feline companion.
Colors: All colors including cream, gray, black, and tortoiseshell
Patterns: Solid, tabby, bicolor, pointed
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years