On the longhaired breeds, coat length can vary from 2 to 6 inches. The double-coated Persian coat falls away from the body, its distinctive ruff flowing from behind the head into a frill along the chest. Like the Himalayan, this magnificent cat requires daily grooming, preferably with a steel comb, to keep it in optimum condition.

To keep mats under control, the shaggy double coat of the Maine Coon and the waterproof topcoat and thick woolly undercoat of the Norwegian Forest Cat require grooming twice a week. The coats of such longhairs as the Balinese, Birman, Cymric, Somali and Ragdoll are mat-resistant but will benefit from a weekly grooming session to keep them in tip-top shape.

Another type of longhaired coat belongs to the Turkish Angora. Medium-length on the body and longer on the ruff, this breed has a bushy tail. Its silky fur will keep its satiny sheen if combed or brushed once a week.