You’ve come to the right page if you’re looking to adopt a grey cat. Many cat lovers and first-time owners adore the blue/grey and sometimes shimmering coats of these cats.
A few cat breeds come in an exclusively grey color. Fortunately, other breeds have grey-colored cats in addition to other colors and patterns. That means it won’t be difficult to find one that you absolutely love.
In this guide, I’ll share with you some of my favorite and adorable grey cat breeds as well as an overview about them to help you choose.
You will also find a few cute names suitable for grey cats at the end of this post.
Just Before You Choose a Grey Cat
I’ll get to the different breeds that have grey cats in a bit. Just before then, I’ll like to point out a few crucial things to keep in mind.
First, I suggest you pay close attention to the personality of the different breeds. Indeed, individual cats of the same breed can have different temperaments, depending on the environment and socialization.
But it is super important to choose a breed with a general personality that suits your lifestyle. Answering the following questions can help you figure out the type of cat to choose:
- Are you always away from home for long periods at a time?
- Do you want a laidback companion that enjoys handling?
- Do you prefer a cat that is not clingy or want one that will form a strong bond with one member of the household?
- Do you have little kids or other pets and will the cat be friendly with them?
- Do you want a playful, outgoing cat or a shy one?
- What’s the noise level in your household? Do you want a quiet cat or one that is very vocal?
Next, consider the grooming needs of the breed. Grey coats are beautiful and some can even be shimmering. But they won’t stay that way for long if you don’t make time to provide the grooming they require.
Understand the grooming requirement and make sure you are up to the task before choosing a breed. Generally, cats with longer coats require more frequent grooming.
You can expect to put in more grooming work if you go with a hairless cat, such as the Sphinx. That’s because their skin requires special care and attention.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s check out the different grey cat breeds.
13 Grey Cat Breeds
Long to own a grey cat? Here are 13 absolutely gorgeous and lovable breeds you can choose from.
1. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a widely popular grey-only cat breed. They are famous for their easy-to-groom thick and plush coats that stand on end. Their emerald green eyes are particularly striking.
They tend to bond with one person in a household but can be friendly with other members in the home, including other cats, too. However, they can be shy with strangers.
The Russian Blue cat breeds are loyal and can tolerate being alone, making them great for first-time cat-owners. Keep in mind that their calm nature makes them prone to weight gain.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Calm, curious, affectionate, not clingy
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 yrs
- Weight: 7 to 12 lbs
- Height: 9” to 10”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
2. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair breed should be on your radar if you want a grey breed that’s intelligent and very loyal.
These have short ears, round faces, and a compact build. Their coat is short and dense and can be a solid grey or tabby pattern.
While these felines are naturally muscular and athletic, they are not as very playful as some other cat breeds. Of course, they enjoy cuddling, petting, and some lap time, but won’t get anxious or pester you if you’re not giving them attention.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Outgoing, affectionate, sociable
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 yrs
- Weight: 10 to 15 lbs
- Height: 8: to 10”
- Good with: Families, older kids, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
3. British Shorthair
Grey is the most popular color for the British Shorthair – one of the oldest recognized cat breeds. These adorable and quiet cats have soft, plush coats with round heads and cobby bodies they could pass for living teddy bears.
They are friendly toward household members, strangers, and other household pets. They are laid-back and are among cat breeds with the longest lifespan. This makes them an excellent choice if you want a cat that will provide a pleasant and long-lasting companionship.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate, sociable
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 yrs
- Weight: 7 to 17 lbs
- Height: 12” to 14”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
4. Oriental Shorthair
Cats belonging to the Oriental Shorthair breed may appear standoffish at first blush. But they are truly friendly, playful, active, and very intelligent.
They come in lots of different colors, with white being the most common. But you can still find beautiful shades of grey. The Oriental Shorthair cats have slender bodies, angular faces, and large ears. These characteristics give them a taller appearance.
They don’t like spending time alone. They thoroughly enjoy the company of humans and other pets.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate, sociable
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 8 to 12 lbs
- Height: 9” to 11”
- Good with: Families, children, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
5. Devon Rex
These cats have a visually striking appearance with slender frames, impish faces, large eyes, and long bat-like ears.
They are not very common compared to other breeds, making them somewhat expensive. Consider this breed if you can spend plenty of quality time with a hyperactive cat.
Devon Rex cat breeds are often called poodle cats mainly because of their wavy coats. They are outgoing and silly, too! This makes them great for younger kids.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Outgoing, affectionate, sociable, neurotic
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 6 to 9 lbs
- Height: 10” to 12”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
6. Chartreux
Chartreux cats are another exclusive grey/blue breed. They are likable, calm, and quiet but can be silly, too!
These French cats don double-layer, short, wooly coats that are easy to groom. Chartreux have copper-colored eyes, muscular bodies, and short limbs. They make excellent companions for people who prefer sweet and silent pets.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Calm, sociable
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 6 to 12 lbs
- Height: 9” to 11”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
7. Nebelung
The Nebelung breed is exclusively grey and somewhat rare. They are mild-mannered, friendly, loyal, and make great lap cats.
These cats are truly gorgeous, with long, elegant necks, and medium-sized ears adorning their heads. If you opt for this breed, keep in mind that their long, solid blue-grey coat needs plenty of grooming.
Nebelung Cats are a great choice if you have a fairly stable routine. They prefer calm households, so they are not the best pet choice if you have young children.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate
- Lifespan: 11 to 18 yrs
- Weight: 7 to 15 lbs
- Height: 9” to 13”
- Good with: Families, seniors, other cats
- Coat length: Long
8. Korat
The Korat breed is somewhat rare and comes in grey/blue color only. You are most likely to fall in love with the shimmering effect of the coat. The emerald green eyes make the cat even more gorgeous!
Korat cats are not great with strangers because of their shy nature. But they are very affectionate with their favorite humans. They make good family pets and enjoy being around other cats, too.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 6 to 10 lbs
- Height: 9” to 13”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, other cats
- Coat length: Short
9. Persian
The Persian cats are prized for their sweet and gentle temperament and their flowing coats. The iconic felines have adorable, smooshy faces with large eyes.
In addition to their attractiveness and lovingness, they make great lap cats since they are not overly playful.
One thing the Persian cats are not is low maintenance. Consider these cats only if you are ready to commit enough time to their grooming needs.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Calm, affectionate, sociable
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 7 to 13 lbs
- Height: 10” to 15”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, other cats
- Coat length: Long
10. Scottish Fold
Have you seen a grey or blue cat with ears folding forward and almost completely touching the head? You’ve probably seen a Scottish Fold.
Cats in this breed have medium-sized, stocky bodies and they can get very vocal when they are in the mood to talk. They are charming and engaging without being too clingy.
One of the great things about these felines is you can choose one with long hair or go for the short-haired version, depending on what works for you.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate
- Lifespan: 11 to 14 yrs
- Weight: 6 to 9 lbs
- Height: 8” to 10”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short, long
11. Sphynx
It’s hard to forget the hairless Sphinx cat breed in a hurry. Some of them may have fur on a few body parts but most of them are almost completely bald. However, their coatless body still shows a variety of colors, including grey.
Besides their distinct appearance, these felines are highly intelligent and playful. Consider another grey breed if you prefer a quiet cat. That’s because Sphynx cats are very vocal. Also, they can be quite expensive and require special care.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Outgoing, affectionate, sociable
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 yrs
- Weight: 6 to 14 lbs
- Height: 8” to 10”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Hairless
12. Burmese
If you love dogs but are unsure about cats, the Burmese breed can quickly make you into a cat lover!
These felines are known for their dog-like tendencies, large eyes, and lovable temperament. They come in mostly lavender, brown, and grey/blue colors with a solid pattern.
You want to choose this cat breed if you can spend quality time with the pet. Burmese enjoy spending time around their favorite people and don’t like being left alone for a long time.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Affectionate, outgoing
- Lifespan: 10 to 17 yrs
- Weight: 8 to 15 lbs
- Height: 9” to 13”
- Good with: Families, children, seniors, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Short
13. Siberian
Are large grey cats your thing? The Siberian breed fits the bill perfectly. Cats in this breed are bold, very playful, and can easily learn neat tricks.
Unlike most other cat breeds, the Siberian’s long coat has three layers of fur to protect them during extremely cold weather.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to look really hard to find one, especially if you live in the United States because Siberian cats are relatively rare.
Breed Overview
- Personality: Outgoing, social, affectionate
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 yrs
- Weight: 12 to 15 lbs
- Height: 10” to 12”
- Good with: Families, seniors, children, dogs, other cats
- Coat length: Long
Choosing a Name for Your Grey Cat
Bringing a grey cat home is great, and picking a name for your pet is even more exciting! Here are a few special names to get you inspired:
Girl Names
- Ashley
- Cinder
- Cloud
- Ember
- Lilac
- Luna
- Misty
- Shimmer
- Tinsel
- Twinkle
Boy Names
- Ash
- Blue
- Carbon
- Coal
- Dusty
- Ghost
- Grayson
- Nickel
- Shadow
- Smokey
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