12 Gray and White Cat Breeds Who Make Great Pets

Gray and white cats are beautiful to behold: The soft, gray color paired with white is stunning in an understated way. You’ll find this striking coat pattern in both purebred and mixed-breed cats, many of whom are waiting in shelters and rescues for a loving home. (They all inspire some pretty cool kitty names, too.) 

Some of them will be more white than gray, and others more gray than white, but all are lovely. From American, British, and Exotic Shorthairs to the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon,  let’s dive into the wonderful world of gray and white cats — and why adopting one might be the perfect choice for you.

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1. Domestic Shorthair

Let’s start with our favorite: the Domestic. Gray and white mixed breed cats can be small or large, have long hair or short hair, and come in solid gray and white (bi-color) or tabby gray and white (aka gray and white tiger cats). And you can easily find gray and white mixed-breed cats available for adoption at animal shelters and through rescue groups. Start your search at Adopt a Pet, where you can search by color at pet organizations near you.

Traits

• Coat: short, medium, long

• Size: small, large

• Activity level: varies

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2. American Shorthair

If you’re looking for a gray-and-white striped cat (aka a white-gray tabby), look no further than the American Shorthair. Although this breed comes in a range of colors, gray tabbies and white American Shorthairs are the most common. The American Shorthair was developed in the United States, but this kitty traces their ancestry back to cats who accompanied European settlers coming to America. The breed is friendly, laid-back, and calm yet playful.

Traits

• Coat: short hair

• Size: medium

• Activity level: moderate

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3. American Curl

The American Curl owes their unique curled ears to a genetic mutation that popped up spontaneously in a stray kitten. People were captivated and used this cat in a program to create a new breed. American Curls can be in any color or pattern, including gray and white. This breed is extremely playful, sociable, and affectionate.

Traits

• Coat: short hair or long hair

• Size: small to medium

• Activity level: moderate

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4. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair has been around for centuries, first as street cats in England, then later as cherished pets. The original British Shorthairs were solid gray (called blue) and even known as British Blues for a time. Today’s British Shorthair comes in many different colors and patterns, including gray and white. British Shorthairs are relaxed and can be somewhat reserved, but they love their people and will come over for cuddles on their own terms.

Traits

• Coat: short hair 

• Size: medium to large

• Activity level: low

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5. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex was developed in Cornwall, England, where an unusual, curly-coated kitten was born into a litter of barn cats. The unique coat was the result of a random genetic mutation and was passed on to some of her kittens, eventually creating a new breed. Cornish Rex cats may be any color or pattern, including solid gray and white, and gray tabby and white. These cats are extremely outgoing and inquisitive, and enjoy being included in everything going on in the house.

Traits

• Coat: rexed (very short and wavy) 

• Size: small 

• Activity level: high

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6. Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a short-haired Persian cat. Exotics are usually like Persians in every way, including looks and personality, but with a short, dense coat that feels very plush. This breed is great for those who like Persians but are daunted by grooming their long coats. Exotics come in many colors and patterns, one of them being bi-color blue, which is gray and white. Exotics are gentle, quiet, and extremely loving.

Traits

• Coat: short and plush  

• Size: medium 

• Activity level: low

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7. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is larger than life — both in size and personality. They are one of the largest cat breeds around, and their temperament is often described as doglike. Maine Coons evolved naturally in Maine, developing long, thick coats to protect them from harsh winters. They can be any color or pattern (except pointed like a Siamese), so it’s possible to find gray and white Maine Coons. This breed is very mellow and highly intelligent, and bonds closely with their people.

Traits

• Coat: long hair  

• Size: large 

• Activity level: moderate

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8. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat looks a little bit like a Maine Coon, but this breed, which traces their roots back to Viking times, developed naturally in the forests of Scandinavia. Norwegian Forest Cats are noble, thoughtful, and adaptable. Also like the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat comes in all colors and patterns except for pointed, so you will see solid or tabby gray-and-white Norwegian Forest Cats.

Traits

• Coat: long hair  

• Size: large 

• Activity level: moderate

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9. Persian

The Persian is one of the oldest breeds, going back thousands of years in an area once called Persia (modern-day Iran). The Persian’s thick, flowing coat demands a lot of upkeep, including daily brushing and combing, and regular professional grooming. Like their cousin the Exotic, the Persian comes in a wide range of colors, including solid gray and white and tabby gray and white. These cats are incredibly sweet, very serene, and affectionate.

Traits

• Coat: long, thick, and flowing 

• Size: medium 

• Activity level: low

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10. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is one of the cuddliest, most loving breeds around. The breed name comes from the Ragdoll’s tendency to melt into your arms like a rag doll. The Ragdoll is a longhaired pointed breed, a color pattern that consists of a lighter-colored body with darker points of color on the head, legs, and tail. You can find gray and white Ragdolls (known as blue pointed bicolor). Ragdolls are patient, quiet, and very loving.

Traits

• Coat: semi-long and silky 

• Size: medium to large

• Activity level: low

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11. Scottish Fold

Like the American Curl, the Scottish Fold has unusual ears for a cat. But in this case, the ears fold down flat, giving the Scottish Fold the appearance of an adorable cat-owl. The folded ears came from one kitten born with a genetic mutation for folded ears. Not all Scottish Fold kittens have folded ears — those with straight ears are called Scottish Straights. Scottish Folds can be any color or pattern, including gray and white. They are curious, social, and very affectionate. Unfortunately, those folded ears come with a genetic problem that can lead to joint pain and mobility issues due to osteochondrodysplasia, a hereditary condition that affects cartilage and bone development.

Traits

• Coat: short or long 

• Size: medium 

• Activity level: moderate

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12. Turkish Van

The Turkish Van comes from Turkey, where the breed developed naturally hundreds of years ago. This breed is often white with spots of color on the head and tail — a pattern known as “van” — though they can also be pure white. Gray and white Turkish Vans are quite common and beautiful. This breed is active, athletic, loving, and loyal.

Traits

• Coat: semi-long and soft 

• Size: large

• Activity level: high

Commonly asked questions

How rare are gray and white cats?

Gray and white cats are not very rare, especially when you take into account cats who are both solid gray and white, as well as gray tabby and white. Many different breeds and mixed-breed cats come in gray and white. 

What do you call a gray and white kitten?

Depending on the appearance of the pattern, a gray and white kitten might be bi-color (solid gray with areas of solid white), gray tabby and white, or blue pointed bi-color (as in the case of the Ragdoll breed). 

What color eyes do grey cats usually have?

Grey cats can have almost any eye color found in cats, including green, copper, gold, amber, and blue. 

What breed is a grey and white long-haired cat?

Several long-haired cat breeds come in gray in white, including the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, Ragdoll, and Turkish Van.