16 Dapper Gray and White Cat Breeds
Some cultures view gray and white cat breeds AKA silver tabbies as protectors or guides to the spiritual realm, says Whitney Miller, DVM, chief veterinarian at Petco. Others believe gray cats symbolize positive qualities like independence, intuition, and balance. And then there are cat lovers like Miller who can't resist a dapper feline flaunting a white and gray tuxedo.
Whatever your reason is, here are 12 gray and white cat breeds worth knowing about.
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Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian forest cats, affectionately nicknamed "Wegies," are friendly felines with a love for exploring and climbing. To keep your furniture safe from these kitty acrobats, provide plenty of scratching posts, sturdy cat trees, and high-up cat shelving. That said, they're gentle cats who make great companions for children, other pets, and first-time pet parents. Their thick coat comes in a variety of shades, including tabby gray and white, bicolor, and more. They require daily grooming.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 12 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, lavender/silver, red/orange, white
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Sphynx
Though they have very little fur, Sphynx cats have pigmented skin. So, their colors (and they come in many!) are as vibrant as their personality. They’re smart, friendly, outgoing, and playful, shares Jennifer Fryer, DVM, a veterinarian at Chewy Health. When they're not running laps, they're likely to be found curled up in a warm lap or with a furry friend. And what’s better than a gray and white Sphynx? Two, since they don't like to be alone. Because they have fur that’s more like a layer of peach fuzz, Sphynx cats require special skin care, like sun protection and occasional baths.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, sociable
Energy Level: Hyper
Coat Length: Hairless
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, white
Life Span: 9 to 15 years
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Egyptian Mau
Even more awe-worthy than the Egyptian mau's shiny, spotted coat and gorgeous green eyes is that the breed's looks are all-natural. In fact, they are the only naturally occurring spotted cat, rather than being selectively bred. They’re a part-time calm lap cat and a part-time chatty Kathy, that is, if you’ve been deemed one of “their people.” While shy around strangers, they’ll never fail to impress. “They are stunningly beautiful,” Fryer says. In addition to silvery white fur with dark gray to black spots, their sleek coats are also found with bronze spots.
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Short
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver
Life Span: 9 to 13 years
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Maine Coon
Maine coons are renowned for their impressive size and dense, silky coats. With fur growing the longest on their stomach, chest, and tail, their manes can come in tabby gray and white or even bicolor. They have a majestic appearance, with large ears topped with tufts of fur at the tips. “However, it’s their outgoing, friendly nature that wins me over,” Fryer says. This comes as no surprise—Maine coons regularly top the list of most popular cat breeds for feline enthusiasts.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 16 inches
Weight: 18 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cream/beige/tan, red/orange, white
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
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Turkish Van
Rivaling the Maine coon in size is the Turkish van, a lively breed that originated in the mountains of Turkey. Their most distinctive physical feature is their coat. In fact, it’s their namesake. The "van pattern" consists of an all-white body with darker spots of any color on the head, tail, and (sometimes) on the back of the neck. During the winter, their coats may grow longer and thicker, with tufts of fur peeping out from between their toes. This gray and white cat is also known as “the swimming cat” for their affinity for water.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: White/bicolor
Life Span: 12 to 17 years
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Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora has a people-loving personality and a sharp mind. They use their intelligence to their advantage, charming their way into the center of attention and the leadership role in any pack or clowder. A white coat with blue eyes is the most popular color for Turkish Angoras, but Fryer points out that pure white cats with blue eyes have an increased risk of hereditary deafness. They also come in other coat colors, such as bicolor gray and white, pure black, and tabby. They benefit from mental stimulation, such as clicker training and feeder puzzles, and are suited best for prospective parents who have some experience with cats, Fryer says.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 14 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, lavender/silver, red/orange, white
Life Span: 9 to 14 years
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Devon Rex
Have you considered a gray and white cat with curly hair? Meet the Devon rex, an eye-catching kitty with a curled coat in a variety of colors and patterns. Their curls come from a random genetic mutation first spotted in an English cat named Kirlee. To care for their curly mane, gently wipe their fur and skin with a damp cloth. Too much grooming will damage their delicate hair. While they look stunning in gray and white, these curious cats can also be black, blue, chocolate, and cinnamon, and come in patterns ranging from tortoiseshell and calico to pointed.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, neurotic, sociable
Energy Level: Hyper
Coat Length: Short
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lavender/silver, red/orange, white
Life Span: 9 to 15 years
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American Wirehair
The American wirehair is another gray and white cat with an unusual coat. Their fur is short and feels coarse to the touch, similar to the coats of wirehaired dog breeds. Aside from daily play, American wirehairs are a low-maintenance cat breed. In fact, like the Devon rex, brushing American wirehairs too often can damage their brittle coats. The laid-back breed is suitable for homes with kids, other cats, and friendly pups.
Breed Over
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, sociable
Energy Level: Calm
Coat Length: Short
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lavender/silver, red/orange, white
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
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Ragdoll
The gray and white ragdoll cat comes in a few unique looks, including colorpoint, bicolor, tortie points, and lynx points. One as stunning as the next, the most common pattern seen may be the colorpoint, which features darker coloration around the eyes, ears, tail, and limbs, with a lighter body color. “Many breeds with darker points are typically born all one color,” Fryer explains. This is because Ragdolls, and other cats with points, have an enzyme that only produces color with lower body temperatures. So, many ragdoll kittens are born creamy white and develop their darker points in extremities as they age. No matter what they look like on the outside, ragdolls are consistently known as one of the most affectionate cat breeds around. They enjoy cuddles and purr easily, Fryer adds.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 20 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, sociable
Energy Level: Calm
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cream/beige/tan, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, white
Life Span: 13 to 18 years
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Ragamuffin
Speaking of love at first purr, the RagaMuffin is just as sweet as their name implies. Their long, rabbit-soft fur comes in gray and white bicolor, but they also come in a handful of other gray shades including smoke, silver, and gray tabby patterns. They may also flaunt their do’s with color points, similar to the ragdoll or Siamese. Nicknamed the “Teddy Bear of the Cat World,” you won't find a more suitable lap cat than the endearing RagaMuffin.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate
Energy Level: Calm
Coat Length: Long
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, fawn, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, white
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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British Shorthair
The British shorthair, while sociable, is often likened to a teddy bear for their appearance rather than their cuddly nature. With plush fur, chubby cheeks, and large round eyes, they’re overall a round, huggable feline—although they’d prefer gentle pets. They’re most recognizable by their solid blue coats but come in every color and coat pattern. To reduce shedding, they should be brushed once a week. They’re suitable for homes or apartments and get along with just about any well-mannered family member.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 7 to 17 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sociable
Energy Level: Calm
Coat Length: Short
Coat Color: Black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lilac, red / orange, white
Life Span: 15 to 20 years
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Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats, or Tonks for short, are a mix of Siamese and Burmese cats. They can be a handful—or even come off as stubborn—if you’re not prepared for their lively nature and ongoing conversations. That said, they’re people-pleasing cats who only want to be the center of your attention. Gray and white Tonks come in two coat patterns: pointed and mink, a lower contrast color than pointed. They can also be solid.
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bold, sociable
Energy Level: Active
Coat Length: Short
Coat Color: Blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cream/beige/tan
Life Span: 15 to 20 years
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Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is another adorable curly-haired cat who, although they appear grumpy, are laid-back, affectionate and charming. This breed gets along with almost everyone, which makes the Selkirk Rex the perfect family pet. In addition to gray and white, these kitties can sport nearly any combination of colors. Coat pattern possibilities include tabby, shaded, tortoiseshell, chinchilla, and more. Because of their curly tresses, it can be difficult to tell when it's time to give your Selkirk a brush. Using a wide-toothed comb a few times a week is your best bet with this breed.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: Up to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Laid-back, friendly, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat Length: Short or long hair
Coat Color: Any genetically possible color or combination
Life Span: Up to 15 years
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Bengal
This wild-looking gray and white cat breed is known as the Bengal. Bengal cats were developed by breeding Asian leopard cats with domestic cat breeds, and while they still boast a jungle-worthy appearance, these house cats are animated and affectionate housemates. In addition to gray and white, Bengals cats can be spotted (pun intended) in colors such as brown tabby, seal mink tabby, and more. Fun fact: Bengal cats love water, so if you have a secure backyard, consider adding a kiddie pool!
Breed Overview
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: Up to 20 pounds but generally around 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, animated
Energy Level: High
Coat Length: Short or long hair
Coat Color: Brown tabby, seal sepia tabby, seal mink tabby, seal lynx point, black silver tabby, seal silver sepia tabby, seal silver mink tabby, and seal silver lynx point
Life Span: Up to 15 years
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Birman
Meet your new best friend. The Birman is a gray and white cat breed that simply adores company, including dogs. And who wouldn't want to spend all day looking into those sweet baby blue eyes? Birman cats can come in many colors, but all should have four white paws, in addition to bright blue eyes. The Birman's long coat may look high-maintenance, but in reality, it only requires weekly brushing with a slicker brush due to being a silky single coat.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, quiet, and loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat Length: Medium-long to long
Coat Color: Seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point, seal tabby point, blue tabby point, chocolate tabby point, lilac tabby point, red tabby point, cream tabby point, seal-tortie tabby point, chocolate-tortie tabby point, blue-cream tabby point, lilac-cream tabby point, seal-tortie point, blue-cream point, chocolate-tortie point, lilac-cream point, red point, cream point
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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American Bobtail
The Bengal isn't the only domestic cat with a wildcat-like appearance. But despite their looks, American bobtails are often referred to as the "golden retrievers of the feline world" not only because of their loving personalities but because they can be leash-trained! There are many ways to take your American bobtail on a walk: you can opt for a harness and leash, a backpack cat carrier, or even a cat stroller. If you opt to keep your kitty indoors, American bobtails also love to play fetch.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: Up to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sociable, playful, adaptable, and intelligent
Energy Level: Moderate
Coat Length: Short or long hair
Coat Color: Any color, but breed standard favors "wild" colors
Life Span: Up to 15 years